Changing batteries in your Blink outdoor security camera is a relatively simple process that ensures your camera keeps running smoothly. With easy to follow steps, you can have new batteries installed in just a few minutes.
Introduction to Changing Batteries in Blink Outdoor Cameras
Blink outdoor cameras are wireless security cameras that operate on battery power. This allows you to install them virtually anywhere without having to run power cables. The downside is that the batteries eventually run out of juice and need to be replaced.
Fortunately, changing batteries in Blink outdoor cameras is quick and straightforward. Blink uses standard AA lithium batteries that are inexpensive and readily available. While battery life varies based on usage, most Blink outdoor cameras will run for about two years on a set of batteries.
When it’s time to swap batteries, the process only takes a few minutes. With just a screwdriver and fresh batteries, you can have your outdoor Blink camera back up and running again. We’ll walk through the battery replacement steps below.
When to Change Batteries in Blink Outdoor Cameras
You’ll know it’s time to change your Blink outdoor camera batteries when you receive an alert from the Blink app. The app monitors your cameras’ battery levels and sends notifications when the charge gets low.
Typically, you can expect to get alerts to change batteries every 1-2 years with standard use. Extreme weather conditions can impact battery life, so cameras exposed to very cold winters or hot summers may need battery swaps a little more frequently.
Only use name brand lithium AA batteries in your Blink cameras. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended. When you receive the first low battery alert, you can likely still get a few more weeks of use before the batteries die completely. But it’s a good idea to swap batteries soon after getting the initial warning to avoid any lapses in security coverage.
How to Change Batteries in Blink Outdoor Camera
Below are the step-by-step instructions for changing the batteries in your Blink outdoor security camera:
Gather Necessary Supplies
To get started, you’ll want to gather the following:
- Fresh AA lithium batteries (usually 4 per camera)
- Small Phillips head screwdriver
- Cloth or towel (optional)
High quality lithium batteries, such as Energizer Ultimate Lithium, provide the best performance and longest life. Avoid cheaper alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Remove Camera from Mount
If your outdoor Blink camera is wall mounted, start by removing it from the mounting bracket. Simply turn the camera counter-clockwise to detach it.
Lay the camera on a towel or other soft surface to avoid scratching the lens or exterior. This will give you easy access to the battery compartment.
Open Battery Compartment
On the back of the Blink camera, you’ll find the battery compartment secured by two small screws.
Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove both screws. The screws remain attached to the battery cover, so just loosen them fully and set them aside.
Lift off the battery cover to access the batteries inside.
Remove Old Batteries
Gently pull out each of the old AA batteries, keeping track of their orientation. Blink outdoor cameras usually take 4 batteries, arranged with both buttons facing outward.
If any corrosion has built up on the battery terminals, wipe it away with a clean cloth before inserting new batteries.
Insert New Batteries
Begin inserting fresh AA batteries in the same direction as the depleted ones you removed. Make sure the positive and negative ends align properly based on the markings in the battery compartment.
Press each battery down firmly to ensure proper contact. Insert all 4 new AA lithium batteries into the Blink camera.
Close Battery Compartment
Once all new batteries are seated in the compartment, replace the battery cover. The cover only fits on one way.
Using your screwdriver, tighten down both screws evenly until snug. Do not overtighten.
Remount Camera
If you removed the Blink camera from its mounting bracket earlier, now just slide it back on by lining up the base and turning clockwise to lock it into place.
Your Blink outdoor camera will automatically reconnect to the network once the new batteries are installed.
The camera status light will begin blinking when it’s back online. You may need to open the Blink app to trigger a refresh.
Sync with Blink App
After replacing your Blink outdoor camera batteries, open the Blink app on your smartphone to sync with the camera.
The camera status should update to show a full battery level again once the new batteries are detected.
You can also perform a manual sync in the app to ensure proper connectivity has been reestablished.
That’s all there is to it! With just a few minutes and a couple new AA lithium batteries, your Blink outdoor camera will be back providing seamless security monitoring.
Tips for Maximizing Blink Camera Battery Life
To minimize how often you need to change batteries, here are some tips to extend the battery life for your Blink outdoor cameras:
- Adjust motion detection range – Reducing the motion sensitivity can prolong battery life. But don’t limit it too much or you risk missing events.
- Use optimal WiFi signal – Place cameras within range of your router and minimize obstructions. Weak WiFi means more battery drain.
- Turn off live view – Viewing live streams is very power intensive. Only use live view when necessary.
- Reduce recording frequency – Capturing video clips after each motion trigger taxes the batteries. Lengthen the refractory period.
- Set activity zones – Limiting motion monitoring to key areas avoids false alerts that run down batteries quicker.
- Update camera firmware – Keeping firmware up to date provides the latest optimizations for battery life.
- Use lithium batteries – Lithium batteries last significantly longer than cheaper alkaline options. Go with name brand lithium for best results.
- Store cameras properly when not in use – Maintain the ideal battery temperature range when cameras are not being actively used.
Following these battery saving tips can stretch your Blink camera battery replacement interval beyond the typical 1-2 years. But eventually, you will need to swap out the batteries, so be sure to keep fresh spares on hand.
Troubleshooting Blink Outdoor Camera Battery Issues
While changing Blink batteries is usually straightforward, you may occasionally encounter issues getting your outdoor cameras working again. Here is some troubleshooting help if your Blink camera won’t power back on or reconnect after a battery change:
Camera status light not turning on
- Check battery orientation and snap them firmly into place
- Try resetting batteries by removing and reinserting them
- Test batteries individually or swap in brand new ones
- Inspect battery compartment for dirt/debris and clean if needed
- Cold temperatures can prevent batteries from making proper contact
Camera won’t sync back with app
- Force quit and restart the Blink app
- Reboot your WiFi router and Blink Sync Module
- Move camera closer to WiFi access point temporarily
- Delete camera from app and set up again from scratch
- Reset camera to factory settings by holding setup button
False low battery notifications
- Old batteries may report low prematurely if they’ve degraded
- Extreme hot or cold weather can cause inaccurate voltage readings
- Intermittent connections can incorrectly show low battery
- Try cleaning battery terminals or swapping out batteries anyway
If problems persist after troubleshooting, you may need to contact Blink Support for additional help getting your battery-powered outdoor camera operational again. But in most cases, just inserting fresh lithium batteries will have your Blink camera back online in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Blink Batteries
Many homeowners have additional questions when it comes time to swap out batteries in their Blink security cameras. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
How long do batteries last in Blink outdoor cameras?
With typical use, you can expect 1-2 years from a set of quality AA lithium batteries in an outdoor Blink camera before needing to replace them. Higher usage and extreme weather conditions may decrease lifespan.
Do Blink cameras use proprietary batteries?
No, Blink cameras use standard AA lithium batteries you can buy at any retailer. Avoid rechargeable or alkaline batteries for best performance.
How do I know when my Blink camera batteries are low?
The Blink app will send push notifications to your mobile device when your cameras have low batteries. This usually provides weeks to months of warning before batteries are depleted.
Why do my Blink batteries drain faster than expected?
Frequent motion triggers, lots of live viewing, weak WiFi signal, extreme weather, and cheap batteries can all shorten battery life significantly. Follow the tips above to maximize battery duration.
Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Blink camera?
Blink recommends avoiding rechargeable batteries. They provide lower voltage than disposable lithium batteries, resulting in shorter life spans. Stick with non-rechargeable AA lithium batteries.
Do cold temperatures affect Blink camera battery performance?
Yes, very cold conditions will cause batteries to drain faster. Below Blink’s operating range of -4°F to 113°F, you may experience shorter battery life. Keep batteries warm in cold weather when possible.
How do I dispose of old batteries from my Blink camera?
Old used batteries should not be tossed in your household trash. Instead, locate a battery recycling center or hazardous waste disposal site to properly dispose of lithium batteries. This prevents harm to the environment.
Conclusion
Changing out depleted batteries in Blink outdoor cameras is a quick and easy process. Every 1-2 years, you’ll want to swap in a fresh set of AA lithium batteries to keep your cameras running reliably. With just a few tools and supplies, you can complete the battery replacement in a matter of minutes.
Use the step-by-step instructions provided to safely remove old batteries and insert new ones. Be sure to only use name brand AA lithium batteries, avoid rechargeable options, check polarity, and securely fasten the battery compartment. Sync your camera back with the Blink app once the fresh batteries are installed.
With some care to maximize battery life, plus proactively swapping batteries when alerts pop up, you can enjoy years of continuous security monitoring from your wireless Blink outdoor cameras. Just be ready with spare lithium batteries so you can quickly change them out whenever needed.