Pink or Purple Tint on Blink Video? Here's What to Do
If your Blink camera shows a pink or purple tint on video, it's likely due to a stuck IR cut filter, sensor misalignment, or connectivity issues. This guide covers brand-specific solutions, including firmware updates, Wi-Fi band checks, and model-specific resets. Follow these steps to resolve the issue.
Quick Fixes for Blink Cameras with Pink/Purple Tint
Restart the Blink App
Close the Blink App completely and reopen it. This resolves temporary glitches in the app that may affect video rendering. For Android users, swipe the app away from the recent apps list. For iOS, double-press the home button and swipe the app off the screen.
Check the LED Status
Look at your camera's LED. A solid red light indicates a hardware issue or low battery. For battery-powered models like the Outdoor 2K+, ensure the battery is above 20% in the app. For wired models like the Mini 2, check the transformer voltage at the junction box (must be 16-24V AC).
Verify Power Connection
For the Mini 2, ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the camera and the transformer. For the Outdoor 2K+, confirm the Sync Module 2 is properly paired and within 30 metres of the camera. A loose connection can cause sensor misalignment and colour distortion.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Blink Cameras
Check Wi-Fi Band Settings in the Blink App
Blink cameras only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n). If your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, your camera may be connecting to the wrong one. To fix this:
- Open the Blink App and go to Device Health → Wi-Fi Settings.
- Ensure the camera is connected to a 2.4GHz network. If it's on 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz. If your router doesn't support dual-band, check for a firmware update in the app.
- For the Mini Pan-Tilt model, avoid placing the camera near foil insulation or double-glazed windows, which can block 2.4GHz signals.
Use the Signal Strength Diagnostic Tool
Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause sensor misalignment and colour distortion. To check your signal strength:
- In the Blink App, go to Device Health → Signal Strength.
- A signal strength of -70dBm or higher is ideal. If the signal is weaker, relocate the camera closer to your router or install a Wi-Fi extender. For the Outdoor 2K+, ensure the Sync Module 2 is within 30 metres of the camera.
Update Firmware via the Blink App
Outdated firmware can cause IR filter issues. To update:
- Open the Blink App and go to Device Health → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, tap Update. Ensure the camera is connected to a stable 2.4GHz network during the update. For the Mini 2, this step is critical to avoid hardware-related tint issues.
Perform a Model-Specific Factory Reset
If the issue persists, perform a factory reset specific to your model:
- Mini 2: Press the reset button on the bottom of the camera while it's plugged in. Hold for more than 5 seconds until the LED blinks red.
- Mini Pan-Tilt: Use a paperclip to press the reset button on the bottom of the camera when the LED is solid red. Hold for more than 5 seconds.
- Outdoor 2K+: Use a paperclip to press the pinhole reset button near the battery compartment for 10 seconds until the LED blinks red.
After resetting, re-pair the camera in the Blink App by going to Settings → Add Device.
Check for Physical Damage or Obstructions
Inspect the camera lens for dirt, smudges, or physical damage. A dirty lens can cause colour distortion. For the Mini 2, ensure the camera is not near solid brick or stone walls, which can cause signal attenuation and sensor misalignment. For the Outdoor 2K+, avoid placing it near cavity walls or concrete blocks that block 2.4GHz signals.
Advanced Diagnostics for Persistent Issues
Access Diagnostic Logs in the Blink App
If the problem persists after basic fixes, generate diagnostic logs for Blink support:
- In the Blink App, go to Device Health → Diagnostic Logs.
- Tap Generate Log and send it to Blink support via their official website. Include details about the pink or purple tint and any recent changes (e.g. firmware updates, Wi-Fi network changes).
Contact Blink Support with Specific Details
When contacting Blink support, provide the following:
- Model of your camera (e.g. Blink Mini 2, Blink Outdoor 2K+)
- Serial number of the camera (found in the Blink App under Device Health → Camera Info)
- A video clip showing the pink/purple tint
- Results from the Signal Strength and Firmware Update checks
Blink support can escalate your case to hardware engineers if the issue is related to a stuck IR cut filter or sensor damage.
Root Causes of Pink or Purple Tint on Blink Cameras
Stuck IR Cut Filter
The IR cut filter switches between visible light and infrared modes. If it's stuck, the camera may not adjust properly, causing a pink or purple tint. This is more common in Blink Mini 2 models near foil insulation or double-glazed windows, which can interfere with the filter's operation.
Sensor Misalignment
Weak Wi-Fi signals or physical obstructions (e.g. solid brick walls, concrete blocks) can cause the camera's sensor to misalign, leading to colour distortion. This is particularly common in UK homes with cavity walls or victorian terraces, where signal penetration is poor.
Hardware Damage
Physical damage to the camera lens or internal components (e.g. from stone walls or extreme weather) can cause a pink or purple tint. This is more likely in Blink Outdoor 2K+ models exposed to heavy rain or strong winds.
Prevention and Long-Term Care for Blink Cameras
Regular Maintenance Checks
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength monthly in the Blink App. A signal below -70dBm can cause sensor misalignment.
- Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth to avoid smudges or dirt that cause colour distortion.
- Avoid placing cameras near foil insulation or double-glazed windows, which can block 2.4GHz signals.
Firmware Updates and Model-Specific Settings
- Ensure firmware is updated regularly via the Blink App → Device Health → Firmware Update.
- For the Mini Pan-Tilt, avoid using 5GHz Wi-Fi and place the camera near timber frame walls for better signal penetration.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this
the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet.
Replacement Decisions for Blink Cameras
If your Blink camera shows a pink or purple tint and the above steps fail, consider replacement. UK consumers have up to 6 years under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to claim faulty goods. For battery-powered models like the Outdoor 2K+, battery lifespan is typically 3-5 years. Wired models like the Mini 2 last 5-8 years. Professional installation costs range from £150-£300 per camera for new systems.
If your camera is older than 5 years and the tint issue persists, it may be time to replace it with a newer model like the Blink Outdoor 2K+ or Blink Mini 2. Always contact Blink support first to confirm if the issue is hardware-related before proceeding with replacement.