Is your Blink camera acting up — freezing, going offline, or refusing to record? Don’t worry — often, a simple reset is all it takes to get your device back on track. Resetting your Blink camera can fix a wide range of issues, from lost Wi-Fi connections to firmware glitches, saving you time, frustration, and the need for costly replacements.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reset Blink camera models.

When Should You Reset Your Blink Camera?

Before jumping into a reset, it’s important to know when it’s actually needed. Resetting your Blink camera can quickly solve several common issues, including:

  • Connectivity Issues: If your camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi or keeps dropping offline.
  • Frozen or Lagging Feeds: When live video or recorded clips freeze, stutter, or fail to load.
  • Unresponsive Camera: If the device doesn’t respond to app commands like arming/disarming.
  • Failed Firmware Updates: After an update, your camera might glitch or malfunction until it’s reset.
  • Sync Module Problems: If your entire system (not just one camera) is acting up, a reset might be needed for both the Sync Module and individual cameras.

Resetting can often save you a support call or a new purchase — but it’s important to choose the right type of reset.

Blink Camera
Source: Security.org

Types of Blink Camera Resets

Not all resets are the same. Depending on the severity of the issue, you might need either a soft reset or a hard reset. Here’s what each means:

Soft Reset

  • A soft reset simply restarts your Blink camera without erasing any settings or recorded footage.
  • It fixes temporary glitches, slow performance, or minor app syncing issues.
  • Example: Power-cycling the camera (unplugging and plugging back in) or pressing the reset button briefly.

Hard Reset (Factory Reset)

  • A hard reset returns your camera to factory settings — just like when you first bought it.
  • This erases all custom settings, Wi-Fi connections, and linked accounts.
  • Example: Pressing and holding the reset button for 20+ seconds until the LED flashes red.

Soft Reset vs Hard Reset Outcomes

FeatureSoft ResetHard Reset (Factory Reset)
Resets Wi-Fi SettingsNoYes
Deletes Saved VideosNo (Videos are cloud stored)No (Unless local storage removed)
Removes from Blink AccountNoYes
Fixes Minor GlitchesYesYes
Requires Re-setupNoYes (Full reconfiguration needed)
Typical Time to CompleteUnder 2 minutes5–10 minutes

Notes:

  • For simple glitches, always try a soft reset first.
  • Only perform a hard reset if the device becomes completely unresponsive or you plan to sell it.

How to Reset Different Blink Camera Models

Resetting a Blink camera isn’t one-size-fits-all — each model has slightly different buttons, steps, and behavior after a reset. Here’s exactly how to do it for your specific device:

How to Reset Blink Mini

The Blink Mini is one of the simplest models to reset.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Locate the reset button — It’s a small hole underneath the camera.
  2. Use a paperclip or small tool to press and hold the reset button.
  3. Soft Reset: Press and hold for about 5 seconds until the LED blinks blue.
  4. Hard Reset (Factory Reset): Hold for 15-20 seconds until the LED blinks red.

Quick Tip:

  • After a soft reset, your Wi-Fi settings remain intact.
  • After a hard reset, you’ll need to re-add the Mini to your Blink app.

How to Reset Blink Outdoor Camera

The Blink Outdoor Camera is a bit more rugged, but resetting it is still straightforward.

Button Locations and Time Needed:

  • The reset button is located inside the back cover, near the batteries.

How to Reset:

  1. Remove the back cover carefully.
  2. Locate the reset button next to the batteries.
  3. Soft Reset: Press for 5 seconds.
  4. Hard Reset: Press and hold for 20 seconds.

Soft Reset vs Factory Reset Tip:

  • A soft reset helps when the outdoor cam disconnects from Wi-Fi.
  • A hard reset is better if the device won’t pair at all or shows constant errors.

How to Reset Blink Doorbell Camera

The Blink Video Doorbell has two versions — wired and battery-powered — and each handles resets a little differently.

Differences If Wired vs Battery-Powered:

  • Wired Mode: Reset button is accessible without removing the doorbell.
  • Battery Mode: You may need to remove the unit from its mounting plate.

How to Reset:

  1. Press and hold the reset button (small hole at the back or bottom) using a pin.
  2. Hold for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes red.

Special Notes on Settings:

  • Wired doorbells may reconnect automatically after a soft reset.
  • Battery-powered doorbells will require manual Wi-Fi reconnection if hard reset.

How to Reset Blink Sync Module (Important!)

Many Blink camera issues are tied to the Sync Module (the hub connecting multiple cameras). Sometimes, resetting the cameras alone won’t help unless you reset the module.

How to Reset Blink Sync Module:

  1. Find the reset button — It’s a small hole next to the USB power port.
  2. Use a small pin to press and hold the button.
  3. Soft Reset: Press for 5 seconds (helps reconnect Wi-Fi without full loss).
  4. Hard Reset (Factory Reset): Hold for 20–30 seconds until the LED flashes red rapidly.

Important Note:

  • Soft Reset keeps your camera setups intact.
  • Hard Reset wipes the Sync Module and requires setting up all cameras again!

Pro Tip:

Always try soft resetting the Sync Module first before performing a full factory reset — it saves time and avoids redoing your whole system!

Real-World Use Case: Reset Solved My Offline Camera Issue

Sometimes, a simple reset makes all the difference.

Example Story:

“After returning from a two-week trip, I noticed my Blink Outdoor Camera wasn’t reconnecting to Wi-Fi. The live view wouldn’t load, and motion detection was down. I tried restarting my router first — no luck. Finally, I performed a soft reset on my Blink Outdoor, and within 5 minutes, it reconnected, started recording again, and restored my peace of mind!”

Takeaway:
If your camera ever goes offline, a quick reset could save you hours of troubleshooting.

Comparison: Blink Reset vs Competitor Cameras (Ring, Arlo)

How does resetting a Blink camera stack up against popular competitors like Ring and Arlo? Here’s a quick side-by-side:

FeatureBlink CameraRing CameraArlo Camera
Reset Button LocationEasy to accessOften inside mountSometimes hidden
Soft Reset OptionYesLimited (restart only)Yes
Factory Reset SimplicityStraightforwardCan be complexModerate difficulty
Time to Reset5–10 minutes10–20 minutes10–15 minutes
Impact on SettingsPartial or FullFull reset needed oftenDepends on model
User-FriendlinessVery user-friendlyModerateModerate

Insight:

  • Blink offers one of the easiest reset processes, especially compared to Ring’s deeper system resets and Arlo’s trickier hardware reset points.
  • For casual users and DIY homeowners, Blink wins in simplicity and speed.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Reset Blink Camera 

Can you factory reset a Blink camera?

Yes, you can factory reset most Blink cameras by holding down the reset button for a set amount of time (usually 5–15 seconds depending on the model).
Important: Factory resetting will erase Wi-Fi settings and disconnect the camera from your account, requiring a full setup again.

What happens after resetting my Blink camera?

After a reset:

  • Wi-Fi settings may be erased (depending on soft vs hard reset).
  • Camera may need to be re-added to your Blink system.
  • Most settings like motion zones, privacy zones, and schedules may need reconfiguration.
  • Footage stored in the cloud or local storage is usually unaffected unless you delete your Blink account or manually remove videos.

Will I lose recordings if I reset my Blink camera?

No, a reset does not delete past cloud recordings stored in your Blink account.
However:

  • If using a Local Storage setup with a USB device and Sync Module 2, ensure it’s properly backed up.
  • Always double-check storage after a hard reset to confirm all is safe.

How long does a Blink camera take to reset?

  • A soft reset usually takes 2–5 minutes.
  • A factory reset may take 5–10 minutes plus extra time to reconnect and reconfigure the camera.

Do I need to reset both camera and sync module?

Not always.

  • If only one camera is malfunctioning, reset just that device first.
  • If all cameras go offline or lose connection, it’s wise to reset the Sync Module first.
  • A Sync Module reboot often fixes system-wide issues without resetting every individual camera.

Related Quick Guides

  • How to Factory Unlock/Hard Reset a Blink Camera:
    ➔ Hold the physical reset button for 15 seconds until LED indicators flash.
  • Reset Button on Blink Outdoor Camera:
    ➔ Small button near the battery compartment or bottom of the device — often needs a pin or paperclip to press.
  • How to Reset and Connect Your Blink Camera to Wi-Fi:
    ➔ After reset, open the Blink app → Tap “+” to add a device → Follow the on-screen Wi-Fi reconnection instructions.
  • All Cameras Lost Connection? Rebooting the Sync Module:
    ➔ Simply unplug the Sync Module for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait 1–2 minutes.
    ➔ Most times, this fixes system-wide disconnections without needing a full reset!

Conclusion

Resetting your Blink camera is a quick and effective way to fix common problems like Wi-Fi drops, frozen feeds, and connection errors. Whether it’s a soft reset or a full factory reset, following the right steps ensures minimal hassle and maximum uptime.

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