Blink Camera Water Damage: A Troubleshooting and Prevention Guide
Blink cameras, especially the Blink Outdoor models, are built to be weather-resistant, making them a popular choice for DIY home security. However, "weather-resistant" does not mean "waterproof." Under certain conditions, water can still find its way inside and cause significant damage.
If your Blink camera has stopped working after a heavy downpour or you've noticed moisture inside the lens, this guide is for you. We'll cover how to identify water damage, what you can do to try and save your camera, and how to prevent it from happening again.
## Is Your Blink Camera Damaged? Common Symptoms
Water damage can manifest in several ways. Look out for these tell-tale signs, particularly after a period of wet weather.
- Condensation Inside the Lens: The most obvious sign is a foggy or hazy appearance in your video feed, caused by moisture trapped between the lens and the sensor.
- Camera Will Not Power On: The camera is completely unresponsive, even with fresh, new batteries.
- Corroded Battery Contacts: When you open the back cover, the metal battery terminals are covered in a white or greenish crusty substance.
- Intermittent Power: The camera powers on and off randomly.
- Distorted Video or Audio: The image is discoloured or garbled, and the audio is crackly or non-existent.
- LED Not Working: The red or blue LED indicator light no longer functions when it should.
## First Aid for a Wet Blink Camera
If you suspect your camera has been compromised by water, act quickly. The faster you act, the higher the chance you have of saving it. This process is not guaranteed to work, as water can cause permanent short circuits.
- Bring it Inside Immediately: Remove the camera from its mount and bring it into a dry, indoor environment.
- Power Down and Remove Batteries: This is the most critical step. Immediately remove the batteries to cut off all power. If water is present, electricity will accelerate corrosion and cause short circuits. For wired cameras like the Blink Mini, unplug it.
- Open the Camera: Remove the back cover to expose the battery compartment and allow air to circulate.
- Dry It Out:
- Gently pat the exterior and interior of the battery compartment with a soft, absorbent cloth.
- Let the camera sit in a warm, dry place (like an airing cupboard) for at least 48-72 hours.
- To aid the drying process, place the camera and its back cover in an airtight container filled with silica gel packets (the kind you find in new shoe boxes or electronics packaging). Do not use uncooked rice, as rice dust can get inside the components and cause more problems.
- Do NOT Use Heat: Avoid the temptation to use a hairdryer, oven, or microwave. High heat can warp the plastic housing and damage the delicate internal electronics.
- Inspect and Test: After a few days, inspect the battery contacts for any signs of corrosion. If they look clean, insert a brand new set of high-quality lithium batteries and try to sync the camera.
## How to Prevent Future Water Damage
Prevention is always better than a cure. Here's how to protect your investment.
- Proper Mounting: Mount your Blink Outdoor camera in a location where it has some protection from the elements, such as under the eaves of your roof. While it can handle direct rain, reducing its exposure will prolong its life.
- Ensure a Tight Seal: When replacing batteries, always make sure the back cover is securely and evenly screwed on. The rubber gasket must be clean and properly seated to create a weather-tight seal.
- Use Protective Covers: Consider purchasing a third-party silicone skin or a protective housing for your camera. These can provide an extra layer of defence against moisture, especially around the seams and USB port (if applicable).
- Don't Use Indoor Cameras Outside: Never use a Blink Indoor or Blink Mini camera outdoors, even in a sheltered spot. They have no weather resistance and are not designed to handle the humidity or temperature changes.
By taking these preventative measures, you can ensure your Blink cameras remain a reliable part of your home security system for years to come.