How to Reset Blink Cameras: The Complete Guide to Troubleshooting and Starting Fresh


How to Reset Blink Cameras

Smart home security cameras like those from Blink offer a simple, effective way to monitor your home, office, or property. With motion detection, live streaming, and cloud/local video storage, Blink cameras provide peace of mind—without the need for complex wiring or monitoring contracts.

But what happens when something goes wrong? Maybe your camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi, has stopped detecting motion, or you want to give or sell the device to someone else. That’s where knowing how to reset your Blink camera becomes essential.

This in-depth guide will teach you how to reset various Blink devices, including the Blink Mini, Blink Outdoor, Blink Indoor, Blink Video Doorbell, and Blink Sync Module 2. Whether you’re troubleshooting or prepping the device for a new owner, this guide ensures you can reset your camera correctly and efficiently.

Understanding Blink Reset Types

Before jumping into the how-to, it’s helpful to understand what kind of “reset” you need. Blink devices support two types:

1. Soft Reset (Reboot)

This restarts the device without erasing its configuration. It’s used for simple troubleshooting when the camera is unresponsive or not behaving as expected.

 2. Factory Reset (Hard Reset)

This removes all settings and data from the device. It disconnects the camera from your account and Wi-Fi, essentially restoring it to its brand-new state. This is ideal when:

  • Transferring ownership
  • Changing networks
  • Fixing persistent software issues

Now, let’s break down the reset process for each Blink device.

How to Reset Different Blink Cameras Devices

1. Blink Mini (Wired Indoor Camera)

The Blink Mini is the only camera with a physical reset button.

Factory Reset Instructions:

  1. Make sure the camera is plugged in.
  2. Locate the reset button on the bottom of the Blink Cameras.
  3. Using a paperclip or pin, press and hold the button for 5 to 10 seconds.
  4. Release the button when the LED flashes red, then blue.

Once the light flashes blue, your camera is ready to be re-added through the Blink app.

2. Blink Outdoor & Indoor (Battery-Powered Cameras)

These models do not have a reset button, so the reset process is a little different.

Soft Reset (Reboot):

  1. Remove the camera’s back cover.
  2. Take out both AA lithium batteries.
  3. Wait 10–15 seconds.
  4. Reinsert the batteries and close the cover.
  5. Wait for the LED light to blink.

This refreshes the connection and reboots the system without deleting settings.

Full Reset (Remove & Re-add):

To perform a full reset:

  1. Open the Blink app.
  2. Go to the Devices section and tap the gear icon next to the Blink Cameras.
  3. Tap “Delete Device” and confirm.
  4. If it’s part of a system using a Sync Module, you may also need to remove it from the module.
  5. Re-add the camera by tapping the “+” icon, scanning the QR code, and following setup instructions.

Now the camera is ready for a new setup or owner.

3. Blink Video Doorbell

The Blink Video Doorbell includes a physical reset button, but it’s located under the battery cover.

Factory Reset Instructions:

  1. Remove the doorbell from its mounting plate.
  2. Take off the battery cover.
  3. Locate the reset button (usually near the batteries).
  4. Hold it down with a pin or paperclip for 15–20 seconds.
  5. Release when the LED begins flashing red and blue.

Re-add the doorbell through the app once it’s reset and blinking blue.

4. Blink Sync Module 2

The Sync Module connects and manages multiple Blink cameras devices and is essential for most setups (except Blink Mini). Resetting it can resolve camera connectivity issues and prepare the system for a new Wi-Fi network.

Soft Reset (Reboot):

Unplug the Sync Module, wait for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Factory Reset Instructions:

  1. Look for the reset button next to the USB port.
  2. Use a pin or paperclip to press and hold the button for 5 seconds.
  3. Wait for the LED to turn red, then release.
  4. After a few seconds, it should show a blinking blue and solid green light.

This indicates the module is reset and ready to be re-added to your account via the app.

 Reconnecting Blink Cameras After Reset

After resetting your device, you’ll need to reconnect it to the Blink app:

  1. Open the Blink Home Monitor app on your phone.
  2. Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
  3. Choose the type of device (camera, doorbell, Sync Module).
  4. Scan the QR code located inside the battery compartment or on the back of the device.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

If you’re resetting because of network issues, be sure to select the correct Wi-Fi network and enter the right password.

 Important Notes and Troubleshooting

You Must Be Near the Device

You can’t reset a Blink device remotely. Always ensure you have physical access to the camera or Sync Module.

Having Wi-Fi Issues?

If the camera can’t reconnect:

  • Confirm you’re using a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (Blink does not support 5GHz).
  • Check that your phone is connected to the same network.
  • Restart your router or move the camera closer to the router.

Battery Tips

  • Always use AA lithium batteries for Blink Outdoor/Indoor models.
  • Avoid alkaline or rechargeable batteries—they don’t last and can cause performance issues.

When to Reset Your Blink Camera

Resetting your Blink device isn’t something you’ll do daily, but here are a few scenarios where it becomes necessary:

 Common Reasons to Reset:

  • You’ve changed your Wi-Fi router or network name.
  • The camera isn’t responding in the app or is offline.
  • You want to give the camera to someone else.
  • You’re setting up the system again after moving.
  • You want to troubleshoot motion alerts or Live View issues.

Final Cleanup: Removing Blink Devices from Your Account

If you’re selling or gifting your Blink device, make sure to remove it from your Blink accountOpens in a new tab. before handing it over.

Steps:

  1. Go to the Blink app.
  2. Tap on the camera or Sync Module.
  3. Select “Delete Device.”
  4. Confirm deletion.

This ensures the new owner can add the device to their system without errors.

 Can I reset a Blink camera remotely?

No, you cannot reset Blink cameras remotely. You must have physical access to the Blink cameras or the Sync Module to press the reset button or remove the batteries, depending on the model.

What happens when I reset my Blink camera?

A factory reset:

  • Removes the camera from your Blink account
  • Erases Wi-Fi credentials
  • Restores it to its default state
    This means you’ll need to set it up again through the Blink app after resetting.

A soft reset (such as rebooting) simply restarts the device without removing your settings or account connection.

Where is the reset button on Blink cameras?

Only certain models have physical reset buttons:

  • Blink Mini: Bottom of the camera
  • Blink Video Doorbell: Inside the battery compartment
  • Sync Module 2: Near the USB port

Other models like the Blink cameras Outdoor and Indoor do not have reset buttons and are reset via battery removal or app actions.

Do I need to reset my camera when changing Wi-Fi networks?

Yes. Blink devices don’t have a built-in way to switch Wi-Fi networks on the fly. You’ll need to:

  • Delete the camera from the Blink app
  • Perform a reset
  • Re-add it using the new Wi-Fi details

Will resetting the camera delete my video clips?

Resetting the camera does not delete stored videos from the cloud (if you have a subscription). However, clips stored locally on a USB drive will remain unless you manually delete them.

Conclusion

Resetting your Blink camera or Sync Module doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re dealing with technical glitches, network changes, or passing on your device to someone else, a quick reset can bring your Blink cameras back to life or prepare it for a fresh start.

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