If you have a Blink security camera system, you might be wondering how to connect it to Alexa so that you can use voice commands to control your cameras. Fortunately, it is easy to set up Blink with Alexa, and once you do, you can use Alexa to arm and disarm your cameras, view live video feeds, and more. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to connect Blink to Alexa.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Requirements
Step 1: Set up Blink with the Blink App
Step 2: Enable the Blink Skill in the Alexa App
Step 3: Discover Devices
Step 4: Create Routines and Use Voice Commands
Troubleshooting Tips
Conclusion
FAQs
Requirements
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
A Blink security camera system
The Blink app installed on your mobile device
The Alexa app installed on your mobile device
An Alexa-enabled device, such as an Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Show
Step 1: Set up Blink with the Blink App
To get started, you will need to set up your Blink security camera system using the Blink app. If you have not already done so, follow these steps:
Download the Blink app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Open the Blink app and sign in to your account or create a new account if you don’t already have one.
Follow the instructions in the app to set up your Blink camera system.
Once your Blink camera system is set up, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Enable the Blink Skill in the Alexa App
To enable the Blink skill in the Alexa app, follow these steps:
Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
Tap on the menu button in the top left corner of the screen.
Tap on “Skills & Games.”
Search for “Blink” in the search bar.
Tap on the Blink skill and then tap “Enable.”
Follow the prompts to link your Blink account with your Alexa account.
Step 3: Discover Devices
Now that you have enabled the Blink skill, you will need to discover your Blink devices in the Alexa app. Here’s how:
Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
Tap on the “Devices” tab in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Tap on the “+” icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Tap on “Add Device.”
Follow the prompts to discover your Blink devices.
Step 4: Create Routines and Use Voice Commands
Now that you have connected Blink to Alexa, you can create routines and use voice commands to control your cameras. Here are some examples of things you can do:
Arm and disarm your cameras using voice commands like “Alexa, arm Blink” or “Alexa, disarm Blink.”
View live video feeds on your Alexa-enabled device by saying “Alexa, show me [camera name].”
Create routines to have Alexa automatically arm or disarm your cameras at certain times of the day or when you leave or arrive home.
To create a routine, follow these steps:
Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
Tap on the “Routines” tab in the bottom center of the screen.
Tap on the “+” icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Follow the prompts to create your routine.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while connecting Blink to Alexa, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Make sure your Blink camera system is up to date with the latest firmware.
Ensure that your Alexa-enabled device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Blink camera system.
Check that you have enabled the Blink skill in the Alexa app and that your Blink account is linked to your Alexa account.
Try resetting your Blink camera system and reconnecting it to the Blink app and the Alexa app.
If you continue to experience issues, you can contact Blink customer support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Connecting Blink to Alexa is a simple process that can greatly enhance your home security experience. With Alexa voice commands, you can easily control your Blink cameras and view live video feeds from anywhere in your home. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to connect Blink to Alexa and start enjoying the benefits of voice control.
FAQs
Can I use Alexa to control multiple Blink camera systems?
Yes, you can connect multiple Blink camera systems to Alexa and control them all with voice commands.
Can I use Alexa to control individual cameras within my Blink camera system?
Yes, you can use Alexa to control each camera within your Blink camera system by name.
Will my Blink camera system continue to work if my Wi-Fi goes down?
Yes, your Blink camera system will continue to record and store footage locally even if your Wi-Fi goes down. However, you will not be able to view live video feeds or receive alerts until your Wi-Fi connection is restored.
Can I use Alexa to turn off the blue recording light on my Blink camera?
No, the blue recording light on your Blink camera is required by law and cannot be turned off.
Can I use Alexa to control my Blink Mini camera?
Yes, the Blink Mini camera is compatible with Alexa and can be controlled with voice commands.