How to Add Cameras to a Blink Sync Module (Guide)

James Beetie portrait pic

Expanding your home security camera coverage starts with adding additional Blink cameras and connecting them to your existing Blink Sync Module.

The Sync Module is the hub for providing WiFi connectivity and enabling features on Blink cameras.

This detailed guide will walk through the steps to add and sync a single new camera or multiple cameras to a Sync Module using the Blink app.

Whether you want to expand your Blink system room-by-room or cover multiple angles, properly associating cameras with the Sync Module is the foundation. You can smoothly grow your wireless Blink camera system by following the in-app syncing process, troubleshooting tips, placement recommendations, and additional configuration advice covered here.

Let’s look at how to bring new Blink cameras online and integrate them into an established Sync Module home surveillance setup.

Understanding the Sync Module and Cameras

Before diving into setup, let’s briefly overview how the Sync Module and Blink cameras interact:

  • The Sync Module provides WiFi connectivity to Blink cameras by creating its wireless network.
  • Multiple Blink cameras can be synced and connected to a single Sync Module (usually 10-15, depending on the model).
  • Cameras communicate wirelessly with the Sync Module using a proprietary protocol over WiFi.
  • Syncing enables remote access to view and manage cameras from the Blink app.
  • Alerts, recordings, and advanced features become available when cameras are synced.
  • Blink Mini cameras are the only model connecting directly to WiFi without a Sync Module.

You expand capabilities and monitoring coverage powered by the Sync Module backbone by properly adding and syncing additional cameras.

Preparing Cameras and Sync Module for Syncing

Before starting the in-app syncing process, some upfront preparation will ensure things go smoothly:

  • Fully charge the new Blink cameras you want to add using the included USB cable. Check the LED light on each camera.
  • Power on the cameras and confirm they blink blue, indicating they are in “ready for setup” mode. If not, press the setup button to initiate it.
  • Ensure the Sync Module is plugged into power, turned on, and connected successfully to the home WiFi router.
  • Have the cameras physically mounted, positioned, and installed in their final desired locations?
  • Open the Blink app on your mobile device and connect to the same WiFi network as the Sync Module.

With those prerequisites completed, everything will be ready for syncing the cameras.

Syncing Cameras to the Sync Module with the Blink App

The Blink app provides an intuitive step-by-step flow to connect cameras:

  1. In the Blink app, tap the “Add New Device” button.
  2. Select that you want to add a Blink Camera.
  3. Choose the specific model number of the camera you’re adding.
  4. The app will search for cameras in syncing mode nearby. When it finds your camera, tap to add it.
  5. Give the camera a unique name like “Patio Cam” for easy identification in the future.
  6. The app will now prompt you to select the Sync Module to sync the camera to from a list. Pick your desired Sync Module.
  7. Once selected, the app will begin syncing automatically using the proprietary wireless protocol.
  8. When completed, the camera LED will turn solid blue. The newly synced camera will now appear in the Blink app.
  9. Repeat the steps for additional cameras you want to bring online and connect to the same Sync Module.

If you carefully follow the in-app guidance, adding multiple cameras is quick and painless. The app does most of the work for you!

Optimizing Camera Placement for Strong Sync Connection

Positioning your newly added cameras can impact the sync strength and connection reliability. Keep these placement tips in mind:

  • Orient cameras so the antenna points toward the Sync Module, if possible.
  • Install cameras at least 3-5 feet off the ground for better reception.
  • Keep the Sync Module centrally located in the home for the widest WiFi coverage.
  • Avoid large obstructions between the Sync Module and cameras like concrete walls.
  • Cameras closer to the Sync Module will have the most reliable connection.
  • For outdoor cameras, elevate the Sync Module if needed to clear obstructions.

Check the connection strength for each camera in the Blink app and reposition things if any cameras have borderline signal strength.

Sync Module Features Unlocked by Adding Cameras

With cameras now properly synced to the Sync Module, advanced features become available:

  • Live View: View and monitor real-time video feeds from the cameras through the app.
  • Local Storage: Save video recordings locally to a USB drive attached to the Sync Module rather than just the cloud.
  • 2-Way Talk: Leverage the camera’s built-in mic and speaker for two-way conversations through the app.
  • Monitoring Zones: Set up custom motion detection zones for each camera to capture only activity in key areas.
  • Smart Clips: With a subscription, save short activity clips that are neatly summarized and easily reviewed.

Remember that those powerful features depend on properly syncing cameras to the Sync Module first and foremost.

Troubleshooting Tips for Tricky Camera Syncing

On rare occasions, you may encounter difficulties getting certain cameras to sync and connect to the Sync Module. Try these troubleshooting tips if that happens:

  • Reboot the Sync Module and camera by power cycling them. Also, restart the home WiFi router for good measure.
  • Ensure you select the exact camera model number during the in-app adding process. Mixing up models causes issues.
  • Double check the Sync Module and camera are on the same WiFi network during syncing.
  • Temporarily move the trouble camera physically closer to the Sync Module to sync and then move it back.
  • If an outdoor camera doesn’t sync, try replacing its batteries first. Dead batteries disrupt the process.
  • Check for any new firmware updates for the camera and Sync Module. Keeping firmware updated prevents bugs.
  • Ensure the camera and Sync Module antennas are oriented upright during sync.

If you still can’t get a camera to sync after trying those tips, contact Blink Technical Support, who can assess connectivity issues and help resolve them. Patience and persistence usually pay off.

How many cameras can be connected to one Sync Module?

Most Sync Modules can handle 10-15 cameras depending on the mix of models. Check your Sync Module specs to confirm the maximum.

What is the wireless range for syncing between the Sync Module and cameras?

The general indoor range is up to 30 feet. Outdoors with a good line of sight is up to 300 feet. Many environmental factors affect connectivity.

Can already synced cameras be moved between different Sync Modules?

Absolutely. Just unsync the cameras from the existing Sync Module and follow the steps to sync them to the new module. Easy!

What determines the WiFi range and signal strength between the Sync Module and cameras?

Distance, obstructions, interference, building materials, antenna orientation, and environmental factors all play a role in effective signal strength and range.

How can cameras be put back into syncing mode if they need to be rebooted?

Press and hold the circular setup button on the camera for a few seconds until the LED blinks blue, indicating it’s ready to sync.

Final Thoughts

Adding and syncing Blink cameras to the Sync Module is the path to expanding your home surveillance setup. While the Blink app makes syncing mostly hassle-free, being attentive to camera placement, wireless range, troubleshooting, and charging ensures everything connects smoothly.With some care taken during the process, you can easily grow your Blink ecosystem and capabilities room-by-room, camera-by-camera. Just let the Sync Module handle the technical work of providing connectivity and powering camera features.

James Beetie portrait pic
About James Beetie

James - a self-confessed nerd - has owned smart home equipment for close to a decade, and he loves communicating the best ways of setting them up... and resolving the various bugs and issues that you'll no doubt come across!