Easy Blink Outdoor Camera Mounting Instructions! [Guide]

In an era where home security is paramount, the Blink Outdoor Camera emerges as a user-friendly and effective solution. Its wireless design, coupled with impressive features like motion detection and HD video recording, makes it a popular choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to easily mount a Blink camera outdoors.

Why Choose the Blink Outdoor Camera?

The Blink Outdoor Camera offers a compelling blend of affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for both tech-savvy homeowners and those new to the world of smart security.

Its key benefits include:

• Wireless Convenience: Battery-powered operation eliminates the need for complex wiring, offering flexible placement options.
• Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand the elements, ensuring reliable performance in various outdoor conditions.
• Motion Detection: Instant alerts notify you of any activity near your property, enhancing security and awareness.
• HD Video: Crystal-clear video recording provides detailed footage, crucial for identifying potential threats.
• Affordable Security: Cost-effective security without monthly contracts or hidden fees.

The Importance of Proper Mounting

While the Blink Outdoor Camera boasts impressive capabilities, its effectiveness hinges on proper installation.

A correctly mounted camera ensures optimal performance, maximizing its field of view, motion detection range, and overall security coverage. Conversely, a poorly mounted camera can lead to blind spots, inaccurate motion alerts, and reduced effectiveness.

Moreover, improper mounting can expose the camera to weather damage or even cause it to fall, rendering it useless.

Taking the time to mount your Blink Outdoor Camera correctly is, therefore, an investment in your home’s security and your peace of mind.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Success

This guide is designed to simplify the Blink Outdoor Camera mounting process, providing you with clear, concise, step-by-step instructions.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time installer, we’ll walk you through each stage, from gathering the necessary tools and choosing the ideal location to securing the camera and configuring its settings.

Our goal is to empower you to confidently install your Blink Outdoor Camera, ensuring that it provides reliable and effective security for your home. Let’s get started!

Taking the time to mount your Blink Outdoor Camera correctly is an investment in the security and peace of mind the device provides. A little preparation ensures a smooth installation process and maximizes the camera’s potential.

Preparation is Key: Gathering Your Tools and Choosing the Right Location

Before you even think about drilling holes or attaching brackets, careful preparation is essential. This involves gathering the necessary tools and, more importantly, selecting the ideal location for your Blink Outdoor Camera. The right placement can dramatically improve its effectiveness, while a poor choice can lead to missed events and frustration.

Tools and Materials Checklist

Having everything you need on hand before you start will save you time and prevent interruptions. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:

• Blink Outdoor Camera kit: This should include the camera itself, the mounting bracket, and the necessary screws. Double-check that all components are present before beginning.
• Drill with appropriate drill bits: The type of drill bit you need will depend on the material of your exterior wall (wood, brick, concrete, siding, etc.). Using the wrong drill bit can damage your wall or make it impossible to secure the bracket. Consult a hardware store employee if you’re unsure which bit to use.
• Screwdriver (Phillips head): A standard Phillips head screwdriver is needed to tighten the screws that secure the mounting bracket and camera. A power screwdriver can speed things up, but be careful not to overtighten the screws.
• Level: This ensures the camera is mounted straight and provides a level field of view.
• Measuring Tape: This allows you to accurately measure distance from objects or from the ground to ensure the camera has the correct distance for optimal view.
• Pencil or Marker: For marking screw hole locations.
• Ladder or Step Stool: If mounting the camera at a higher elevation.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris while drilling.

Choosing the Ideal Placement

Selecting the right location is arguably the most crucial step in the installation process. Consider these factors:

Outdoor Use Conditions and Desired Field of View

Think about what you want to monitor. Is it the front door, the driveway, the backyard, or a specific area of concern?
Position the camera to capture the desired field of view, avoiding obstructions like trees, bushes, or overhanging eaves.

Optimizing for Motion Detection

Blink cameras rely on motion detection to trigger recording. Position the camera so that likely paths of movement cross its field of view perpendicularly, rather than head-on. This increases the likelihood of the motion being detected.
Also, consider potential sources of false triggers, such as:

• Moving tree branches
• Passing cars
• Reflections from windows or shiny surfaces
• Direct sunlight

Adjust the camera’s position to minimize these false positives.
Use the Blink app to customize motion detection zones, focusing on areas where activity is most likely to occur.

Angle and Positioning Tips

• Elevated Position: Mounting the camera at a higher vantage point (around 8-10 feet) provides a broader view and reduces the risk of tampering.
• Slight Downward Angle: Angling the camera slightly downward can improve visibility and capture more detail on the ground.
• Avoid Backlighting: Avoid positioning the camera so that it’s facing directly into the sun. This can create glare and reduce image quality.

Wireless Camera Placement and Connectivity

Blink cameras are wireless, which offers flexibility but also means they rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection.

• Test the Wi-Fi signal strength at the intended mounting location before drilling any holes.
• If the signal is weak, consider moving the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router or using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.
• Walls and other obstructions can weaken Wi-Fi signals.
• Try to minimize the number of walls between the camera and the router.

Understanding Weather Resistance

Blink Outdoor Cameras are designed to withstand the elements, but understanding their limitations is important.

Weather Resistance Rating

Blink Outdoor Cameras have an IP65 rating, which means they are protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction.

• They are not designed to be submerged in water.
• Avoid direct exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Protecting the Camera in Extreme Weather

• Heavy Rain or Snow: While the cameras are weather-resistant, prolonged exposure to heavy rain or snow can potentially cause damage. Consider using a protective cover or awning to shield the camera.
• Extreme Heat or Cold: Extreme temperatures can affect battery life and camera performance. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider adjusting the camera’s settings (such as reducing motion detection sensitivity) to conserve battery power.
• Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the camera’s finish and potentially damage internal components. Mount the camera in a shaded area if possible.

By taking the time to carefully prepare and choose the right location, you can ensure that your Blink Outdoor Camera provides reliable and effective security for your home.

Taking the time to mount your Blink Outdoor Camera correctly is an investment in the security and peace of mind the device provides. A little preparation ensures a smooth installation process and maximizes the camera’s potential.

Now that we’ve gathered our tools and pinpointed the perfect location, it’s time to get hands-on and bring your vision to life. This section provides a detailed walkthrough of the mounting process, ensuring your Blink Outdoor Camera is securely and accurately positioned for optimal performance.

Mounting the Camera: A Step-by-Step Guide

This section provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mount the Blink Outdoor Camera. This includes positioning the bracket, drilling pilot holes (if necessary), securing the bracket to the wall, and attaching the camera to the bracket.

Mounting Bracket Installation

The foundation of a successful camera installation is a properly mounted bracket.

This ensures stability and allows for accurate camera positioning.

Positioning the Bracket

Careful bracket placement is crucial for capturing the desired field of view and optimizing motion detection.

1. Choose the desired location on the wall: Hold the mounting bracket against the wall at the spot you’ve selected.

   Visualize the camera’s view from this position.

   Ensure it covers the area you want to monitor.

2. Mark the screw holes: Using a pencil or marker, carefully mark the locations of the screw holes on the wall.

   Use the mounting bracket as a template.

   Accuracy here is key to a secure and level installation.

Drilling Pilot Holes (If Necessary)

Drilling pilot holes is essential when mounting on hard surfaces like brick, concrete, or stucco.

This prevents damage to the wall and makes it easier to insert the screws.

1. Select the correct drill bit: Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws provided with your Blink Outdoor Camera kit.

   If unsure, consult the screw packaging or a hardware store expert.

2. Drill the pilot holes: Carefully drill pilot holes at the marked locations.

   Maintain a steady hand and apply gentle pressure.

   Drill to a depth slightly longer than the screw length.

   Pro Tip: Use a level to ensure your pilot holes are aligned horizontally for a professional finish.

Securing the Bracket

With pilot holes drilled (if needed), it’s time to permanently attach the mounting bracket to the wall.

1. Align the bracket: Position the mounting bracket over the pilot holes, ensuring the screw holes on the bracket line up perfectly with the holes in the wall.

2. Attach the bracket with screws: Using the provided screws and a Phillips head screwdriver, carefully screw the bracket into the wall.

   Turn the screwdriver clockwise.

   Apply firm, even pressure until the bracket is snug against the wall.

   Be cautious not to overtighten the screws.

   Doing so can strip the screw heads or damage the bracket.

3. Ensure the bracket is firmly attached and level: Once the bracket is secured, gently tug on it to confirm it is firmly attached to the wall.

   Use a level to verify that the bracket is perfectly horizontal.

   If the bracket is loose or not level, loosen the screws and make necessary adjustments before re-tightening.

Attaching the Blink Outdoor Camera

With the mounting bracket securely in place, the final step is to attach the Blink Outdoor Camera itself.

1. Align the camera with the mounting bracket: Carefully align the mounting mechanism on the back of the Blink Outdoor Camera with the corresponding slot or attachment point on the mounting bracket.

2. Secure the camera to the bracket: Following the manufacturer’s instructions (usually involving a click, twist, or slide), securely attach the camera to the bracket.

   Listen for a distinct click or feel a secure connection to ensure the camera is properly engaged.

3. Double-check that the camera is securely fastened: Gently try to wiggle the camera.

   It should be firmly attached to the bracket without any play or movement.

   If it feels loose, detach the camera and repeat the attachment process.

   Make sure everything is correctly aligned.

   Safety First: Always handle the camera with care and avoid dropping it during the mounting process.

Configuring Your Camera: Connecting and Customizing Settings

With your Blink Outdoor Camera securely mounted, the next crucial step is configuring it to work seamlessly with your Blink system. This involves connecting the camera to the Blink app, linking it to your wireless network, and customizing settings for optimal performance. Let’s walk through the essential configurations.

Connecting to the Blink App

The Blink app serves as your central control panel, enabling you to view live feeds, manage settings, and receive motion alerts.

Initial Setup and Device Pairing

First, ensure you have the latest version of the Blink app installed on your smartphone or tablet. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account or log in if you already have one.

To add your new camera, tap the "+" icon or the "Add Device" option within the app. Select "Blink Outdoor Camera" from the list of devices and follow the prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you intend to use for the camera.

The app will guide you through the process of entering your Wi-Fi password and syncing the camera with your Blink Sync Module (if required).

Camera Settings within the App

Once the camera is connected, you can access a range of settings within the Blink app.

These include:

• Camera Name: Customize the camera name to easily identify it (e.g., "Front Door," "Backyard").
• Video Quality: Adjust the video resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p) based on your preference and available bandwidth. Higher resolution provides clearer images but consumes more data.
• Audio Settings: Enable or disable the camera’s microphone and speaker.
• Motion Detection: Configure motion detection sensitivity, zones, and clip length (more on this below).

Adjusting Motion Detection Settings

Motion detection is a cornerstone of your Blink Outdoor Camera’s security capabilities.

Configuring these settings precisely can significantly reduce false alarms and ensure you’re alerted only when necessary.

Motion Sensitivity

The Blink app allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection. A higher sensitivity will detect even small movements, while a lower sensitivity will only trigger alerts for larger objects.

Experiment with different sensitivity levels to find the optimal setting for your environment.

Activity Zones

Activity Zones are specific areas within the camera’s field of view that you designate for motion detection. By drawing zones within the app, you can exclude areas like roads or sidewalks that might trigger unwanted alerts.

This feature helps to minimize false alarms and focus on the areas that matter most.

Clip Length and Retrigger Time

Clip Length determines how long the camera records when motion is detected. You can typically adjust this from a few seconds up to a minute.

Retrigger Time is the interval the camera waits after one motion event before it starts recording again. Adjusting these settings helps manage battery life and ensures you capture important events without overwhelming your storage.

Fine-tuning Angle/Positioning for Optimal Coverage

Even with a properly mounted bracket, minor adjustments to the camera’s angle can significantly improve its coverage. Use the Blink app’s live view feature to monitor the camera’s field of view.

Make small adjustments to the camera’s position and angle to eliminate blind spots and ensure you’re capturing the desired area. Pay attention to potential obstructions like trees, bushes, or walls that might interfere with the camera’s view.

Consider how seasonal changes may affect coverage (e.g., tree leaves blocking the view in the summer).

By thoughtfully configuring your Blink Outdoor Camera’s settings, you’ll be able to harness its full potential and create a smart, reliable security system for your home.

Configuring your Blink Outdoor Camera is a significant step, tailoring it to your specific needs and environment for optimal performance. However, even with careful setup, occasional issues can arise. Addressing these promptly ensures your security system remains reliable. Let’s delve into some common problems encountered after mounting and offer practical solutions to get you back on track.

Troubleshooting Common Mounting Issues

Even the most meticulous installation can sometimes encounter hiccups. Don’t worry; most issues are easily resolved with a bit of troubleshooting. Let’s examine some common problems you might face after mounting your Blink Outdoor Camera, along with practical solutions.

Camera Not Connecting to Wi-Fi

One of the most frustrating issues is a camera that refuses to connect to your Wi-Fi network. A stable Wi-Fi connection is critical for your Blink camera to function correctly.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

• Incorrect Wi-Fi Password: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi password in the Blink app. Passwords are case-sensitive, so ensure accuracy.

• Weak Wi-Fi Signal: The camera may be too far from your router or obstructed by walls and other objects. Try moving your router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.

• Router Compatibility Issues: Some routers may not be fully compatible with the Blink system. Consult the Blink support website for a list of compatible routers or consider updating your router’s firmware.

• Sync Module Issues: If you’re using a Sync Module, ensure it’s properly connected to your Wi-Fi and that the camera is within range of the Sync Module. Try restarting the Sync Module.

Poor Video Quality

Experiencing blurry, pixelated, or otherwise subpar video quality can defeat the purpose of having a security camera. Clear video is essential for identifying details and accurately monitoring your property.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

• Low Bandwidth: Insufficient internet bandwidth can affect video quality. Close other bandwidth-intensive applications on your network, such as streaming services or large downloads.

• Video Resolution Settings: Check the video resolution settings in the Blink app. Higher resolutions (e.g., 1080p) require more bandwidth but offer better image quality. Adjust the resolution based on your internet speed.

• Camera Lens Obstruction: Ensure the camera lens is clean and free from dirt, dust, or smudges. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the lens.

• Wi-Fi Interference: Other electronic devices can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. Try moving the camera or router away from potential sources of interference, such as microwave ovens or Bluetooth devices.

False Motion Detection Alerts

Receiving frequent notifications about motion when there’s no actual activity can be annoying and drain the camera’s battery. Reducing false alerts helps focus on genuine security events.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

• Motion Sensitivity Settings: Adjust the motion sensitivity settings in the Blink app. Lowering the sensitivity can reduce the number of false alerts triggered by small movements, such as leaves blowing in the wind.

• Motion Detection Zones: Configure motion detection zones to focus on specific areas of interest and ignore others. This can help eliminate alerts from irrelevant areas, such as a busy street.

• Environmental Factors: Sunlight, shadows, and moving objects like trees or bushes can trigger false alerts. Try repositioning the camera to minimize these factors or use the Blink app to adjust motion detection zones accordingly.

• Infrared (IR) Interference: At night, insects attracted to the camera’s IR lights can trigger motion detection. Consider using an external IR illuminator placed further away from the camera to draw insects away from the immediate vicinity.

Loose Mounting Bracket

A loose mounting bracket can cause the camera to shift, affecting the field of view and potentially damaging the device. A secure bracket is crucial for stability and optimal performance.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

• Improper Installation: Ensure the mounting bracket was properly installed using the correct screws and anchors for your wall type. If necessary, re-install the bracket, taking extra care to secure it tightly.

• Wall Material Degradation: Over time, the wall material around the screws can degrade, causing the bracket to loosen. Consider using larger screws or different types of anchors for better grip.

• Weather Exposure: Extreme weather conditions can weaken the mounting bracket or its connection to the wall. Regularly inspect the bracket for signs of damage or corrosion and replace it if necessary.

• Tampering: If you suspect someone has tampered with the camera or mounting bracket, inspect the setup for damage and re-secure the bracket. Consider adding a security screw or cover to deter tampering.

Alright, you’ve got the blink outdoor camera mounting instructions down! Now go get that Blink camera mounted and your property protected. Happy monitoring!