Use this guide for setting up the Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen) cameras.
Note: The Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen) camera does require a Sync Module (sold separately or purchased in a bundle) and also connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Additionally, you can use Local Storage to save your clips on a USB drive with a Sync Module 2 (each sold separately). Learn more about the Sync Module 2.
Getting started
New to Blink? If so, welcome! Follow the next steps to create a Blink Account. If you already have a Blink account, please go to the Setting up your new camera section.
Create an account with the Blink app
This article will help you get started with the Blink app and setting up your new Blink account.
The latest version of the Blink app is always available in your app store. Blink supports most smartphones, tablets, and many Alexa-enabled products.
Tap your preferred app store option below to download the latest version of the Blink app.
How to Update your iOS and Android devices
In order to run the latest version of the Blink app, it's important your mobile device meets the minimum system requirements.
How to auto update your mobile devices
The easiest way to keep the app version of your mobile device current is to turn on the Automatic Update option in your device settings:
- Learn more about how to turn on or turn off automatic updates on the Apple's Support page.
- Learn more about how to update all Android apps automatically on Google Play Help.
How to manually update your mobile devices
- iOS devices can also be updated manually, which may be necessary if the auto update hasn't occurred yet. Learn more about manually updating your iOS device.
- Learn more checking and updating your Android app version.
Create a Blink account
To get started with the Blink app, follow the instructions below:
With Blink, you have one user account with one email and one phone number. On log in and certain other actions, a verification number is sent to the mobile number or email address of the account.
Note: If you want to share your account with other users, learn more about setting up a second phone or device.
- Launch the Blink App and tap Create Account at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your country from the drop-down menu and tap Next.
- Your region is pre-selected based on your IP address. Confirm your region and tap OK.
- Enter a valid email address, and tap Next.
- Create a password and tap Create Account. The password requirements are listed at the bottom of the screen. Tap the eyeball icon if you want to view what you are typing.
- Complete the multi-factor authentication (MFA) process. Learn more about multi-factor authentication.
Multi-factor authentication steps
Verify your email address
Enter the PIN from the email we sent you and tap Verify.
- PIN codes are valid for 40 minutes.
- If you haven't received the code after 90 seconds, tap Resend PIN Code.
Verify your phone number
Tap the phone number entry line to bring up a keypad.
Enter the phone number you wish to use for device verification and tap Next.
Optional: Select your country code by tapping the flag icon next to the phone number entry line.
If you prefer to not use SMS, the PIN code can be read to you by an automated voice call.
To choose this option, under Receive code by: select Voice call and tap Next.
A SMS text message containing the PIN code is sent to the phone number, and you are shown another PIN entry screen.
Enter the PIN from the SMS text message we sent you and tap Verify.
- PIN codes are valid for 40 minutes.
- If you haven't received the code after 90 seconds, tap Resend PIN Code.
Link your Blink and Amazon accounts
When the phone verification step is complete, you are prompted to link your new Blink account to your Amazon account by tapping Link Accounts. If you don't want to link your account, select Skip to be sent to the Home screen without linking your accounts.
Note: This is an optional step, but we highly recommend linking your accounts at this time. Learn more about the benefits of linking your accounts.
Sign into your existing Amazon account. You will need to know your Amazon login email address and password. Once the link is established between accounts, tap Done.
Setting up your new camera
Add a Sync Module and create a system
Add a Sync Module and create a system
- From the Home screen, tap the + icon to add a device.
- On the Add Device screen, tap Sync Module.
- Scan the QR code on the back of the Sync Module or enter your Sync Module's serial number manually.
Note: The Blink app may ask permission to access the camera on your mobile device in order to scan the QR code. If it asks, select Allow.
- Once the serial number is recognized, you are asked to create a new system. Tap the text entry box and provide a unique name for your system. If you have other existing systems, this name must be different from other system names you may have in your Blink account. Tap Continue after your new system name is entered.
- The Add Sync Module screen will instruct you to plug in your Sync Module and then wait for the light pattern of blinking blue and steady green.
Tap Discover Device when you see this pattern on your Sync Module.
Note: If you don't see the blinking blue light pattern, then you may need to reset the Sync Module. Learn more about how to reset the Sync Module.
- In order to connect to your network, the Blink app uses your mobile device to first connect to the Sync Module's temporary Wi-Fi network. It's named “BLINK-_ _ _ _" where the last 4 digits are from your Sync Module's serial number. Tap Join.
- After joining is successful, you are asked to join your local Wi-Fi network. Enter the Wi-Fi password and tap Join.
- The Add Sync Module screen displays 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks within range. If you do not see your local Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List at the bottom of the screen. The Sync Module stores network information for devices that are added to its system. Learn more about how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections.
- The Add Sync Module screen displays 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks within range. If you do not see your local Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List at the bottom of the screen. The Sync Module stores network information for devices that are added to its system. Learn more about how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections.
- When your Sync Module has been added to your new system, you will receive a completion screen. Tap Done to finish the process. You're now ready to add your new camera.
The new system name displays at the top of your Home screen and you will also see the Sync Module. A cloud icon with a green connection line shows the Sync Module is successfully communicating with the Blink servers.
Remove the back cover and install batteries
Use this article for instructions on how to remove the back cover and install batteries for Blink Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen) cameras.
Before you begin
Before attempting to remove the back cover, make sure the camera is disconnected from any mounts or accessories. This includes any third-party products it may be attached to.
If the camera is brand new, a plastic sticker on the back of the camera shows the direction to turn. Peel off this sticker before using the camera.
To remove the back cover and open the camera
- If it is present, remove the silicone protective cover from the fastening screw, and keep it for future use.
- Use the included opening tool to turn the screw counter-clockwise (turning to the left) until the screw rotates freely. If the tool isn't available, an equivalent object such as a coin or a flat head screwdriver can also be used.
- With the tool inserted into the slot, apply side pressure on the tool and gently pry the cover loose. As shown in the illustration, hold the camera on its side with one hand while you pull with the other hand.
Optional instructions: There is another way to remove the back cover.
- After the screw has been unscrewed completely, flip the opening tool around and insert the mounting end into the camera's back cover hole. You will feel and hear a click when the tool is secured.
- Hold the camera with one hand and pull the opening tool gently backwards. This will allow the back cover to come off.
Install or replace batteries
Once the back cover has been removed, you will have access to the battery compartment. Add or replace the 2 AA lithium batteries into their slots, matching up the + and - that's labeled on the camera with the + and - labeled on the batteries.
Replace and secure the back cover
- Align the guide notches as shown, and press the cover back in place against the camera body.
- Hand tighten the screw clockwise (turning to the right) until snug. Take care to prevent over-tightening. The cover should be flush with the camera body when you are done.
Add one or more cameras
- From the Home screen, tap Add Device +.
- The Add Device screen displays the devices you can add to your system.
The Wired Floodlight, Mini, and Video Doorbell do not require a Sync Module; however, they can be added to a Sync Module system. Tap your device to continue the setup process. - On the Scan QR Code screen, use your mobile phone or device's camera to scan the QR code.
You may be prompted to allow the Blink app to access your mobile phone or device's camera. Scanning the QR code is the only time Blink will access the camera on your mobile device. If you prefer to not use your device camera, or if your camera is unable capture the QR code, tap Enter Serial Manually and manually enter the DSN. - When the serial number is accepted as valid, the setup process begins and you are shown the Camera Added screen with tips on camera placement. When setup is complete, a notification appears and you can tap Done.
Optional: Linking accounts
If your Blink and Amazon accounts are not already linked, you are asked to link them by tapping on the Link Accounts button. You should link accounts to take full advantage of subscription features.
Note: You also have the option to select Skip which sends you to the home screen without linking your accounts. Learn how to link your Blink and Amazon accounts later.
The Link Accounts screen asks you to sign into your Amazon account, or create a new one if needed. When the "Success! Accounts linked." message appears, tap Next to go to the Home screen.Delete- Congratulations, your camera has been added to the account. The Home screen shows a blank thumbnail and the serial number as its camera name.
Helpful tips
The following articles can guide you to enhance your Blink experience.
Mounting the camera
Use this article for tips on how to securely mount your Blink Outdoor or Indoor (3rd Gen) wireless camera.
Included accessories
Your Blink Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen) camera comes with the following accessories:
- A back cover opening tool/
- A Blink Camera Mount cone-shaped swivel mount matching the color of your camera body
- Extra Blink Camera Mounts are also sold separately.
- Two screws for the mount
Find the perfect spot
The best motion detection occurs when movement goes across the field of view. Motion directly toward or away from the camera can be harder to detect. Camera placement helps your camera settings be most effective.
You can verify the camera view and check placement by holding your camera in the desired location, and use the Blink app to refresh the camera thumbnail, or enter Live View. Once you've determined the perfect spot, mark your spot with a pencil or a piece of masking tape.
Install the mount onto a surface
When you have determined the best location for your camera, secure the mount to a surface with the provided screws.
Note: The mount and screws are non-corrosive, but if you're mounting outside, some moisture buildup may occur underneath the mount base.
Mounting tips
Now it's time to place your camera onto the mount. Depending on where your camera is placed, it may be helpful to attach the adapter to the camera before attaching both to the mount.
Vertical surface
In vertical mounting locations such as a wall or post, the camera can connect directly to the volcano mount. The camera opening snaps directly onto the mount as shown in the image.
Horizontal surface
In horizontal locations such as a ceiling or shelf, use the right angle adapter. This adapter snaps into the opening on the back of the camera, as shown in the diagram below. You may need to first remove the silicone disc to access the mount opening.
Press the adapter onto the connecting point of the mount. The adapter will snap into place indicating a secure attachment.
After mounting
Once your camera is properly mounted, go back into the Blink app, create a thumbnail or enter Live View to confirm your camera is correctly viewing the area or needs to be adjusted. You can tilt and rotate the mounted camera by gently moving it with your hand to get the perfect viewing angle.
Name your camera and set the thumbnail
This article describes how to change your camera name and refresh the thumbnail image.
When you add a new camera, the camera name and image are not set up. Your camera’s device serial number (DSN) displays as the camera name. The thumbnail image (your camera view) will be blue. To change the name of your camera or add a thumbnail picture, follow the steps below.
Change the camera name
- To find Device Settings, tap the More buttonin the lower right of the device thumbnail image.
- From the Device Settings screen, select General Settings.
- Next, tap the camera name to enter the new name (for example, back porch). Once you enter the new camera name, tap Save.
Note: When you update the name of your camera, clips recorded prior to the name change will appear in your Clip List as that previous name.
Refresh thumbnail
From the Home screen, tap the More buttonand select Refresh Thumbnail. The camera takes a screenshot of the current live view and replaces the blue image with this screenshot. The thumbnail remains the same until you refresh it using Refresh Thumbnail. Learn more about using the Blink app.
Note: This process doesn’t apply to the Video Doorbell when it’s in Event Response Mode, since the thumbnail is updated automatically each time the doorbell ringer button is pressed or a motion event occurs. Learn more about Event Response Mode.
Add an accessory
Blink accessories automatically add to existing accounts when an Outdoor camera is plugged into them.
- On the home screen, tap the Plus symbol + and select Camera Accessories option at the bottom of the Add Device screen.
- You will then see the Accessory Set Up screen which provides instructions on how to connect your Outdoor camera to your accessory. Tap the Done button once you have plugged the USB cable into the port on your camera.
Additional resources
- Learn more about Blink Floodlight mount setup instructions.
- Learn more about Blink Solar Panel setup instructions.