How to Share Blink Camera Access: The Only Method + Tips

If you live in a tight-knit community, asking a next-door neighbor or relative to watch over your house while you're away is quite common. While good-hearted locals probably won't mind the occasional walk-bys to your property, there's no guarantee that they can do so as often as you'd like, especially if we're talking a few months overseas.

With smart cameras, remote monitoring is now possible with just your mobile device and the dedicated app. However, when you're on a holiday in the Caribbean, constantly checking your phone for security alerts doesn't seem enjoyable.

If you're a Blink user, the good news is you can share access to your Blink camera with multiple devices. This way, you don't have to keep your eyes glued to your phone or bother your neighbor or relatives to physically check your house.

How to Share Blink Camera Access

As of writing, there is only one way a primary account holder can share access to his/her Blink camera system with multiple users. Whatever your reason, granting other mobile devices access to your Blink system will only take a few seconds.

Share Your Blink Account Credentials

The most straightforward way to share your Blink account is by sharing your login credentials. Here's how:

1. Access your account from a different mobile device by installing the Blink app on the device you want to share access with.

2. Open the Blink app and log in using your existing Blink account email and password.

3. Each time you log in to the same account from a new device, the Blink app will display an account verification screen and send a new PIN to the mobile phone associated with the account owner.

4. Enter the PIN received via SMS on the new device to access the Blink app. You can select "Trust this device" if you don't want to enter a PIN for future logins.

5. Once logged in, the new user will have access to all the devices associated with your account, including viewing Blink camera footage and managing account settings.

Manage Verified Mobile Devices

The primary account owner can view and manage all devices that have accessed their Blink account within the last 30 days. Here's how:

1. Tap on "Settings" in the Blink app.

2. Select "Account and Privacy."

3. From the "Account and Privacy" screen, tap on "Manage Mobile Devices."

4. An SMS message with a verification code will be sent to the primary account holder's phone number. Enter the code in the Blink app and tap "Verify."

Trust This Device

During the account verification process, there is an option to "Trust this device." Selecting this option allows the app to not require a verification code for future logins on the trusted device.

As of writing, the Blink app can be shared with up to 100 verified mobile devices. In the rare case that the Blink account is shared with more than 100 devices, you will see this on your screen:

What Features Can Secondary Devices Access?

When secondary devices access the Blink app within the same account, they inherit certain privileges and limitations. Here's an overview of what other devices can access:

1. Controlled Interactions: Some interactions, such as changing settings or accessing certain features, may require verification through a security PIN sent to the main account holder. This ensures secure access and control over the Blink devices.

2. Device Management: The main account holder has control over which devices are allowed access to the Blink app. This management ensures that only trusted devices can interact with the system.

3. System-wide Changes: Any changes made by one user affect the entire system for all users within the same account. This includes actions like arming and disarming the Blink system, adjusting camera settings, creating schedules, saving Live View, and deleting clips.

4. Notification Options: Each device within the account has its own notification settings. While all users share the same account, individual devices can have customized notification preferences. For example, the main account holder might receive notifications for every motion alert, while a family member's device could be configured to only show notifications for a specific event, such as a doorbell press.

To access and customize notification options:

• Tap the 'gear' icon in the footer of the Blink app.

• Select "Notification Options" to reach the settings screen.

It's important to note that once clips are deleted from cloud storage, they cannot be retrieved or restored. Therefore, users should exercise caution when managing recorded footage to avoid permanent loss of data.

How to Revoke Access to Your Blink Camera

Blink camera owners can revoke access to their cameras anytime. Whether it be a change of heart or privacy concerns, this process can be easily managed from the Blink app on your mobile device. Once a mobile device has been removed from an account, it loses access to your Blink account. Here's how to revoke access from a mobile device:

1. Click on the Blink mobile app menu icon, go to "Settings", then tap "Account and Privacy Settings".

2. Select "Manage Mobile Devices".

3. Locate the mobile device you wish to remove access from.

4. Tap the trash bin icon next to the device name.

5. Confirm the action when prompted.

This action immediately logs the removed device out of the Blink account.

To regain access from the removed mobile device:

1. Sign back in to your Blink account on the removed device.

2. Follow the in-app multi-factor authentication process, similar to when adding the account to a different device.

Pros of Sharing Blink Camera Access

Granting access to your security cameras offers security benefits and convenience for households and businesses alike. Giving access to multiple individuals to monitor camera feeds and receive alerts remotely guarantees peace of mind.

1. Enhanced Security: Shared access allows for collaborative monitoring, increasing overall security by providing multiple sets of eyes on your property.

2. Convenience: Family members or trusted individuals can access camera feeds remotely, allowing for convenient monitoring and management.

3. Monitoring: Sharing access enables real-time monitoring of your Blink cameras from multiple devices, enhancing situational awareness.

Cons of Sharing Your Blink Camera

While sharing access to Blink cameras offers numerous benefits, there are also important considerations regarding privacy, trust, and security.

1. Privacy Concerns: Sharing access may raise privacy concerns, especially if sensitive areas are monitored or if individuals are unaware they are being recorded.

2. Trust Dependency: Sharing access requires trust between users, as they can view the camera's live feed and potentially interact with camera settings.

Best Practices for Sharing Blink Camera Access

Sharing access to Blink cameras can help enhance security and convenience, but it also comes with important considerations to ensure privacy, trust, and security. By following the best practices for sharing Blink camera access below, you can maximize the benefits of collaborative monitoring while minimizing potential risks:

1. Choose Who Gets Access: Grant access only to users you trust, such as a close family member or a trusted friend. Remember, these people will be able to access all the cameras and view every corner of your property 24/7.

2. Communicate Clearly: Clearly communicate access guidelines and expectations to shared users to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

3. Secure Account Credentials: Sharing the same credentials with other users means they have unrestricted access to your security devices. Keep Blink account credentials secure and avoid sharing them unnecessarily to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Regularly Review Access: Periodically review and update access permissions to remove unnecessary users and ensure security.

FAQ

How do I share my Blink account with family?

The most direct method to share your Blink account is by providing your login credentials:

1. Install the Blink app on the device you want to share access with.

2. Log in using your Blink account email and password.

3. Verify your login by entering the PIN sent to your mobile phone.

4. Once logged in, the new user gains access to all devices associated with your account, including viewing camera footage and managing settings.

Can 2 people have access to Blink cameras?

Yes, two people can have access to Blink cameras by sharing login credentials.

How do I kick someone off my Blink account?

Go to "Manage Account" in the Blink app, locate the mobile device you wish to remove access from, and tap the trash bin icon next to the device name.

How many devices can connect to Blink?

As of writing, the Blink app can be shared with up to 100 verified mobile devices. In the rare case that the Blink account is shared with more than 100 devices, you will receive a notification in the app.