How to Fix Blink Camera Night Vision Not Working
When the sun goes down, your Blink camera's night vision is supposed to take over, providing a clear black and white picture of your property. If you're getting a completely black screen or a blurry, unclear image at night, it means the night vision isn't working correctly. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the most common issues.
## Understanding How Blink Night Vision Works
Blink cameras use infrared (IR) technology for night vision. A small light on the camera, the IR illuminator or emitter, projects infrared light—invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor—onto the scene. This IR light reflects off objects and allows the camera to 'see' in total darkness, producing a black and white image. If this illuminator fails to turn on or is obstructed, you will be left with a dark, useless video.
## Step 1: Check the Camera's Settings in the Blink App
The most common reason for night vision failure is a simple software setting.
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Open the Blink App: Select the camera you are having issues with.
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Go to Camera Settings: Tap the settings icon (sliders) above the camera's thumbnail to access its settings page.
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Find the Night Vision Control: Scroll down to the 'Night Vision' section. You will see a setting for the IR Illuminator.
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Set to 'Auto': This setting has three options:
- Off: This will permanently disable the IR illuminator. The camera will not be able to see in the dark.
- On: This will permanently enable the IR illuminator, even during the day, resulting in strange-looking daytime footage.
- Auto: This is the correct setting for most users. The camera will use its ambient light sensor to automatically turn the IR illuminator on when it gets dark and off when it's light.
Ensure the setting is on 'Auto'. If it was on 'Off', this is likely your problem. Save the settings and wait until night to test it.
## Step 2: Power and Battery Considerations
The IR illuminator is one of the most power-hungry components of the camera.
- Check Battery Level: If your camera's batteries are critically low, the camera's firmware may disable features like night vision to conserve the remaining power for essential operations like waking up for motion detection.
- Use Correct Batteries: Blink cameras require 1.5v AA Lithium batteries. Do not use Alkaline or rechargeable batteries, as their voltage output is insufficient and can cause performance issues, including with night vision. Replace the batteries with a fresh pair of the recommended lithium type.
## Step 3: Physical Placement and Obstructions
The physical environment of the camera can have a huge impact on night vision quality.
- Clean the Lens: A dirty or smudged camera lens can diffuse the IR light and make the image appear blurry or hazy at night. Clean the lens gently with a soft microfibre cloth.
- Remove Physical Obstructions: Ensure there is nothing directly in front of the camera, like a spiderweb or a tree branch. These can reflect the IR light directly back into the lens, causing a bright whiteout effect.
- The Window Problem: You cannot place a Blink camera inside looking out through a window at night. The IR light from the illuminator will reflect off the glass, completely blinding the camera. You will only see a bright glare and the reflection of the camera itself. If you need to monitor an area outside, the camera must be physically mounted outside.
- Avoid Reflective Surfaces: Placing the camera too close to a soffit, a white wall, or the ground can cause the IR light to bounce back and overexpose the image. Try repositioning the camera so it has a more open view.
## Step 4: Final Reset and Re-sync
If the settings are correct and the power is good, a software glitch could be the issue.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait for 60 seconds, and then reinsert them. This forces the camera to reboot completely and can clear temporary faults.
- Power Cycle the Sync Module: Unplug your Blink Sync Module from power, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in. Allowing the whole system to restart can sometimes resolve communication issues between the module and the camera.
By checking the app settings, ensuring adequate power, and optimising the camera's placement, you can solve the vast majority of Blink night vision problems and ensure your property is clearly monitored 24/7.