How To Reset Blink Sync Module

Blink’s security camera system is great… when it works. When it doesn’t, you might feel like throwing them all in the garbage. But don’t worry, as there are some quick fixes you can use to get it back up and running. 

I’ve compiled this handy guide so you can easily reset your Sync Module and set it up anew. I also put in some pro tips to troubleshoot any other issues that pop up and get back to monitoring your home without any headaches. 

How To Reset Your Blink Sync Module

You can reset your Blink Sync Module by locating the reset button on the back of the device. Press and hold the button using a small paperclip until the lights turn red. You can then set it up again through the Blink app.

But there’s more than one way to reset the Sync, so keep reading as I cover the full process you’ll need. 

A Detailed Breakdown of Resetting Blink Sync Module

1) When to Reset Your Blink Sync Module

There are several scenarios where resetting your Blink Sync Module may be necessary:

• Connectivity Issues: If your Blink cameras are offline, not connecting to WiFi, or have trouble syncing, resetting the Sync module can often resolve these problems. Look for error messages in the app like “Camera is offline” or “Sync Module is offline.”
• Changing WiFi Network: Whenever you change your home WiFi network name (SSID) or password, you'll need to reset the Sync Module to reconnect it to the new network. 
• Unresponsive or Slow: If your Blink system becomes very laggy or unresponsive, and power cycling doesn't fix it, then a full reset can clear any glitches or corrupted connections to give it a fresh start.
• Error LED Lights: If the Sync Module’s LED lights are solid red or flashing red, this usually indicates an error state. If power cycling doesn’t fix it, a reset is usually necessary. 
• Preparing for Sale: Planning to sell or gift your Blink devices? A factory reset will erase all your personal settings, customizations, and recorded data from the Sync Module. This ensures your privacy is protected and returns the device to a clean slate.

But before you jump to a reset, try the quick fixes in the next step first. 

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2) Troubleshooting Before Resetting

Resetting your Blink Sync Module can help clear up a lot of issues, but it’s not always necessary. Here are some simple troubleshooting steps you can try: 

• Reboot Sync Module: Sometimes, a quick reboot clears temporary glitches. Just unplug the module from its power source, wait 15 seconds, then plug it back in (this is called a power cycle). Watch for status lights to indicate it's back online (flashing blue, then solid green).
• Check WiFi Strength: Blink devices need a steady WiFi connection. Check your network strength and stability – Blink needs at least 2 Mbps upload speed. Consider moving the Sync Module closer to your router if the signal is weak. You can also check this via a WiFi signal detector app on your phone. 
• Update Firmware: Blink pushes automatic firmware updates to improve performance and fix bugs. But if you've delayed updates, your module might have issues. Open the app and check if any updates are waiting to be installed. Follow this with a power cycle. 
• Reduce Interference: The Sync Module uses 2.4 GHz WiFi, which can suffer interference from appliances like microwaves, baby monitors, etc. Keep the module and WiFi router away from such devices and metal objects for clearer signals.

• Restart WiFi Router: Sometimes, the issue is with your WiFi router, not the Sync Module, so try restarting that. Do a power cycle by unplugging the router and modem from power, then plugging them back in after 15 seconds. You should check if all the devices in your home network can reliably access the internet. 
• Remove WiFi Extenders: You can also try temporarily removing any WiFi mesh or extenders from your home network. Simply unplug them from power. This allows the Sync Module to connect directly to the router. Once connected successfully, you can re-enable them. 

Now, if your Blink setup still doesn’t work after trying these quick solutions, and you see the symptoms from step 1, then you have to proceed with a reset. 

3) Reset Your Blink Sync Module

Now it's time to wipe the Sync Module and start fresh. The process is straightforward but differs slightly between the Original Sync Module and Sync Module 2. There are also two different ways to reset the device, so you should try them in order:

Reset Process 1

1. Locate the reset button on your device. On the Sync Module 2, it’s on the back of the device, while on the first-generation Module, it’s right next to the USB port. 
2. Use a small, thin, blunt object like a paperclip, pin, or backside of a toothpick to press and hold the button. 
3. Hold it for at least 5 seconds, and you should see a red LED begin to flash. Release the button. 
4. Next, you should see a blinking blue and solid green light appear, which indicates the reset went OK, and you can now set it up again.

Reset Process 2

If the previous method didn’t seem to work (if you don’t see the correct LEDs or your device still doesn’t work), then try this reset method:

1. Unplug the power cord from the back of the module. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Find the small reset button, hold it down, and keep it pressed like in the previous method.
3. While still holding the reset button, plug the power cord back into the module.
4. Continue holding the reset button until you see the status light on the front blinking red, then release.
5. The status light will flash red and then blue for a minute or so, then glow blinking blue and solid green when the reset is complete. This whole process can take 5 minutes.

This method is a slightly different firmware reset cycle, but it should work well if the first one didn’t. 

After this, your Sync Module will be wiped clean and ready to set up with new WiFi info and connect to your Blink cameras again. 

4) Reconnecting and Reconfiguring the Sync Module After Resetting

With your Sync Module reset to factory defaults, it's time to rebuild your Blink system in the app. Here's a refresher on syncing it back up:

1. Open the Blink App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Blink app installed on your phone or tablet. Open the app and log in to your Blink account.
2. Add Sync Module: Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to add a device. Select “Sync Module” when asked what type of device you're setting up.
3. Follow Setup Prompts: The app will now guide you through the setup process. Then, use your phone's camera to scan the QR code on the back of the module. When asked for the system name, be sure to choose a unique but easily recallable name. 
4. Discover Device: When prompted, plug in your Sync Module. You should see blinking blue and steady green LED lights on your device, then tap on ‘Discover Device’. If you don’t see the lights or if they stay red, try resetting it again following method #2. 
5. Configure WiFi: The app will ask you to connect to the Sync Module's temporary WiFi network (it will be named something like “BLINK-XXXX”). You can do this via the WiFi settings on your phone. Once connected, return to the Blink app and choose your home WiFi network, then enter its password to link the module to the internet. You’ll need a 2.4 GHz network for this. 
6. Add Cameras: After the Sync Module is online, you can re-add your Blink cameras. If they were previously paired to this module, they should automatically reconnect within a few minutes. If that doesn’t happen, you can add them manually by scanning each camera's QR code.
7. Customize Settings: Your system is now up and running, but you might need to redo some of the custom settings you had before, like motion zones, clip length, sensitivity, etc. And do check for any firmware updates on any of your Blink devices. 

This whole process should only take 10-20 minutes, after which your Blink camera system should be running like new.

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5) What to Do If Resetting the Sync Module Doesn't Work

In some cases, even a factory reset may not resolve your Sync Module issues. First, go through all the troubleshooting tips in Step 2, as even those simple ones can sometimes resolve the problem. 

Here’s what else you can do:

• Both Reset Methods: You should try both reset methods I described above. If neither of them work, then it’s likely a different issue. 
• Different Power Source: Try using a different power source, like a different (but high-quality) USB cable and an appropriate charging brick. You should use the original one if you still have it. 
• Disable Mobile Data: Try disabling mobile data on your phone, as sometimes the Blink app has an issue where it can’t connect to WiFi. You can also try toggling airplane mode on/off. 
• Contact Blink Support: If you're still having no luck after multiple resets and troubleshooting attempts, it's time to call in the experts. Contact Blink's customer support team and let them know everything you’ve done so far. They can check your system logs and guide you through better fixes.
• Hardware Issue: In the worst-case scenario, your Sync Module may have a hardware failure. You should reach out to Blink support to confirm this. If you’re still under warranty, you may be able to get a free replacement. Otherwise, you may have to buy a new Module to get your cameras back online.

There are still a few more things you should know, which I’ll cover next. 

Important Notes About Resetting Blink Sync Module

Resetting the Sync Module vs. Resetting Individual Blink Cameras

Now, it’s important to note that resetting your Sync Module is not the same as resetting individual Blink cameras that you may have. If you’re experiencing difficulties with only one camera, it may be better to try resetting that first. 

Resetting a Blink camera is slightly different for each model, but here’s a general guide: 

• Remove the camera’s battery cover and look for a small reset button.
• Use a small paperclip to press and hold it for at least 15 seconds, or until the LED lights change. 
• Use the Blink app to reconnect the camera to your system. 

This can save you time as you won’t have to configure your entire Blink system again. And a few models, like the Blink Mini, can work without the Sync Module, so you’ll have to reset them individually. 

It’s best to reset the Sync Module if NONE of the cameras in your system are working, as that’s usually a clear indicator of an issue with the Sync. 

Using a Smart Plug for Remote Restarts

One thing I don’t like about the Blink Sync Module is that you can’t reboot it or reset it without physical access to the device. So if you’re outside your home and you find your cameras are offline, there’s not much you can do. 

But I got around this by connecting my Sync to a WiFi smart plug. With that, I can remotely turn off the module and turn it back on, giving it a basic power cycle. This can solve most of the common issues that cause the Sync to go offline. Of course, there’s still no way to remotely factory reset the device. 

Sync Module Placement for Optimal Performance

If you’re facing frequent disconnections or signal issues with your Blink cameras, it may be due to poor placement of the Sync Module. This is especially relevant for large, wide, multi-story, and open-space house layouts. 

So the Sync Module should be close to your WiFi router so it catches a strong signal, but also somewhat centrally located and away from any interference (microwaves, cordless phones, large metal objects, etc.). It uses a sub-GHz frequency to communicate with the cameras. 

If 1 Sync Module doesn’t seem to cut it, consider adding another one and splitting your system into two. It’s a bit more setup, but you can get a more reliable and consistent connection so your Blink home security system always works as expected. 

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this guide helped you reset your Blink Sync Module and get back to a secure home. Do try the other troubleshooting tips I mentioned since a factory reset might not always be the solution. If all else fails, reach out to Blink support.