The Blink Home Security System is known for its easy-to-use cameras that allow users to monitor their homes from anywhere. Many homeowners choose Blink cameras because they can easily be integrated into a home security system and are capable of capturing high-quality footage. However, one limitation of the Blink camera system is that it only allows users to view one camera at a time in the smartphone app.
This can be frustrating for those who have multiple cameras set up in different areas of their home. There are a few different ways to view multiple Blink cameras at once, whether it’s through the app, on a computer, or using external devices. In this guide, we’ll go over the different methods and how to view multiple blink cameras at once.
Necessary Items
Before you can start viewing multiple Blink cameras at once, there are a few items that you’ll need to have:
- A smartphone or tablet with the Blink Home Monitor app downloaded and logged in.
- A computer with internet access (optional).
- An external display device such as a TV or monitor (optional).
8 Methods on How to View Multiple Blink Cameras at Once
Method 1: Using the Blink Home Monitor App
The easiest and most convenient way to view multiple Blink cameras at once is through the Blink Home Monitor app. While the app only allows for one camera view at a time, there is a simple trick to see all of your cameras simultaneously. Here’s how:
- Open the Blink Home Monitor app and select one of your cameras to view.
- Tap on the “Live View” button at the bottom of the screen.
- Once the live stream is open, tap on the small square icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- This will switch your view from full-screen mode to a grid view, displaying all of your cameras at once.
- You can tap on each individual camera to enlarge the view and hear audio from that specific camera.
Method 2: Using a Computer or Laptop
If you prefer to use a computer or laptop instead of a smartphone, there is a way to view multiple Blink cameras at once through the Blink website. Here’s how:
- Open a web browser and go to the official Blink website.
- Click on the “Login” button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter your account information to log in.
- Once logged in, click on the “Cameras” tab at the top of the screen.
- You will see a grid view of all your Blink cameras.
Method 3: Using an External Display
Another way to view multiple Blink cameras at once is by using an external display device such as a TV or monitor. This method can be useful for those who want a larger screen to view their cameras on or for monitoring multiple areas of the home simultaneously. Here’s how:
- Connect your external display device to your smartphone or tablet using an HDMI cable.
- Open the Blink Home Monitor app and follow Method 1 to view all of your cameras in grid view.
- Once in grid view, tap on the “Share” button at the bottom of the screen.
- A pop-up will appear asking if you want to share your live view with an external display.
- Select your external display device, and your cameras will be displayed on the larger screen.
Method 4: Using a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available that claim to allow users to view multiple Blink cameras at once, but it’s important to do thorough research before downloading one. Some of these apps may not be reliable or safe to use. If you do decide to use a third-party app, make sure to read reviews and check for any potential security risks before downloading.
Method 5: Using an HDMI Splitter
Similar to using an external display, you can also use an HDMI splitter to connect your smartphone or tablet to multiple displays or TVs. This is a useful option for those who have multiple TVs in different rooms of their home and want to view all cameras at once. Here’s how:
- Connect your smartphone or tablet to the HDMI splitter using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the HDMI splitter to multiple displays or TVs using additional HDMI cables.
- Open the Blink Home Monitor app and follow Method 1 to view all of your cameras in grid view.
- Once in grid view, tap on the “Share” button at the bottom of the screen.
- A pop-up will appear asking if you want to share your live view with an external display.
- Select each display or TV that is connected to the HDMI splitter, and all of your cameras will be displayed simultaneously.
Method 6: Using a Video Wall Controller
A video wall controller is a device that allows you to display multiple video inputs on one screen. This method is ideal for large homes or businesses with many Blink cameras set up. Here’s how:
- Connect your smartphone or tablet to the video wall controller using an HDMI cable.
- Connect all of your Blink cameras to the video wall controller using additional HDMI cables.
- Open the Blink Home Monitor app and follow Method 1 to view all of your cameras in grid view.
- Once in grid view, tap on the “Share” button at the bottom of the screen.
- A pop-up will appear asking if you want to share your live view with an external display.
- Select the video wall controller as your external display, and all of your cameras will be displayed on one screen.
Method 7: Using a Security Camera Monitor
If you have a security camera monitor, you can use it to view multiple Blink cameras at once in real time. This method is useful for those who want to dedicate a specific monitor for monitoring their Blink cameras. Here’s how:
- Connect your Blink cameras to the security camera monitor using an HDMI cable.
- Open the Blink Home Monitor app and follow Method 1 to view all of your cameras in grid view.
- Once in grid view, tap on the “Share” button at the bottom of the screen.
- A pop-up will appear asking if you want to share your live view with an external display.
- Select the security camera monitor as your external display, and all of your cameras will be displayed on one screen.
Method 8: Using a Surveillance System
If you have a surveillance system set up in your home or business, you can integrate your Blink cameras into it to view them all at once. This method may require some technical knowledge and setup, but it can be a convenient option for those with a large number of cameras. Here’s how:
- Connect your Blink cameras to the surveillance system using an HDMI cable.
- Follow the instructions provided by your surveillance system to integrate your Blink cameras.
- Once integrated, you should be able to view all of your cameras at once through the surveillance system’s interface.
There are multiple ways to view multiple Blink cameras at once. Whether you prefer using a smartphone, computer, external display, or other methods mentioned above, it’s important to choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
With these methods, you can easily monitor all of your Blink cameras in real time and ensure the safety and security of your home or business. So, these are the few ways to view multiple Blink cameras at once and choose whichever method is convenient for you.
9 Safety Measures
1) Keep Your Blink Cameras Up to Date
Make sure to regularly check for software updates and install them, as they often contain important security patches. This will help protect your cameras from potential vulnerabilities. As a precaution, it’s also recommended that you change your Blink account password periodically.
2) Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
To prevent unauthorized access to your cameras, make sure that your home Wi-Fi network is secure. This can be done by creating a strong and unique password for your network and enabling WPA2 encryption.
3) Place Cameras in Secure Locations
To ensure the safety of your cameras, it’s important to place them in secure locations. Avoid placing them in areas where they can be easily reached or tampered with. Additionally, make sure they are installed in weatherproof and durable casing for outdoor use.
4) Enable Motion Detection and Alerts
By enabling motion detection on your Blink cameras, you will receive alerts on your smartphone or email whenever there is activity in the camera’s field of view. This can be a helpful safety measure, alerting you to any potential intruders or suspicious activity.
5) Create Customized Schedules
With Blink cameras, you have the option to create customized schedules for when they are armed and disarmed. By setting specific times for them to be active, you can ensure that your cameras are only recording when needed.
6) Use the Two-Way Audio Feature
Blink cameras have a two-way audio feature, which allows you to communicate with someone near the camera. This can be used as a safety measure to deter potential intruders or to communicate with family members and guests at your door.
7) Back-Up Footage Regularly
In case of any technical issues or the need for evidence, it’s important to regularly back up your Blink camera footage. This can be done through the Blink app, which will ensure that you have access to saved recordings whenever needed.
8) Keep Cameras Clean and Maintained
To ensure clear footage and proper functioning, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your Blink cameras. Wipe down the lenses and make sure they are free from any obstructions or debris.
9) Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Lastly, it’s important to follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for setting up, using, and maintaining your Blink cameras. This will help ensure their effectiveness and longevity. Additionally, it’s recommended to regularly check for any updated guidelines or instructions from the manufacturer.
By following these safety measures on how to view multiple Blink cameras at once, you can ensure that your Blink cameras are functioning properly and providing maximum security for your home or business. It’s important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones.
8 Things to Avoid
1) Using Weak Passwords
Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords or reusing the same password for multiple accounts. This can leave your Blink cameras vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access. As mentioned before, make sure to periodically change your password for added security.
2) Sharing Your Account Information
Do not share your Blink account information with anyone. This includes your username, password, and any personal information associated with your account. Keep this information confidential to prevent potential breaches of security.
3) Placing Cameras in Private Areas
It’s important to respect the privacy of individuals and not place cameras in private areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms. This is not only a violation of privacy but can also result in legal consequences.
4) Neglecting Software Updates
As mentioned before, it’s important to regularly check for software updates and install them. Neglecting updates can leave your cameras susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Like any other electronic device, it’s important to keep your Blink cameras up to date.
5) Not Setting Up Motion Detection
If you do not enable motion detection on your Blink cameras, you will not receive alerts for any activity. This can be a missed opportunity to monitor potential intruders or suspicious activity. Make sure to enable this feature for added security.
6) Leaving Cameras Unprotected
Do not leave your Blink cameras unprotected, especially if they are installed outdoors. Make sure to use the provided weatherproof casing or invest in durable and tamper-proof housing for added protection against harsh weather conditions and potential tampering.
7) Using Cheap or Non-Recommended Batteries
To ensure optimal performance, it’s recommended to use the official Blink battery packs or batteries from reputable brands. Using cheap or non-recommended batteries can result in poor camera performance or even damage.
8) Ignoring Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Ignoring the manufacturer’s guidelines for setting up, using, and maintaining your Blink cameras can lead to technical issues and reduce their effectiveness. It’s important to follow these instructions for the best experience with your cameras.
Overall, taking these precautions and avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that your Blink cameras provide the highest level of security for your home or business. By staying informed and regularly maintaining your cameras, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are taking necessary measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.
8 Additional Tips and Tricks
1) Use Multiple Cameras for Full Coverage
Consider purchasing multiple Blink cameras to cover all areas of your home or business. This will provide more comprehensive coverage and ensure that no blind spots are left unmonitored. And with the Blink Sync Module, you can easily manage and view footage from all your cameras in one place.
2) Adjust Camera Positioning
Experiment with different camera positions to find the best angle for optimal coverage. It’s recommended to have the camera mounted at least seven feet above ground level for a clear view and to prevent tampering.
3) Utilize the Live View Feature
The Blink app allows you to access a live view of your cameras at any time. Use this feature to check in on your home or business while you’re away, or use it as a baby monitor. So next time you hear a noise in the middle of the night, you can quickly check your cameras for added peace of mind.
4) Set Up Scheduled Arming and Disarming
In addition to motion detection, schedule specific times for your cameras to be armed and disarmed. This can help conserve battery life and prevent unnecessary footage from being recorded during inactive hours.
5) Use IFTTT Integration
Blink cameras are compatible with IFTTT, a platform that allows for automated actions based on triggers. This can be useful for setting up specific alerts or tasks to be completed when motion is detected by your cameras.
6) Consider Using the Blink Outdoor Mount
For added convenience and flexibility in camera placement, consider using the Blink Outdoor Mount. This adjustable mount allows you to easily position your cameras in different locations and angles.
7) Take Advantage of Cloud Storage
Blink cameras come with free cloud storage for up to two hours of footage. Consider upgrading to a larger storage plan for longer recording times and access to saved clips. If you prefer, you can also use a USB flash drive for local storage.
8) Explore Additional Features
Take some time to explore the features and capabilities of your Blink cameras. You may discover useful functions that can enhance your experience, such as the ability to customize motion zones or set up geofencing for automatic arming and disarming based on your location.
Staying informed about your cameras and their capabilities can help you make the most out of your security system. Overall, by following these tips and tricks on how to view multiple Blink cameras at once, you can optimize the use of your Blink cameras and ensure that they provide the best security for your home or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Access My Blink Cameras Remotely?
Yes, you can access your cameras from anywhere using the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet. As long as you have an internet connection, you can view live footage and receive alerts for any activity detected by your cameras.
How Long Do the Batteries Last?
The battery life for Blink cameras can vary depending on usage and settings, but they typically last up to two years with normal use. To extend battery life, consider adjusting motion sensitivity or using scheduled arming and disarming.
Is There a Cost for Cloud Storage?
Blink cameras come with free cloud storage for up to two hours of footage. If you want longer storage times, there are optional subscription plans available for purchase.
Can I Use My Blink Cameras with Other Home Security Systems?
Blink cameras can be integrated with other home security systems that use IFTTT, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows for automated actions based on triggers from your cameras.
Are There Any Additional Fees for Using Blink Cameras?
Aside from optional subscription plans for cloud storage, there are no additional fees associated with using Blink cameras. However, you may need to purchase extra equipment or accessories depending on your specific setup and needs. Overall, the initial cost of purchasing the cameras is all that is required for use.
Conclusion
Investing in a home security system can provide invaluable peace of mind, and Blink cameras offer convenience and affordability without compromising effectiveness. By avoiding common mistakes and implementing the recommended tips and tricks on how to view multiple Blink cameras at once, you can ensure that your Blink cameras are performing at their best.
Remember to regularly maintain your cameras and stay informed about their features for optimal performance. With proper usage, your Blink cameras can help protect your home or business and keep you and your loved ones safe. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy the added security and convenience that Blink cameras provide.
