How Do I Get My Blink Camera Back Online?

With Blink Cams, going offline and getting back online is just another day at the office.

With my brief yet sufficient time with Blink Cam, network issues aren't the worst that could happen. They come and disappear all the time, without me noticing it most of the time.

If your Blink Camera is offline and you want to get it back online, here are a few troubleshooting steps that will likely solve the issue.

To get your Blink Cam back online, refresh the network and the device and try changing the network connection. Do so by changing the network preferences on the Sync Module through the Blink app. Factory resetting the Cam and the Sync Module could also resolve this issue.

The reasons for Blink Cam to go offline can range from minor inconsistencies with the network to run-down batteries.

You need to be cautious and look out for trouble with the many discerning parameters of the Blink Cam like network, Sync Module, Battery and power supply, and updates.

As the most preliminary step in this troubleshooting procedure, start by switching the network of the Sync Module to a new one.

Change WiFi Network on Blink App

Whether from network instability or other network-based issues like Blink Cam not connecting to WiFi, your Blink Cam can drop connection to the respective network.

And the best way to overcome such a predicament is to test new waters.

If you can switch the connection to a new network on Blink Cam, then the previous network is at fault. Else, let's talk about that later.

Here's how to switch the network on your Blink:

Before we get on with the switching procedure, change the network on the host device to the same network as the Blink Cam. Also, make sure the Sync Module is powered ON.

1. Open the Blink App and tap on the Sync Module tile

2. Then select Change WiFi Network.

5. Follow the instructions and press the Reset button located next to the USB port. (Use a pointy tool like a paper clip to prick the button)

6. Once the LED flashes the Blue and Solid Green pattern as indicated on the screen, tap on the Discover Device option.

7. Select Join and choose a new network from the list.

8. Enter the WiFi login credentials and select Join.

9. Upon completing the procedure, the screen will show the "Sync Module Added" message. Tap Done to complete the setup.

Power Cycle Blink Cam and Sync Module

Before we get deeper into network-based issues, let's talk about Blink Hardware.

Bugs and errors can make their home in your Blink Cam or Sync Module if you don't keep a close eye on such things, especially in the absence of proper updates or from long hours of tireless running.

If that's the case, your Blink Cam can jump in and out of the network, there's no controlling what could happen.

One of the more common issues that can arise from such a phenomenon is the Live View tab failing on Blink.

One of the simplest yet effective methods to clean your device of such bugs and errors is to power cycle it.

Here's how to do so:

1. Remove the batteries from your Blink Cam. With Sync Modules, unplug the power supply.

2. Leave it to rest for a few seconds, preferably a minute.

3. Plug back in the batteries on the Cam and the power supply to the Sync Module.

After a good 15 seconds, power ON the devices. Check for the issue now.

Replace the Batteries on Blink Cam

Now, if the Blink Camera keeps going offline even after changing the network and refreshing it, it's time to check and change the batteries onboard.

If and when the batteries run out of juice, the Cam starts acting up all weird and messes up the motion detection and recording. Also observed is the queasiness with the network connection.

Hence, when in doubt, better replace the batteries.

Here's how to do so:

1. Remove the Cam from the holder and all other accessories.

2. If the Cam has a battery cover installed (like with Blink Doorbell), remove that too.

3. Use the supplied accessory tool to unlock the latch. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it anti-clockwise until it is completely unlocked.

4. Remove the worn-out batteries and replace them with fresh 2 AA batteries.

5. Secure the Backplate and start the Cam.

Check for the issue now.

Check the Status of the Network

Coming to the more obvious culprit of the issue - network connectivity - instability is the most pressing issue.

And if you have network issues, check the status and do the needful before proceeding any further.

Putting the network through a speed test should do the trick.

Once you execute the test, the results will indicate the status of various networking parameters like connection speed, strength, and latency.

If you notice anything out of the normal, like throttling latencies or dipping speeds, best if you refresh the network.

A power cycle test should suffice.

Unplug the power supply of the Router/Modem and leave it to rest for a couple of seconds.

Press and hold the various buttons, including the power button, on the Router for a couple of seconds. Doing so will deplete the static charges that tend to pile up in the system internals.

Plug back in the power supply and power on the Router/Modem.

Run the speed test once again and check the status. If the parameters are stable enough, proceed to connect the Blink with the network.

If you still experience the issue, try this trick next:

Disable VPNs, IP Masks, and Network Filters

Enabling network filters, like IP masks, MAC ID filters, etc., can comprise the network connection.

If you have enabled any such filters, do yourself a favor and turn them all off.

VPNs are accessible through dedicated apps on your device or through the Router. Turn OFF VPNs on your host device by accessing the respective app.

With Routers, you'll have to access the interface portal of your Router and disable it from there.

While in the Router portal, check MAC ID filters, too.

Two of the most common MAC ID filters are White List and Black List.

Check both lists for the Blink Cam IP address. If you find the Blink Cam IP address on a Black List filter, uncheck it immediately.

Most other network filters may require ISP authentication to be disabled. Contact your ISP to disable any such filters.

Factory Reset Blink Cam and Sync Module

If none of the other fixes worked, try factory resetting Blink Cam and sync Module.

A word of caution: factory resetting devices will remove user preferences and saved data.

Hard resetting the Cam will remove all system inconsistencies like bugs and errors and give you a clean slate to start with.

Now, with select Blink models, like the Blink Mini, you can reset the Cam directly without the need to reset the Sync Module.

Hard resetting will work best if the Blink Sync Module keeps going offline.

Regardless of the procedure, here's how to reset these devices. Let's start with the sync module:

1. Locate the Reset Button next to the USB port on Sync Module 2.

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

3. After about 15 seconds, the LED flashes Blue and solid Green, rendering the Reset procedure complete.

To reset Blink Cams, follow these instructions:

1. Locate the Reset Button on the Blink Cam. (towards the bottom of Blink Mini)

2. Press and hold the Reset button until the LED flashes RED and BLUE.

3. Once the LED flashes BLUE slowly, your Cam has completed a reset.

Proceed to link the Sync Module and the Cam to the app again. Check for the issue now.

Final Thoughts

Encountering network issues on a modern Smart Monitoring gadget like the Blink Cam can take a toll on the day-to-day happenings on your premise.

Fortunately, Blink has implemented a carefully thought-out set of troubleshooting procedures for such occasions.

With this guide, you can get your Blink cam connected and running in no time.

On the off chance that the issue persists, contact the customer services of Blink for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Blink cameras connect to Wi-Fi or the Sync module?

Blink Cameras, sans the Blink Mini, connect to the Sync Module to establish a connection to the network. The Blink Mini can work without a Sync Module.

What does Blink camera offline mean?

The Camera Offline message on the Blink app signifies that the Blink Cam is no longer connected to a network. With the Cam offline, you won't be able to access the Live View tab or the recordings.

How do I reconnect a deleted Blink camera?

Follow these steps to add a Blink Cam to the Blink app:

1. Tap on the "+" Add Device icon from the home screen of the app.

2. Select the Blink Device you would like to add.

3. Scan the QR code from the Cam/Module.

4. Confirm the selection by tapping Done.

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