What is the Sync Module 2 and how does it work?
The Sync Module 2 is our newest 'coordinator' for your Blink system. The Sync Module is plugged into your wall outlet and connected to your always-on Wi-Fi network to handle activity for up to ten Blink devices. This saves camera batteries, and improves convenience for scheduling, and arming a group of devices at once.
For Local Storage, the Sync Module 2 has an active Type-A port to insert a USB drive between 1 GB and 256 GB in size. You can save clips to USB from "eligible" cameras, which are the Blink Wired Floodlight, Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras, and view them in the Blink app.
The Sync Module 2 stores clips to USB in two different ways:
- With a Blink Subscription, a once-daily clip backup is saved. Not viewable in the clip list.
- Local Storage happens when there is no active subscription.
- Clips from eligible cameras are saved directly to the USB drive.
- Local Storage clips are viewable in the clip list.
What cameras work with the Sync Module 2?
All Blink cameras and devices work with the Sync Module 2.
The Blink Wired Floodlight, Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras can store clips with the Sync Module 2 when it has a recognized USB drive inserted. This is called Local Storage. Clips in Local Storage stay until you delete them manually.
If your account was created before April 16, 2020, you have 7200 seconds of Basic Cloud storage for any clips. Clips in Basic Cloud storage appear under the Cloud icon in the Clip List, and the Storage Bar shows how much storage has been used. Clips are deleted according to the Autodelete setting, with a maximum of 60 days (30 days EU, UK).
With a Blink Plus Plan subscription, all cameras save clips to cloud storage, and your clips are visible in the Blink app. If a compatible USB drive is inserted in the Sync Module 2, a once-daily cloud backup is saved. Clips are deleted according to the Autodelete setting, with a maximum of 60 days (30 days EU, UK).
The Blink Basic Plan subscription is for a single camera, and saves clips to the cloud. If a compatible USB drive is inserted in the Sync Module 2 managing that camera, a once-daily cloud backup will be saved to the USB drive. When a Blink Basic Plan is active on your account, all other devices attached to a Sync Module 2 use Local Storage. Clips are deleted according to the Autodelete setting, with a maximum of 60 days (30 days EU, UK).
Is the Sync Module 2 capable of cloud storage or local storage only?
The Sync Module 2 supports cloud storage subscriptions. Learn moreabout subscription plan benefits. When a compatible USB drive is recognized by the Sync Module 2, and there is an active subscription covering one or more devices on the system managed by that Sync Module 2, a once-daily clip backup is saved from any eligible camera on the system.
Only the Blink Wired Floodlight, Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras are eligible for Local Storage, but all Blink cameras may be part of a Sync Module 2 system.
Blink XT2, XT, and Indoor (gen 1) cameras only use the 7200 seconds of free cloud storage. Local Storage is not available for these cameras. Click to learn more about Sync Module 2 Storage Options.
Does the Sync Module 2 work like the first Blink Sync Module?
Yes, the Sync Module 2 works as a traditional sync module and works with all generations of Blink cameras from our original Indoor (gen 1), XT, and XT2 - to the new Blink Wired Floodlight, Video Doorbell, Indoor (gen 2), Outdoor, and Mini. When an older camera is set up on the Sync Module 2, it uses 7200 seconds of Basic Cloud storage.
Are there any subscription fees for the Sync Module 2?
There are no subscription fees to use the Sync Module 2.
The Sync Module 2 has improved hardware and firmware that allow special features when used with a Blink Subscription Plan, however. Learn more about subscription plan benefits.
It is possible to use an inserted USB drive with the Sync Module 2 to store clips directly from a camera system. This is called Local Storage.
What about the Sync Module 2 USB drive?
The Sync Module 2 can use a USB drive to store clips directly from Wired Floodlight, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras. It does not ship with a USB drive, which must be purchased separately.
USB drives larger than 256 GB or smaller than 1 GB are not recognized.
The drive is considered "Full" when it has less than 375MB of free space remaining.
If this happens, you are alerted, and nothing more is written to the drive.
What happens when a USB flash drive is inserted in the Sync Module 2?
When a USB flash drive is inserted, the sync module will check to see if the device has size of 1 GB to 256 GB and more than 375 MB of free space available.
The Format is checked, and if necessary, you are asked to allow reformatting of the drive. This procedure removes ALL information from the drive permanently and reformats the drive as exFAT.
When complete, the Local Storage section of the app is updated to show you have an active USB drive attached.
When does the Clip Backup occur?
A Clip Backup occurs when a Sync Module 2 with a recognized USB drive is on an account with an active subscription. The Clip Backup occurs once in a 24 hour time period. Due to the length of time to download each backup, and the variable number of clips being backed up, there is no set time when the backup takes place.
To be sure that a particular clip is in the backup, you need to check the time of the last backup to make sure the file you seek is on the USB drive. To view Clip Backups, the USB drive must be removed from the Sync Module 2 and moved to a computer or similar device.
Never remove the USB drive without first using the "Safe Eject" button in the Sync Module settings page.
If the USB drive is removed, will the cameras still record?
Yes, the cameras will still show Live View, but clips can only be saved to Local Storage when a USB drive is inserted and recognized.
When the USB drive is safely ejected and removed, an alert notification is shown: “USB storage device removed from SM2.” and a “No Clips” message appears in the Local Storage folder.
Is the Sync Module 2 setup the same as before?
Yes, setting up the Sync Module 2 follows the same steps as our original Sync Module.
You scan a barcode and connect to Wi-Fi from the Blink app.
For Local Storage features, a USB drive can be inserted to store up to 256 GB of clips.
How are clips managed by the Sync Module 2?
The Sync Module 2 can store clips on an inserted USB drive. When you have a subscription plan, new clips are saved as a once-daily clip backup of the cloud storage. When the Sync Module 2 is not connected to a subscription, and a USB drive is recognized, the clips are saved as Local Storage and can be found in the clip roll.
Clip Backup files are accessed on the USB drive when it is safely ejected and moved to your computer. A copy each new clip gets downloaded to the USB drive once every 24 hours while the Sync Module 2 is online.
Local Storage files are shown in the Blink app clip list and can be deleted from there, or by moving the USB drive to your computer. In the clip list, only the first 1000 clips are displayed from the past 30 days of activity. To see additional clips, you must move the drive to your computer.
Can both local storage and a subscription be used?
Yes, customers can use both forms of storage.
This situation may occur when a subscription starts or stops and the primary storage location for a system is changed. If you change to Local Storage, and have clips in Cloud Storage, they will stay there until the Auto-delete age is reached. By default the Auto-delete is set to the maximum of 60 days (30 days in the EU, UK).
If you have one device on a Blink Basic Plan, any other Sync Module 2 systems that have a USB drive inserted, self-configure for Local Storage. In your clip list, the cloud storage clips are shown under the "cloud" icon 
.
For the XT2, XT, or Indoor (gen1) cameras that you connect to a Sync Module 2, Blink gives them 7200 seconds of free basic cloud storage to share. This is true even if the other cameras on that same system are saving to Local Storage on the USB drive.
Do all sync modules have local storage?
No, only the Sync Module 2 has the firmware or hardware required to support USB drives for local storage.
Can there be more than one sync module on a subscription?
Yes. Subscriptions apply to the camera devices on your account. A Basic Subscription covers a single device. The Plus Subscription covers all of your devices. Since each device can only be connected to a single Sync Module, it is common that more than one Sync Module 2 is actively saving clip backups.
What if the USB drive is removed while clips are being uploaded?
If a Cloud Backup is interrupted and does not complete, the incomplete file is not marked as 'stored' and another attempt is made to download at the next scheduled time.
If Local Storage is saving to the USB drive when power is interrupted, the clip is lost.
Are the clips stored in an accessible format?
Yes, all clips will be stored in MP4 format and can be viewed using Windows Media Player (or other applications) when the USB drive is inserted into computer or similar device.
Does Blink encrypt video clips on USB?
Clips on the USB drive are saved in MP4 format. The MP4 format is recognized by most software and social media. Your clips are not encrypted as they are being saved.
What happens if my Wi-Fi or power goes out while clips are being downloaded?
If your Wi-Fi or power goes out while a clip is being saved, the download fails, and will be attempted again at the next available time.
When Wi-Fi speeds are not steady, downloads can fail, even though the system was "on" and working. We suggest a broadband internet connection.
What is the standard file size for a clip stored on local storage?
File size changes based on the quality setting and the length of your clip. We use H.264 compression to provide consistent quality for the smallest file size. A high quality setting uses more data per second of video, so you should adjust the settings to provide a quality of video you desire for the file size you want to store.
Live View sessions are up to 5 minutes long and can be very large files, so consider your data connection when you view clips in the Blink mobile app.
Will clips that were already backed up to a local storage device download again to another inserted device?
No, every clip that is successfully backed up is marked, and is not downloaded again.
Your clips can be copied from one USB drive to another, using a computer.
Will I be able to see my Local Storage clips in the Blink app?
Yes, Local Storage Clips (where camera clips save to the USB drive) are shown in the Blink app if you have a Sync Module 2 with a compatible USB drive and the camera is not attached to a subscription.
When you open the clip List, your USB drive provides a list of the most recent 1,000 clips created in the past 30 days of activity. To view all clips, you must safely eject the USB drive and move it to your computer.
Clip Backup
When camera is attached to a subscription, the cloud backup clips are not shown in the Blink app, but the date and time of the last backup is shown in the Local Storage screen. Check the clip list to compare the 'Last backed Up' date and time, to that of your recent clips, to be sure they were included in the backup.
To view the backup clips, you must safely eject the USB drive and move it to your computer.
Does the Sync Module 2 support USB 2, or USB 3?
The Sync Module 2 has a USB 2.0 Type A port. The USB standard is backwards compatible, meaning USB 3.0 Type A drives can be used with the Sync Module 2, so long as the size is between 1GB and 256 GB. The input/output speed of USB 2.0 is available from the Sync Module 2.
Where is the Device Serial Number (DSN) located?
The Device Serial Number (DSN) is located on a sticker on the back of your Sync Module 2. The DSN is also represented as a QR code that your mobile device can recognize with its camera.
Devices are normally added to a system by scanning the QR code when the Blink app asks. To add a device without granting access to the device camera, you can enter the DSN manually. An option is present during the installation steps.
The Sync Module 2 DSN is 16 characters long. When you are not physically nearby, you can still perform account functions with the Sync Module 2 by entering the DSN manually if you have written it down, or otherwise saved it.
Click to learn about adding a Sync Module to create a system.
Do the Blink app and Sync Module have to be installed at the same time?
You can install the Blink app and Sync Module at different times. The Blink app must be installed on your mobile device to use the Blink system, because that's where you add devices, watch video clips, change camera settings, and choose your account preferences. The Sync Module is required for Blink Outdoor and Indoor cameras, and optional for the Blink Wired Floodlight, Blink Video Doorbell and Blink Mini.
Having a Sync Module with your doorbell improves battery life significantly.
Delete
FAQs
Sync Module 2 FAQs — Blink Support? ›
The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 Blink devices and allows you to control them all from the Blink app.
How does Blink Sync Module 2 work without subscription? ›- Cloud storage: With a Blink Subscription, a once-daily clip backup is saved to the USB flash drive. ...
- Local storage: When there is no active subscription, the Sync Module 2 is used for saving clips to a USB flash drive.
The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 Blink devices and allows you to control them all from the Blink app.
Is Blink Sync Module 2 required? ›Can I Use Blink Camera Without Sync Module? Yes, you can use the Blink camera without a Sync Module. So no, you do not need one. However, you will be limited to how many security cameras you can connect with it at one time, as well as not being able to view all of them at once in the mobile app.
Can I use Blink camera without sync module? ›You can't use it to record live view, but all motion-triggered alerts will be saved locally and can be accessed at any time through the Blink app. If you don't have the Sync Module 2, then you'll either have to rely on only getting notifications and having live view, or subscribe to one of the Blink plans.
Is Blink useless without subscription? ›Does the Blink Outdoor Camera require a subscription to use? Technically, no. You still have access to a number of Blink Outdoor Camera features without paying any subscription fee. These include the ability to save motion alerts, two-way audio, and the ability to watch live feeds.
Is Blink useful without subscription? ›Can I use Blink cameras without a plan? Blink cameras offer motion-activated notifications and limited live viewing without a Blink subscription. You need a plan if you want video recording, sharing, and better camera performance.
How far can Blink camera be from sync module? ›Under normal circumstances, the Sync Module is capable of communicating with Blink cameras up to 100 ft. away in any direction. We recommend keeping the Sync Module near your wireless router for the best signal strength. Learn more about signal strengths.
How close does Blink sync module have to be to router? ›In case of any camera issues on a mesh network, rebooting the router should be a first step. Assuming standard construction techniques (single building, no unusually dense construction materials) the Sync Module should be able to communicate with Blink cameras up to 100 feet (33m) away in any direction.
Can more than one phone connect to Blink sync module? ›Can the Blink app be accessed from more than one device? Yes! You can download our app and log into the same account from as many iOS and Android devices as you'd like, so the entire household can receive alerts or check in at home.
What is the purpose of Blink Sync Module 2? ›
Conveniently control all of your Blink devices right from the Blink Home Monitor app with the Blink Sync Module 2. The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 of any Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, XT2, XT, Video Doorbell and Blink Mini devices (not required for Mini).
How many SYNC modules do I need for my Blink cameras? ›Adding a Sync Module allows you to group and manage up to 10 cameras in one system. However, if you want to add more than ten cameras, or add cameras to a different location, you'll need to add another Sync Module to create a system for each group of cameras.
What is difference between Blink sync module 1 and 2? ›With Module 2, you can either view your video clips on the Blink Home Monitor app or plug your drive into your computer and upload any clips you wish to save. For comparison, the Blink XT2 ships with the Sync Module 1, which offers free video cloud storage but has no local storage option.
Do Blink cameras need Wi-Fi or just sync module? ›Additional requirements
A non-cellular 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (name and password) and high-speed Internet connection (DSL, Cable, Fiber) with a minimum 2 Mbit/sec upload speed.
You can use Blink when you are out of the country. We can't guarantee a connection from any particular country or internet connection due to firewalls and open ports, but the system is designed to be used when away from home. Wi-Fi will need to remain on in the home for the system to run.
What happens if I unplug my Blink sync module? ›The Blink Mini is a plug-in, indoor only camera, if the camera becomes unplugged it would not operate.
What is the difference between Blink with and without subscription? ›With Subscription - a once-daily backup of eligible clips in cloud storage. Clip backups do not appear in the Blink app. No Subscription - Motion Clips are stored to USB from eligible cameras on the system, and shown in the Blink app.
Is Blink always recording? ›Blink cameras do not offer continuous recording, though you can leave the system armed for any interval of time.
Can Blink videos be stored locally? ›Yes. You can use local storage with a Blink Sync Module 2 in conjunction with your Blink Subscription Plan – just make sure to save locally stored videos to your computer because the USB flash drive does not sync with the cloud storage.
Can you use any USB drive for Blink? ›A: You are able to use any USB flash drive up to 256GB with the sync module 2, flash drive can be 2.0 or 3.0 (hard drives, SD cards, etc. will not be compatible).
Is there a monthly fee for Blink camera? ›
Blink Pricing: Monitoring and Storage
With the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera, Outdoor, Indoor, and Mini, we chose from one of two subscription plans: the Basic plan for $3 per month, or the Plus plan for $10 per month. Both offer 60 days of cloud storage, which is quite generous in our view.
Network. If the camera has a weak connection to your wireless router, it may cause the camera to record false motion clips. Increasing the Retrigger Time should resolve this issue. You can also move the camera closer to your wireless router.
How can I record Blink without subscription? ›Without a Blink Subscription, or existing cloud storage, certain Blink cameras receive Motion Notifications in the Blink app. Simply tap the notification to enter the camera's Live View. No clips are saved, but you have two-way audio and video from the camera through the Blink app.
How far away can cameras be placed from the Sync Module 2? ›Maximum Range of Blink Cameras from the Sync Module
The Sync Module can pair with Blink devices located up to 100 ft away regardless of the direction. But this is only if there are no factors that affect the device's maximum range.
If you notice you're still experiencing low signal strength from your cameras, try power cycling your Sync Module by removing it from power for 30 seconds then plugging it back in. Once both lights have stopped flashing and appear solid again, try using the cameras and checking their signal strength.
Where is the best place to put the Blink hub? ›We recommend positioning your Sync Module in a central location, where it can receive equally good signals from your Wi-Fi router and your cameras. In some instances, you may need re-locate your camera.
How high should I mount my blink camera? ›The best range of detection is within 5 to 20 feet (about 1.5 to 6m) from the camera. By placing your camera higher off of the ground, you can avoid smaller animals causing motion alerts.
Can I move my blink sync module? ›When you move your Sync Module system to a new location or Wi-Fi network, you will need to set up the Sync Module for its new network. Your Sync Module may stay connected to the same Wi-Fi set up when you move it, but performance is not guaranteed.
Can more than one person view Blink cameras? ›Any person signed in to your Blink account has access to view and manage your Blink devices and account. Although motion alerts may appear simultaneously on multiple devices for different people, one person at a time can can access the Live View for a motion notification.
How many cameras can connect to Blink Sync Module 2? ›The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 of any Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, XT2, XT, and Blink Mini cameras (not required for Mini). Supports local video storage for up to 10 Outdoor, Indoor, and Mini cameras.
What is the USB port on Blink Sync module for? ›
The Sync Module 2's USB port allows you to plug in a USB flash drive. Depending on if you are subscribed to a Blink Plan, the Sync Module 2 will use the drive in one of two ways: If you are subscribing to a Blink Plan, motion clips are backed up to the drive every 24 hours from the moment it was plugged in.
Will any flash drive work with Blink Sync Module 2? ›The Sync Module 2 has a USB 2.0 Type A port. The USB standard is backwards compatible, meaning all USB drives can be used with the Sync Module 2, so long as the size is between 1GB and 256 GB.
How many phones can connect to Blink? ›The Blink app can be added to a maximum of 100 devices. If there's an attempt to log in to over 100 devices, the account owner will see the screen below.
How long does Blink free subscription last? ›A 30-day free trial of the Blink Subscription Plus Plan begins when you set up your new Blink Wired Floodlight Camera, Video Doorbell, Blink Mini, Indoor and Outdoor (3rd Gen) camera.
Does the Blink sync module chime? ›Works with Alexa—access live view, two-way audio, receive motion and chime alerts, arm and disarm your doorbell, and more.
How do I watch my blink camera on my TV? ›View Your Blink Cameras From the Smart Home Dashboard
To access a live view of your Blink camera or video doorbell on your Fire TV device, say: "Alexa, show my Smart Home Dashboard." Your connected Blink cameras will appear in the camera row on the Smart Home Dashboard.
Safely eject the USB drive
Go to the Main home screen of the Blink app and tap Sync Module. You may have to scroll down the screen if you have more than three cameras. From the Sync Module screen, tap Local Storage to reach the Local Storage screen. Tap Safe Eject USB.
If you have cameras that rely on a Sync Module to work, they will cease function until a Sync Module is added back onto the system. After your Sync Module has been deleted, you can immediately add it back your system.
Can I delete my Blink system and start over? ›From the Home screen, tap Settings to view system settings. Tap Device and System Settings. Tap the name of the system you wish to delete. From the System screen, tap Delete System, and then tap DELETE in the confirmation popup.
How many devices can be logged into Blink? ›Device limit
The Blink app can be added to a maximum of 100 devices. If there's an attempt to log in to over 100 devices, the account owner will see the screen below.
What's the difference between Blink sync Module 1 and 2? ›
With Module 2, you can either view your video clips on the Blink Home Monitor app or plug your drive into your computer and upload any clips you wish to save. For comparison, the Blink XT2 ships with the Sync Module 1, which offers free video cloud storage but has no local storage option.
How many modules can you have in Blink? ›After installing the Blink app and creating an account, you must create a system for your cameras. Sync Modules manage one system each and can have up to ten devices attached to them.
Can I see my Blink cameras on my TV? ›View Your Blink Cameras From the Smart Home Dashboard
To access a live view of your Blink camera or video doorbell on your Fire TV device, say: "Alexa, show my Smart Home Dashboard." Your connected Blink cameras will appear in the camera row on the Smart Home Dashboard.
Any person signed in to your Blink account has access to view and manage your Blink devices and account. Although motion alerts may appear simultaneously on multiple devices for different people, one person at a time can can access the Live View for a motion notification.
Can I have 2 sync modules on one Blink account? ›Using the Blink app, you can manage multiple Sync Modules and their connected Blink devices all from a single account. For more information on adding another Sync Module to your account see add your Sync Module 2 to a new or existing system.
How many Blink sync modules do I need? ›Adding a Sync Module allows you to group and manage up to 10 cameras in one system. However, if you want to add more than ten cameras, or add cameras to a different location, you'll need to add another Sync Module to create a system for each group of cameras.
How do I allow someone else to view my Blink cameras? ›Go to Settings in the footer of the Blink app. Select Account and Privacy. Scroll down and tap the switch for Grant Blink Support Account Access.
Can I unplug my Blink sync module to move it? ›The Blink Sync module would need to remain plugged into a normal wall outlet at all time for the Blink cameras to operate, you are able to however manually arm and disarm your Blink System or even individual cameras on your system at anytime through the APP.
Is Blink camera discontinued? ›Amazon Discontinuing Cloud Cams for Blink Mini Camera on December 2nd. An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.
Do Blink cameras record all the time? ›Do Blink Cameras Record Continuously? Unfortunately, Blink cameras do not record 24/7, they are purely motion-based clips. With a subscription plan, you'll only be able to look at Live View continuously, but even that has a time limit. After 90 minutes, Live View will stop.