Blink cameras use two AA batteries each

Most Blink indoor and outdoor cameras require two AA batteries to operate. This is true for the Blink XT2, Blink Outdoor, Blink Indoor, and Blink Mini models, though the Mini is the exception — it does not use batteries at all and must be plugged into power.

The two AA batteries sit in a compartment on the back or bottom of the camera body. You will need alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable AA batteries; the camera does not accept any other size or type. Blink does not include batteries in the box, so you will need to buy them separately before the camera can turn on.

Battery life varies depending on how often the camera records. A camera set to record only when motion is detected typically lasts 1 to 2 years on a single pair of batteries. Cameras recording continuously or recording very frequently will drain batteries much faster — sometimes in a few months. Cold temperatures also drain batteries faster than room temperature.

Key Takeaways

  • Blink Indoor, Outdoor, and XT2 cameras each need two AA batteries; the Blink Mini does not use batteries and plugs into a wall outlet instead.
  • Batteries are not included with your camera, so purchase two AA alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries before setup.
  • Motion-detection mode typically keeps batteries running for 1 to 2 years, but continuous recording or frequent activity drains them in months.
  • Cold weather reduces battery life, so cameras in outdoor or unheated spaces may need replacement sooner than indoor cameras.
  • The Blink app sends a notification when battery level drops to 20 percent, giving you time to replace them before the camera stops working.

Where to find the battery compartment

The battery compartment is located on the back of Blink Indoor cameras and on the bottom of Blink Outdoor and XT2 models. You will see a small door or panel marked with a battery symbol. To open it, slide or unclip the panel — no tools are needed.

Inside, you will find two slots labeled with a plus and minus sign showing which direction the batteries go. Insert one AA battery into each slot with the positive end (the flat end) facing the plus sign. Close the compartment firmly until you hear or feel it click into place. The camera will power on within a few seconds.

Choosing the right batteries

Alkaline AA batteries are the most common choice and work well for most users. They are inexpensive and widely available at any grocery store or pharmacy. A standard alkaline battery lasts about 1 to 2 years in a motion-detection camera.

Lithium AA batteries cost more but last longer — often 2 to 3 years in the same camera. They also perform better in cold weather, making them a good choice if your camera is outdoors or in an unheated space. Rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH) work but typically do not last as long as alkaline or lithium because they have a lower voltage and drain faster.

Do not mix battery types or use old and new batteries together. Always replace both batteries at the same time, even if only one appears dead. Mixing old and new batteries can cause one to drain faster or leak.

How to know when batteries are running low

The Blink app displays the battery level for each camera in the device settings. Open the app, select your camera, and tap the settings icon (usually a gear symbol). Look for "Battery" or "Device Health" — this shows the current percentage.

When battery level drops to 20 percent, the app sends a notification to your phone. This gives you a week or two to buy replacement batteries before the camera stops working entirely. Some users set a phone reminder for the first of each month to check battery levels, which prevents surprises.

If a camera stops responding or shows "offline" in the app, low batteries are often the cause. Replace them and wait 30 seconds for the camera to reconnect to your network.

Replacing batteries without losing your settings

Replacing Blink camera batteries does not erase your settings, recordings, or camera name. The camera stores this information in the cloud, not in the batteries. When you insert fresh batteries, the camera reconnects to your network and resumes normal operation within a minute.

To replace batteries: open the battery compartment, remove the old batteries, insert two new AA batteries in the correct direction, and close the compartment. Wait for the camera light to turn solid blue (usually 30 to 60 seconds), which means it has reconnected. You do not need to re-add the camera to the app or change any settings.

If the camera does not reconnect after 2 minutes, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This usually fixes connection issues after a battery replacement.

Blink Mini and other plug-in models

The Blink Mini is the only Blink camera that does not use batteries. It plugs directly into a wall outlet using a USB power adapter (included in the box). Because it draws power from your home's electrical system, you never need to replace batteries.

The Blink Video Doorbell also does not use batteries — it is powered by your existing doorbell wiring. If you have a battery-powered Blink camera and want to switch to a plug-in model, the Mini is the most affordable option and works indoors or in covered outdoor spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Blink camera?

Yes, rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH type) work in Blink cameras, but they typically drain faster than alkaline or lithium batteries because they have a lower voltage. Most users find they last 6 to 12 months instead of 1 to 2 years. If you use rechargeable batteries, buy a quality charger and keep a spare pair charged so you always have a backup ready.

What happens if I put the batteries in backwards?

The camera will not turn on if both batteries are inserted backwards or if one is reversed. The battery compartment has a plus and minus symbol showing the correct direction. If your camera does not power on after inserting batteries, open the compartment and check that the flat end of each battery faces the plus sign.

Do I need to remove batteries before unplugging the camera from WiFi?

No. Batteries power the camera itself, not the WiFi connection. You can remove the camera from your WiFi network in the app without touching the batteries. If you want to remove the camera entirely, you can leave the batteries in — they will not drain if the camera is not connected to power or WiFi.

Why do my batteries drain so fast?

Fast battery drain usually means the camera is recording very frequently, either because motion detection is too sensitive or because there is a lot of activity in the camera's view. Check your motion detection settings in the app and lower the sensitivity if the camera is triggering too often. Cold weather also drains batteries faster, so outdoor cameras in winter may need replacement every 6 to 12 months instead of 2 years.

Can I use 9-volt or AAA batteries instead of AA?

No. Blink cameras are designed for AA batteries only. The compartment will not fit any other size, and using the wrong battery type can damage the camera. Always use two AA alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries.