After installing brand new batteries, you’re expecting your Blink camera to work seamlessly, but to your dismay, you see the Blink camera flashing red. It can be quite frustrating when you don’t even know the reason behind it. Nothing weakens the security of your home or business premises like a malfunctioning security camera. Fear not, in this post we’ll explain why your Blink camera is flashing red with new batteries.
Check to ensure that proper batteries are inserted
To start with, it would help if you double-checked that you used the right batteries for your Blink camera. Blink cameras require AA lithium batteries, so ensure that you have inserted the correct type of batteries. It may be tempting to use regular AA batteries in place of lithium AA ones, but it’s essential to stick with the recommended batteries.
Re-Insert Batteries and check polarity
If you are sure that you’ve inserted the correct batteries, try removing them and replacing them, making sure battery polarity is correct. A simple error like inserting batteries inverted or swapped in their slots could cause your Blink camera to not operate correctly. Therefore, always refer to the battery installation instructions to ensure they are inserted the right way.
Check battery lifespan and quality
Blink security cameras tend to consume a lot of power, and using cheap batteries will not last long. Batteries that aren’t powerful enough will always run out of juice quicker, and replacing them more often could be an expense that can quickly add up. Make sure you are using high-quality lithium batteries with an extended lifespan.
Also, it’s worth checking the expiration date before buying them. Expired batteries will not function appropriately, and it’s essential to remember that Lithium batteries have a limited lifespan, so even if they’re new, they could be discharged or damaged.
Poor connection between Blink camera and the batteries
Another common reason your Blink camera is flashing red with new batteries is, poor connections. If the contacts between the Blink camera’s battery compartment are dirty or corroded, it can cause a weak connection or not even function at all. Clean the connections with a dry cloth, brush, or using a “pencil eraser” to gently apply pressure on the battery compartment, ensuring a solid connection.
Battery Drain Due to Camera Settings
Sometimes the Blink camera’s battery drain can be attributed to its configuration settings. If you have set the camera to a higher level of sensitivity, blinking several times, or set it to record extended videos, it can exhaust the battery level quickly. Adjusting the settings to a lower or medium level can help conserve and prolong the lifespan of the batteries.
Contact Blink Customer Service
If none of the above solutions have worked, it may be time to contact Blink’s customer service. Blink’s customer service has a team of professionals who can diagnose and troubleshoot any issues with the devices, including camera flashing red with new batteries. They may advise you to perform several checks or recommend replacing the device’s power source.
Conclusion
A Blink camera flashing red with new batteries can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with. A deep understanding of the reasons that cause this issue can empower you to debug the camera by yourself, or contact the customer service in cases when you can’t figure out the root cause. Remember also that Blink cameras being outdoor cameras, other factors like extreme weather conditions can also contribute to battery draining issues. By maintaining the camera well, changing batteries promptly, and using good quality Lithium batteries, you can improve your camera’s reliability and extend its life.
FAQs
1. What does a flashing red light on my Blink camera indicate?
A flashing red light on your Blink camera typically signals that the camera is experiencing a low battery level. However, since you’ve mentioned that you have installed new batteries, the issue might be related to one of the following:
- Battery contacts not making proper connection
- Incompatible or damaged batteries
- A temporary glitch in the camera’s firmware
2. How can I ensure that the batteries are properly connected?
To check if the batteries are properly connected, follow these steps:
- Remove the batteries from your Blink camera.
- Examine the battery contacts inside the camera for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Clean the contacts gently with a dry cloth or cotton swab, if necessary.
- Reinsert the new batteries, ensuring they are correctly oriented according to the polarity markings.
3. What type of batteries should I use for my Blink camera?
Blink cameras require two non-rechargeable AA lithium batteries to function optimally. Using alkaline or rechargeable batteries may result in reduced performance and could potentially damage your camera. Always use high-quality, non-rechargeable lithium batteries to ensure the best performance.
4. How can I troubleshoot a firmware glitch causing the red light to flash?
If you suspect a firmware glitch is causing the red light to flash, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Remove the batteries and wait for 30 seconds before reinserting them.
- Check that your Blink camera is running the latest firmware version by visiting the app settings.
- If the issue persists, consider resetting the camera to factory settings (note that this will erase any saved settings or configurations).
5. What should I do if the red light continues to flash after trying these solutions?
If the red light continues to flash even after trying the above solutions, it’s possible that there could be a hardware issue with your Blink camera. In this case, it’s recommended to contact Blink customer support for further assistance or to inquire about a potential replacement or repair under warranty.
