Blink Camera Suddenly Stopped Working? Here's How to Fix It
A Blink camera that has suddenly stopped working can be a major cause for concern. Whether the camera is showing as 'Offline', the live view fails to load, or it's simply not recording motion, the result is the same: a gap in your home security.
The good news is that most issues that cause a Blink camera to stop working are straightforward and can be resolved without needing to replace the hardware. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and their solutions.
Top Reasons Your Blink Camera Is Not Working
Blink's wireless system relies on three key components working together: the camera, the Sync Module, and your Wi-Fi network. A problem with any one of these can take your camera offline.
- Dead Batteries: This is the #1 reason for a Blink camera to fail. The battery-powered models have a finite life.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: The camera may be too far from your router, or your network may be down.
- Sync Module is Offline: The bridge between your cameras and your network may have lost its connection.
- Outdated Firmware or App: Software issues can cause connectivity problems.
How to Get Your Blink Camera Working Again
Follow these troubleshooting steps in order. They are organised from the most common and simple fixes to the more involved solutions.
1. Replace the Batteries (The Right Way)
Before you do anything else, address the most likely culprit.
- Use the Correct Batteries: Blink cameras are not compatible with alkaline or rechargeable batteries. You must use two fresh AA Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. Using the wrong type will cause performance issues and can stop the camera from working.
- Replace and Reseat: Open the camera's back cover, remove the old batteries, wait 10 seconds, and then insert the new ones. Ensure they are oriented correctly.
2. Power Cycle Your Camera and Sync Module
A simple restart can clear many temporary connection glitches.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Take the batteries out of the camera. Leave them out for 30-60 seconds before putting them back in. This forces the camera to reboot and attempt a fresh connection.
- Power Cycle the Sync Module: Unplug the Sync Module from its power adapter. Wait for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the lights to turn solid green and solid blue, which indicates it has reconnected to the network and Blink's servers.
3. Check the Wi-Fi and Network Connection
If the issue persists, the problem may be with your network.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your internet router from power for at least 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Give it several minutes to fully restart. This resolves a huge number of home network issues.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Blink app, go to the settings for the problematic camera and check the 'Camera to Wi-Fi' and 'Camera to Sync Module' signal strength indicators. If either is weak (only one or two bars), you may need to move the camera closer to the Sync Module or the router.
4. Re-add the Camera
If a specific camera is still offline after trying all the above, you may need to reset its connection to your system.
- In the Blink app, go to the settings for the problematic camera.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap 'Delete Camera'.
- Confirm the deletion.
- Go back to the app's home screen and tap the '+' icon to add a new device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the camera's QR code and re-add it to your Sync Module.
By following these steps, you can solve the vast majority of problems that cause a Blink camera to stop working.