Blink cameras are a great way to enhance your home security and keep an eye on things you value. However, if you don’t have a good and speedy Wi-Fi connection, you won’t be able to receive images and notifications, defeating the security aspect of the camera. So, how can I improve my Blink Wi-Fi signal?
You can improve your Blink Wi-Fi signal by doing the following:
- Moving the camera closer to the routerInstalling a Wi-Fi extenderUsing a Wi-Fi boosterUsing mesh Wi-Fi
Read on to find out how you can observe the Blink Wi-Fi signal strength and ways to improve it.
How Do I Check the Blink Signal Strength?
As we stated previously, Blink devices require high Wi-Fi signal strength to share live feeds and send security alerts. Therefore, it is essential to check that the sync module and camera show three connectivity bars to avoid performance issues.
To find signal strengths on your sync module:
- Open your Blink appTap the home screen icon to access the sync module menu.The signal strength appears on the menu.Click on the three lined icons adjacent to the camera’s name.Scroll down the camera settings screen.Click on the update button to view signal strength readings for Wi-Fi and camera to sync modules.
A weak sync module signal causes missed or delayed actions when attempting to view cameras, and weak Wi-Fi results in faster battery drain, and motion clips will not be transmitted. However, since mini cameras do not function using a sync module, ensure that you place them close to the Wi-Fi router.
How Can I Increase Blink Wi-Fi Signal Strength?
The leading causes of poor signals in Blink devices are obstacles and the long distance between the camera and the Wi-Fi router. If your camera shows low signal strength, move it closer to the Wi-Fi router.
Another way to improve your signal is to use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh Wi-Fi. We’ll get more into that below.
Use a Wi-Fi Extender
Wi-Fi extenders improve the network signal of Blink devices further away from the router. The extenders expand network coverage by repeating the wireless signal to areas where the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Using an extender will enhance the signal strength of Blink devices within range.
Here’s the process of using a Wi-Fi Extender with your Blink Wi-Fi:
- Once you have set up your Wi-Fi extender, it should appear in your Wi-Fi settings with its name or an added “ _EXT” at the end of your Wi-Fi name(SSID). Blink devices that can detect and connect to an extender with added “ _EXT” to the SSID are the Blink outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and mini Blink cameras.To connect the Blink original indoor, XT, and XT2 cameras, ensure that they are on the same Wi-Fi SSID as the sync module. You have to rename the Wi-Fi extender SSID to the same name as the main Wi-Fi network and use the same password. You can change the name by accessing the Wi-Fi extender settings.
Now that you know how to use a Wi-Fi extender, let’s move on to using mesh Wi-Fi.
Use Mesh Wi-Fi
Mesh Wi-Fi works by using several devices to chain off each other and broadcast the signal further than the last. The devices act as satellites for the network. If you have connectivity, dead zones can use mesh Wi-Fi to eliminate them and ensure coverage in your entire home.
One of the devices is a gateway node that uses your modem to connect to the internet, while the other nodes communicate and expand the Wi-Fi coverage with every newly added device. Unlike Wi-Fi extenders that use a single point of access, the network of nodes communicates with each other to distribute the overall Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength.
Although the Wi-Fi extenders and mesh Wi-Fi works improve network coverage and strength away from the router, they will not improve a signal that shows three connectivity bars.
Wi-Fi Extender Vs. Mesh Wi-Fi: Which Improves Wi-Fi Signal More?
You now know that a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi can improve your Blink Wi-Fi signal, but some people often get these two mixed up. These products are very different. But which one improves your wi-Fi signal more?
Depending on your needs, either device will work well to improve your Blink’s Wi-Fi signal. A Wi-Fi extender rebroadcasts the Wi-Fi signal and boosts Wi-Fi coverage, while mesh Wi-Fi networks blanket your home in Wi-Fi and eliminate the dead connectivity zones.
3 Devices to Improve Your Blink Wi-Fi Signal
Now that you know everything about improving your Blink Wi-Fi signal, you may be wondering what devices specifically are best for this. Let’s go over 3 below.
Aitour Ever Wi-Fi Extender
If you’re balling on a budget but want to enjoy your Blink Wi-Fi to its fullest, this Wi-Fi extender is a go-to. At just $58.88, you can see a 1200 Mbps difference in your Wi-Fi speed for up to 3000 sq. ft. Who knew such a little device could make such a positive impact? What’s more, it offers 4 antennas you can move to the direction of the dead zones in your home to ensure proper Wi-Fi coverage.
TP-Link AX1800 Wi-Fi Extender
Tp-Link is a very popular brand when it comes to Wi-Fi extenders, and for a good reason. Their new and improved AX1800 can reach speeds up to 1775 Mbps, knocking the previous extender out of the ballpark. It even is compatible with the new Wi-Fi 6 technology. If you still are having issues with your Blink Wi-Fi, you can even connect this extender to a mesh Wi-Fi and combine their coverage.
Conclusion
Strong Wi-Fi is essential to the proper functioning of your Blink devices. You can improve signal strength by using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh Wi-Fi and ensuring that your device is near the Wi-Fi router. Additionally, you can troubleshoot your connection by clicking the update button on your Blink app or power cycle the sync module.