In this digital age, securing your home has become paramount. Fortunately, smart home security cameras like the Blink Outdoor Camera offer an easy and effective way to monitor your property and deter potential intruders. Setting up the Blink Outdoor Camera is a breeze, enabling you to establish a watchful eye on your home within minutes. With its intuitive design and user-friendly interface, even those unfamiliar with home security systems can quickly get started.
To begin, you’ll need to download the Blink Home Monitor app, available on both iOS and Android devices. Once installed, create an account and follow the on-screen prompts to add your Blink Outdoor Camera. The app will guide you through the pairing process, ensuring a seamless connection between your smartphone and the camera. Once paired, you can customize camera settings such as motion detection sensitivity, recording duration, and activity zones.
Next, it’s time to mount your Blink Outdoor Camera in a strategic location. The camera comes with a flexible mounting bracket that allows for easy placement on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. Choose a location that provides a clear view of the area you wish to monitor, ensuring optimal coverage and minimal blind spots. Additionally, ensure the camera has a strong Wi-Fi signal for uninterrupted connectivity and reliable performance.
Unboxing the Camera
1. Opening the Package
Begin by carefully opening the Blink Outdoor Camera packaging. Inside, you’ll find the following items:
- Blink Outdoor Camera
- Two AA lithium batteries
- Mounting bracket
- Mounting screws and anchors
- Wrench
- Quick start guide
2. Examining the Camera and Mount
Take out the camera and examine it closely. Identify the following components:
- Lens
- Motion sensor
- Microphone
- Speaker
- LED indicator
Inspect the mounting bracket as well. It consists of:
- Two adjustment knobs
- Two mounting holes
- A release button
3. Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Mount
- Slide the battery compartment open and insert the included AA lithium batteries as indicated.
- Align the camera with the mounting bracket and insert it securely. Tighten the adjustment knobs to hold the camera in place.
- Decide on the placement of the camera and use the screws and anchors to mount it to a wall or other surface.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Lens | Captures video and images |
| Motion Sensor | Detects movement and triggers recording |
| Microphone | Records audio |
| Speaker | Plays audio |
| LED Indicator | Indicates camera status (e.g., recording, connected) |
Choosing the Ideal Location
Finding the perfect spot for your Blink Outdoor Camera is crucial for capturing optimal footage and ensuring the security of your property. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the location:
Visibility and Field of View
Position the camera in a location with a clear and unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Avoid placing it behind objects or in shadowy spots that may obscure the camera’s sight. The camera’s field of view should cover a wide range of the area, maximizing the chances of capturing important events.
Coverage and Distance
Consider the distance between the camera and the area you want to monitor. The Blink Outdoor Camera has a range of approximately 25 feet. Ensure the camera is placed close enough to capture clear images and videos. If necessary, install multiple cameras to cover larger areas or blind spots.
Power Source and Accessibility
The Blink Outdoor Camera requires a power source either through batteries or a wired connection. Choose a location that provides easy access to a power outlet or allows you to change batteries conveniently. Additionally, ensure the camera is easily accessible for maintenance or adjustments.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Visibility and Field of View | Clear and unobstructed view, wide field of view |
| Coverage and Distance | Within 25 feet of target area, multiple cameras for larger areas |
| Power Source and Accessibility | Easy access to power outlet or batteries, convenient maintenance |
Mounting the Camera
Choose an ideal mounting location for your Blink Outdoor Camera. Ideally, this should provide a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Ensure the camera is at a suitable height, typically between 6-8 feet above the ground, allowing for a wide field of view.
Selecting the Mounting Option
The Blink Outdoor Camera offers two mounting options:
- Wall Mount: Suitable for flat surfaces such as walls or fences.
- Corner Mount: Designed for use at corners, providing a wider viewing angle.
Attaching the Mounting Bracket
Follow these steps to attach the mounting bracket:
- Position the bracket over the desired location and mark the mounting holes with a pencil.
- Drill pilot holes at the marked locations using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws provided.
- Insert the included screws into the holes and tighten them securely.
Connecting the Camera to the Bracket
- Slide the camera onto the mounting bracket, aligning the tabs on the camera with the slots on the bracket.
- Push the camera down until it clicks into place, securing it to the bracket.
- Adjust the camera’s angle and tighten the adjustment screw to secure its position.
Additional Considerations
| Aspect | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Mounting Height | Higher placement provides a broader view but may be more susceptible to distortion. |
| Field of View | Wider angles offer a larger coverage area but may sacrifice detail. |
| Power Source | Ensure the camera is within reach of a power outlet or solar panel for uninterrupted operation. |
Customizing Camera Settings
Once you have your Blink Outdoor Camera set up and connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can customize the camera settings to your liking. Here’s how:
Video Quality
You can choose the video quality for your camera from three options: low, medium, and high. The higher the video quality, the more data it will use. If you’re on a limited data plan, you may want to choose a lower video quality.
Motion Detection Sensitivity
You can adjust the motion detection sensitivity of your camera to reduce false alarms. The higher the sensitivity, the more likely the camera is to detect motion. However, a higher sensitivity can also lead to false alarms.
Motion Detection Zones
You can create motion detection zones to only receive alerts when motion is detected in specific areas of the camera’s field of view. This can help to reduce false alarms.
Night Vision Settings
The Blink Outdoor Camera has night vision capabilities. You can adjust the night vision settings to control the brightness and range of the night vision.
Audio Settings
You can enable or disable audio recording for your camera. You can also adjust the audio volume.
Notifications
You can choose to receive notifications when your camera detects motion. You can also customize the notifications you receive, such as the type of notification and the time of day you receive them.
Other Settings
There are a number of other settings you can customize for your camera, including:
- The camera’s name
- The time zone
- The date and time format
- The language
Accessing Live View
Live View allows you to monitor your property in real time. To access Live View:
- Open the Blink app.
- Tap the camera you want to view.
- Tap the “Live View” button.
You can use the Live View controls to:
- Pan the camera left and right.
- Tilt the camera up and down.
- Zoom in and out.
- Talk through the camera.
- Trigger the siren (if your camera has one).
Accessing Recordings
Recordings are stored in the cloud and can be accessed for up to 60 days. To access recordings:
- Open the Blink app.
- Tap the camera you want to view.
- Tap the “Events” tab.
- Select the event you want to watch.
- Tap the “Play” button.
You can use the playback controls to:
- Pause, rewind, and fast-forward.
- Download the recording.
- Share the recording with others.
**Additional Features:**
Motion Detection
Motion detection triggers recordings when the camera detects movement within its field of view.
Custom Activity Zones
Custom activity zones allow you to specify areas within the camera’s field of view that trigger recordings. This can help reduce false alarms.
Night Vision
Night vision allows the camera to record in low-light conditions.
Two-Way Audio
Two-way audio allows you to talk through the camera to anyone who is in front of it.
Privacy Mask
Privacy mask allows you to block out specific areas of the camera’s field of view from recording.
How To Set Up Blink Outdoor Camera
Setting up your Blink Outdoor Camera is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few minutes. Here are the steps you need to follow:
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Download the Blink app. The Blink app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
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Create an account. If you don’t already have a Blink account, you will need to create one. To do this, tap on the “Create Account” button and follow the instructions provided.
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Add your camera. Once you have created an account, you can add your Blink Outdoor Camera. To do this, tap on the “+” button in the top right corner of the home screen and select “Add Camera.”
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Scan the QR code. On the back of your Blink Outdoor Camera, you will find a QR code. Use the Blink app to scan this QR code. This will automatically add the camera to your account.
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Select a location. Once your camera has been added to your account, you will need to select a location for it. To do this, tap on the camera in the home screen and select “Location.” You can then choose from a list of pre-defined locations or create your own.
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Mount the camera. Once you have selected a location for your Blink Outdoor Camera, you will need to mount it. To do this, use the included screws and anchors to attach the camera to the chosen surface.
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Test the camera. Once your camera is mounted, you can test it to make sure it is working properly. To do this, open the Blink app and tap on the camera. You should then see a live video feed from the camera.
People Also Ask About How To Set Up Blink Outdoor Camera
What is the Blink app?
The Blink app is a free app that allows you to control your Blink Outdoor Camera. With the Blink app, you can view live video feed from your camera, receive motion alerts, and adjust the camera’s settings.
How do I create a Blink account?
To create a Blink account, you will need to download the Blink app and follow the instructions provided. You will need to provide your name, email address, and password.
How do I add my Blink Outdoor Camera to my account?
To add your Blink Outdoor Camera to your account, you will need to open the Blink app and tap on the “+” button in the top right corner of the home screen. Select “Add Camera” and scan the QR code on the back of your camera. The camera will then be automatically added to your account.
