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Blink Outdoor Camera Has a Red Light Flashing? Here’s What to Do

Blink XT camera

Blink Outdoor Camera Has a Red Light Flashing? Here’s What to Do

Key Points

  • The red flashing light on a Blink Outdoor Camera indicates that there is a problem that needs attention, such as network connectivity issues or a dead battery.
  • The red light is a visual indicator that communicates important information to the user and should not be ignored.
  • To stop the red light from flashing, you can try troubleshooting steps such as completing the setup, fixing network issues, stopping recordings, or changing the batteries.
  • If these solutions don’t work, you can try checking your router, contacting customer service for assistance, or considering purchasing a new camera as a last resort.

Are you the owner of a Blink Outdoor Camera with a red light flashing inexplicably? You’re not alone. We understand that few things are more frustrating than a product that doesn’t work like it’s supposed to. This goes for your Blink Outdoor Camera and its strange flashing light. Why is it flashing? What does the flashing mean? Most importantly, how do you make it stop? Let’s explain the meaning behind a red light flashing on a Blink Outdoor Camera. Then, we’ll troubleshoot some solutions that should hopefully make things right again.

Blink Outdoor Cameras use a red flashing light for a variety of specific purposes. Think of the red flashing light as a visual indicator, almost like a signal. It’s trying to communicate information to you about its current state. Across the board, all these flashes mean just one thing: the camera needs your attention to fix a problem currently keeping it from doing its job.

From network connectivity issues to depleted battery levels and beyond, the primary reason for a red flashing light on your Blink Outdoor Camera is to alert you. It’s not just this particular Blink product that flashes red, either. Blink Indoor Cameras, Blink Video Doorbells, and numerous other Blink products display red lights in their times of need.

Overall, the red flashing light on Blink Outdoor Cameras is a multi-purpose tool designed to communicate crucial information to you as the user. Don’t ignore these alerts, as they likely mean your camera isn’t able to record. Imagine if something were to happen on your premises that the camera was unable to capture. This is the worst-case scenario for any home security system. That’s why it’s so important to know how to stop the problem.

blink vs arlo
Security cameras are a great addition to any home, as long as they work properly.

©Photographicss/Shutterstock.com

There are four main reasons why a red light would flash on a Blink Outdoor Camera: a failed setup, a faulty network, an active recording, or a dead battery. Let’s explore each of these four problems below and explain how to resolve them. If your Blink Outdoor Camera still has a red light flashing after trying these four solutions, we have a few other things you can try next.

Finish Set Up

You could be seeing a red light flashing on your Blink Outdoor Camera because you haven’t finished setting up the device. This means your camera is in the middle of setting up, but the process hasn’t been fully completed yet. Try restarting the camera by removing the batteries and putting them back in. Then, try to complete the setup and see if the red light stops flashing upon completion. If the issue continues, you may need to try one of the other possible solutions below.

Fix Network Issue

The red light flashing on your Blink Outdoor Camera may be due to a network issue. To make it stop, you should first check your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure your router is working and that other devices can connect to it. If that’s not the problem, try restarting both your camera and router. Furthermore, ensure the camera is within the router’s range and that it’s putting out a strong signal. If the red light persists, consider moving the camera closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi extender. Also, avoid physical obstructions between the camera and the router.

Stop Recording

Blink Outdoor Cameras flash a red light when the device is in the middle of a recording. To stop the red light from flashing, you’ll need to stop the recording in progress. Open the Blink app and locate the camera feed. If it’s recording, you’ll see a pop-up at the bottom of the screen telling you so. Disarm the camera to stop the recording. This should stop the camera from recording, effectively putting an end to the flashing red light. Just remember to arm the camera again if you want it to resume recording.

Change Batteries

If all else has failed, you may be dealing with something as simple as a dead battery. This is probably the easiest way to stop a red light flashing on a Blink Outdoor Camera; swap out the dead batteries for new ones. Blink cameras have impressively long battery life, but there will inevitably come a time when they need to be replaced. Remove the camera from its mounting, open the battery compartment, and replace the old batteries with fresh ones. Then, close the battery compartment, re-mount the camera, and wait for the red light to turn off.

Batteries recharging.
Sometimes, fixing a red light flashing on a Blink Outdoor Camera is as simple to solve as replacing the batteries.

©acarapi/Shutterstock.com

Sometimes, the Blink Outdoor Camera has a red light flashing for some other (much more complicated) reason. Fear not, though; we know how to help you fix these problems, too. Let’s talk about how to check your router, contact customer service, or replace your Blink camera altogether. With luck, the red light will finally stop flashing.

Check Router

Already checked your Wi-Fi connection and everything looked good? You may be getting a red light flashing on your Blink Outdoor Camera due to an issue between the router and the Internet. The device could be communicating with the router just fine, but if the router can’t connect to the Internet… that’s a problem. Try unplugging your router and plugging it back in after ten seconds. This should hopefully reset your router and re-establish a connection from the Internet to the router to your Blink Outdoor Camera.

Contact Customer Service

If you’ve tried everything so far and are still stuck with a flashing red light, it might be a good idea to reach out to Blink’s customer service. They’re the true experts when it comes to solving these camera issues. They have certain tips and tricks only they could suggest with their insider knowledge. Visit their official website to find their contact information, then explain the problem you’re facing and the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot. They will guide you through more advanced solutions to stop that pesky red light from flashing.

Red light still flashing on your Blink Outdoor Camera, even after all these tips and tricks above? Unless the warranty still covers your camera, you may be better off getting an entirely new Blink Outdoor Camera. If your warranty lapsed and you’re absolutely positive this flashing red light can’t be fixed, then a replacement should definitely put a stop to things. To be clear, this should be your very last resort. More often than not, a red light flashing on a Blink Outdoor Camera can be fixed in a matter of minutes. But, in those rare exceptions, a full-on replacement is a final solution.

Blink Outdoor Camera Has a Red Light Flashing? Here’s What to Do FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do I set up my Blink camera?

Setting up a Blink camera should only take you a couple of minutes. First, install the Blink app and create an account. Second, follow the app’s prompts to add your camera. Then, place the camera where you want it and connect it to Wi-Fi. That’s all there is to it!

Why is my Blink Outdoor Camera flashing red?

The red light on a Blink camera typically flashes to indicate an issue. It might be a Wi-Fi problem, low battery, or other camera error. Check your Wi-Fi connection, replace the batteries if needed, and ensure the camera is placed within range of the router. If the issue persists, consult the manual or contact Blink customer support.

How often do you need to replace the batteries in a Blink camera?

Blink cameras usually enjoy about two years of battery life with regular use. Of course, the specific battery life depends on factors like recording frequency and temperature. You can monitor battery levels through the app and get notifications when it’s time to replace them.

How do you view Blink camera footage remotely?

Using the Blink app, you can view live or recorded footage from your camera anytime. As long as both your camera and your viewing device have an Internet connection, you’ll be able to enjoy playback of the footage recorded by your Blink camera.

How do you mount a Blink Outdoor Camera?

To mount a Blink Outdoor Camera, first, find the place you want to mount it. Then, use the provided screws to attach the camera’s mount to a wall, fence, or other surface. After the mount is installed, snap the camera onto the mount. Make sure the camera’s lens has a clear view and that it’s protected from weather conditions before you walk away.

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