Blink Clip Backup Failed: How To Fix [2023]

written by

Doug Stevenson

updated July 04, 2023

The ability to record and store clips locally on a Blink system is a crucial USP of Blink. But what if the Clip Backup failed banner pops up on the app?

I, for one, have always used an additional USB storage device to back up the daily recordings from my Blink system. And it does work well for the most part.

And when I came across the Clip backup failed message on the Blink app, I was quick on my feet to find the cause and a fix. Fortunately, I did come up with a few solutions!

If Blink Clip Backup fails, format the USB drive plugged into the Sync Module to ensure that it is not corrupt. You could also try power cycling the Sync Module, Cam, and WiFi Router. Check for firmware updates for the Cam and the App. If these don't work, factory reset the Sync Module.

With that said, here are the many fixes for this issue on your Blink Cam:

Check the USB Drive Connected to the Sync Module

Clip backups on Blink happen once a day. All the clips recorded for the day are saved to the USB drive connected to the Sync Module.

Since you can monitor and record multiple Blink Cams simultaneously, clip backups can take some time to complete.

And if the USB drive plugged into the Sync Module becomes corrupt, the Clip backup halts and the errant message pops up on the app.

How does a USB drive become corrupt? The reasons are plenty; improper connections, unstable network connections, incorrect formatting, etc., are a few to be named.

Hence, the first check to be done when troubleshooting this issue is to ensure that the USB drive isn't corrupt.

Premilinary checks for issues with local storage on Blink include unplugging and plugging back in the USB drive securely.

The option to store clips locally is a relatively new feature on Blink Cams, which came with Sync Module 2. The older Sync Module didn't feature a USB port.

But you can't just remove the USB drive plugged into a Sync Module that easily.

Once Blink has recognized the USB stick, you'll have to eject the drive safely from the app for this check to work.

Here's how to do so:

1. Open the Blink app and tap on the Sync Module tile from the Home screen.

2. Tap on the Local Storage tile.

3. Now, tap on the Safe Eject tile.

4. Once the 'USB Disconnected' message pops up, eject the USB stick from the Sync Module.

Restart the Sync Module and connect back the USB stick to the module.

Although, if the USB drive has become corrupt, it would be wise to format t before plugging it back into the Sync Module.

Here's how to do so:

Reformat USB Drive to Work with Blink

For Blink to recognize the USB drive connected to the Sync Module, it has to be formatted with the right type.

Improper formatting could render the drive unusable and corrupt the USB drive.

And so, it's best to reformat the USB drive before attempting anything else on your Blink system when met with such issues.

Once you have ejected the USB drive by following the procedure mentioned above, follow these steps to format it:

Windows PC:

1. Plug the USB drive into a PC.

2. Open the File explorer app.

3. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.

4. Select exFAT under Filesystems.

5. Click Start to initiate the format.

MacOS:

1. After connecting the USB drive, open the corresponding drive window from the Finder window.

2. Open Disk Utility (use Launch Pad).

3. Click on the USB drive on Disk Utility, and select Erase.

4. Select exFAT from the tab next to the Format tile. Leave every other option on default.

5. Click on Erase to kick start the format.

6. Click on Done once the format is complete.

Eject the USB drive safely once the format is complete and connect it back to the Sync Module.

The Blink Sync Module can detect and pair USB drives with up to 256 GB of storage space. If you happen to connect a USB stick with a storage space exceeding this limit, then Blink won't recognize such drives.

Power Cycle Blink Sync Module and Cam

Next up, let's refresh the Sync Module and the Cam, two devices responsible for clip backups.

Temporal issues like connectivity errors, bugs, and other inconsistencies can hinder clip backups.

And so, one of the most effective ways to resolve such undesirables is to power cycle the associated devices.

Power cycling is pretty much a fancy way of refreshing your gadgets without relying on the system interface to do so. It's all hands-on.

Also, this troubleshooting fix may come in handy for several other issues on Blink, like Photo capture not working on Blink.

Follow these steps to power cycle your Blink Sync module and Cam:

Blink Cams:

1. Unseat Blink Cam from its holder and remove the Back Plate using the supplied tool.

2. Remove the Batteries from the Cam and leave it to rest for a few seconds. Removing the batteries is a clever method of disabling Blink Cams without the app.

3. Plug the batteries back in power ON the Cam

Sync Module:

1. Unplug the Sync Module from power.

2. Leve it idle for a few seconds.

3. Plug back in the power cable and power ON the Sync Module.

Check for the issue now.

Sync modules play a crucial role in how Blink Cams work. To pair and record multiple Blink Cams, you must sync them first with a Sync Module.

Although, a select few models, like the Blink Mini, can work and record independently without connecting to a Sync Module.

Check for Network Issues

Network, too, plays a critical role in how Clip backup works.

Even if your Cam is recording and functioning as intended, in the wake of an unstable internet connection, the clips recorded will not be saved or received by the Sync Module.

And if there are no clips ready to be backed up, Clip backup fails.

Hence, it would be imperative to check and verify the status of the network connection on your Sync Module and the Blink Cam before proceeding any further.

You can check the status of the network from the Blink app itself.

Here's how to do so:

1. Open the Blink app and tap open the Settings icon next to your Blink Cam tile.

2. Select General Settings.

3. Scroll down to see two signal strength tiles - Camera to WiFi & Camera to Sync Module.

Both statuses should indicate at least 3 bars or signal strength for optimal working.

If the statuses give out an unfavorable reading, better check the refresh the associated networking devices.

Under such circumstances, the best fx would be to refresh the Router/Modem. Here's how to do so:

The Sync Module features an LED indicator to inform users of the various statuses. If the device is experiencing issues with the network, the Sync Module flashes green.

Power Cycle the Router/Modem

If you have trouble fetching a stable internet connection on your devices, you might want to inspect the source.

As with the Sync Module and the Cam, the Router/Modem, too, can become inefficient and sluggish with time.

An occasional system refresh might resolve such temporal issues on your networking devices.

Hence, a power cycle test may come in handy for fixing network-based issues on your Blink system.

Blink systems, like most Smart Home monitoring systems, rely on the 2.4 GHz band to work. You can't connect a Blink Cam or a Sync Module to a 5 GHz band.

Here's how to power cycle your Router/Modem:

1. Power OFF the Router/Modem by pressing the Power button, if preset. Else, unplug the power supply from the device.

2. Leave it idle for a few seconds.

3. Press and hold the various buttons on the Router for a couple of seconds. Repeat this step a couple of times.

4. Plug back in the power supply and power ON the Router/Modem.

Run a speed test on the network once it power ON. You can access a speed-testing application over a browser or download it from the appropriate application store on your device.

If the results seem favorable with good networking speeds and stable signal strengths, connect the Blink devices back to the network and check for the issue.

Check for Firmware Updates for Blink Cam and App

Outdated firmware versions can also set in motion several issues on Blink, including the Clip backup fail issue.

As with any other modern-day gadget, it is of absolute essence to check and update firmware versions on Blink regularly.

Failing to do so can trigger a host of issues, including motion detection-based issues like Blink not recording at night.

And so, it would be wise to check and update the Cam and Blink app if Clip backups fail.

To update the Blink Cam, all you have to do is to ensure a stable network connection and a proper power supply. Blink Cams update automatically when an update is made available to it.

Since you don't have to worry about updating the firmware version of your Cam, let's look at how to update the Blink app:

1. Open the appropriate application store on your host device.

2. Search for the Blink app.

3. Tap open the Blink Home Monitor app tile.

4. Select the Update option to kick start an update, if any.

Check for the issue now.

Factory Reset Sync Module

To conclude this troubleshooting guide, if none of the fixes mentioned above seem to work, try factory resetting the Sync Module.

Proven to be an efficient remedy for many an issue on Blink, including Blink Cams failing to arm, factory resetting the Sync module resets its every associated setting to the factory defaults.

This includes both user-defined, network, and all other settings options. Gone, too, are all the preceding bugs and errors that might be the principal cause of the said issue.

With that said, here's how to reset the Sync Module:

1. Find the Reset Button on the Sync Module.

2. Press and hold the Reset Button until the LED flashes RED.

On Sync Module 2, the Reset button is located next to the USB port. Use a pointy tool to prick the button since it is a pinhole button.

3. The Sync Module will flash Blue and solid Green once the reset is complete.

Set up and add all your Cams to the Sync module and check for the issue now.

Final Thoughts

Other than the fixes mentioned above, Clip backups can fail your Blink system as a result of subscription-based issues.

If your Blink subscription, basic or Plus, has expired, renew the subscription to make use of the Clip backup feature.

You may also contact customer service of Blink if you can't alleviate the issue even after going through all the fixes mentioned here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What format does a Blink USB need to be?

For Local storage to work on Blink systems, the USB stick has to be formatted as exFAT or exFAT 32 file type. The maximum storage size the Sync module can recognize is 256 GB.

How do I get my Blink clips back?

You can't restore clips that you have deleted from the Clip library. This is applicable to live view as well as motion-triggered clips.

Can you put an SD card in a Blink camera?

No, you cannot install an SD card on any Blink Cam. If you want to enable local storage on your Blink system, plug a compatible USB stick into your Sync Module 2.

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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.

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