Blink Camera Network Request Failed: How To Fix [2023]

Blink's network-based communication system is everything that you would want on a modern surveillance system. But what if you can't connect to a network?

Most users choose Blink for their ease of use and affordability. However, Blink users also run into issues frequently.

One issue that is especially rampant with Blink users recently is Error 1011 followed by the prompt 'Network Request Failed'.

If your Blink Camera network request fails, first power cycle your Blink Camera. Then, check for issues with the network, and switch the Wi-Fi band. Check and update the Blink Camera and the Blink App. If these don't work, factory reset your Blink camera.

Take a gander at the many situations by which the error can pop up and the many fixes for the same:

ScenariosCauses and Fixes
Error message appears from the get-goPossible connectivity issue; Check for network issues and power cycle the device and the Router
Error Message appears when opening the Live StreamUnstable Network connection; Check and change the network connection, and update the Cam
Error Message appears when watching the Live StreamSlow Network connections; Check and disable VPNs. Reduce the traffic in the associated network
Other ScenariosFactory Reset the Cam and Sync Module; Contact customer support
Why Network Request Failed Message Appears

Keep reading to know how to fix the network request failed issues on your Blink Camera.

What is Error 1011 (NSURL Error Domain -1011)?

What is Error 1011

Error 1011 on Blink devices appears mainly due to issues with communication with your network. Usually, users come across this error while trying to access their camera's feed through the Blink App.

The error prompt most often read "This operation couldn't be complete. (NSURLErrorDomain error - 1011)". However, you could also receive error messages as follows:

Error: The operation couldn’t be completed. (NSURLErrorDomain error – 1011).

Network request failed: NSURLErrorDo-main error-1011.”

The various network inconsistencies that could result in this error are the following:

  • Using a VPN service.
  • Wi-Fi is out of range.
  • Temporary data clogs your router or modem/too many devices are connected to the network.
  • Overflowing Blink Cache memory.

If your Wi-Fi coverage is weak, it can cause the connection between the Blink Camera and the internet to drop or become unstable.

Blink Cameras require an active internet connection to relay the live feed across to the Blink App.

If there are a lot of obstacles between your router/modem and the Blink Camera, it could result in the Wi-Fi signal getting too weak.

Moving the Camera or the Router closer to each other could resolve signal-strength-based issues. Also, placing them at an elevated height could take care of most obstacles.

You may also check if there are devices that can cause interference near your Blink Camera.

Interference will inhibit proper communication between the Camera and Router, which can cause issues like Blink Camera flashing RED with new batteries.

Appliances like Microwave ovens and wireless phones create electromagnetic interference in the 2.4 GHz range, affecting the strength of your Wi-Fi networks by disrupting the broadcast.

Alternatively, you can also employ Wi-Fi repeaters to generate a stronger signal to your Blink Camera if you cannot move them closer.

Power Cycle the Blink Camera

Blink Cam batteries removed

Power cycling your Blink Camera can help resolve most issues you experience with your devices such as Blink Camera timing out on Echo Show or Blink Camera sound not working.

Power cycling your Blink Camera is a good first troubleshooting step for any issues that you are experiencing with your Camera. It is a simple and easy process that can often resolve many issues.

To power cycle your Blink Camera, follow the steps below:

  • On your Blink Camera, press the reset button usually located at the bottom of the device.
  • Press and hold the button for about 5 seconds.
  • Release the reset button once you see the LED light on the Camera blinking blue.
  • The Camera will now reset and restart. This process can take up to a minute.

Once the Camera turns back on, check if the connectivity issue has been resolved.

Change the WiFi Network on Blink

Blink support suggests that if you come across error 1011, changing the Wi-Fi network could help resolve the issue.

And as you may know, Blink Cams don't record or store clips without a WiFi network.

Hence, switching the network when met with issues such as the one at hand is a great fix. Here's how to do so:

1. Open the Blink App and Tap on Sync Module to see the status screen.

Blink Sync Module Settings

2. Tap on Change Wi-Fi Network.

Blink Change Network

3. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset. Gently press and release the Reset button located on the side of the Sync Module.

Sync Module Reset button

4. When the lights blink blue and solid green, press Discover Device and you will be asked to join the Sync Module Wi-Fi network.

Sync Module LEDs

5. Tap on Join and select the Wi-Fi network from the available choices.

Once you have successfully joined the network, you will receive a message Sync Module added! Tap on Done to complete the process.

Check if changing the Wi-Fi network has resolved the connectivity issue of your Blink Camera.

Check for Network Issues

Check for Network Issues

Error 1011 directly points to network issues in your setup. So it is worthwhile to reboot and reset all elements related to your network.

First, reboot your router or modem. If there are any issues with your network itself, a reset can do wonders.

Second, disable VPNs or any other network masks that you have enabled on your smartphone.

In the absence of a stable network connection issues, such as speakers not working on Blink or Blink Clip backup failed, are sure to pop up.

Reboot the Router

Router unplugged

If your connection is not stable enough or if your network is plagued by glitches, rebooting your router/modem might do the trick.

To reboot your router or modem, follow the steps given below:

  • Unplug the router or modem from the power source or use the power button located on the back of the router to turn off the device.
  • Let the device rest for 30 seconds before powering it back on.
  • Restore power to your router and wait for the router to reinitialize.
  • Once the network is up and running, connect the Blink Camera and your smartphone to the network. Check if you can access the live feed on your Blink App.

If you are still running into issues, you can check for the same by connecting your phone to an alternate network. If you can do so, the network may be at fault. Else, consider the chances of issues with your host device.

Disable VPN Services

If you are using an active VPN on your smartphone, it is certain that you will run into Error 1011. Even if you are using premium VPN services, they will conflict with the Blink app connectivity.

Make sure that you have disabled any VPN service or proxy networks on your smartphone.

Once you have disabled such services, force close your Blink app and relaunch it. This should stop Error 1011 from bugging you.

Blink systems and Amazon does not support VPN services and as a result, the Blink app grinds to a halt on phones that use these services.

Even though you have been successfully using VPN services simultaneously with the Blink app in the past, you can no longer do this. Currently, there is no workaround for this.

In addition to VPN services, if you are using Antivirus software like McAfee Security and other similar services, it can also conflict with your Blink app and block you from accessing the live feed from your Blink Camera.

Try signing out of your Antivirus software and accessing the Blink app to confirm that it is in fact a compatibility issue with the Blink app and the security software.

Here is a general list of Apps that cause a conflict with the Blink App.

AndroidiPhone
360 SecurityAdGuard (random logouts)
360 Battery PlusClean Master
AdGuard (random logouts) Super Cleaner
All-In-One Toolbox
Avast Clean-up and Boost
AVG AntiVirus
Blokada
Booster Kit
ES File Explorer File Manager
Power Clean
Purify
Security & Privacy
Storage Analyzer
Super Cleaner
Super Fast Charger
Supo Optimizer
Zedge
Fast Cleaner
Lookout
McAfee Mobile Booster
Network Master
Free Shield
Clean Master
CM Security
DFNDR: Antivirus & Cleaner
Droid Optimizer
DU Battery Saver
Software not supported by Blink

If you are running any of these apps while trying to access your live feed, you could get Error 1011 or face errors like:

  • HTTP 403 or 406
  • Unable to sign into Blink at this time
  • Unauthorized access

Make sure that if your smartphone has any of these apps, they should be uninstalled before you try to access the Live feed on the Blink App.

Check and Update the Blink Cam and App

Check and Update the Blink Cam and App

It is crucial that you always keep your device firmware up to date to improve performance, maintain security integrity, and access new features that are rolled out by the manufacturer.

To check and update the firmware version on your Blink Camera, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Blink app and select the Camera whose version you wish to check.
  2. Navigate to Settings and select Device Info.
  3. The Firmware version should be displayed there at the top of the screen.
  4. If you have a more recent firmware available for an update, an Update button can be seen next to the firmware version. Tap on this button to initiate the update.

You should also check if there is a more recent version of the Blink App available for update on your smartphone. To do this, you can navigate to the Play Store on Android or Appstore on iOS.

Here, you can check if there is a recent version by simply searching for the Blink app on the search bar. Check for the Update button next to the Blink app to trigger an update.

You can also try uninstalling or removing the Blink app from your smartphone and reinstalling it to reset the app. In doing so, you might be able to restore the functionality of your Blink app.

Once you have reset the app, try accessing the live feed in the Blink app to check if the reset has fixed the issue.

Factory Reset Blink Cam

If you have tried all the other suggestions and troubleshooting solutions mentioned in this article, the last resort for you is to factory reset the Blink Camera.

You can reset the Sync module rather than the individual camera. This will reset the entire system.

However, keep in mind that doing this will revert the entire system to factory defaults and you will have to set the system up like you did the first time you got it.

Also, doing so is proven to be a potent fix for various other issues like Blink not recording at night or Blink Photocapture not working.

To factory reset the Sync module, follow the steps below:

1. For this process, you will have to hold down the reset button.

Press and hold Reset button

2. Press and hold down this button till the LED indicator on the Sync module turns red. This happens upon holding the button for around 30 seconds.

RED LED indication on Sync Module

3. Once the factory reset process is complete, the Sync module will show a green light and subsequently will flash a blue color to indicate that it is ready for setup.

Sync Module LEDs

The next step is to remove the Sync module from your Blink app and add it again.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Blink app and select the "?" icon.

2. Here, choose the Delete Sync Module option.

3. You can either scan the serial number of the module or enter it manually. Now, choose to Delete and return to the home screen.

4. Click on the "+" sign to add the module.

Blink add device icon

5. Choose Sync Module.

Select your Blink Device

6. Once again, enter or scan the device's serial number.

Blink QR code Scan page

7. Then select the Blink system and choose Discover Device.

8. Finally, click on Join. Press Done on the subsequent prompt.

Pair your Blink Cameras with your Sync module and check if this has resolved your problem.

If you do not want to reset your entire system, you can choose to reset the individual Blink Camera.

Depending on the Blink Camera that you own, the steps to do the reset process differ. Blink Mini operates independently without the Sync module, unlike other Blink camera models.

If your device is a Blink Mini, you can follow the steps below to reset the device:

  • On the bottom of the Camera, there is a reset button. Upon careful inspection, you should be able to notice an inscription that reads Reset.
  • Hold down this button for around 30 seconds to factory reset the Camera.
  • You will have to add the Blink Camera to the Blink app once the process is complete.

For models like XT and XT2, the reset button is located inside the battery compartment near the serial number sticker. The reset button for these models is relatively tiny as well.

Final Thoughts

With recent updates at Blink, it seems that they have blocked users who have active VPNs running on their smartphones from accessing the live feed on the Blink app.

This is particularly detrimental to people who are either traveling or is under special circumstances that require them to use a VPN.

If you are such an individual, you can try connecting to another location on the VPN and check if that works.

But most likely, Amazon will block you from accessing Blink live stream while an active VPN connection is running.

If you are unable to restore functionality even after you have disabled VPN services and anti-malware services, you can try contacting Blink technical support for further assistance.

Click here to navigate to the Blink Support page for more assistance. Blink support email and tech support phone number are also provided below:

Email support@blinkforhome.com

Call Blink Tech Support Phone: (781) 332-5465

Hopefully, the solutions mentioned in this article have helped you restore access to your Blink Camera live feed.

Have a Good Day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Blink Camera Connect to Wi-Fi or Sync Module?

The purpose of the Sync module is to manage communications between your Blink devices and Blink secure servers. Therefore, both your Blink Camera and the Sync Module need to be connected to your local Wi-Fi network.

What is the Wi-Fi range of Blink Cameras?

Under normal circumstances, the Sync Module is capable of maintaining communication with Blink Cameras that are up to 100 feet away in any direction. However, for good connectivity and signal strength, it is recommended that you keep the Sync module and Cameras near your Wireless router.

Does Blink have Live View?

Yes, Blink Cameras does have a Live View feature. However, for you to access the Live View feature on your Blink Cameras, your connection needs to have at least 2 MB per second or a faster upload speed for you to view the feed in real-time in the Blink app.

You May Also Enjoy Reading

About Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

DIY Profile
Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

Connect With Me

Comments

The comments are closed.