Blink cameras are designed to store motion records in the cloud or in a local USB storage. An active connection of a compatible flash drive to the USB port on Sync Module 2 enables local storage of all recorded footage by Blink cameras. The videos will be saved on your Sync Module once you add them to your Blink account, and you can easily access them with or without an active Blink subscription.
However, there are times when the Blink storage stops working, and this happens for several reasons, requiring your intervention. This post will help you identify why Blink local storage fails to work and how to solve this issue.
Why is Blink’s local storage not working?
When Blink’s local storage stops working, it indicates issues with the USB memory drive. Ideally, local storage will stop working when the Sync Module does not recognize the USB drive or fails to communicate with the Blink app. Fortunately, you can easily troubleshoot this issue and have your local storage work as expected.
What to do when your Blinks Local storage is not working?
Blink’s local storage works when the Sync Module is properly configured, and a functional USB flash drive is connected. Whenever any of these devices have issues, the storage might stop working.
When it comes to resolving issues that cause local storage to stop working, keep in mind that an active subscription is not required. This is because the footage is automatically stored in the local drive. Consequently, this means troubleshooting local storage problems is also done “locally.” Here are some of the basic tips to consider.
1. Re-identify your USB storage
When the Sync Module fails to recognize the USB drive plugged into it, the local storage will suddenly stop working. In such a case, all you need is to make the Sync Module re-identify the local storage. An easy way to help your Module re-identify your USB drive is by disconnecting the drive, then plugging it back into the port after 60 seconds or so. If the issue was drive identification, your storage should continue working.
2. Re-add the Sync Module from the Blink app
This is another simple way to fix your Blink local storage when it stops working. The benefit of this troubleshooting method is that you won’t lose any video footage stored. However, you will lose all in-app settings and configurations of your Sync Module.
Follow these steps to disconnect and re-add the module on your Blink app:
- Launch the Blink app on your smartphone, then tap on “Devices.” This will display all connected Blink devices.
- On the list, find the Sync Module, tap on it, and select “Forget” to disconnect it.
- Now go to “Devices” and select “Add Device.”
- Select your Sync Module, then follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect the Sync Module to the Blink app.
3. Power cycle the Sync Module
Power cycling the Sync Module is of great significance as it helps to clear out any startup problems. Regarding storage, failed communication between the Sync Module and the USB drive can impede the storage of recorded footage. Power cycling can resolve communication and connection issues within Blink devices.
To power cycle your Sync Module, disconnect its adapter from the power supply for about 10 seconds, then reconnect it back.
4. Reinstall your Blink Home Monitor app
If your local storage has suddenly stopped working, reinstalling the Blink App can resolve the problem.
First, uninstall the existing Blink app by selecting it from the app list or storage, then choose “Uninstall.”
Once the app is successfully uninstalled, go to the Google Play Store ( Android users) or App Store (iOS devices) and download the latest version of the Blink app.
Next, install the app and tap the tube icon to open local storage. You should be able to see videos stored on the USB drive.
5. Format the USB Storage Drive
After trying all the above solutions but your local storage still fails to work, then it is time to try more advanced fixes. One of the fixes is formatting your USB Flash Drive using a computer.
Note: You will have to connect the USB flash drive to a computer or laptop running on Windows OS
The formatting process will erase all files in the drive, including any corrupt file that might be preventing it from working properly. You can either perform a quick format or a full format for your flash drive, depending on your preference.
Full formatting offers the best results, and here are steps to perform it:
Plug the storage drive into any USB port on your computer
Launch “File Explorer” and Click on “Devices and Drives”
Click on your USB drive to select it, then right-click.
Find and select “Format.” This opens a window showing details of your flash.
Depending on your OS, choose “FULL Format” or deselect the “Quick Format” checkbox
Click format to initiate formatting.
Note: Formatting can take quite a long period, 5 minutes or more, depending on the content being erased.
6. Try a different Flash drive
In some cases, the issue could be the flash disk itself. If you format your USB drive and it doesn’t work, test if your local storage is working with another USB drive. A good USB drive for Blink camera footage recordings should satisfy the following conditions.
- It should be at least 1GB with more than 500 MBs of free storage
- It must be USB 2.0 or more.
After connecting a different flash drive, give it about 2 minutes to be recognized by the Sync Module.
7. Reset Your Sync Module
Factory resetting the sync module should be the very last troubleshooting method to try. This procedure will reinstall the Sync Module system and likely solve the underlying problem.
To reset the Sync Module, locate the reset button, press and hold it until you see a red LED light, and then release the button. You should see a solid green light alternating with a flashing blue light. Once your module reboots, configure everything as if it were brand new.
Important: Do not unplug or shut down the Sync Module while still resetting.
Conclusion
Now that you know what stops your Blinks local storage and how to fix it, you can easily fix the issue if you ever encounter it. As noted, the resolutions for this problem are simple and can be done without necessarily having to call in an expert.
