Ready, Set, Secure: Can Alexa Arm Your Blink System?

In our ever-evolving world of smart technology, where our voice-activated virtual assistants can dim the lights, order groceries, and even tell us jokes, the realm of possibilities seems boundless. However, amidst the vast array of features and capabilities, there remains a question that often arises among smart home enthusiasts: can Alexa arm Blink?

As we delve into this intriguing topic, we embark on a journey to explore the potential synergy between two powerful smart devices, envisioning a future where seamless integration and enhanced security converge. So, let’s unlock the door to curiosity and venture into the realm of possibilities, where Alexa’s prowess meets Blink’s watchful gaze.

Can Alexa Arm Blink

Alexa, the voice assistant created by Amazon, can be found in devices like Echo Show, Echo Studio, Echo Dot, Fire TV, and even mobile and tablets. It serves multiple purposes, such as answering questions and controlling smart home gadgets like cameras, doorbells, and locks.

Many people wonder if Blink security cameras are compatible with Alexa.

Blink is owned by Amazon, and its cameras work seamlessly with all Alexa-enabled devices. This means you can control your Blink camera using voice commands and receive notifications on the app. Plus, you can watch the live view on supported screen devices like Fire Tablets, Echo Spot, or Echo Show.

Blink cameras, whether outdoor or indoor, provide a sense of security by monitoring our homes. By linking your Blink camera to the Alexa app, you can enjoy the convenience of using Alexa commands to arm your system with a simple phrase like “Alexa, ask Blink to arm.”

Amazon has made integrating Blink with Alexa effortless. With easy setup, you can receive motion detection notifications and access live video feeds on your Amazon devices, enhancing the convenience of your smart home.

How Do I Make My Alexa Arm Blink Camera?

To make your Alexa arm the Blink camera, you need to establish a connection between Blink and the Alexa app. Here are the detailed steps to enable the Blink-Alexa integration:

1. Open the Blink app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Tap on the “Account icon” located in the bottom navigation bar (second-to-last icon for iOS, last icon for Android).
3. From the Account menu items, select “Link to Alexa.”
4. Choose the “Open Alexa App” option to proceed.
5. Select “ENABLE TO USE” to initiate the installation of the Blink Alexa skill.
6. Sign in to your Blink account using your credentials. If you don’t have an account, create one.
7. Grant access by entering a 4-digit Blink pin (avoid using “0000”). You will receive a verification code from Blink, which you need to enter for authentication. If you encounter any issues, try again after a few minutes.
8. Tap “CLOSE” to move on to Blink device discovery.
9. Click on the “Discover Devices” option. Ensure that your Blink devices are already connected and set up in the Blink app for effective functioning.
10. The discovered devices will be listed. If you have a single device, select “Set Up Device.” If you have multiple devices, choose “Choose Device” and proceed with the setup process accordingly.
11. If you wish to group your camera with other devices, you can do so in the next steps. Alternatively, you can skip this process. Grouping devices simplify the issuance of Alexa routines and commands. Select your desired grouping option.
12. Confirm your selection by choosing “Add to Group” or “Skip” to finalize the setup.
13. Select “Continue” to add the camera to your group, if applicable. Click on “Done” to complete the setup process.

By following these steps, you can successfully connect your Blink camera to the Alexa app, enabling you to control and arm the camera using Alexa voice commands.

Establishing a Link Between Blink and the Alexa App

To establish a connection between Blink and the Alexa app, you can follow these steps:

1. Launch the Alexa app on your device and navigate to the skills section.
2. Search for the “Blink SmartHome” skill and select it.
3. Tap the “Enable” button, which will bring up a login page. Enter your Blink account credentials (email and password) and provide a 4-digit pin that will be used to disarm your Blink system using voice control.
4. If the Blink skill is successfully linked, you will see a message confirming the successful link between Blink and Alexa.
5. Close the screen by tapping the upper right “X icon.” A prompt will appear indicating that smart home devices need to be discovered before they can be used with Alexa.
6. Click on the “Discover Devices” button and wait for about 10-20 seconds for the Alexa app to find the Blink cameras and Sync Modules associated with your Blink account.

If you want to receive motion announcements notifications through the Alexa app when your Blink camera detects movement around your house, you can follow these additional steps:

1. Open the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap on the Camera Settings icon.

Enable “Early NotificationBeta” by setting it to “On.” This will ensure you receive motion announcements promptly.

3. Note: According to Blink, for the best experience, enable “Motion Detection,” “Early Notification,” and “Motion Recording.”

To complete the process and activate the “Motion Announcement” option in the Alexa app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap on the Devices icon located at the lower right corner of the app.
3. Select “All Devices” to view a list of your devices.
4. Choose your Blink camera from the list.

On the Settings page for your Blink camera, activate the “Motion Announcement” option.

Now, Alexa is ready to announce whenever motion is detected by your Blink camera. By following these steps, you can establish a seamless connection between Blink and the Alexa app, enabling you to control and monitor your Blink cameras conveniently.

Renaming the Blink Camera for Convenience: 8 Super Simple Steps

If you find that Alexa is having difficulty recognizing the name you assigned to your Blink camera, it is advisable to use simple and easily pronounceable names. You can modify the name of your Blink camera through the Alexa app by following these steps:

1. Open the Alexa app on your device.
2. Tap on “Devices” located at the bottom of the screen.
3. Scroll across the top and select “Cameras.”
4. Choose the Blink camera that you want to rename.
5. Tap on the gear icon situated at the top right corner of the screen.
6. From the options that appear, select “Edit Name.”
7. You can now enter a new name for your device, which will make it easier for Alexa to recognize and respond to.
8. Once you have renamed your Blink camera, tap on “Save” or “Done” to confirm the changes.

By following these instructions in the Alexa app, you can modify the name of your Blink camera, ensuring that it is easier for Alexa to understand and process your commands accurately.

4 Major Problems When Linking Blink With Alexa

While linking Blink with Alexa can provide seamless integration and enhanced functionality, there are some common problems that users may encounter. Understanding these issues can help in troubleshooting and resolving them effectively.

Here are some major problems that may arise when linking Blink with Alexa:

1. “Sorry, cameras don’t work on this device”: This error message occurs when attempting to use a voice command that is not supported by the specific Alexa-enabled device you have connected with the Blink SmartHome skill. It’s important to check the compatibility of the Alexa device you are using with the command you are trying to issue.
2. “Please specify a system”: If you have multiple Blink systems associated with your account and try to arm the Blink system using Alexa, this error may occur. To resolve this, ensure that you include the exact Blink system name when giving commands to Alexa, enabling it to distinguish between your multiple systems accurately.
3. “Ok, I’m not quite sure what went wrong”: This issue may arise when using an Echo device with firmware version 6.5.4.1 and trying to display a specific camera name while the device is muted. To resolve this, enable the microphone for that camera in the Blink app’s Live View settings.
4. “Couldn’t find a device name Blink”: If all of your Blink devices are not discovered in the Alexa app, this error message will appear. To address this issue, follow these steps: Open the Alexa app, tap on “Devices,” then select “Cameras.” Check to ensure that all of your Blink devices are listed. If any devices are missing, go to the Devices section, tap the “+” icon in the upper right-hand corner, choose “Add Devices,” select “Cameras,” and then initiate the “Discover Devices” process.

By being aware of these potential problems and following the suggested solutions, users can overcome obstacles that may arise during the Blink-Alexa integration process. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient connection between the devices, allowing for seamless control and management of your Blink cameras with Alexa.

Removing Your Blink Account From Alexa: Step-By-Step Guide

If you decide that controlling your Blink smart cameras through voice commands is not your preference, you can easily remove your Blink account from Alexa. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the “Menu” button located in the top left corner of the screen.
3. From the menu options, select “Skill & Games,” and then tap on “Your Skills.”
4. Locate the “Blink SmartHome” skill and disable it by toggling the switch or selecting the “Disable” option.
5. After disabling the skill, go back to the home screen of the Alexa app.
6. Tap on “Devices,” which is located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
7. Select “Cameras” from the available options.
8. You will see a list of all your Blink cameras that were linked with Alexa. For each camera you want to remove, tap on it to access its settings.
9. Within the camera settings, look for a trash or delete icon (usually represented by a trash bin or binoculars with a line through them) and tap on it to delete the camera from Alexa.
10. Repeat step 9 for each Blink camera you want to remove.

By following these steps, you can easily remove your Blink account from Alexa, effectively disabling the voice control function for your Blink smart cameras.

9 Useful Commands for Using Blink With Alexa

To effectively control and manage your Blink camera using Alexa, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with useful commands. These commands allow you to perform various actions, such as arming or disarming your camera, checking live feeds, and accessing recorded clips.

Below is the list of each command in detail:

1. To view the live feed from your Blink camera, say: “Alexa, show me [camera name]”. This command initiates the streaming of the live camera feed on your supported Alexa device with a screen.
2. To stop the live feed and return to the home screen, say: “Alexa, hide [camera name]”. This command stops the live streaming and takes you back to the home screen of your supported Alexa device.
3. To view the most recent video clip recorded by Blink, say: “Alexa, show me the last activity from the [camera name]”. This command displays the most recent recorded video clip from the specified Blink camera on your supported Alexa device.
4. To arm or disarm your Blink system, say: “Alexa, ask Blink to arm [system name]”: This command arms your Blink system, enabling motion detection and recording.
5. “Alexa, ask Blink to disarm [system name], my pin is ####”: This command disarms your Blink system, temporarily disabling motion detection. Make sure to provide your PIN for authorization.
6. To inquire about the time of the latest motion clip, say: “Alexa, ask Blink when was my last motion alert?”. This command provides information about the timestamp of the most recent motion clip recorded by your Blink camera.
7. To check the number of unread and read motion clips, say: “Alexa, ask Blink how many motion clips do I have?”. This command informs you about the total count of unread and reads motion clips stored in your Blink system.
8. To view your scheduled arming/disarming settings, say: “Alexa, ask Blink what’s my schedule?”. This command provides details about the predetermined schedule for arming and disarming your Blink system.
9. To check the current status of your Blink system, say: “Alexa, ask Blink what is my status?”. This command provides an overview of the current status of your Blink system, including whether it’s armed or disarmed.

Utilizing these commands, you can easily control and manage your Blink camera using Alexa, making your home security monitoring more convenient and accessible.

Can I Arm Blink Remotely?

Yes, you can arm your Blink system remotely. The Blink app allows you to arm or disarm your Blink system from anywhere with an internet connection, as long as you have the app installed on your smartphone or tablet and are logged into your Blink account.

To arm your Blink system remotely, open the Blink app on your device and follow the steps below:

1. Ensure that you have the Blink app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Open the Blink app and log in to your Blink account.
3. Once logged in, you will see a list of your Blink cameras and devices.
4. Select the camera or system you want to arm remotely.
5. Look for the option to arm or enable motion detection within the camera settings.
6. Toggle the switch or select the appropriate option to arm the camera.
7. Save the changes, and your Blink camera will now be armed remotely.

To disarm your Blink system remotely, follow the same steps, but tap on the “Disarm” button instead of the “Arm” button.

It’s important to note that if you have multiple Blink systems set up, you will need to arm/disarm each one separately using the Blink app.

In addition to arming and disarming remotely, you can also use the Blink app to set up schedules for when your system will automatically arm and disarm, and receive push notifications when your cameras detect motion.

Alexa Disarm by Voice

If your Blink device is already linked to Alexa, you can disarm it by voice using the following steps:

1. Wake up your Alexa-enabled device by saying “Alexa“.
2. Say “Alexa, ask Blink to disarm [system name], my PIN is [PIN code].”

Note: Make sure to say the name of the Blink system you want to disarm and enter the PIN code associated with your Blink account. Also, you can set up a PIN code for your Blink system in the Alexa app by going to the Blink SmartHome skill settings and selecting “Manage Devices” > “Security PIN”.

Once you say the above command, Alexa will send a signal to your Blink device to disarm it, and you will receive a confirmation response from Alexa that the system is disarmed. You can also check the status of your Blink system by saying “Alexa, ask Blink what is my status?” and Alexa will tell you if the system is armed or disarmed.

Can Alexa Arm Blink on iPhone

Yes, Alexa can arm Blink cameras on an iPhone through the Alexa app. Here’s a detailed explanation of how you can use Alexa to arm Blink cameras on your iPhone:

1. Ensure that you have the Alexa app installed on your iPhone. If not, download it from the App Store and log in to your Amazon account.
2. Open the Alexa app and tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) located in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. In the menu, select “Skills & Games” to access the Alexa skills.
4. Tap on the search icon (magnifying glass) in the top-right corner and search for “Blink SmartHome” skill.
5. When the Blink SmartHome skill appears, tap on it to open the skill details.
6. Tap the “Enable” button to enable the Blink SmartHome skill and link it to your Blink account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process.
7. Once the Blink SmartHome skill is enabled and linked, go back to the Alexa app’s home screen.
8. Tap on the Devices icon located at the bottom-right corner of the app.
9. On the Devices screen, you will find a list of your connected devices. Scroll through the list and select “Cameras“.
10. Tap on the Blink camera you want to arm.
11. On the camera details screen, you will see a gear icon in the top-right corner. Tap on it to access the camera settings.
12. In the camera settings, look for the option to arm the camera. It may be labeled as “Arm” or “Enable Motion Detection“. Toggle the switch or select the appropriate option to arm the camera.
13. Save the changes, and your Blink camera will be armed using the Alexa app on your iPhone.

Once the camera is armed, it will start monitoring for motion and recording any detected activity. You can also use voice commands through the Alexa app on your iPhone to control and manage your Blink camera, such as checking the camera status, viewing live feeds, or disabling motion detection.

By linking Blink with Alexa on your iPhone, you can conveniently use voice commands to interact with your Blink cameras and enhance your home security experience.

Takeaway 

The integration of Alexa and Blink brings a new level of convenience and control to your home security. With Alexa’s voice commands, you can easily arm and disarm your Blink cameras, check their status, view live feeds, and manage motion detection.

Whether you’re at home or away, the ability to remotely control your Blink cameras through Alexa provides peace of mind and added flexibility. By harnessing the power of voice control, you can effortlessly manage your home security system with just a few simple commands. Embrace the synergy between Alexa and Blink to enhance your home’s protection and stay connected to what matters most.