The Blink camera is a popular choice for home security, offering a range of features that make it easy to monitor your property. One of the most requested features by Blink users is continuous recording, which allows you to capture footage without interruptions. While the Blink camera doesn’t offer continuous recording out of the box, there are some workarounds and tips that can help you achieve this functionality. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for continuous recording on your Blink camera, as well as some additional tips for getting the most out of your device.
Understanding Blink’s Recording Limitations
Before we dive into the methods for continuous recording, it’s essential to understand the limitations of the Blink camera. The Blink camera is designed to record short clips of footage, typically ranging from 5-60 seconds, depending on the settings you choose. These clips are then stored in the cloud or on a local storage device, such as a USB drive or a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device.
The reason for this limitation is to conserve battery life and reduce the amount of storage space required. However, this can be frustrating if you need to capture longer periods of footage, such as monitoring a entrance or a parking lot.
Method 1: Using the Blink Subscription Plan
One way to achieve continuous recording on your Blink camera is by subscribing to the Blink Subscription Plan. This plan offers extended cloud storage, allowing you to store up to 60 days of footage. While this doesn’t provide true continuous recording, it does give you more flexibility when it comes to storing and reviewing footage.
To sign up for the Blink Subscription Plan, follow these steps:
- Open the Blink app and navigate to the settings menu.
- Tap on “Account” and then select “Subscription.”
- Choose the plan that suits your needs and follow the prompts to complete the sign-up process.
Benefits of the Blink Subscription Plan
The Blink Subscription Plan offers several benefits, including:
- Extended cloud storage: Store up to 60 days of footage, giving you more time to review and download clips.
- Unlimited cloud storage for motion clips: With the subscription plan, you can store an unlimited number of motion clips in the cloud.
- Live view recording: Record live view footage for up to 60 minutes, allowing you to capture longer periods of activity.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party App
Another way to achieve continuous recording on your Blink camera is by using a third-party app. There are several apps available that can connect to your Blink camera and provide continuous recording functionality.
One popular app is CamHacker, which allows you to record continuous footage from your Blink camera. To use CamHacker, follow these steps:
- Download and install the CamHacker app on your device.
- Connect the app to your Blink camera by entering your login credentials.
- Configure the app to record continuous footage, choosing the duration and quality of the recordings.
Method 3: Using a NAS Device
If you prefer to store your footage locally, you can use a NAS device to record continuous footage from your Blink camera. A NAS device is a network-attached storage device that allows you to store and stream media content.
To use a NAS device with your Blink camera, follow these steps:
- Connect your Blink camera to your NAS device using the Blink app.
- Configure the NAS device to record continuous footage from your Blink camera.
- Choose the duration and quality of the recordings, as well as the storage location.
Benefits of Using a NAS Device
Using a NAS device to record continuous footage from your Blink camera offers several benefits, including:
- Local storage: Store your footage locally, reducing your reliance on cloud storage.
- Customizable recording options: Choose the duration and quality of your recordings, as well as the storage location.
- Cost-effective: NAS devices can be more cost-effective than cloud storage plans, especially for large amounts of footage.
Additional Tips for Continuous Recording
In addition to the methods outlined above, there are several tips you can follow to get the most out of your Blink camera and achieve continuous recording:
- Use a wired connection: If possible, use a wired connection to connect your Blink camera to your router. This will provide a more stable connection and reduce the risk of dropped frames or lost footage.
- Choose the right storage location: When using a NAS device or local storage, choose a location that is easily accessible and has enough storage space to hold your footage.
- Configure your camera settings: Adjust your camera settings to optimize your recordings, including the resolution, frame rate, and motion detection sensitivity.
By following these tips and using one of the methods outlined above, you can achieve continuous recording on your Blink camera and get the most out of your device.
Conclusion
Continuous recording is a highly sought-after feature for Blink camera users, and while the device doesn’t offer this functionality out of the box, there are several workarounds and tips that can help you achieve it. By using the Blink Subscription Plan, a third-party app, or a NAS device, you can record continuous footage from your Blink camera and get the most out of your device. Remember to follow the tips outlined above to optimize your recordings and get the best results.
What is continuous recording on Blink cameras?
Continuous recording on Blink cameras allows users to capture uninterrupted footage, which can be especially useful for monitoring high-traffic areas or for situations where you need to keep a constant eye on something. This feature is particularly helpful for users who want to ensure they don’t miss any important moments.
By enabling continuous recording, you can get a complete picture of what’s happening in the area being monitored, without having to rely on motion detection or scheduled recording sessions. This feature can also be useful for users who want to use their Blink cameras for purposes other than just security, such as monitoring pets or keeping an eye on a baby.
How do I enable continuous recording on my Blink camera?
To enable continuous recording on your Blink camera, you’ll need to have a Blink Subscription and a compatible camera model. You can check the Blink website to see if your camera model supports continuous recording. Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, you can enable the feature through the Blink app.
To do this, open the Blink app and navigate to the camera settings. Look for the “Recording” or “Video Settings” section, and toggle the switch to enable continuous recording. You may also need to select the storage option for your recorded footage, such as a USB drive or cloud storage. Make sure you have enough storage space available to accommodate the recorded footage.
What are the system requirements for continuous recording on Blink cameras?
To use continuous recording on your Blink camera, you’ll need to meet certain system requirements. These include having a compatible camera model, a Blink Subscription, and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need to ensure that your camera is running the latest firmware and that you have enough storage space available to accommodate the recorded footage.
In terms of specific hardware requirements, you’ll need a Blink camera model that supports continuous recording, such as the Blink Indoor or Outdoor camera. You’ll also need a USB drive or cloud storage subscription to store your recorded footage. Make sure you check the Blink website for the most up-to-date system requirements and compatibility information.
How much storage space do I need for continuous recording on Blink cameras?
The amount of storage space you’ll need for continuous recording on Blink cameras will depend on several factors, including the resolution and quality of the footage, as well as the length of time you want to record. As a general rule, it’s recommended to have at least 1TB of storage space available for every 30 days of continuous recording.
You can use a USB drive or cloud storage subscription to store your recorded footage. Blink offers a range of cloud storage plans, including a free plan that includes 60 days of storage. You can also use a third-party storage solution, such as an external hard drive or NAS device. Make sure you check the Blink website for the most up-to-date storage requirements and recommendations.
Can I use continuous recording on multiple Blink cameras at the same time?
Yes, you can use continuous recording on multiple Blink cameras at the same time, as long as you have a Blink Subscription and compatible camera models. This can be especially useful for users who want to monitor multiple areas or rooms simultaneously.
To enable continuous recording on multiple cameras, simply follow the same steps as you would for a single camera. Make sure you have enough storage space available to accommodate the recorded footage from all of your cameras. You can also use the Blink app to view live footage from multiple cameras at the same time, making it easy to keep an eye on everything that’s happening.
Does continuous recording on Blink cameras affect battery life?
Yes, continuous recording on Blink cameras can affect battery life, especially if you’re using a battery-powered camera model. This is because continuous recording requires the camera to be constantly active, which can drain the battery more quickly.
To minimize the impact on battery life, you can try reducing the resolution or quality of the footage, or using a wired power source instead of batteries. You can also use the Blink app to schedule recording sessions or enable motion detection, which can help reduce the amount of time the camera is actively recording.
Is continuous recording on Blink cameras secure?
Yes, continuous recording on Blink cameras is secure, as long as you’re using a Blink Subscription and following best practices for camera security. Blink uses end-to-end encryption to protect your recorded footage, and you can also use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.
To further enhance security, make sure you’re using a strong password and keeping your camera firmware up to date. You can also use the Blink app to monitor your camera’s activity and receive notifications if anything suspicious is detected.