Open the battery compartment on the back of the camera

The battery door is on the back of your Blink camera, below the lens. Look for a small rectangular panel with a slight indent or groove running along one edge. This is the door you'll slide open to reach the batteries inside.

To open it, place your fingernail or a flat tool like a coin in the groove and slide the panel downward. It should move smoothly without force. If it feels stuck, you're likely pushing in the wrong direction — try sliding it up instead, as some models open that way. Once the panel slides free, set it aside somewhere you won't lose it.

Key Takeaways

  • Blink cameras use two AA lithium batteries, not alkaline, which last significantly longer in the cold and provide more reliable power.
  • Insert each battery with the positive end (+) facing toward the spring inside the compartment, or the camera will not power on.
  • Close the battery door completely by sliding it back into place until you hear or feel a click.
  • The camera will show a green light or send a notification to your phone once the batteries are installed and the device connects to your network.

Insert two AA lithium batteries with the positive end facing the spring

Inside the compartment you'll see two battery slots arranged vertically or side by side, depending on your camera model. Each slot has a metal spring at one end. The spring marks the negative (-) end of the slot, so the positive (+) end of your battery must face toward the spring.

Take your first AA lithium battery and hold it so the flat positive end (marked with a +) points toward the spring. Slide it into the slot gently until it makes contact with the spring and sits flush. Repeat with the second battery in the adjacent slot. Both batteries must be inserted the same way — positive end toward the spring — or the camera will not turn on.

Do not force the batteries. They should slide in smoothly and sit level with the compartment. If a battery feels stuck or won't go in, remove it and check the orientation. A battery inserted backward is the most common reason a Blink camera fails to power on.

Use lithium batteries, not alkaline, for longer battery life

Blink cameras work with both AA lithium and AA alkaline batteries, but lithium batteries last much longer — typically two to three years instead of one year. Lithium batteries also perform better in cold weather, which matters if your camera is mounted outside or in an unheated garage.

Alkaline batteries are cheaper upfront and work fine if you're willing to replace them more often. If you choose alkaline, buy a fresh set rather than using old ones from a drawer, because weak batteries can cause the camera to drop its connection to your network. Lithium batteries are worth the extra cost if your camera is hard to reach or if you want to check it less frequently.

Close the battery door and wait for the connection light

Slide the battery door back into place by pushing it upward or downward, depending on which direction it opened. Push until you feel or hear a click, which means the door is fully seated. A loose door can cause the camera to lose power unexpectedly.

Once the door is closed, the camera should power on within a few seconds. If your Blink camera is already connected to your home network and the Blink app, you'll see a green light on the front of the camera or receive a notification on your phone saying the device is online. If the camera doesn't connect within 30 seconds, remove the batteries, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert them.

Troubleshoot if the camera doesn't turn on

If the camera remains dark or offline after you install fresh batteries, the most likely cause is incorrect battery orientation. Remove both batteries and check that you inserted them with the positive (+) end facing the spring. Reinsert them and wait 30 seconds.

If the camera still doesn't respond, try a different set of batteries. Even new batteries can occasionally be defective. If a second set also fails to power on the camera, the battery compartment contacts may be corroded or the camera itself may have a hardware problem. In that case, contact Blink support with the camera model number and the date you purchased it.

Replace batteries when the app shows low battery status

The Blink app will send you a notification when the battery level drops to 20 percent or lower. At that point, you have a few weeks before the batteries fully drain, so you don't need to replace them when ready. However, waiting until the camera goes offline means you'll lose video recording until you install fresh batteries.

Replace the batteries using the same steps: open the door, remove the old batteries, insert new ones with the positive end toward the spring, and close the door. You don't need to reset the camera or reconnect it to your network — it will come back online automatically once the new batteries are in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable AA batteries in my Blink camera?

Yes, rechargeable AA batteries work in Blink cameras, but they drain faster than disposable lithium or alkaline batteries because they have a lower voltage. You'll need to recharge them every few months instead of every one to three years. Rechargeable batteries are a good choice if you're willing to maintain them regularly and want to reduce waste.

What happens if I put the batteries in backward?

The camera will not power on. The battery contacts inside the compartment are designed to work only when the positive end faces the spring. If you insert a battery backward, it cannot complete the electrical circuit. Remove the battery, flip it around, and reinsert it with the positive end toward the spring.

Do I need to remove the batteries if I'm not using the camera for a while?

If you plan to leave the camera unused for more than a few months, removing the batteries prevents them from slowly draining and potentially leaking inside the compartment. If you're storing the camera for just a few weeks, leaving the batteries in is fine. Store the camera and batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Why does my camera keep losing connection even with new batteries?

Low battery voltage can cause connection drops before the app shows a low battery warning. Try replacing the batteries with a fresh set, especially if the old ones have been in the camera for over a year. Also check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong where the camera is mounted — weak signal combined with low battery power makes disconnections more likely.