If you get an alert that says that your Blink Outdoor Camera is busy, it doesn’t mean that the camera is overloaded with notifications or motion events.
Instead, it means that the camera is having trouble connecting to the internet via the Sync Module. Clearly, the message is annoying, but you need to address it as soon as possible otherwise your security system will be compromised.
In this guide, we will show how to troubleshoot and fix the Blink camera if you get a “Camera is busy” alert message. Read below through the tips and get it fixed all by yourself.
Blink camera alert says “Camera is Busy”: Troubleshooting guide
As we said, when you get the message “Camera is busy”, it means that your Blink camera is struggling to connect or to stay connected to the network (internet). According to Blink, you need a 2.4GHz band connection for the camera to maintain a solid connection.
This is a WiFi internet connection, not cellular internet. If you’re using a satellite provider or hotspot (via phone) then the connection on the Blink camera will not be established.
So, the first thing you should do when you get a “Camera is Busy” notification on the Blink app is to check the internet connection and, obviously, troubleshoot it.
Test out the internet connection
Blink recommends using a third-party app to check your WiFi internet connection. Download the RouteThis app on the phone and have it installed. (This app is free is available for Apple and Android devices).
To begin the test, ensure that both the Blink camera and the phone (with the RouteThis app) are on the same network. You may even disable the phone cellular service just to ensure there’s no crossover during the test.
- Open up the RouteThis app on your phone and follow the steps below:
- Tap on the blue “Begin” button to start the process
- Allow the app to access your location.
- Enter “BLNK” as your password.
- Select your WiFi network (SSID).
- Place your phone next to the Blink camera.
- Tap the “I Moved It” button and wait two minutes.
- Check the app’s diagnosis. It will tell you what issues were found.
If the connection is not deemed as good, the app offers an “Improve Network Health” that you may try for further suggestions.
Reboot the router and check the wires
If the test shows okay, then it’s time to physically inspect the router and the wiring. Go to your router and check if any cable is loose, inspect the run, check the status light (if there are problems, you should see a red status light), check the power adapter, etc. Ensure nothing is out of place.
Then simply power cycle the router. Unplug the power cord, wait 60 seconds then power it on again. Wait a few minutes until the router is back online, then check the connection on the Blink camera and see if it is fixed.
Reset the Blink camera via the Sync Module
Another suggestion is to reset the camera and establish the connection (and the settings) from scratch. To reset:
- Locate the button on the side of your Sync Module.
- Hold the button down until you see the red light.
- Reinstall the Sync Module back into the Blink app.
- Connect the app to the internet and link it to the camera. For more information, you may check this Blink reset guide.
Reboot the Blink camera
It sounds nonsense, but it fixes many issues. So, power off the camera then go to the Sync Module and take out the batteries.
If the unit is getting powered via a power adapter, disconnect it from the outlet and plug it back in after 60 seconds. You may even use another power outlet just to ensure there’s nothing wrong with it. The check via the Blink app is the camera is online.
Place the unit close to each other
In some cases, the Blink camera and the Sync Module are simply too far away from each other and they fail to create a solid connection. According to the manufacturer, the camera and the module need to be within 100 feet of distance.
If more than that, the connection will drop or get completely disconnected. It’s suggested to bring the Sync Module close to the camera and to check the signal strength. If the camera comes back online, then your two devices are outside of their range.
Contact Blink for support or file a warranty
Another option is to call Blink and ask them for assistance. But in some cases, the camera is just bad and it needs to be replaced. Usually, Blink gives one year warranty on the camera if it’s purchased directly through them or their authorized sellers.
If the unit is damaged from negligence, or it is mishandled, then the warranty is void. Either way, contact them and see what they say.
Conclusion
If you’re getting the “camera is busy” alert from your Blink camera, it indicates that the camera is failing to connect to the internet. The problem could be with the router, the app, the wiring, the distance between the devices, internet outage, firmware incompatibility, etc.
Use the guide above to troubleshoot the Blink camera and have the issue fixed. If you still can’t make it work, contact Blink for assistance or simply return the camera. issue.
