As technology advances, smart home devices have become more popular. One such device is the Blink camera, which allows you to keep an eye on your home remotely. However, to make the most out of the device, it is essential to know how to connect Blink to Alexa. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of connecting your Blink camera to Alexa.
What is Blink Camera?
Blink cameras are a popular home security solution. These cameras are easy to install and provide excellent surveillance for your home. You can access the live stream from your Blink camera via the Blink app, and with the help of Alexa, you can now control your camera with voice commands.
How to Connect Blink to Alexa
Connecting your Blink camera to Alexa is a simple process that involves a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Set up your Blink Camera
Before you can connect your Blink camera to Alexa, you need to set up your camera. Follow these steps to set up your Blink camera:
- Download the Blink app on your smartphone
- Create a new account or sign in to an existing account
- Follow the instructions in the app to add your Blink camera to your account
- Connect your Blink camera to your home Wi-Fi network
Step 2: Enable the Blink Skill in the Alexa App
Once you’ve set up your Blink camera, the next step is to enable the Blink Skill in the Alexa app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone
- Tap on the “Skills & Games” option from the menu
- Search for “Blink” in the search bar
- Select the “Blink SmartHome” skill and tap on “Enable to Use”
- Sign in to your Blink account to link your Blink and Alexa accounts
Step 3: Discover Devices in the Alexa App
After you’ve enabled the Blink Skill, you need to discover devices in the Alexa app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone
- Tap on the “Devices” icon in the bottom right corner of the screen
- Tap on the “+” icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Tap on “Add Device”
- Select “Camera” from the list of devices
- Select “Blink” from the list of camera brands
- Follow the instructions in the app to complete the setup
Step 4: Control Your Blink Camera with Alexa
Once you’ve completed the setup, you can now control your Blink camera with Alexa. Here are some voice commands you can use:
- “Alexa, show me the [camera name]”
- “Alexa, arm/disarm [camera name]”
- “Alexa, set [camera name] to home/away mode”
How to Add Blink to Alexa Show
If you have an Alexa Show device, you can also add Blink to it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone
- Tap on the “Devices” icon in the bottom right corner of the screen
- Tap on the “+” icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Tap on “Add Device”
- Select “Camera” from the list of devices
- Select “Blink” from the list of camera brands
- Follow the instructions in the app to complete the setup
How to Link Blink to Alexa Routine
Alexa routines allow you to automate certain tasks. Here’s how you can link your Blink camera to an Alexa routine:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone
- Tap on the “Routines” option from the menu
- Tap on the “+” icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Tap on “When This Happens” and select the trigger for your routine (e.g., “When motion is detected”)
- Tap on “Add Action” and select “Smart Home”
- Select your Blink camera from the list of devices
- Choose the action you want to perform (e.g., “Turn on the lights”)
- Follow the instructions in the app to complete the setup
Does Blink Work with Alexa?
Yes, Blink cameras work with Alexa. By following the steps outlined above, you can connect your Blink camera to Alexa and control it with voice commands. With Alexa, you can view the live stream from your camera, arm/disarm it, and set it to home/away mode.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble connecting your Blink camera to Alexa, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure your Blink camera is connected to your home Wi-Fi network
- Make sure your Alexa device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Blink camera
- Try disabling and re-enabling the Blink Skill in the Alexa app
- Restart your Blink camera and Alexa device
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Blink app and Alexa app installed on your smartphone
Conclusion
Connecting your Blink camera to Alexa is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can control your Blink camera with voice commands and view the live stream from your camera on your Alexa device. With the help of Alexa, you can make your home even smarter and more secure.
FAQs
How do I add a second Blink camera to Alexa?
To add a second Blink camera to Alexa, follow the same steps outlined in this guide. You can add multiple Blink cameras to your Blink account, and they will all appear in the Alexa app.
Can I control my Blink camera with Alexa when I’m away from home?
Yes, you can control your Blink camera with Alexa even when you’re away from home. As long as your Blink camera and Alexa device are connected to the internet, you can control your camera with voice commands from anywhere.
How do I unlink my Blink camera from Alexa?
To unlink your Blink camera from Alexa, open the Alexa app on your smartphone, go to “Devices,” select your Blink camera, and tap on “Delete Device.”
Can I use Alexa to view the recorded footage from my Blink camera?
No, you cannot use Alexa to view the recorded footage from your Blink camera. You can only view the live stream from your camera and control it with voice commands.
Can I connect my Blink Mini camera to Alexa?
Yes, you can connect your Blink Mini camera to Alexa using the same steps outlined in this guide. The Blink Mini is a smaller version of the Blink camera, but it works the same way and can be controlled with Alexa.