Blink cameras use AA lithium batteries, not alkaline

Blink outdoor and indoor cameras run on two AA lithium batteries — not alkaline batteries, even though they are the same physical size. Lithium batteries last longer in these cameras because they handle the power draw of the motion sensor and video transmission better than alkaline cells do. If you put alkaline batteries in a Blink camera, they will work at first but drain much faster, sometimes in a few months instead of two years.

The camera itself does not care which brand you buy, as long as the batteries are AA lithium. Energizer Ultimate Lithium, Duracell Ultra Lithium, and Amazon Basics Lithium AA batteries all work. The difference between brands is usually small — they all last roughly the same length of time in a Blink camera, and price varies by where you buy them.

Do not use rechargeable AA batteries (NiMH) in a Blink camera. The camera's firmware expects a certain voltage curve from a fresh lithium cell, and rechargeable batteries do not provide it. The camera may report a low battery warning even when the rechargeable cells are fully charged, or it may shut down without warning.

Key Takeaways

  • Blink cameras require two AA lithium batteries, not alkaline or rechargeable cells.
  • Lithium batteries last roughly two years in a Blink camera under normal use, while alkaline batteries drain in a few months.
  • Any brand of AA lithium battery works — Energizer, Duracell, and Amazon Basics are all compatible.
  • Rechargeable (NiMH) AA batteries will not work reliably and may trigger false low-battery warnings.

Why lithium instead of alkaline

Lithium batteries hold their voltage more steadily as they drain, which matters because Blink cameras draw power in short bursts when the motion sensor triggers and the camera sends video to the cloud. Alkaline batteries drop voltage faster under this kind of intermittent load, so the camera drains them quicker. Over two years, a pair of lithium AA batteries will cost you less than replacing alkaline batteries three or four times.

The motion sensor itself is the biggest power consumer in a Blink camera. It runs constantly, checking for movement. When motion is detected, the camera powers up the video sensor, compresses the footage, and transmits it to Amazon's servers. Lithium cells handle this cycle more efficiently than alkaline cells, which is why the manufacturer specifies them.

How long batteries actually last

Under normal use — a camera that records a few times a day in a moderate-traffic area — two AA lithium batteries last roughly two years. Heavy use, such as a camera pointed at a busy street or a front door with frequent deliveries, can drain batteries in 12 to 18 months. Light use, such as a camera in a low-traffic back corner, may stretch batteries to two and a half or three years.

Temperature also affects battery life. Blink cameras in cold climates drain batteries faster because lithium cells lose capacity in freezing temperatures. A camera outside in winter will need new batteries sooner than one in a climate-controlled garage or indoors.

The Blink app shows battery level as a percentage. When it drops below 20 percent, the app sends a notification. You do not have to replace batteries when ready at that point — the camera will keep working for weeks or months — but it is a signal to order replacements so you are not caught with a dead camera.

Where to buy and what to expect to pay

AA lithium batteries are sold at most retailers that carry batteries: drugstores, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online. A pack of four AA lithium batteries (enough for two cameras) costs between $8 and $15 depending on the brand and where you buy. Energizer and Duracell are usually the most expensive; Amazon Basics and store brands are cheaper and perform the same way in a Blink camera.

Buying in bulk — a pack of eight or twelve batteries — lowers the per-battery cost. If you have multiple Blink cameras, buying a larger pack makes sense because you will use the batteries eventually.

Installing batteries in your Blink camera

Open the battery compartment on the back of the camera. The compartment is usually held closed by a small screw or a sliding latch, depending on the camera model. Insert two AA lithium batteries with the positive end (the flat end marked with a plus sign) facing toward the spring inside the compartment. Close the compartment and tighten the screw or slide the latch back into place.

The camera will connect to your Blink system within a few seconds. If it does not, restart the camera by removing the batteries for 10 seconds, then reinserting them. The app will show the battery level as 100 percent when the batteries are fresh.

What happens when batteries run low

When battery level drops below 20 percent, the Blink app sends a notification to your phone. The camera continues to record and transmit video, but you should replace the batteries within the next few weeks. If both batteries drain completely, the camera stops working until you install fresh ones. The camera does not store video locally, so a dead camera means you miss any motion events until power is restored.

If you are away from home when batteries die, you cannot access the camera remotely until you return and replace them. For this reason, many people set a phone reminder to check battery levels every three months, especially if they have cameras in hard-to-reach places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular alkaline batteries in a Blink camera?

Alkaline batteries will work at first, but they drain much faster than lithium batteries — usually in two to four months instead of two years. The camera does not know the difference, but you will be replacing batteries constantly. Lithium batteries are worth the extra cost.

Will rechargeable batteries work in a Blink camera?

Rechargeable (NiMH) AA batteries are not recommended. Blink cameras expect the voltage curve of a lithium cell, and rechargeable batteries do not provide it. You may see false low-battery warnings or the camera may shut down unexpectedly even when the rechargeable batteries are fully charged.

Do I need to buy Blink-brand batteries?

No. Any brand of AA lithium battery works in a Blink camera. Energizer, Duracell, Amazon Basics, and store brands all perform the same way. Buy whichever brand is cheapest where you shop.

How do I know when to replace the batteries?

The Blink app shows battery percentage. When it drops below 20 percent, you will receive a notification. You can replace them when ready or wait a few weeks — the camera keeps working until both batteries are completely dead.

What should I do with old batteries?

Take used lithium batteries to a battery recycling program. Many retailers, including Best Buy and Home Depot, accept batteries for recycling at no charge. Do not throw them in the trash.