Blink and Google Home Not Working? Here's the Fix.
Integrating your Blink security cameras with Google Home or Google Assistant allows for convenient, hands-free control of your security system. You can use voice commands to arm the system or ask for camera status. However, when this link breaks, it can be frustrating. If your Google Home device is telling you it "can't connect to Blink" or is simply not responding to your commands, there are several common causes. This troubleshooting guide will walk you through the steps to get them communicating correctly again.
Step 1: Check for Service Outages
Before you start changing any settings, it's always a good idea to check if either Blink or Google is experiencing a service outage. This is rare, but it can happen. You can check the official Blink Twitter account or a service status website like DownDetector. If there is a widespread issue, you'll simply have to wait for the service to be restored.
Step 2: Ensure You're Using the Correct "Skill"
To connect the two services, you must use the correct integration, which is called a "skill" or "action" in the Google ecosystem.
- Open the Google Home App.
- Tap on 'Devices' at the bottom.
- Tap on '+ Add'.
- Select 'Works with Google'.
- Tap the search icon and type "Blink Smarthome".
- Select the Blink Smarthome skill and follow the prompts to link your Blink account.
Crucially, ensure you are not using any old or unofficial Blink skills that might still be discoverable.
Step 3: Verify Camera Compatibility
A key point of failure is not realising that not all Blink cameras are compatible with Google Home. The integration relies on newer hardware.
- Compatible Models: Blink Video Doorbell, Mini, Indoor (Gen 2), and Outdoor cameras.
- Incompatible Models: Older models such as the Blink XT, XT2, and the original Indoor (Gen 1) cameras do not have the necessary hardware to support the integration with Google Home.
If you have a mix of new and old cameras, you will only be able to control the newer, compatible devices via Google Assistant.
Step 4: Unlink and Relink the Blink Smarthome Skill
This is the most common fix for integration issues. It's the equivalent of turning it off and on again, forcing a fresh authentication between the two services.
- Open the Google Home App.
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Works with Google'.
- Under 'Linked services', find Blink Smarthome.
- Tap on it and select 'Unlink account'. Confirm your choice.
- Once unlinked, go back and search for the Blink Smarthome skill again and go through the full linking process, entering your Blink account username and password.
Step 5: Reboot Your Devices
Sometimes the issue isn't with the cloud connection but with your local hardware.
- Reboot Your Google Home/Nest Device: Unplug your Google speaker or display from the power outlet, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Reboot Your Blink Sync Module: If you have an Outdoor or Indoor (Gen 2) system, unplug the Sync Module's power cord, wait 60 seconds, and reconnect it.
- Reboot Your Wi-Fi Router: A shaky internet connection can disrupt communication between your devices and their respective cloud services. Rebooting your router can solve many underlying connectivity problems.
After relinking the skill and rebooting your hardware, try your voice commands again. For example, say, "Hey Google, ask Blink to arm my system" or "Hey Google, ask Blink for the status of my Home system." Following these steps should resolve the vast majority of connection problems between your Blink and Google Home devices.