Blink Camera Not Recording Motion or Won't Arm Properly

Easy 10-20 minutes

If your Blink camera isn't recording motion clips, not detecting motion, or won't arm properly, this guide covers the most common causes and fixes.

Check Armed Status

The most common reason Blink cameras don't record is that the system is disarmed:

"By default, a Blink camera device is set to 'Disarmed', which means it is in inactive mode and is not recording motion."

To arm your system:

  1. Open the Blink app
  2. Look at the bottom of the screen for the arm/disarm toggle
  3. Toggle the switch from "Disarmed" to "Armed"
  4. Once armed, tap on the running man icon for each camera you want to detect motion
  5. The running man icon should turn blue when motion detection is active

Remember: Even when the system is armed, individual cameras can have motion detection disabled.

Enable Motion Detection Per Camera

Each camera has its own motion detection setting:

  1. In the Blink app, tap on the camera you want to configure
  2. Tap the gear icon to access settings
  3. Find "Motion Detection" and make sure it's enabled
  4. The running man icon on the home screen should be blue for that camera

"When you arm your system, only cameras with motion detection enabled will detect motion. If motion detection is disabled for a camera, it will remain off even when the system is armed."

Check Storage/Subscription

Blink cameras need somewhere to store recordings:

Cloud Storage (Blink Subscription):

  • An active Blink Subscription Plan is required for cloud storage
  • Check if your subscription is active in the app under Account
  • Without a subscription, cameras detect motion but can't save clips to the cloud

Local Storage (Sync Module 2):

  • If you have a Sync Module 2, you can save clips to a USB drive
  • Insert a USB drive (up to 256GB) into the Sync Module 2
  • Format the drive through the app if prompted
  • Enable local storage in the Sync Module settings

Check the Sync Module

The Sync Module is essential for Blink camera operation:

"The Sync Module connects Blink cameras to the Blink app and cloud storage. When this Sync Module is not connected properly, your Blink camera will not record motion."

Troubleshooting the Sync Module:

  1. Check the LED on the Sync Module—it should be solid blue and green
  2. If blinking or red, there may be a connection issue
  3. Unplug the Sync Module, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in
  4. Wait for it to reconnect (LEDs should become solid)
  5. Check your internet connection

Adjust Motion Sensitivity

If sensitivity is set too low, the camera may miss motion:

  1. Open camera settings in the Blink app
  2. Find "Motion Sensitivity"
  3. Increase the sensitivity level (higher number = more sensitive)
  4. Test by walking in front of the camera

Note on Motion Zones:

  • If you've set up motion zones, only motion within those zones will trigger recording
  • Make sure your zones cover the areas you want to monitor

Check Camera Battery

Low battery can cause recording issues:

  1. Open the Blink app
  2. Look at the battery icon for each camera
  3. If low, replace with fresh AA lithium batteries (recommended)
  4. Alkaline batteries work but don't last as long, especially in cold weather

Check After Firmware Updates

Firmware updates can sometimes reset settings:

"Updating firmware can sometimes turn off certain camera features by resetting device permissions. To fix this, ensure permissions are turned on in the Blink app. If you find permissions turned off, manually switch them back on in the app."

After an update, verify:

  • System is still armed
  • Motion detection is enabled for each camera
  • Sensitivity settings are correct
  • Activity/motion zones are configured

Check Internet Connection

Blink cameras rely on internet connectivity:

  1. Make sure your WiFi router is working
  2. Check if other devices can connect to the internet
  3. Verify the Sync Module has a stable connection
  4. If your internet is slow, live view and notifications may be delayed

Verify App Permissions

The Blink app needs proper permissions on your phone:

On iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings → Blink
  2. Enable Notifications
  3. Enable Local Network access

On Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Blink
  2. Tap Permissions
  3. Enable Notifications and any other required permissions

Temperature and Placement

Environmental factors can affect motion detection:

  • PIR motion sensors work by detecting heat differences
  • In very hot weather, the temperature difference between a person and background is smaller
  • Point the camera so motion travels across the field of view, not directly toward it
  • Avoid pointing at heat sources like HVAC vents or direct sunlight

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