Blink Camera Not Recording? How to Fix No Video and Live View Issues
A Blink security system provides peace of mind through its motion-activated recordings and Live View feature. When you find that your camera has stopped recording clips or you're unable to access the live feed, it can be a major concern. This issue prevents your system from doing its primary job: showing you what's happening at your property.
This troubleshooting guide will walk you through the most common causes for a Blink camera failing to show or record video, with clear steps to get your system back online and working correctly.
## The Core Components: Understanding Your Blink System
To fix the problem, it's helpful to understand the two key communication links that need to be working:
- Camera to Sync Module: Your Blink camera communicates wirelessly with the Sync Module.
- Sync Module to Wi-Fi: The Sync Module connects to your home's Wi-Fi router to access the internet and Blink's servers.
A failure in either of these links will result in no video.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and resolve the issue.
### Step 1: Check the Camera's Batteries
Low batteries are the number one cause of Blink camera failures. While the camera might have enough power to detect motion and send an alert, it may not have enough to record and upload a video clip.
- Action: Replace the batteries in the affected camera with a new pair of AA 1.5V Lithium (non-rechargeable) batteries. Alkaline or rechargeable batteries can cause performance issues. After replacing them, try to access Live View to test the camera.
### Step 2: Check Your Wi-Fi and Internet Connection
If your home internet is down, your Sync Module cannot connect to Blink's servers, and no video can be uploaded or viewed.
- Action: Use another device, like your smartphone (with Wi-Fi on), to check if your internet connection is working. Browse a website or stream a video. If your internet is down, you will need to reboot your modem and router.
### Step 3: Power Cycle the Sync Module and Router
A simple reboot can often clear up connectivity glitches between your router and the Sync Module.
- Action:
- Unplug the power cord from your Sync Module.
- Unplug your Wi-Fi router from power.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug your router back in and wait for it to fully restart (all its lights should be stable).
- Plug the Sync Module back in. Wait for it to show a solid green and solid blue light, indicating a healthy connection.
### Step 4: Assess Signal Strengths in the Blink App
The Blink app has built-in tools to help you diagnose connection problems.
- Action:
- Open the Blink app and go to the settings for the camera that is having issues.
- Check the 'Camera to Sync Module' signal strength. If this is weak (1 or 2 bars), the camera is too far from the Sync Module. Try moving the Sync Module to a more central location in your home.
- Check the 'Sync Module to Wi-Fi' signal strength. If this is weak, the Sync Module is too far from your Wi-Fi router. Try moving it closer.
### Step 5: Re-add the Camera
If a specific camera is still not working after trying all the above, there might be a configuration issue. Removing and re-adding it can sometimes resolve this.
- Action: In the Blink app, go to the camera's settings and choose to 'Delete Camera'. Once it's removed, go through the 'Add Camera' process again, following the on-screen instructions to sync it with your Sync Module.
By systematically checking the power, the connections, and the signal strengths, you can solve the vast majority of 'no video' issues with your Blink camera system. If the problem persists after these steps, it would be advisable to contact Blink support for further assistance.