Can Blink Cameras Record 24/7 or Only When Motion Is Detected

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By Rose Marie

Are you wondering if your Blink cameras can record 24/7 or only when motion is detected? Well, you’re in luck. That’s the question we’re tackling today as we explore these smart devices.

Blink cameras are popular for their convenience and affordability. But can Blink cameras record 24/7 is a big question.

In this journey, we’ll uncover what Blink cameras can and can’t do when it comes to recording, helping you decide if they’re the right choice for your security needs.

Let’s dive in and reveal the secrets of Blink’s recording capabilities.

Can Blink cameras record constantly? Answer Is No

No, Blink cameras are not designed to record 24/7. Blink cameras are battery-powered and are primarily intended for motion-activated recording.

Here’s how Blink camera works:

  1. Motion Activation – Blink cameras are equipped with motion sensors that detect movement in their field of view. When motion is detected, the camera will start recording a short video clip, typically ranging from 5 to 60 seconds, depending on your settings.
  1. Battery Life – Since Blink cameras rely on battery power, continuous 24/7 recording would quickly drain the batteries. To maximize battery life, they are optimized for intermittent, motion-triggered recording.
  1. Customizable Settings – Users can customize the sensitivity of the motion sensor and the length of the recording clip through the Blink app or website. This allows you to tailor the camera’s behavior to your specific needs.
  1. Arming and Disarming – You can also set schedules or manually arm and disarm your Blink cameras. This means you can choose when the cameras are active and when they are not, helping to conserve battery life when you don’t need continuous monitoring.
  1. Storage Space – Continuous 24/7 recording generates a vast amount of video footage. To store this much data, you would need a large-capacity storage device, like a network-attached storage (NAS) system or cloud storage, which can be costly.

If you require continuous 24/7 recording, you should consider other security camera systems, such as wired cameras with DVR (digital video recorder) systems or cloud-based surveillance services. These solutions typically provide a constant video feed and are better suited for long-term, uninterrupted monitoring.

Why Blink Cameras Don’t Record All The Time?

Blink cameras are renowned for their efficiency in conserving battery life and storage space.

Unlike traditional surveillance systems that record 24/7, Blink cameras employ a unique approach to recording. They use a motion-activated recording system, which means they remain in sleep mode until motion is detected.

This innovative design not only prolongs battery life but also ensures that recordings are triggered only when there’s activity in their field of vision.

How Long Can Blink Cameras Record?

The duration for which a Blink camera can record primarily depends on the camera model and the settings you’ve configured.

On average, a standard Blink camera can record for up to 60 seconds per triggered event.

However, the Blink XT2 camera offers an extended recording time of up to 120 seconds, making it ideal for capturing longer events.

How Do I Make My Blink Camera Stay on Live?

While Blink cameras are designed for motion-triggered recording, you can still access live video feeds at any time using the Blink app.

Simply open the app, select the camera you want to view, and tap the “Live View” option. This feature allows you to check in on your property in real time, giving you peace of mind whenever you need it.

Does Blink Record When Disarmed?

By default, Blink cameras do not record when they are disarmed.

When you disarm your Blink camera, it essentially deactivates motion detection, preventing the camera from recording any events. This is a useful feature when you want to prevent recording during times when you’re in the camera’s field of view.

How to Make Blink Camera Record All The Time

If you require continuous recording from your Blink camera, you’ll need to employ a workaround.

Blink does offer a feature called “Continuous Video Recording” (CVR), but it’s available only for Blink XT2 cameras.

CVR requires a subscription plan, and it allows the camera to record continuously for up to 60 seconds and save those recordings to the cloud.

To activate CVR, you’ll need to subscribe to the plan, which can be done through the Blink app or website.

Unveiling Blink Camera’s Motion Detection Feature

When using Blink cameras, you can easily customize the sensitivity of the motion detection feature to ensure accurate alerts for any activity in your designated monitoring areas.

Motion detection feature allows you to have better control over what triggers the camera to start recording and sending notifications.

By adjusting the sensitivity level, you can avoid false alarms caused by irrelevant movements such as tree branches swaying or small pets passing by.

To help you understand how this works, let’s take a look at the table below:

Sensitivity LevelDescription
LowDetects large movements and ignores smaller ones. Ideal for outdoor monitoring with minimal background activity.
MediumBalances between detecting medium-sized movements while still ignoring minor activities. Suitable for most indoor and outdoor environments.
HighDetects even subtle movements ensuring comprehensive surveillance but may increase false alarms due to minor activities like insects or dust.

Conclusion

Blink cameras are designed primarily for motion-triggered recording to conserve battery life and storage space. While they do not record constantly by default, you can access live video feeds at any time using the Blink app.

While Blink cameras excel in providing cost-effective, easy-to-install, and user-friendly home security, they are optimized for motion-triggered recording, making them an excellent choice for many homeowners.

Understanding their limitations and implementing strategies to maximize their effectiveness can help you make the most of your Blink camera system for your specific security requirements.

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