Blink Mini Motion Detection Not Working? (Simple Fixes!)

You set up your camera, expecting it to catch every movement, but you soon realize that the Blink Mini motion detection not working–no recordings, just… silence. 

Many users experiencing this problem shared that a disarmed system, improper alignment, and misconfigured motion settings are the leading causes. 

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through addressing each possibility and get your Blink mini motion detection working in no time… 

Blink Mini Motion Detection Not Working? – (How to Fix)

Note: Have you tried moving in front of the camera to check if it picks up the motion?

1. Arm the Blink Mini Camera

When disarmed, the camera is inactive and will not detect or record motion, even if the motion detection settings are enabled.

So, the first step is to ensure the camera’s motion detection is active by arming your system through the Blink mobile application. 

Here’s how to Arm the Blink Mini:

1. Open the Blink app and access the camera view.
2. Locate the toggle switch at the screen’s bottom.
3. Now, slide the switch from “Disarmed” to “Armed”
4. Verify the running man icon turns blue to confirm.

This process takes only a moment and ensures the camera is ready to detect motion.

If the icon remains gray, motion detection is still off, so double-check the toggle position. 

Important: Save any changes in the app to apply this setting permanently!

2. Adjust the Motion Settings

When the Blink Mini camera motion detection stops working, you should adjust the core motion detection settings of the device.

So, enabling detection, adjusting the sensitivity, and selecting activity zones can restore the Blink camera’s motion detection functionality quickly and easily.

• You can adjust the motion detection settings through the Blink app → “Camera Settings” → “Motion Detection”.

Option #1 Motion Detection

• Open the Blink app and tap Camera Settings.
• Locate Motion Detection in the settings menu.
• Press the Enable switch to activate the setting.
• Save changes to ensure motion detection is on.

Option #2 Adjust Detection Sensitivity

• Go to Camera Settings within the Blink app.
• Find the sensitivity slider within the settings.
• Adjust it between 5 and 9 as recommended.
• Save the adjustment to apply the new setting.

Option #3 Set Activity Zones

• Navigate to Settings and tap Activity Zones.
• Review zones to align with monitoring needs.
• Tap Reset Zones to clear the existing options.
• Save new zones to exclude unwanted areas.

Enabling detection activates the feature itself, sensitivity balances responsiveness, and activity zones prevent false triggers from foreign objects. 

Tip: Test after each change to confirm the effectiveness of your setup!

3. Improve the Blink Camera Wi-Fi

A weak network connection could be the leading issue with Blink’s motion detection.

The motion detection function relies on a stable Wi-Fi signal of at least three bars for proper performance.

Note: The Blink camera’s Wi-Fi strength can be viewed through the Blink app!

How to Improve Wi-Fi Stability:

• Open the Blink app to check signal strength.
• Move the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router.
• Ensure the signal shows at least three bars.
• Test the Blink Mini on your phone’s hotspot.
• Unplug the router for about 30–40 seconds.

The process strengthens the camera’s Wi-Fi network link without major intervention in the router or network configuration.

A weak signal can disrupt motion detection and live view, so proximity to the router is key. Well, ensure your camera is within 50–100 feet of the network router.

4. Clean the Blink Camera Lens

If your Blink Mini camera motion detection not working, a dirty lens might be the reason for any skipped events and no motion detection.

Everything from dust, smudges, or debris can obstruct the camera’s view and reduce its ability to detect motion accurately. 

So, we recommend cleaning the lens to restore the Blink camera’s visibility and performance by using a microfiber cloth and some rubbing alcohol.

Here’s how to clean the camera lens properly:

1. Turn off the Blink Mini camera using the app.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the lens gently.
3. Find smudges or fingerprints on the surface.
4. Now, clean using a microfiber cloth and alcohol.
5. Then, check the area around the lens for debris.

Warning: Wait until the camera dries up fully before turning it on through the Blink application!

5. Update the Blink Application

When the Blink Mini’s motion detection falters, outdated firmware might be the primary cause.

We recommend checking whether both the Blink Mini camera and Blink application are running the most current version, through the Blink app or the app store.

To check the Blink Mini’s firmware:

• Open the Blink app and go to settings.
• Navigate to “Camera” → “Firmware”.

To check the Blink application’s firmware:

• Open the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Find the Blink app in the options to update.

After updates, save all changes to the camera’s system settings, then test the motion detection after the update to confirm the motion detection’s functionality. 

Note: Verify your smartphone maintains a consistent connection to Wi-Fi before the updates!

6. Optimize Camera’s Placement

So, if your Blink Mini camera’s motion detection is inconsistent, the infrared (PIR) sensor could be the main problem.

PIR sensors detect heat but won’t work through glass or in direct sunlight, so we recommend correcting the Blink camera’s placement/angle for optimal motion detection.

Here are several tips to optimize Blink’s PIR performance:

• Ensure the camera is not behind a window.
• Relocate Blink indoors or outdoors to test.
• Tilt the Blink cam away from direct sunlight.
• Mount it sideways for better motion capture.

Note: The proper positioning enhances the PIR sensor’s ability to detect motion accurately, so avoid glass barriers and direct sunlight, as they could interfere with the sensor.

7. Integrate Floodlights (Blink Special)

If the Blink Mini struggles with motion detection due to dim conditions, adding Blink’s special floodlights could be the solution.

Installing a Blink floodlight enhances visibility and ensures accurate motion capture in low-light environments. 

• You can purchase a set of floodlights on Blink’s Official Product Page!

How Do Blink Floodlights Work?

The Blink’s floodlights are designed to shine a bright light to improve the camera’s visibility in dark areas.

They only activate in low light to support the Blink Mini’s motion detection by lighting up the area, and their purpose is to ensure reliable event capture day or night.

Since you’re limited in mounting options, consider lighting up the area where the Blink camera is installed to ensure accurate motion capture. 

How to Integrate the Blink Floodlights:

• Mount the floodlights near your Blink Mini camera.
• Wire the floodlights with the provided A/C adapters.
• Adjust the floodlight angle to light the camera’s area.

Position floodlights strategically to cover key zones without blinding your camera, then test the system’s motion detection. 

Reminder: Don’t forget to verify that the floodlights are properly connected to the power supply!

8. Reset the Camera & Sync Module

If the motion detection is still missing events, we advise factory resetting the Blink camera and Sync Module.

Resetting both clears potential glitches that affect the performance and erases all of the device’s settings permanently, so be aware that any lost settings cannot be recovered.

Let’s start with the Blink camera!

How to Factory Reset the Blink Mini Camera:

• Find the Reset button on the camera.
• Hold the button for about 5 seconds.
• Release after the red/blue lights flash.

How to Factory Reset the Blink Sync Module:

• Find the reset button on the sync module.
• Unplug the power cable from the module.
• Press the “Reset” button for 10 seconds.
• Release after the LED of the unit blinks.

The LED indicators on the Blink camera and Sync Module will indicate once the factory reset procedure has started.

Do not release either of the reset buttons early, or the reset might fail.

Note: Only proceed with these steps if there’s a Sync Module in your Blink setup!

9. Build a Custom Camera Mount (DIY)

Incorrect placement could be the reason why your Blink Mini motion detection is not working.

The PIR sensor’s ability to detect motion can be heavily disrupted as a result, but a custom DIY mount can reposition the camera to enhance its detection performance.

Follow these steps to build a simple DIY camera mount:

1. Acquire a small wooden block or plastic base.
2. Measure the base to properly fit the Blink camera.
3. Now, apply adhesive to secure the Blink camera.
4. Move the Blink camera to aim 5–20 feet outward.
5. Mark two spots that will be used for the mounting.
6. Next, drill or stick the mount using screws or tape.
7. Ensure the angle avoids sunlight or glass barriers.

This DIY project takes about 20–30 minutes and ensures the camera is positioned for optimal motion detection.

Use durable materials to keep the construction stable, and test your setup’s motion detection afterward by moving in front of the camera.

Note: Get in touch with Blink Customer Support if you’re still having issues!