What batteries do Blink cameras use?

Blink Cameras are popular among new smart home owners looking for a reliable and uncomplicated home security setup.

One of the factors for Blink's success has to do with its power source.

The wireless cameras are powered by two AA lithium batteries just like your TV remote.

While convenient and cost-effective, lithium AA batteries don't have the same capability as other power sources, so it's understandable that Blink had to make adjustments when it came to the camera's features, also to extend battery life.

What kind of batteries do Blink cameras use?

Blink devices use AA lithium batteries. These are non rechargeable batteries, but it can also work on alkaline batteries as well as rechargeable Li ion batteries.

As the latter two aren't compatible with Blinks, they can damage your security camera in the long run.

However, you can still safely use Li ion through a third-party battery pack.

The battery pack serves as an adapter, turning your Li ion battery's power into something compatible with your Blink camera.

Do note that this might not work with the XT and XT2, but the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor should work fine.

How long do Blink camera batteries last?

A Blink camera battery should last up to two years. That's 5,882 seconds of Live View, 4,788 seconds of Live View with two-way talk, and 43,200 seconds of motion-activated recordings.

By default, the cameras work for around 70 seconds per day, unless there's a lot of motion activated recording.

Frequent motion detection can hurt battery life, resulting to your camera batteries lasting much shorter than the 2 years, Blink claims.

In some cases where a lot of activity is recorded, battery power could be spent in as short as 98 to 720 minutes - or half a day. If you want to avoid that, you can invest in a solar panel for your Blink cameras.

What affects the battery life?

There are several factors that can affect the battery life of your Blinks.

• Slow Internet. Slow Internet speeds increase battery consumption.

• Weak signal strengths. Weak signal between Blink devices or Wi-Fi connection affects battery performance.

• Extreme temperatures. Batteries have to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Extreme heat or coldness can affect battery life.

• Incompatible batteries. Make sure to use compatible batteries for your Blink devices. Incompatible batteries including lithium ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and alkaline batteries shouldn't be used.

• Use of rechargeable batteries. Blink security cameras are only compatible with AA lithium batteries that are non rechargeable. You can also try using battery packs that convert Li-Ion current into something suitable for your Blink.

If you want to ensure a longer battery life for your Blink camera, you can use a battery extension. That way, you won't have to replace the batteries for a long time.

Can you replace Blink camera batteries?

Yes, Blink camera batteries are replaceable and easy to find.

Because they use the common AA batteries, you probably already have the replacement batteries in your home, or at the closest convenience store.

At the back of the device is a tool that you use to unscrew the back cover to access the batteries.

How to replace Blink camera batteries

Replacing the batteries on your Blink cameras is as easy as popping in the batteries on your TV remote.

Note that the process may slightly vary depending on what model you have.

Blink Indoor and Outdoor Cameras

1. Take the camera off of any mount.

2. Use the tool found at the back of the device to unfasten the rear cover.

3. Take the cover off. You'll find 2 AA batteries inside.

4. Pop out the old batteries and insert the new ones.

5. Put back the rear cover and tighten the screw using the included tool.

Blink XT and XT2 Cameras

1. At the back of the device is a grey switch with an arrow pointing down.

2. Slide and hold the grey switch in the direction of the arrow.

3. Gently lift the battery cover with your thumb.

4. Take off the old batteries and put in the replacement. Blink XT and XT2 Cameras use two 1.5V lithium batteries.

Blink Mini

The Blink Mini doesn't need replacement battery as it uses a micro USB cable to operate.

What battery brands work with Blink Cameras?

Here are some of the best batteries available in the market for your Blink Cameras:

• Energitech - these batteries have a lithium-ion battery cell composition and promises up to a 10-year life span

• Energizer - these batteries work perfectly fine under extreme temperatures (from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Duracell Optimum - Duracell Optimum AA Batteries are rechargeable alkaline batteries that can last up to 10 years. They're anti-corrosion and leak proof.

• Duracell AA - these batteries can last up to 10 years or 400 recharges.

• Bevigor - have a solid lithium-ion battery cell composition. They can withstand extreme temperature changes within a device.

• Amazon Basics - alkaline batteries that can last up to 10 years. They're leakproof, spill proof, and have an insulating ring to avoid short circuits.

But before you rush in to buy batteries, check the other charging options for Blink XT & XT2.

Blink XT vs XT2 battery differences

The Blink XT and XT2 cameras use the same size and type of batteries. They're pretty much identical except for the XT having a slightly bigger housing size around the camera lens.

Alkaline vs lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are lighter than alkaline batteries, which makes them ideal for compact devices.

They're also designed to last longer, which is why they're the best battery type for devices for which battery swaps are a major inconvenience.

While alkaline batteries have a longer shelf life, they're prone to hazardous leakages involving potassium hydroxide.

Lithium batteries also have better low-temperature performance than alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries can withstand extreme temperatures, which makes them ideal for outdoor devices.

Because alkaline batteries are designed with a water-based electrolyte, cold temperature reduces ion mobility, therefore slowing down the chemical reactions and effectively reducing the battery's capability to produce the required electrical battery power.

FAQ

How many batteries does Blink camera use?

Blink cameras use two AA lithium batteries. These are the same batteries you use for day to day devices like a remote control and even your kids' toys.

Can I use alkaline batteries in Blink camera?

Using Alkaline or rechargeable batteries including Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, and Ni-MH is not advised. These batteries can't supply sufficient current for Blink products. However, you can still safely use Li ion through a third-party battery pack. The battery pack serves as an adapter, turning your Li ion battery's power into something compatible with your Blink camera. Do note that this might not work with the XT and XT2, but the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor should work fine.

Is there a risk that an off brand camera battery will hurt my new camera?

Yes, off brand camera batteries are not specifically designed for the cameras and can therefore hurt your Blink device. There's a possibility of leakages, over-voltages, short circuits, and even batteries catching fire.

What are the cheapest batteries for Blink cameras you can get?

Some of the more affordable batteries you can get for your Blink cameras are: Energitech, Energizer, Duracell, and Amazon Basics. These batteries usually come in multipacks, which means more savings for you.