How Far Can Blink Cameras Detect Motion?

Blink cameras are Amazon’s answer to the growing need for smart security monitoring. They offer a wide range of features and can record footage the moment movement is detected. With this in mind, I wanted to find out how far Blink cameras can detect motion to best suit my needs.

By default, Blink cameras can detect motion up to around 25 feet. However, certain factors, like placement, object size, and more, can affect the camera’s ability to detect motion in this range reliably.

Based on how Blink cameras detect motion, the range at which they can function can vary. This article will provide an in-depth look into how Blink cameras detect motion and some of the variables that may affect their range.

Blink Security Cameras: A Quick Look

Blink currently offers three models of security cameras: mini, indoor, and outdoor. All three devices provide a competitive range of features designed for functionality and control over your security monitoring system.

Though the Blink Mini also has motion detection, this article will focus on the indoor and outdoor models. Here’s a side-by-side comparison between the two standard models (the Indoor and Outdoor) to better understand their motion detection abilities and limitations.

Feature(s)	Indoor Camera	Outdoor Camera
Video Resolution	1080p HD	1080p HD
Power Source	2 AA Lithium Batteries	2 AA Lithium Batteries
Alexa Compatible	Yes	Yes
Motion Detection (With Alerts)	Yes	Yes
Live View	Yes	Yes
Two-Way Audio	Yes	Yes
Water-Resistant	No	Yes

Given this information, it is evident that Blink cameras provide features designed to offer safety and security to the average consumer. Now that we know what Blink cameras can offer, let’s take a closer look at how they detect motion.

How Do Blink Cameras Detect Motion?

Blink cameras rely on Passive Infrared (or PIR) to detect heat signatures in their field of view. In other words, if an object with a heat signature, like a human or animal, passes in front of the camera, a motion event will trigger. Given this information, let’s examine the Blink camera’s motion detection range.

Motion Detection Range

Blink security cameras have a maximum detection range of about 25 feet (this is true for all their devices).

However, as we briefly touched upon earlier, the range of motion detection can be affected by different factors, from the camera’s physical placement to object size and temperature. For example, if you place your camera near a window, it will not reliably detect changes in heat signatures through the glass.

Additionally, your Blink camera may have a shorter motion detection range at night. Since the device uses infrared illuminators, their coverage may decrease based on physical visibility. On the flip side, however, using Blink cameras at their full resolution during the daytime can allow users to make out objects further than 25 feet with ideal conditions.

Field of View

Both the outdoor and indoor Blink cameras have a 110-degree diagonal field of view and do not offer the ability to pan or tilt. With this in mind, it is essential to place your device accordingly to take full advantage of its field of view.

It is recommended that you install Blink cameras where they can view areas of high traffic (near doors or entrances), ideally free of obstructions like trees, bushes, etc.

Increasing Motion Detection Sensitivity

If you’re using your Blink camera for motion detection outdoors, you also have the option to increase the device’s motion sensitivity. Users have even indicated that their devices have detected motion up to 100 feet with the sensitivity at its highest settings.

However, the drawback is that it will also provide many more false alarms, as the motion detection would trigger with almost any movement.

If you’re looking to adjust your systems motion detection sensitivity, here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Open the Blink SmartHome App and select the settings button next to the camera you want to adjust.
2. Navigate to the “Sensitivity” slider, and move it either towards the “L” for Low or the “H” for High, depending on your desired configuration.
3. Arm and test your cameras to see if the sensitivity has been adjusted accordingly.

(Source: Blink Support)

Note: If you adjust your sensitivity to the highest settings, you may also want to enable the setting, “End clip early if motion stops.” Since Blink cameras record once motion is detected, enabling this feature will prevent the app from continually recording long false events.

In Summary

Blink cameras can accurately detect motion up to 25 feet, providing reliability and security for your property. Several factors, like placement, temperatures, and time of day, can affect the camera’s range, so it’s important to be mindful of how your device is setup. With the ability to adjust motion sensitivity, Blink cameras can be configured to detect motion to best suit your system’s needs.