Blink Snapshot Not Working? Let's Get it Fixed.
The Snapshot Capture feature (also known as Photo Capture) on Blink cameras is a valuable tool. It periodically captures still images, filling in the gaps between motion-triggered recordings and giving you a more complete picture of what's happening around your property. When it stops working, you lose that important context.
This guide will walk you through the common reasons why the Blink snapshot feature might be failing and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get it running again.
## Initial Checks and Common Causes
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, let's address the most frequent culprits behind snapshot failures.
### 1. Wi-Fi Signal Strength
A weak connection is one of the top reasons for issues with Blink cameras. Snapshots, like video clips, need to be uploaded to the cloud or your Sync Module 2, which requires a stable connection.
- Check Camera to Wi-Fi Signal: In the Blink app, go to your camera's settings and check the signal strength indicator. If it's low (one or two bars), the camera may be struggling to upload the images.
- Check Sync Module to Wi-Fi Signal: Your Sync Module also needs a strong connection to your router.
- Solution: Try moving your router closer to your Sync Module and cameras, or consider a Wi-Fi extender if you have a large property.
### 2. Camera Battery Levels
Capturing and uploading snapshots consumes power. If your camera's batteries are low, the system may disable non-essential features like Snapshot Capture to conserve energy for motion detection and recording.
- Check Battery Status: Look at the battery level for your camera in the Blink app.
- Solution: Replace the batteries with a new set of AA 1.5-volt lithium (non-rechargeable) batteries as recommended by Blink. Alkaline or rechargeable batteries can cause performance issues.
### 3. Blink Subscription Plan
For many features, including the cloud storage of snapshots, a Blink Subscription Plan is required.
- Verify Your Subscription: Log in to your Blink account and confirm that your subscription is active. If your free trial has ended or your subscription has lapsed, this feature may be disabled.
- Local Storage: If you are using a Sync Module 2 with a USB drive for local storage, be aware that while it saves video clips, some features like snapshot storage might function differently or not at all compared to having a cloud subscription.
## In-App Settings and Configuration
If the basics are in order, let's check the settings within the Blink app itself.
### 1. Is Snapshot Capture Enabled?
It's possible the feature was accidentally disabled.
- Open the Blink app and go to the settings for the specific camera you're having trouble with.
- Look for an option named "Photo Capture" or "Snapshot Capture".
- Ensure this feature is toggled on.
### 2. Adjust Capture Frequency
You can set how often the camera takes a snapshot. If you're not seeing any, it might be set to a very long interval.
- In the camera's settings, find the snapshot frequency setting. You can typically choose from every hour up to once a day.
- Try setting it to a more frequent interval (like once per hour) for testing purposes. If snapshots start appearing, you can adjust the frequency to your preference.
## Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you're still having no luck, it's time for a system refresh.
- Reboot Your System:
- Power cycle your Sync Module by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
- Power cycle your camera by removing the batteries for 30 seconds and then reinserting them.
- Re-arm the System: In the Blink app's home screen, toggle the system from "Disarmed" to "Armed." This can sometimes re-initiate the snapshot schedule.
- Check for App Updates: Make sure you are running the most recent version of the Blink app from the App Store or Google Play Store. A bug in an older version could be the cause.