Blink cameras and systems improve the security of your property or dwelling by providing smart features that can be controlled via phone. One common question is whether Blink needs WiFi or an internet connection in order to function.
Blink cameras require a WiFi connection to capture, save and store the videos. While the camera remains powered without the internet, nothing will be saved and you can’t even view the camera on the phone. For most camera models, no WiFi means the recordings will not be stored.
In this article, we will discuss what happens with Blink cameras when the WiFi stops working and what features are no longer available.
Some cameras may use built-in microSD cards to store the camera, but most of them use the subscription business model which requires a steady internet connection to store the cameras in the cloud.
Can Blink Cameras Work Without WiFi (internet connection)?
Blink cameras are an affordable security solution that improves the security of your property and enables you to use smart features such as remote viewing the camera, playing the recordings via the phone app, saving clips, and performing other actions. Moreover, Blink cameras and be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa product lines (and other smart home hubs).
Let’s understand how these cameras work. Basically, the camera is connected to the WiFi and when a motion-detected video is recorded it’s uploaded (and saved) in the Blink cloud server via the internet. Then the user can access this video, view it and, if necessary, save it locally for future use.
Without an internet or WiFi connection, you can’t view the camera’s live view on the phone and the camera won’t be able to store the videos in the cloud.
Additionally, two-way audio features will stop working and other functions will become inaccessible via the smartphone (since the app can’t communicate with the camera).
What features in Blink cameras are available without an internet connection?
To cut to the chase, in most Blink camera models the functionality ends when there’s an internet interruption. Some models may use a microSD card for temporary storage until the connection is re-established. However, if the WiFi connection drops, the camera won’t be able to record anything.
Blink cameras use batteries and can independently be powered for up to a year (even more in some models). The batteries make the camera easy to install in spots that are missing any wiring, in tight spaces, and in locations that are difficult to reach via a traditional wired camera.
Even when the Blink camera disconnects from the WiFi, it will still be powered (via the batteries) and the status light will get displayed correctly.
These lights make the camera appear functional to other people that may notice the device. In other words, while the camera doesn’t actually record, the power (status) lights will show on and people will think that the camera is operational and assume that the area is under surveillance.
What features in Blink cameras don’t work without WiFi?
There are three types of Blink cameras:
- Blink outdoor cameras: weather-resistant, battery-powered, two-way audio.
- Blink indoor cameras: battery-powered, two-way audio, not designed for outdoor use.
- Blink mini cameras: for indoor use, the cheapest one and needs to be powered via an outlet.
All these cameras use the same app, and without the internet, the cameras can’t communicate with the app and the server. This means that without a WiFi connection, the user can no longer see the live feed.
Also, the audio doesn’t work anymore and while the camera can detect motion detection it won’t be able to store the videos in the cloud.
Both the camera and the Sync Module will not get the latest update and will simply just stay powered up but not connected to the Blink servers.
Before purchasing Blink cameras, you need to make sure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection in the location. Also, you need to ensure that the WiFi coverage reaches the cameras.
Sometimes, if the WiFi is weak, the signal will drop randomly and the camera won’t work. If the distance is simply too much, consider using WiFi extenders or upgrading the router to a powerful one.
How to connect Blink cameras to WiFi?
The first time you go through the setup process of Blink cameras, the prompts will ask you to connect to your local WiFi and enter the password (using the phone app).
So, download the Blink phone app, plug the Sync Module into the wall outlet, connect the camera and then start the installation wizard via the phone app.
When you launch the app, the software will scan your local network and list the camera. Then the prompts will ask you to connect to your WiFi, and the next prompt asks for the username and password. Type the credentials carefully and then it should be connected quickly.
If you change the WiFi password, you need to erase the camera from the app (after resetting it) and then start the setup process from the beginning which allows you to enter the new WiFi password.
Conclusion
Blink cameras require a reliable and stable WiFi connection to function properly. Without the internet, the camera can’t connect to the phone app, can’t store the videos on the cloud and the user can’t see the live picture.
However, the cameras will appear functional to other people because the status lights stay on (using the batteries).
So, while the cameras don’t really record, they still will function as a deterrence. Either way, before purchasing Blink cameras, make sure you have good and reliable internet coverage in the location.
