How to Set Up Blink Outdoor Cameras - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Blink outdoor security cameras are a popular choice for affordable, wireless home security monitoring. With no wires or cables needed, Blink cameras can be installed virtually anywhere outside your home. Setting up Blink outdoor cameras is a straightforward process that doesn’t require professional installation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire setup process, from unboxing to getting your cameras online and hooked up to the Blink app. We’ll also provide tips and best practices for optimal placement of your Blink outdoor cameras. Follow along below to learn everything you need to successfully set up Blink outdoor security cameras at your home.

What’s Included in the Blink Outdoor Camera Kit

Inside each Blink outdoor camera kit you’ll find everything you need for setup:

1 or more Blink outdoor cameras (quantity depends on kit purchased)
1 or more Blink sync modules (1 module can support up to 10 cameras)
Mounting hardware and brackets
CR2 lithium batteries for each camera
USB charging cable for sync module
Quick start guide with instructions

Key Things to Know Before Setting Up Blink Outdoor Cameras

Before you start the setup process, there are a few important things to keep in mind about Blink outdoor cameras:

Wireless and weather-resistant – Blink outdoor cameras are completely wireless and run on lithium batteries. They are designed for outdoor use and are weather-resistant.
Require sync module – The cameras connect to a sync module via WiFi, which enables wireless streaming to your phone. The sync module must be plugged in indoors.
Motion detection alerts – Alerts with video clips are sent to your phone when motion is detected. Activity zones can be set up in the app.
Cloud storage – Video clips triggered by motion events are stored in the cloud (subscription required). No SD card slot.
Night vision – Infrared night vision allows the cameras to see up to 30 feet in the dark.

Keeping these factors in mind will help ensure your setup goes smoothly and you get your Blink cameras up and running quickly. Now let’s get to the step-by-step setup guide.

Step 1 – Determine Camera Placement

The first step is deciding where you want to position your Blink outdoor cameras outside your home. As you determine placement, keep these tips in mind:

Field of view – Cameras should be angled to maximize the field of view you want to monitor. Consider areas of interest or vulnerability.
Mounting height – Mounting the cameras at least 7-9 ft high provides a wider vantage point. This makes it harder for intruders to tamper with them.
Entry points – Position cameras to cover doors, gates, perimeter fences or walls, and driveways to catch activity at common entry points.
Power – Cameras should be placed within WiFi range (60-100 ft) of the sync module located indoors. Consider extending range with Blink’s sync module 2.
Lighting – Ensure there is adequate lighting for night vision. Add security lighting if needed.
Camera range – Estimate the distance to areas of interest to determine if they are within the camera’s range. Maximum range is up to 30 feet.

Take time to carefully consider the best positioning for each of your Blink cameras. This planning will pay off in giving you the coverage and visibility you want from your system.

Step 2 – Mount and Angle the Cameras

Once you’ve determined where you want to place the Blink cameras, it’s time to mount them and adjust the angle:

Mount securely – Use the included mounting bracket to mount each camera securely onto a wall, eave, or pole. Ensure the mounting surface is solid.
Adjust angle – Tilt and swivel the camera so the field of view is aligned with the area you want to monitor.
Check clearance – Make sure branches, overhangs or other obstructions are not blocking the camera’s view. Trim them if needed.
Optimize night vision – Face cameras towards areas that are well lit at night, or add supplemental lighting. Pitch cameras slightly downward for best night vision range.

Take a look at the camera’s live view in the Blink app to fine tune the angles for optimal coverage after setup is complete. Having the cameras properly positioned and angled will provide the best performance.

Step 3 – Sync Module Placement

The Blink sync module enables wireless communication between the cameras and your smartphone or tablet. For best results, the sync module should be placed indoors in a central location. Here are some placement tips:

Near a power outlet – The sync module must be continuously plugged into a standard electrical outlet to operate.
Centered in the home – A central home location allows for maximum wireless range to cameras placed outside.
Away from interference – Avoid placing near appliances or electronics that could cause WiFi interference.
Elevated if possible – Locating the sync module in an upper floor room improves the wireless range.
Away from extremely cold/hot areas – Avoid unheated garages, attics, basements or crawl spaces with temperature extremes.

Position the sync module by a window on an upper floor of your home if possible. This will help ensure strong wireless connectivity to your Blink outdoor cameras.

Step 4 – Power Up the Sync Module

After you’ve determined the ideal spot for your Blink sync module, power it up by following these steps:

Plug the included USB cable into the micro USB port on the back of the sync module.
Plug the other end of the USB cable into the included AC adapter.
Plug the AC adapter into an indoor 120V electrical outlet. Use a surge protector if possible.
The sync module’s LED light will turn blue once powered up and initialized.
For optimal performance, leave the sync module plugged in continuously.

With the sync module connected and powered on, it will now send out a wireless signal to connect to the Blink cameras as they power up.

Step 5 – Install Batteries in the Cameras

Blink outdoor cameras are powered by two replaceable CR2 lithium batteries (included). To install:

Remove the battery cover on the back of each Blink camera.
Insert the two included CR2 batteries, observing proper polarity (+/-). Match polarity icons inside battery compartment.
Replace the battery cover once batteries are inserted.

Helpful tips for Blink camera batteries:

For cold weather use, install fresh lithium or lithium-ion batteries rated for low temperatures.
Estimated battery life is 2 years, but will vary based on usage, temperature, and motion frequency.
An alert will be sent when battery level is low (around 10%).

With fresh batteries installed in each camera, they will now power on and connect wirelessly to the sync module.

Step 6 – Connect Cameras to WiFi

After cameras and sync module are powered up, complete the WiFi connection:

Join the new camera network on your phone when it appears as an available WiFi network.
In the Blink app, follow the on-screen instructions to connect the sync module to your regular WiFi network.
Once connected via the app, the sync module and cameras will join your home WiFi network.
Cameras will reconnect automatically if they lose the WiFi connection.

Having the system connected to WiFi enables remote access from the Blink app from anywhere. It also allows for firmware updates to be pushed to cameras/sync module.

Step 7 – Mount and Position Cameras

With the cameras wirelessly connected, it’s time to mount them in their final outdoor positions:

Use included mounting hardware – Screws and anchors are provided to affix mounting brackets to walls, eaves, fences or posts.
Ensure solid mounting surface – Mount to a solid surface like wood, brick or concrete. Avoid vinyl siding alone.
Point cameras properly – Adjust viewing angle to fully cover intended field of view. Check live view in app.
Set tamper alarm – Enable the tamper detection setting in the app if needed. You’ll be alerted if camera position is altered.
Check signal strength – Look at the WiFi signal strength displayed in the app from mounted locations. Relocate sync module if needed.

Take time to securely mount the cameras and fine tune positioning. This will provide optimal video coverage and motion detection performance.

Step 8 – Finalize Settings in the Blink App

With cameras fully mounted, the final step is completing setup in the Blink app:

Name cameras – Assign unique names to each camera in Settings to easily identify them.
Adjust motion sensitivity – Lower/raise motion detection sensitivity as needed in Settings.
Set activity zones – In Camera Settings, define specific zones to monitor for motion.
Enable alerts – Customize alerts for motion detection and system notifications in Settings.
Set up schedules – Create schedules to arm/disarm motion detection during certain times/days.
Add other users – Invite family members to view camera feeds by adding Users in Account Settings.

Completing these steps personalizes your system and cameras settings for optimal performance tailored to your needs.

Tips for Optimizing Your Blink Outdoor Camera Performance

Here are some additional pointers to help you get the most out of your Blink outdoor cameras:

Update firmware regularly – Check the Blink app for any available system firmware and camera updates and install them to gain improvements.
Use multiple sync modules – Add a second sync module to boost WiFi range if cameras are mounted far apart.
Add supplemental lighting – Extra lighting ensures the best possible night video quality.
Clean camera lens – Gently wipe down the camera lens periodically to clear dust, spiderwebs or debris.
Point cameras down slightly – A slightly downward angle boosts night vision range. Avoid pointing cameras too high.
Minimize obstructions – Keep the field of view clear. Trim back branches, plants or other obstructions.

Troubleshooting Common Blink Outdoor Camera Issues

If you encounter problems getting your Blink cameras up and running, here are some troubleshooting tips for common setup issues:

Issue: Camera won’t connect to sync module.

Solution: Ensure sync module is plugged into power outlet and connected to WiFi. Bring camera closer to sync module and power cycle both devices.

Issue: App shows offline or no signal error.

Solution: Check WiFi connection to sync module. Move sync module closer to router for stronger signal. Or add another sync module.

Issue: Motion detection is not working properly.

Solution: Adjust motion sensitivity level and defined activity zones in the app. Restart the camera.

Issue: Night vision range is limited.

Solution: Reposition the camera pointed slightly downward and clean camera lens. Add supplemental lighting.

Issue: Video quality is poor or choppy.

Solution: Check your home’s WiFi bandwidth usage. Reduce streaming quality settings in the Blink app if needed.

Following proper setup procedures and addressing issues quickly allows you to gain the benefits of seamless home security monitoring with Blink outdoor cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blink Outdoor Camera Setup

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about getting Blink outdoor security cameras up and running:

Question: Do Blink cameras work without WiFi?

Answer: No, a WiFi connection is required for the Blink cameras to communicate with the sync module and mobile app. The sync module must be connected to WiFi.

Question: How far can Blink cameras be from the sync module?

Answer: Blink states a range of 60-100 ft between cameras and sync module, depending on obstructions. Range can be extended with a second sync module.

Question: Do Blink cameras work with Alexa or Google Home?

Answer: Yes, Blink cameras can be connected via the Blink app to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for features like voice arm/disarm and requesting live views.

Question: Can Blink cameras record continuously?

Answer: No, Blink cameras only record video clips when motion events occur. For continuous recording other camera brands are recommended.

Question: Do Blink cameras require a subscription?

Answer: No subscription is needed for basic features. For storing video clips in the cloud long term, the Blink Subscription Plan is recommended.

Question: What kind of batteries do Blink cameras use?

Answer: Blink outdoor cameras run on two replaceable lithium CR2 batteries, included in the kit. Batteries can last around 1-2 years.

Question: Can Blink cameras be hardwired for power?

Answer: No, hardwiring Blink cameras is not possible. They are designed to operate solely on battery power for maximum wireless flexibility.

Conclusion

Installing Blink outdoor security cameras provides an affordable, versatile solution for monitoring your home exterior. By following this setup guide, you can quickly get your new Blink system online and capturing video for peace of mind.

Strategically positioning your cameras, properly mounting them, and fine-tuning app settings will ensure you gain maximum performance. With wireless freedom, weather resistance, and customizable motion detection alerts, Blink outdoor cameras are an excellent choice for straightforward home security.