Blink Doorbell is a decent choice in the smart doorbell market, especially if you want to keep all your security devices on the Blink ecosystem. Accessing the doorbell live feed lets you in on the front door activity and keeps you in the loop.
When your system is armed and motion detection enabled, you receive alerts on your mobile device. However, you could get limited features depending on your setup – without adding the doorbell to a sync module or wiring it up.
Why Can’t I See Live View on My Blink Doorbell?
Primarily, you won’t access the live view at will when the doorbell is in Event response mode. By design, the doorbell falls into event response when not added to a Sync module or wired up to conserve the battery.
In event response mode, you only get a 60-second window to access the live footage once the notification pops up on your device. This is when the doorbell is “active” and can be accessed.
Conventionally, the doorbell falls into an “inactive” mode and isn’t accessible from the Blink app. Once triggered, it becomes active and opens up your 60-second window.
Technically, this is how the doorbell is designed to function. To get full access, you must get it out of the event response mode – By adding it to an active sync module or wiring it.
That said, other reasons could lead to live feed failure. These include;
- Poor Wi-Fi connection or network interference
- Power supply issues – Low battery is not hardwired wired
- Sync module connection problems – offline or network drops
- Live view feature being active on a different device
- Prolonged cache build-up on the Blink app
- Outdated app or firmware version
- Server outages
Remember, the live view feature should work with or without a Blink subscription.
Before we get into the performance-related troubleshooting solutions, ensure the doorbell isn’t in event response mode.
Is The Doorbell Operating in Event Response Mode?
As mentioned, adding the doorbell to a sync module or wiring it to a compatible transformer automatically exits the event response mode.
Once done, you can access the live view at will from the Blink app.
Integrating A Sync Module
Blink offers 1st and 2nd generation sync modules, which serve as the central hub of your system, ensuring seamless communication and connection among the Blink gadgets.
The 2nd Sync Module also has a functional USB port for local storage.
Therefore, get a sync module and add it to your Blink system. Ensure it’s on the same system as the doorbell to sync them. Here’s our article on connecting a Blink sync module to your network.
After establishing a connection between the module and your network, once the doorbell is incorporated into your system, the doorbell instantly deactivates the event response mode.
Hook the Doorbell to a Compatible Chime
As another approach, you can directly connect the doorbell to a chime that delivers the appropriate voltage.
The voltage supplied must be harmonious with the doorbell’s requirements for the direct connection to be feasible.
Blink doorbells are compatible with mechanical or digital chime systems delivering 16 to 24 volts AC.
The doorbell enters Event Response mode if the chime system provides less than 16 volts AC.
Check Your Network Connection
The doorbell requires an uninterrupted connection to the Sync Module and the Wi-Fi network for real-time streaming.
You’d want to see steady Blue and Green LED lights on your module, symbolizing an active connection.
Verify the connectivity status and the signal’s potency via the Blink application;
Launch the app > Tap the settings icon on the doorbell tile > Scroll to the Network section > Check the connections for “doorbell to Wi-Fi” and “doorbell to Sync Module.”
Optimally, the Wi-Fi indicator should display a minimum of 2 bars. A lone bar or its absence suggests a weak signal unsuitable for live streaming.
Furthermore, the sync module ought to maintain a connection with cloud servers.
If experiencing a poor network signal, consider these improvement options;
- Relocate the Wi-Fi router nearer to the doorbell, enhancing signal quality.
- Reboot the Wi-Fi router, sync module, and the Blink doorbell to refresh the connection.
- Investigate potential interference sources in proximity, such as electronic gadgets, baby monitors, new devices added to the network, etc.
- Get a modern Wi-Fi router (preferably a Mesh network) to distribute the signal evenly.
Server Outages
The Blink doorbell and sync module are always in SYNC with the cloud servers. If the server connection is lost, you are bound to lose performance.
So, are there reported cases of Blink outages in your area? A simple search online can get you all the info on Blink server availability.
Again, if you are getting the “system busy” kind of error, it could be that the live feed is active on a different account or device. Say your Echo show is live streaming the front door.
Blink’s live view feature is limited to only one device at a time.
Check The App and Firmware Version
Running on outdated versions can deprive you of newer performance features or functionality.
First, clear the app cache, as prolonged build-up affects the performance. Once done, ensure you run on the latest app and firmware versions.
These are straightforward steps and shouldn’t take you long.
Factory Reset the Doorbell
Factory resetting clears corrupt firmware files and restores the default settings. Once reset, you must reconnect the doorbell to your network via the Blink app.
Additionally, you can delete it from the app before fully resetting. This disassociates the doorbell from your account and offers a fresh start.
To remove the doorbell from your account, Launch the Blink app > Hit the settings icon > Scroll down to Delete device.
On the other hand, here’s how to reset it;
- Detach the Blink Doorbell from its mount – insert the release pin into the hole at the lower part of the doorbell’s frame.
- You’ll find the reset button on the rear side of the doorbell, right above the battery chamber.
- Press and hold the reset button. Keep holding until the ring light displays a sequence of green, blue, and pulsating red colors.
- Release and let it reboot to reset fully
You can re-add the doorbell to the system via the Blink app and test if the live view feature works.
