Is Your Blink Camera Not Charging or Powering On?
While many Blink cameras are famous for their long-life disposable batteries, models like the Blink Mini require a constant power source to operate. If you've found your plug-in Blink camera is not powering on, this guide will walk you through the common causes and how to fix them.
Understanding Your Camera's Power Source
Unlike its battery-powered siblings, the Blink Mini and other similar models rely entirely on the provided USB cable and power adapter. A failure in any part of this power chain—the outlet, the adapter, the cable, or the camera's port—will prevent the device from working. The troubleshooting process involves systematically checking each of these components.
How to Fix a Blink Camera That Won't Power On
Let's start with the simplest solutions and work our way to the more complex ones.
1. Check the Wall Outlet
It may seem obvious, but it's a crucial first step.
- Confirm the Outlet Works: Plug another device, like a lamp or a phone charger, into the same wall outlet to confirm it has power.
- Check Fuses: If the outlet is dead, check your home's fuse box or circuit breaker.
- Avoid Switched Outlets: Make sure the outlet is not controlled by a light switch that may have been turned off accidentally.
2. Inspect the Power Adapter and USB Cable
The power accessories are the most common point of failure.
- Secure Connections: Ensure the USB power adapter is pushed firmly into the wall outlet and that the USB cable is securely plugged into both the adapter and the back of the Blink camera.
- Try a Different Adapter: The included USB adapter might be faulty. Swap it with another USB adapter that you know is working (like one from your smartphone).
- Try a Different Cable: The micro USB cable itself can get damaged. Try using a different, known-working micro USB cable to power the camera. This is one of the most effective ways to diagnose the problem.
3. Examine the Camera's Power Port
A dirty or damaged port on the camera can prevent a proper connection.
- Look for Debris: Visually inspect the micro USB port on the back of your Blink camera. Dust, lint, or other debris can get lodged inside.
- Clean the Port: If you see anything, use a can of compressed air to gently blow it out. Do not stick paperclips, pins, or other metal objects inside, as this can damage the delicate contact pins.
4. Perform a Camera Reset
If the power components seem to be working, the camera itself might have a software glitch.
- Find the Reset Button: The reset button is located on the bottom or side of the camera. It's a small, circular button.
- Press and Hold: With the camera plugged in, press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds using a paperclip or SIM card tool.
- Observe the Light: The camera's LED should flash red, indicating that it has been reset to its factory settings. You will need to set it up again in the Blink app.
If you have tried all of the above steps with different cables and adapters and the camera still shows no signs of life, there may be an internal hardware fault with the device itself.