Blink Outdoor Camera Flashing Red? Why the Blinking and How to Fix It At Once

Welcome to the world of home security, where Blink Outdoor Camera is the superhero we all need! But, what happens when our hero starts flashing red lights? Panic sets in, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

This issue has caused frustration for many homeowners who rely on Blink’s top-notch security features. In this blog, we’ll dive into the reasons why your Blink Outdoor Camera is flashing red, and most importantly, how to fix it in a jiffy! So, let’s buckle up and get ready to solve this mystery once and for all!

My First Experience With The Blinking Red Light

I remember the first time I encountered the blinking red light on my Blink outdoor camera vividly. It was a few years ago, and I had just set up my new camera and Sync Module. I felt like a tech whizz, eager to start monitoring my home like a pro.

However, as soon as I turned on the camera, I noticed the blinking red light flashing incessantly. At first, I thought it was just a regular part of the Blink camera’s design, but as time passed, I realized that something was wrong.

After conducting a little investigation, I discovered that the issue was with the placement of my Blink Sync Module. It was too far away from my router, causing a weak internet connection, which, in turn, triggered the blinking red light.

I was relieved to find a solution and grateful for the research that helped me fix the problem.

So, let us take a look at the reason behind your blink outdoor camera flashing red

Why Is My Blink Camera Blinking/Flashing Red?

If you own a Blink Outdoor Camera, you may have experienced the camera flashing red. This can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially if you’re not sure why it’s happening.

There are several reasons why your Blink camera is flashing red, such as Wi-Fi connectivity issues, low battery life, motion detection, or initial setup.

In this section, we’ll explore the possible causes of the blinking red light and offer solutions to help you resolve the issue. By the end of this section, you should have a clear understanding of why your Blink Outdoor Camera is flashing red and how to fix it.

Here are the possible reasons why your Blink Outdoor Camera may be flashing red:

• Low battery life: If your Blink camera’s batteries are running low, they may start flashing red as an indication that it’s time to replace them. You can check the battery level in the Blink app and replace them if necessary.
• Connectivity issues: One of the most common causes of a Blink camera flashing red is connectivity issues, where the camera can’t establish a stable connection to the internet. This can be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, network issues, or a sync module issue. To fix this, try moving the camera closer to the router, resetting your router, or reconnecting to Wi-Fi in the Blink app.
• Motion detection: Some Blink cameras with motion detection will flash a red light when they detect motion as an indication of working correctly. This is a standard camera behavior and doesn’t require any fixing.
• Initial setup: During the setup process, the Blink camera will flash a red led light until it fully connects to your home network. If your camera is flashing red during setup, wait until it completes the process.
• Failing batteries: If your Blink camera flashes 5 or 6 times after the recording light goes out, it means the camera’s batteries are failing and need to be replaced.

In summary, a Blink Outdoor Camera flashing red can indicate low battery life, connectivity issues, motion detection, initial setup, or failing batteries. By understanding the possible causes, you can diagnose the issue and take the appropriate steps to fix it.

Do Red Lights Mean the Same Thing on All Blink Cameras?

Blink cameras use different LED light colors to indicate various statuses, with solid red lights often indicating an issue with the camera or its connectivity. However, the meaning of red lights can vary depending on the Blink camera model.

Understanding the meaning of the red lights on your Blink camera is crucial to ensuring that your device is functioning properly.

The Blink Video Doorbell has a red flashing ring for seeking an internet connection, the Blink Mini Camera has a solid red light for an error or connectivity issue, and the Blink Indoor, Outdoor, XT, & XT2 cameras have a flashing red light for seeking an internet connection.

Solid red lights on any of these models indicate that the device is not connected to the internet at all. By keeping these indicators in mind, you can troubleshoot any issues and maintain the security of your home.

How To Fix Blink Camera Flashing Red On blink Indoor, Outdoor, XT, And blink XT2 Security Cameras

You Should Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for the seamless operation of Blink cameras. Without a working internet connection, the camera is unable to send and receive information from Blink servers and your Blink app.

If you notice that your Blink Outdoor Camera is flashing red, it is essential to check your internet connection.

Here are some possible reasons why your Blink Outdoor Camera might be flashing red due to internet issues:

• Poor WiFi connection: The Blink camera only uses WiFi to communicate with the internet, so a weak or unstable WiFi connection can cause the camera to malfunction. Check if your other devices are connecting properly to the WiFi and if the signal strength is strong enough. You can also move your router closer to the camera or use a WiFi extender to improve signal strength.
• Disconnected WiFi: If your WiFi connection drops out, the Blink camera will not be able to connect to the internet. Make sure that your WiFi is connected and working properly. If not, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
• Slow Internet speed: If your internet speed is too slow, the camera may not be able to send video feeds, images, and notifications. Check your internet speed using a speed testing website like fast.com or speedtest.net. If the speed is too slow, contact your ISP for assistance or restart your router to see if that improves the speed.
• Blocked MAC address: Make sure that there are no blocked MAC addresses on your router, as this can prevent your Blink camera from connecting to the network. Refer to your router’s manual to find information on blocking and unblocking devices.
• Network name with special characters: Older Blink devices may not connect if your network name has special characters like & or #, especially if your sync module serial number is lower than 2XX-200-200. Make sure that your network name does not have any special characters that could prevent the camera from connecting.
• VPN interference: Deactivate any VPN during the camera setup process to prevent interference. Once you set up the camera correctly, enable the VPN again.

Checking your internet connection is crucial when troubleshooting Blink Outdoor Camera connection issues. A stable and functioning internet connection is necessary for the seamless operation of your Blink camera.

If you notice that your camera is flashing red, check your internet connection first before proceeding to other fixes.

By troubleshooting your internet connection, you can ensure that your Blink Outdoor Camera is working correctly and providing the necessary security and surveillance for your home.

Reconnect your Blink Camera to your Wi-Fi Network

A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for the proper functioning of Blink cameras. If your camera is showing trouble with your Wi-Fi, and your internet looks okay, you can try and reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi network again.

The Blink app offers a Change Wi-Fi network option, making the process of reconnecting your Blink camera to your Wi-Fi network simple. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Ensure that your Sync Module and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network before proceeding.
2. Launch the Blink app and select Settings from the bottom panel.
3. Under System Settings, select the name of your system and tap the Sync Module.
4. Choose Change Wi-Fi Network and follow the app’s instructions.
5. Press the Reset button on the Sync Module with something non-metallic and pointy.
6. When the lights on the Sync Module blink blue and go solid green in a pattern, tap Discover Device.
7. Tap Join in the prompt that appears and select your home Wi-Fi network from the list.
8. Enter your password and tap Join again.
9. Wait for the device to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and you’ll get the ‘Sync Module added!’ message.
10. After reconnecting the camera to your Wi-Fi, make sure to check if the red light blinks again.

It is crucial to ensure that your Blink camera is correctly connected to the Wi-Fi network to prevent any issues. By following these simple steps, you can quickly reconnect your Blink camera to your Wi-Fi network and enjoy uninterrupted surveillance.

Remember to ensure that your Sync Module and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network before proceeding with the process.

Check Motion Detection on your Blink Cameras

Motion detection is a crucial feature of Blink cameras that helps keep your home safe and secure by detecting any movement around the property. However, if your Blink camera is flashing red, it could indicate that the motion detection feature is not working correctly.

In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting the issue of the Blink camera flashing red by checking the motion detection settings.

Here’s how to check and adjust the motion detection settings on your Blink Indoor, Outdoor, XT, and XT2 security cameras:

1. Open the Blink app on your phone or tablet.
2. Select the camera you want to check for motion detection from the list of available cameras in your system.
3. Once you’re in the Camera Settings menu, the Enable Motion Detection toggle will be one of the first options you see. Toggle it to the on position.
4. Adjust the sensitivity and detection zone to avoid false triggers. You can do this by selecting the “Sensitivity” and “Detection Zone” options in the Camera Settings menu.
5. To test the motion detection feature, walk before the Blink camera or wave your hand to trigger the motion detection.
6. Observe the camera’s LED light for a flashing red pattern. If the motion detection is working correctly, the LED light will flash red to indicate that the camera has detected motion.
7. Check the Blink app for any newly recorded clips. If motion detection functions correctly, a new clip should be saved in the Clips section of the app, which can be easily found at the middle bottom of the screen, showing the exact moment you triggered the motion detection. It confirms that your camera’s motion detection sensors are working as intended.
8. If you have any issues or do not observe the flashing red LED or new clips in the app, you might need to adjust your camera’s motion detection settings or troubleshoot any connectivity issues.

It is essential to adjust the sensitivity and detection zone to avoid false triggers, which can cause the camera to flash red unnecessarily. This will also help prevent the camera from being triggered by pets or other non-threatening movements.

Take out and Replace the Batteries

To replace the batteries in your Blink indoor, outdoor, XT, and XT2 security cameras, follow these simple steps here.

Also, you can see this video guide for faster operation.

Reset Your Blink Indoor, Outdoor, XT, And blink XT2 Security Cameras

If your Blink Indoor, Outdoor, XT, or XT2 Camera is flashing red and not recording, resetting the camera can often resolve the issue and save you time.

To reset your Blink camera, look for the reset button on the device. In Blink Mini, the reset button is on the underside of the camera.

In Blink outdoor, indoor, XT2, and XT, the reset button is on the backside of the camera. Long press the reset button for 5 seconds until the red and blue lights start flashing on your camera.

This indicates the reset is complete. If this doesn’t work, you can try resetting the sync module.

Note that resetting your camera will require you to reconfigure your camera system from scratch. It’s always safe to reset your camera if it’s blinking red for no apparent reason.

Power cycle your Sync Module to reset the Blink Sync Module.

If your Blink camera is flashing red, you can try power cycling the Sync Module. To do this, unplug the power cord from the Sync Module and wait for about 10 seconds before plugging it back in.

Wait for the Sync Module to restart and check if the red light has stopped flashing. If the problem persists, you may need to reset the Sync Module by holding down the reset button on the device for 15-30 seconds until the light turns red.

After resetting, wait for one solid green light and one flashing blue light to appear before reinstalling the Sync Module in the Blink app. If you’re still having issues, contact Blink customer service for additional support.

Contact Blink support

If you are unable to fix the Blink camera flashing red issue on your own, the best course of action would be to contact Blink customer support. You can either call their customer service hotline or submit a ticket for technical support.

The support team is available 24/7 to help you with any issues you might be facing with your Blink device. They can guide you through troubleshooting steps and help diagnose the exact problem your camera is experiencing.

If your Blink device is still under warranty, the support team might even arrange a repair or replacement. Be sure to have your Blink account username available when calling and grant account access to the support agent.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the Blink Outdoor Camera flashing red can be caused by various reasons such as a low battery, poor Wi-Fi connection, and faulty hardware. However, there are several solutions to this problem, including charging the battery, moving the camera closer to the Wi-Fi router, and resetting the camera.

By following these solutions, users can effectively resolve the issue and enjoy uninterrupted surveillance. Don’t let the Blink Outdoor Camera flashing red be a hindrance to your security, take action now and try these solutions.

FAQ

Why Blink Outdoor Camera Flashes Red During Initial Setup

The most common reason why the Blink Outdoor camera flashes red during setup is to indicate that the initialization and setup process is still in progress. However, poor network connectivity, battery issues, and internet connection issues can also cause the camera to flash red.

To fix this, ensure that your camera is correctly connected to the internet, replace the batteries if necessary, and reset the camera if the issue persists.

Do Blink Cameras Record All The Time?

Blink cameras do not record all the time. Instead, they have built-in motion sensors that detect motion within their field of vision, and they start recording when triggered. Continuous recording would quickly drain the device’s battery and fill up cloud storage space. Here are some key points to remember:

• Blink cameras only record clips when motion is detected.
• The duration of the recording can be adjusted between 5 to 60 seconds, depending on your preference.
• Blink cameras do not offer continuous recording like some of their competitors.

In conclusion, Blink cameras do not record all the time, but they are still a competitive option for smart home monitoring at a lower price point than other manufacturers.

Why won’t my Blink camera connect?

If your Blink camera is not connecting, the issue could be due to a weak internet Wi-Fi signal, low batteries on the camera, or other hardware issues. To troubleshoot this issue, first, check if all the lights on your Wi-Fi router are turned on and not blinking in any warning color.

If there is an issue with the router, contact your ISP or restart the router. Next, ensure that the Blink camera is connected to the Sync Module’s Wi-Fi network and that it has a working internet connection.

If the camera is too far away from the router, move the router or the camera or use a Wi-Fi extender. If all else fails, contact customer support for further assistance.

How to Reset a Blink Outdoor Camera

If you are experiencing issues with your Blink Outdoor Camera, resetting it may be necessary. Resetting the camera can help fix problems such as a blinking red light or other malfunctions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset your Blink Outdoor Camera:

1. Locate the Sync Module on the back of your camera. Look for the tab-shaped reset button on the module.
2. Press and hold down the reset button until the light on the Sync Module turns red.
3. Release the button and wait for the device to reboot.
4. To access the reset button on the camera itself, open the back cover and look for the button between the batteries near the top-right of the device.
5. Use a blunt, thin object like a toothpick to press the button for at least 5 seconds.
6. When the camera lights start flashing, the reset process has succeeded and you can let go of the button.
7. Hold down the reset button for about 30 seconds until the light comes on. The Sync Module will reboot into setup mode which is back to factory settings.
8. If the blinking red light persists after resetting the camera, there may be a defect with the device. Contact customer service or return it to the store if it’s still under warranty.

In conclusion, resetting your Blink Outdoor Camera can help resolve common issues and make it function properly. Following the steps outlined above, you can easily reset your camera to its factory settings and get it up and running again.

How safe is Blink’s camera blinking or flashing red light?

The Blink camera’s blinking or flashing red light is a safety feature that alerts you when motion is detected. However, it can also indicate potential issues that need to be addressed to ensure the safety of your home and family. Some potential reasons for the blinking or flashing include connectivity issues, low battery, faulty hardware, or software issues. To ensure the safety of your Blink camera, you can take the following steps:

1. Check the camera’s batteries and replace them if necessary.
2. Ensure the camera is connected to the internet and troubleshoot any connectivity issues.
3. Power cycle the camera if nothing else works.
4. Check for any hardware issues, such as a faulty lens, and contact customer support if needed.

It is important to address any blinking or flashing red lights on your Blink camera promptly to ensure that it is functioning properly and providing adequate security for your home and family.

How to turn off the red light on the Blink camera

If you want to turn off the red light on your Blink camera, you can do so by following a few simple steps. First, make sure your camera is connected to the internet and has enough battery. If the red light is still blinking, you can reset the camera to factory defaults.

To disable the LED, open the Blink app on your smartphone, go to the camera settings menu, and disable the light status. For Blink XT and XT2 cameras, there’s a hardware switch inside the battery compartment that disables the blue light.

Once you’ve made the necessary changes, confirm the changes and the red light will no longer display. It is important to disable the red light for privacy purposes, especially if you want your camera to be discreet or hidden.

Nwoha

I am a Mechanical Engineer with years of experience working in the Security Industry. Aside from giving out useful information here, my hobbies include researching, listening to classical songs. In my spare time, I learn python programming language.