Blink cameras use two AA batteries that last about two years

Most Blink indoor and outdoor cameras run on two standard AA batteries. You do not need to plug them in or charge them — you straightforward replace both batteries when they run low. The battery indicator in the Blink app tells you when replacement is coming due, usually giving you several weeks of notice before the camera stops working.

Battery life depends on how often the camera records. If your camera records 10 to 20 times per day, the batteries typically last around two years. Cameras that record more frequently — say 50+ times daily — may need new batteries after one year. Cameras in low-activity areas might go longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the battery status in the Blink app under device settings before you run out of power, since the app shows remaining percentage.
  • You need two AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable) and a small Phillips screwdriver or coin to open the battery compartment on the back of the camera.
  • Remove both old batteries at once, then insert the new ones with the positive end (+) facing toward the spring inside the compartment.
  • After you insert new batteries, the camera reconnects to your network automatically — you do not need to reset it or re-add it to the app.

Where to find the battery compartment

The battery door is on the back of your Blink camera. On indoor models, it is a small rectangular panel. On outdoor models, it is usually on the bottom or back edge. The door has a small slot or indentation where you can fit a coin or the tip of a Phillips screwdriver.

Do not force the door. If it feels stuck, try a different coin or screwdriver angle. The door should slide or pop out with gentle pressure. Once it opens, you will see two AA battery slots side by side.

Removing old batteries and inserting new ones

Take out both old batteries at the same time. You can use your finger or a plastic tool — do not use metal tweezers near the electrical contacts. Set the old batteries aside.

Insert the new AA batteries with the positive end (+) facing toward the metal spring at the end of each slot. The spring pushes up against the positive end to complete the circuit. If you insert them backward, the camera will not power on. Most people find it easier to insert one battery, then the second, rather than trying both at once.

Close the battery door by sliding it back into place or pressing it until you hear a click. The door should sit flush with the camera body.

What type of batteries work best

Alkaline AA batteries (like Duracell or Energizer) work in all Blink cameras. Rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH type) also work, though they may not last quite as long per charge because they have a lower voltage than alkaline batteries.

Do not use carbon-zinc batteries or old, partially drained batteries. Mixing old and new batteries in the same camera can cause one battery to drain faster than the other, shortening overall life. Always replace both batteries at the same time.

How the app tells you when batteries are low

Open the Blink app and go to your camera's device settings. You will see a battery percentage displayed — usually at the top of the settings screen or in a dedicated battery section. When the percentage drops below 20 percent, Blink sends a notification to your phone.

You do not have to change the batteries when ready when you see the low-battery warning. Most cameras continue working for several more weeks at 10 to 15 percent. However, waiting until the battery reaches zero means your camera will stop recording without warning, so it is better to replace them when the app first alerts you.

After you insert new batteries

The camera should reconnect to your home network within 30 seconds to a few minutes. You will see the battery percentage update in the app — it should jump back to 100 percent. The camera does not need to be reset, re-added to the app, or reconfigured.

If the camera does not reconnect after five minutes, check that the batteries are inserted correctly (positive end toward the spring) and that the battery door is fully closed. If it still does not reconnect, restart the camera by removing the batteries for 10 seconds, then reinserting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Blink camera?

Yes. Rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH type) work in Blink cameras, though they may not last as long per charge as alkaline batteries because they have lower voltage. If you use rechargeable batteries, you will likely need to replace them more often than you would with alkaline batteries.

What happens if I put the batteries in backward?

The camera will not power on. The positive end (+) must face the metal spring at the end of the slot. If your camera does not turn on after you insert new batteries, remove them and check the orientation. Blink cameras have no risk of damage from reversed batteries — they straightforward will not work until you correct the direction.

Do I need to do anything in the app after changing batteries?

No. The camera reconnects automatically and updates the battery percentage in the app on its own. You do not need to restart the app, restart the camera, or re-add it to your account. Just close the battery door and wait a few minutes for the app to show the new battery level.

How often should I replace the batteries?

It depends on how much your camera records. Most cameras last about two years with normal use (10 to 20 recordings per day). Cameras in high-activity areas may need new batteries after one year. The app battery indicator is the most reliable way to know — replace them when the percentage drops below 20 percent.

Can I change the battery while the camera is mounted on the wall?

Yes. You do not need to unmount the camera to change the batteries. straightforward reach around to the back or bottom, open the battery door, swap the batteries, and close the door. The camera stays in place and continues to record.