How to Fix Poor Video Quality on Your Blink Camera
Blink cameras are known for their convenience and long battery life, but these benefits can sometimes be offset by disappointing video quality. If your recordings are grainy, pixelated, blurry, or the live stream is constantly lagging, it can undermine the camera's usefulness as a security tool.
Poor video quality is rarely a fault of the camera itself. It is almost always a symptom of a weak wireless connection or incorrect settings. This guide will help you diagnose the root cause of the issue and take practical steps to improve the image quality of your Blink system.
## Step 1: Check Your Signal Strength
The quality of your Blink camera's video is directly tied to the strength of its wireless connections. There are two important signals to check within the Blink app.
- Open the Blink app and navigate to the settings for the camera experiencing issues.
- Under the "Status" section, you will find two signal strength indicators:
- Camera to Wi-Fi: This measures the connection from your camera directly to your Wi-Fi router.
- Camera to Sync Module: This measures the connection between the camera and its Sync Module.
For optimal performance, both of these indicators should show three full bars. If either of them is showing one or two bars, you have found the likely cause of the poor video quality.
## Step 2: How to Improve a Weak Signal
If you've identified a weak signal, here are the most effective ways to fix it.
### If "Camera to Wi-Fi" is weak:
- Move the Camera Closer: The camera is too far from your Wi-Fi router. Try relocating the camera to a position where the signal is stronger.
- Move the Router Closer: If you cannot move the camera, try moving your router to a more central location in your home.
- Reduce Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by physical barriers. Thick walls (especially concrete or brick), large metal appliances (like refrigerators), and even water (like aquariums) can block the signal. Try to ensure a clearer line of sight between the camera and the router.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move either device, a Wi-Fi mesh system or a range extender can help boost the signal to the area where the camera is located.
### If "Camera to Sync Module" is weak:
The Sync Module is the hub that communicates with your cameras.
- Reposition the Sync Module: The ideal location for the Sync Module is roughly halfway between your Wi-Fi router and your furthest camera. Do not place it right next to the router, as this can cause interference.
## Step 3: Adjust In-App Quality Settings
The Blink app allows you to control the video quality to balance performance and battery life.
- Go to the settings page for your camera.
- Find the Video Quality setting.
- You will have several options, such as "Saver," "Standard," and "Best."
- To get the clearest possible picture, change this setting to Best.
- Note: Using the "Best" setting will consume more battery life and use more internet bandwidth. If your signal strength is weak, this setting may actually worsen buffering and lag. It is best used when you have a strong signal.
## Step 4: Other Important Factors
### Check Your Internet Upload Speed
Live streaming from a camera uses your internet's upload speed. Blink recommends a minimum of 2 Mbps of upload speed per camera. You can test your speed using various websites or apps. If your upload speed is too low, your video will be compressed and appear pixelated, regardless of your Wi-Fi signal. Contact your internet service provider if your upload speed is consistently low.
### Use Correct Batteries
Blink cameras are specifically designed for use with 1.5v AA Lithium batteries. Using alkaline or rechargeable batteries can cause performance issues, including laggy video and slow connection times, especially as they lose their charge.
### Clean the Lens
A blurry or hazy image may simply be the result of a dirty lens. Wipe the camera lens gently with a soft, microfibre cloth to remove any dust, fingerprints, or water spots.