When considering home security, the ability to record video footage around the clock can be invaluable – so it’s normal to wonder if your Blink camera is up to the task.
Unfortunately, Blink cameras aren’t built to accommodate continuous, uninterrupted recordings for hours on end.
That said, there are ways to circumvent that limitation:
- Use Blink Live View in real-time
- Install a Blink Sync Module to modify capture period length
- Use another camera brand to handle the task
We’ll go over each option in a little more depth and cover whether or not Blink camera users can expect this feature in an update down the line.
Is Continuous Recording Available for Blink?
When considering whether your Blink camera can record continuously, you must understand the limitations and capabilities of the system.
Blink cameras are designed primarily for motion detection, meaning they record short clips in response to motion events rather than capturing footage non-stop.
Some Blink camera models, such as the Blink XT, offer continuous recording, but this feature comes with caveats.
Continuous recording requires a constant power supply and sufficient storage space. Since Blink cameras are typically battery-powered, continuous recording might drastically reduce the battery life.
For continuous recording, you will likely need a subscription to Blink’s cloud storage service, which incurs additional costs. Without this subscription, you cannot utilize the continuous recording capability to its fullest extent.
Here are some points to remember:
- Continuous recording is not the default setting; it must be manually enabled.
- A subscription is needed for continual cloud storage access.
- The feature is not available on all Blink models.
- Continuous use may lead to faster battery drain and increased data storage requirements.
Common Workarounds
To enable continuous recording on your Blink camera, certain adjustments and additional hardware may be necessary. Here are some specific steps you can take.
Blink Live View
Your Blink camera’s Live View feature allows you to see a real-time video feed. While this is not the same as continuous recording, you can keep an eye on your property in real time.
To use this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Blink app on your smartphone.
- Select the camera to view.
- Tap on the “Live View” button.
Remember, Live View will not record the video unless you actively choose to do so within the app.
Blink Sync Module Installation
Another option is to use a Blink Sync Module, which supports the creation of clips when your camera detects motion. Here’s a brief guide:
- Connect the Sync Module to power and your Wi-Fi network.
- Link your camera to the Sync Module through the Blink app.
- Adjust the camera settings in the app to manage clip recording lengths and retrigger times.
Though the Sync Module does not provide continuous, non-stop recording, it maximizes the camera’s ability to capture events, allowing you to set a longer recording duration.
Supplement It With Another Camera Brand
Sometimes the most effective way to achieve constant surveillance is by complementing your Blink system with a different camera brand designed for continuous recording.
Consider these points:
- Research camera brands that offer 24/7 recording features.
- Check compatibility with your current smart home setup.
- Ensure you have adequate storage solutions for the increased footage, like cloud service or local storage options.
Can We Expect The Feature In The Future?
Currently, Blink cameras are designed primarily for short-term recordings to preserve battery life and bandwidth. However, the question remains whether continuous recording could become a staple feature down the line.
Hardware Constraints:
- Blink cameras are inherently battery-powered which limits their ability to record non-stop without frequent battery changes.
- Continuous recording requires more robust storage solutions to handle the increased data.
Software Adaptations:
- Software updates could potentially enable more flexible recording options.
- Enhancement of cloud services could allow for more extensive video storage.
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, it’s plausible to anticipate that in the future Blink may offer solutions to overcome these challenges.
Enhancements like improved battery technology, more efficient use of bandwidth, or the use of alternative power sources could pave the way for this feature.
Moreover, as user demand for more comprehensive security options grows, Blink might respond with new product designs for the feature – but bringing up old releases to this standard is unlikely unless they release accessories to facilitate that.
