Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to set up a Blink security system

Blink Home System security cameras on a kitchen counter.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of the pain points of getting a new smart security system is setting everything up and getting it to work properly. That's why many people don't update their systems even though they no longer meet their needs. Oftentimes, setting up a new system is easier than you think. Today, we'll take you step by step through installing the whole Blink system around your home. Don't worry, this will be easy.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • Smartphone

  • Blink Sync Module

  • Blink security cameras

  • Blink app

Blink provides low-cost smart security cameras and accessories for your home. You can get a complete indoor and outdoor security system from Blink and set it up easily to cover your whole home. If you get multiple products, you also need to get the Sync Module to connect all the cameras and extend their battery life.

Blink Home System security cameras on a kitchen counter.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Create an Account

First, you'll need a Blink account to set up and connect all your security devices.

Step 1: Download the Blink app and open it on your phone.

Tap the Create account button at the bottom of the app's home screen.

Step 2: Select your location and create a password.

Step 3: Set up defaults to two-factor authorization (2FA) using a phone number and PIN.

The app will ask you for your phone number and send you a PIN. You'll need to enter the PIN to log in to your account. Every time you log in from a new device, you must have your phone nearby.

Step 4: The app will pop up a window to sign in to your Amazon account. Connecting to Amazon is mainly helpful if you have Echo devices, which can show or announce activities from your cameras. It's easy to link the Amazon account with your Blink account at this stage, but you can do this later if you'd like.

Once signed in to the account, tap the Enable to use button.

Blink Sync Module ready to connect.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Install Sync Module and Systems

If you plan on using multiple Blink devices, you'll need to install the Sync Module.

Step 1: On the Blink app's home screen, tap Add device button in the top-right corner. Tap Sync Module and tap Blink Wireless Camera System. Choosing this option allows you to add cameras and devices to the Sync Module.

Step 2: You'll need to enter the Sync Module's serial number. Tap OK to allow Blink to access your phone's camera so you can scan the QR code. Locate the QR code on the back of the Sync Module and scan it with your phone.

Step 3: The app will ask if you are adding the device to a pre-existing or new system. A system is simply a grouping of Blink devices that will also share an armed status. If you're creating a new system, enter a name for it.

Step 4: Plug in the Sync Module and wait for the lights to flash blue to proceed. This process can take 30 seconds to happen. You're looking for a blinking blue light and a steady green light.

Step 5: Once the Sync Module is ready, you'll receive a pop-up on your phone to connect to its Wi-Fi network. Tap Join.

Step 6: Once connected to the Sync Module's Wi-Fi, you will need to input your Wi-Fi details to ensure the Module is connected to your home network.

Step 7: Tap Done to complete and return to the app's home screen.

Blink Mini Compact Indoor Security Camera.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Adding Blink Cameras to the system

Now that the Sync Module is set up, you can start adding cameras and other Blink devices to the system you just created. Return to the Blink app's home screen to add more products to the system.

Step 1: On the home screen, tap the Plus sign in the top-right corner to add a specific camera.

Step 2: Tap on the specific model in the list that you want to add.

Step 3: Scan the QR code on the camera (it's likely on the back of the device).

Step 4: Once scanned, follow the onboarding prompts in the app.

Each camera in the Blink system technically has its own onboarding process, but in reality, they all follow the same steps as the Sync Module: Scan the QR code, join both Wi-Fi networks, tap Done, and you're finished.

Step 5: Once the cameras are added, you can rename them in the system.

Return to the home screen, where you should see the newly added camera with a numeric name and a gray thumbnail. Tap on the Numeric name and change it into something more easily recognizable, such as "Front door camera."

Step 6: After changing the device's name, tap the Camera icon in the lower left of the camera's thumbnail to update it to a current photo of the camera's view.

Note: The Video Doorbell can update its thumbnail every half hour if connected to pre-existing doorbell wiring.

Step 7: Repeat these steps to add more cameras to your system.

FAQ

How to connect Blink to Wi-Fi

To connect Blink devices to Wi-Fi, you must first link your phone to the device's Wi-Fi. Once connected, you'll be able to input your home's Wi-Fi network and connect. This process must happen with every camera install, whether you have the Sync Module or not.

Can you use the Blink system without a subscription?

Yes, you can use the Blink home system without a subscription. You just won't have access to certain features. For example, features such as video sharing and the 60-day unlimited history are only available on Blink's subscription plans.

Does Blink camera connect to Wi-Fi or Sync Module?

Some Blink devices can only be used within a system with a Sync Module, while others can be used on your Wi-Fi network without the Sync Module. For example, the Blink Doorbell and Blink Mini are the only Blink cameras that can be used solely with your home's Wi-Fi, while the Blink Outdoor and Indoor wireless cameras require a Sync Module.

Keyan Riddick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Keyan Riddick is a freelance writer based in the mountains on North Carolina. When he isn't writing you can find him behind…
Cyber Monday security camera deals 2024: Save big on Arlo, Blink, and more
The Philips Hue Secure Floodlight installed on a building.

Black Friday may be over, but Cyber Monday deals are here, and retailers have launched some massive sales and discounts on highly sought-after tech. Right now, we’re focusing on the Cyber Monday security camera deals that are available. We want to monitor our properties remotely just like you. These discounts include some major brands which are sure to help keep your property more secure than ever especially if you're leaving for the holidays.

Cyber Monday is a great time for seeking out the biggest savings so we also have some awesome Cyber Monday Apple deals while the pick of the Cyber Monday iPad deals means that you can easily spot what’s going on through your security camera’s app. Whatever your intentions, read on while we take you through the best Cyber Monday security camera deals. We also have some great buying advice on what to consider before making a purchase.
Our Top Pick: Arlo Pro 5S 2K 3 Camera Bundle -- $200 $500 60% off

Read more
Need security? Want Cyber savings? Wyze security cameras are up to 60% off right now
Wyze Cam OG on shelf used to watch over home -- Black Friday deals

Home security seems to be a hot category for Black Friday and Cyber Week deals this year. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Security cameras bring you peace of mind, whether you're home or away, and allow you to check in on your home's status for a myriad of reasons. If you're looking for some great home security deals, consider Wyze, a brand trusted by "millions of households" offering "premium features at prices that are accessible to everyone." That's what Wyze says anyway and we tend to agree here at Digital Trends. We gave several Wyze products high marks, like the Wyze Lock and the Wyze Cam Pan. Either way, you'll be happy to know the Wyze Cam OG is on sale for $10 from November 28 until December 4. Normally $30, that saves you $20. You can also find a variety of other Wyze home security gear on sale for up to 60% off. Now's the time to shop.

 
Why shop these Wyze Black Friday and Cyber Week deals on home security?

Read more
Host a flawless Thanksgiving with these smart home tips
Philips Hue Smart Dimmable LED Smart Light Recipe Kit lifestyle

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re worried about hosting a great party this year, know that your smart home is here to help. We’ve pulled together some simple ways your smart home can be optimized to help you host a flawless Thanksgiving. From building a cozy atmosphere with smart lights to setting Quick Replies on your video doorbell, here’s a look at how your smart home can help throw a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Create a temporary smart lock password

Many smart locks allow you to program temporary passcodes -- and this is an incredibly useful feature when you're hosting. Instead of telling all your guests your permanent passcode, you can create a temporary code that’ll only work on Thanksgiving. This ensures your friends and family can let themselves inside your home if you’re busy without giving them free rein to barge in other times of the year. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to create temporary codes on the Yale Assure Lock 2, but you’ll find a similar process available for most other smart locks.
Use Quick Replies on your video doorbell

Read more