Blink Package Detection Missing or Not Working?
Blink's Package Detection feature is an incredibly useful tool, designed to give you specific alerts when a parcel is delivered to your doorstep. However, it can be confusing if you can't find the option in your settings or if it's enabled but not sending you the alerts you expect.
This guide will help you understand why the Package Detection feature might be missing from your Blink app or failing to work correctly. We'll cover device compatibility, subscription requirements, and the proper settings needed to ensure you never miss a delivery.
Why Can't I See the Package Detection Option?
If you can't even find the setting for Package Detection, it's almost certainly due to one of these two reasons:
- Incompatible Camera Model: The Package Detection feature is not available on all Blink cameras. It relies on advanced computer vision technology that is only built into specific, newer models. As of now, the feature is exclusive to the Blink Video Doorbell and the Blink Outdoor 4. If you have an older model like the Blink Indoor, Outdoor (3rd Gen), Mini, XT, or XT2, you will not have this feature.
- No Active Subscription: This is a premium feature. Package Detection is only available to users who have an active Blink Subscription Plan (either Basic or Plus). If you are using local storage with a Sync Module 2 without a subscription, the option for Package Detection will not be available.
Troubleshooting When Package Detection is Not Working
If you have a compatible camera and an active subscription but the feature isn't working, work through these troubleshooting steps.
### 1. Enable the Feature Correctly
First, ensure the setting is actually turned on for the correct device.
- Action:
- Open the Blink app and tap the "More" button (the three lines) on the bottom right of the device's thumbnail.
- Select "Device Settings."
- Go to "Motion Settings."
- Ensure that "Motion Detection" is enabled.
- Scroll down and tap on "Motion Type."
- Make sure that "Package" is selected. You can have it selected alongside "Person" and "All Motion" if you wish.
### 2. Check Camera Placement and View
The camera's position is critical for the algorithm to accurately identify a package.
- Clear View: The camera must have a clear, unobstructed view of the area where packages are typically left. Bushes, pillars, or garden ornaments can block the view and prevent detection.
- Optimal Height and Angle: Mount the camera between 1.8 to 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet) from the ground, angled slightly downwards. This provides a clear top-down view of the delivery area. A camera that is too low or pointing straight ahead may not be able to see a package placed on the ground.
- Avoid Busy Backgrounds: A very cluttered or busy background can sometimes confuse the detection algorithm.
### 3. Configure Your Activity Zones
Activity Zones tell your camera where to look for motion. If your delivery spot is outside of an active zone, no detection will occur.
- Action: Go to the camera's "Motion Settings" and select "Activity Zones."
- Be Precise: Ensure that the grid squares covering your doormat or primary delivery spot are active (highlighted in blue). If you have zones greyed out to prevent street traffic alerts, make sure you haven't accidentally excluded your doorstep.
- Reset Zones: If you're unsure, try resetting the Activity Zones to the default (all squares active) and test if Package Detection works. If it does, you can then go back and carefully re-configure the zones.
### 4. Update the Blink App and Firmware
Running outdated software can lead to bugs or compatibility issues.
- Update the App: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and check for any updates to the Blink Home Monitor app.
- Update Firmware: Camera and Sync Module firmware updates are typically pushed automatically by Blink. You can check if your firmware is up to date by going to "Device Settings" and looking at the firmware version. Rebooting your camera and Sync Module can sometimes help trigger a pending update.
Final Tips
Remember that the feature is designed to detect medium-to-large sized parcels. It may not reliably detect very small packages or flat envelopes. If you have followed all these steps and the feature is still not working, try power cycling your camera and Sync Module. If problems persist, the issue may require assistance from Blink's customer support team.