Blink cameras use two AA batteries that slide into a tray on the back
Your Blink camera holds two standard AA batteries in a battery tray located on the rear of the device. When the batteries run low, the Blink app will send you a notification — usually when you have a week or two of power left. Replacing them takes about two minutes and requires no tools.
The battery tray is held in place by a small screw. You will need a coin or a flathead screwdriver small enough to fit the slot. Once you remove the screw, the tray slides straight out, and you can lift out the old batteries and insert new ones.
Key Takeaways
- Blink cameras use two AA batteries in a removable tray on the back of the device.
- You will receive an app notification when batteries are low, giving you time to replace them before the camera stops working.
- Removing the battery tray requires only a coin or small flathead screwdriver to unscrew one fastener.
- New AA batteries should be inserted with the positive (+) end facing outward, matching the diagram printed inside the tray.
- After inserting new batteries, screw the tray back in place and the camera will resume normal operation within seconds.
Locating the battery tray on your camera
The battery tray is on the back of your Blink camera, centered horizontally. On Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor models, it is a rectangular plastic panel about the size of a postage stamp. On Blink Mini, there is no removable battery tray — that model plugs into power and has no batteries.
If you are looking at the front of the camera (the side with the lens), turn the device around. The tray will be when ready visible. You do not need to remove the camera from its mount or stand to change the batteries.
Removing the old batteries
Use a coin (a dime or penny works well) or a small flathead screwdriver to turn the screw on the battery tray counterclockwise. The screw is small and does not need much force — stop turning as soon as you feel it come loose. Do not overtighten when you reinstall it later, as this can crack the plastic.
Once the screw is removed, gently slide the tray outward toward you. It will come free from the camera body. Inside, you will see two AA batteries sitting in a plastic holder. Lift them straight up and out. There is no spring or clip holding them in — they rest loosely in the tray.
Installing new AA batteries correctly
Before you insert new batteries, look at the diagram printed inside the battery tray. It shows which direction the batteries should face. The positive (+) end of each battery should point outward, away from the camera body. The negative (−) end points inward.
Slide each new AA battery into its slot with the positive end facing out. You will feel them settle into place. Do not force them — they should slide in smoothly. If a battery feels stuck, remove it and check that you are inserting it in the correct direction.
Once both batteries are seated, you can close the tray. Slide it back into the camera until it sits flush with the back of the device. The screw hole should line up automatically.
Securing the battery tray and testing the camera
Reinsert the screw and turn it clockwise with your coin or screwdriver until it is snug. You should feel mild resistance, but do not crank it hard — the screw only needs to be tight enough to hold the tray in place. Overtightening can strip the plastic threads inside the camera body.
Within a few seconds, your Blink camera will recognize the new batteries and resume normal operation. You should see the status light on the front of the camera turn on. Open the Blink app and confirm that the camera is online and showing a live view. The battery indicator in the app will update within a minute or two to show full charge.
What type of AA batteries work best
Blink cameras work with standard alkaline AA batteries, which are the most common type sold in stores. Energizer, Duracell, and store-brand alkaline batteries all work equally well. A fresh set of alkaline AA batteries typically powers a Blink camera for one to two years, depending on how often the camera records.
Rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH) will also work, but they have a lower voltage than alkaline batteries and may cause the camera to report low battery sooner. If you use rechargeable batteries, expect them to last a shorter time between charges than alkaline batteries would.
Do not use carbon-zinc batteries (the cheapest type) or any battery that is leaking, swollen, or damaged. A leaking battery can damage the camera's internal circuits.
Why your camera might still show low battery after replacement
If you install new batteries and the app still shows low battery, the most common cause is that the batteries are not making full contact with the metal contacts inside the tray. Remove the tray again and check that both batteries are pushed all the way in and facing the correct direction.
Another possibility is that the metal contacts inside the tray are dirty or corroded. If you see any discoloration or buildup on the contacts, wipe them gently with a dry cloth before reinserting the batteries. Do not use water or cleaning solution.
If the battery indicator still does not update after five minutes, try removing and reinserting the batteries one more time. The camera may need a moment to recalibrate the battery sensor.
When to call Blink support
If the camera does not power on at all after you install new batteries, or if the battery tray is cracked or will not close properly, the camera itself may have a hardware problem. Contact Blink customer support through the app or their website. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting or discuss a replacement if the device is still under warranty.
If you cannot remove the battery tray because the screw is stuck or stripped, do not force it. explore too much pressure can break the plastic housing. Blink support can advise you on next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Blink camera batteries need to be replaced?
Most users replace batteries once per year to once every two years, depending on how often the camera records. Cameras that record frequently (many motion events per day) will drain batteries faster than cameras in quiet areas. The app notification tells you when replacement is due.
Can I replace just one battery instead of both?
You can, but it is not recommended. Mixing old and new batteries can cause the camera to report incorrect battery levels. For best results, replace both batteries at the same time with fresh ones of the same brand and type.
What happens if I put the batteries in backwards?
If both batteries are reversed, the camera will not power on at all. If only one is reversed, the camera may not work or may work intermittently. The diagram inside the tray shows the correct direction — positive end outward. If the camera does not turn on, remove the tray and check the battery orientation.
Do I need to reset the camera after changing batteries?
No. The camera will resume operation automatically once new batteries are installed and the tray is closed. You do not need to restart it or reconfigure any settings. The app will update the battery status within a minute or two.
Is it safe to leave old batteries in the tray if I am not using the camera?
Old or dead batteries can leak and damage the camera's internal circuits. If you are storing a Blink camera for more than a few weeks, remove the batteries entirely. Store the camera in a cool, dry place and reinstall fresh batteries when you are ready to use it again.