Blink cameras pack a lot of features into a small package, but figuring out how to mount them can feel a bit confusing at first. Once you know the process, though, it’s actually pretty simple.
These cameras come with a wireless design, cloud and local storage options, long battery life, night vision, two-way audio, and HD resolution. Let’s talk about the different models and then walk through the mounting process.
Blink Camera Models
Blink offers three camera options: Blink Mini, Blink Indoor, and Blink Outdoor. If you want reliable video surveillance without spending a fortune, any of these will do the job.
The Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor are completely wire-free. No running cables around your house or yard. The Blink Mini, on the other hand, needs a small power cord to connect to your wireless network.
All three models work through the Blink Sync Module, which acts as a bridge between the camera and your Wi-Fi. The Sync Module can also double as a storage device when you plug in a USB flash drive. It does cost extra, but a single Sync Module supports up to 10 cameras at once.
Blink Mini
The Blink Mini is a compact indoor camera that sits on a flat surface or mounts to a wall with a simple adhesive or screw mount. It shoots 1080p video, has motion detection, and offers two-way audio so you can listen in and talk through the camera. Since it’s a plug-in model, you’ll need it near an outlet. It’s the cheapest option in the Blink lineup and works great for apartments, dorm rooms, and small offices.
Blink Indoor
The Blink Indoor camera runs on two AA lithium batteries and can last up to two years on a single set, depending on usage. It records 1080p video, has infrared night vision, and connects wirelessly to the Sync Module. Since there are no cords, you can place it almost anywhere inside your home. The compact body fits on shelves, desks, or mounted high on a wall.
Blink Outdoor
The Blink Outdoor model is weather-resistant with an IP65 rating, so it handles rain, snow, and heat without issues. Like the Indoor version, it runs on AA lithium batteries with up to two years of battery life. It records 1080p video with infrared night vision and has a wider field of view designed for covering driveways, porches, and backyards. The housing is tougher than the indoor model to withstand outdoor conditions.
Key Features of Blink Cameras
Motion Alerts on Your Smartphone
When the camera detects motion, you get an alert straight to your phone. With a Blink sync module subscription, those video clips can be stored in the cloud and viewed anytime through the Blink app. You can also save them locally to a USB flash drive connected to the Sync Module. Either way, you’ll know immediately if something suspicious is happening around your property.
You can customize the motion sensitivity in the app, which is helpful if you’re getting too many false alerts from pets, passing cars, or tree branches swaying in the wind. Setting activity zones lets you focus detection on specific areas, like your front door or driveway, while ignoring the rest.
Local and Cloud Storage Options
Beyond motion detection, Blink gives you flexibility in where your recorded videos are stored. Cloud storage is the most convenient option and runs about $3 per month for a single camera plan or $10 per month for unlimited cameras. If you’d rather keep everything local, the USB flash drive option works just as well and has no monthly fee.
For the local storage route, plug a USB flash drive (up to 256GB) into the back of the Sync Module. The camera will save clips directly to the drive. You can then pull the drive and view footage on a computer whenever you need to review something.
Night Vision and Two-Way Audio
All Blink cameras include infrared night vision that activates automatically in low light. The picture quality drops a bit compared to daytime, but it’s more than clear enough to identify people and see what’s going on.
Two-way audio lets you talk through the camera using the Blink app. If someone’s at your door and you’re not home, you can tell them to leave the package on the porch or ask them to come back later. The microphone quality is decent for a camera at this price point.
How to Mount Your Blink Camera
Every Blink camera ships with a mounting bracket and screws. If you need extra screws or accessories, those are sold separately.
Here’s how to get it mounted:
Step 1: Prepare the Camera
Start by removing the camera’s back cover. Then, detach the circular plastic piece from the inside of the back cover.
Once that piece is removed, you’ll see a large hole in the bracket.
Snap the mounting bracket back onto the camera’s back cover. You should hear a click when it’s properly attached.
Step 2: Test the Camera Angle Before Drilling
Before you drill anything, use the Live View feature in the app to check that the camera angle shows exactly what you want to monitor. Hold the camera up to the spot where you plan to mount it and check the feed on your phone. This saves you from drilling holes in the wrong spot and having to start over.
Take your time with this step. Walk around the area you want to monitor while watching the live feed. Make sure there are no blind spots and that the field of view covers entry points, walkways, or whatever you’re trying to keep an eye on.
Step 3: Secure the Mount
Once you’ve found the right spot, secure the mount to the wall and drill holes as needed. Use the bracket’s hinges to adjust the camera angle for the best coverage. If the bracket feels a little wobbly, add extra screws for stability.
For outdoor installations, make sure you’re drilling into a solid surface. Wood, stucco, and brick all work well. If you’re mounting on vinyl siding, use siding clips instead of screws to avoid water damage.
You can also use Live View again after mounting to fine-tune the position.
Step 4: Final Adjustments and Testing
After the camera is mounted, walk through the monitored area a few times to test the motion detection. Check that you’re getting alerts on your phone and that the recorded clips capture the full scene you want.
Adjust the motion sensitivity if needed. Too high and you’ll get alerts every time a car passes by. Too low and the camera might miss actual events. Finding the sweet spot usually takes a day or two of tweaking.
Mounting Tips for Specific Locations
Front Door
Mount the camera about 7 to 8 feet high, angled slightly downward. This height captures faces while staying out of easy reach. Point the camera so it covers the full porch area, including where packages get left.
Driveway
Position the camera high enough to see the full length of the driveway. Avoid pointing it directly at the street to reduce false motion alerts from passing traffic. Angling it toward the garage or parking area works best.
Backyard
For backyards, mount the camera under the eaves of the roof to protect it from direct rain. Aim it toward gates, fences, or any entry points. If your yard is large, you might need two cameras to cover it properly.
That’s All There Is to It
Mounting a Blink camera is one of those tasks that’s much easier than it looks. The main thing is making sure you have the right screws and that you test the camera angle before committing to a spot. If you need more help, the user manual that comes with your camera has detailed diagrams.
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