how to make blink camera record all the time

House Authors

3 min read

·

13-12-2024

47

0

Share

How to Make Your Blink Camera Record All the Time (Almost!)

Blink cameras are known for their affordability and ease of use, but their motion-activated recording can be frustrating for those wanting continuous surveillance. While true 24/7 recording isn't built into the standard Blink system, there are several ways to achieve near-constant monitoring, each with its own pros and cons. This guide will explore these options to help you find the best solution for your security needs.

Understanding Blink's Limitations

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand why Blink doesn't offer native 24/7 recording. Continuous recording consumes significant cloud storage, increasing subscription costs. Blink's motion detection balances affordability with functionality, offering a cost-effective alternative for many users.

Methods for Near-Continuous Blink Camera Recording

1. Increasing Motion Detection Sensitivity:

• The Simplest Approach: The most straightforward method is to increase your Blink camera's motion detection sensitivity. This makes the camera more likely to trigger recording even with minimal movement.
• How to do it: Navigate to the Blink app, select your camera, and adjust the sensitivity slider. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between capturing relevant events and minimizing false positives. Be aware that overly high sensitivity can lead to many short, unnecessary recordings.
• Pros: Free and easy to implement.
• Cons: Consumes more cloud storage; high sensitivity may lead to numerous false triggers, filling your storage quickly.

2. Utilizing Continuous Recording with a Sync Module 2:

• Requirement: This method requires the Blink Sync Module 2, the central hub for your Blink system.
• How it works: The Sync Module 2 allows you to choose a continuous recording setting, although its functionality isn't truly constant recording in the same way as a dedicated security camera with local storage. The recording is still dependent on the camera's battery and available storage.
• Pros: Offers longer recording segments compared to motion detection alone.
• Cons: Requires the Sync Module 2 (additional cost); still relies on available battery power and cloud storage (or a local SD card, if supported by your model); can be expensive over time.

3. Employing a Third-Party Solution (NVR):

• The Most Robust Solution: For truly continuous recording, a Network Video Recorder (NVR) is the most reliable solution. This device acts as a central hub, storing footage directly to a hard drive, independent of the cloud.
• How it works: You'll connect your Blink cameras to the NVR, which will continuously record footage. This eliminates reliance on the Blink cloud storage and battery life concerns.
• Pros: Enables 24/7 recording; significant storage capacity; often offers more advanced features like remote viewing and different recording modes.
• Cons: Requires purchasing and setting up an NVR (significant upfront cost); more technically demanding to set up than other methods.

4. Using a Local Storage Solution (if applicable):

• Model-Specific: Some newer Blink camera models allow for local SD card storage. This acts as an intermediary step between only relying on cloud storage and purchasing an NVR.
• How it works: Once the SD card is connected, footage is stored locally on your camera. You'll still need a Wi-Fi connection for cloud synchronization of important clips.
• Pros: A more cost-effective solution than an NVR.
• Cons: Still limited by the SD card's capacity.

Choosing the Right Approach

The best method depends on your budget, technical skills, and security needs. If you need a simple solution and don't mind some false triggers, increasing motion sensitivity is a good starting point. For longer recording segments and less dependence on cloud storage, the Blink Sync Module 2 is a viable upgrade. However, for true, uninterrupted 24/7 recording with substantial storage, an NVR offers the most comprehensive solution. If possible, a local SD card solution may be the most budget-friendly compromise.

Remember to always consult the Blink support website and your camera's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions. Choosing the right approach will ensure your Blink cameras provide the level of security you require.