Motion Not Detecting
Blink Security Camera
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Blink cameras using PIR (passive infrared) sensors detect heat changes — they may miss motion if the temperature contrast is low or sensitivity is too low. Increase sensitivity in the app and verify the camera angle covers the desired zone.
Affected Models
- Blink Outdoor
- Blink Outdoor 4
- Blink XT2
- Blink Indoor
- Blink Mini
Common Causes
- Motion sensitivity set too low in the app
- Activity zones excluding the area where motion is happening
- Camera angle covering wall or ground rather than where motion occurs
- Hot weather reducing temperature contrast for PIR (camera detects heat differences)
- Camera in armed schedule with motion paused
How to Fix It
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Increase motion sensitivity.
Open the Blink app, go to camera settings, and increase the motion sensitivity slider. Values from 7–9 are usually best for outdoor cameras. Higher values may cause false alarms from leaves and shadows.
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Check activity zones.
Some cameras let you set Activity Zones — areas of the frame where motion is detected. Make sure the area you want covered is included. Excluded zones are completely ignored.
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Verify the camera angle.
PIR sensors are most sensitive to side-to-side movement, less sensitive to motion directly toward the camera. Mount the camera so people walk across the frame rather than directly at it.
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Confirm the camera is armed.
Open the Blink app and check that the system is in Armed mode. If in Disarmed or Schedule mode with the camera off, motion events will not record.
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Check retrigger time.
If retrigger time is set high (e.g. 60 seconds), the camera ignores motion for that period after each event. Lowering it (10–20 seconds) catches more events but uses more battery.
When to Call a Professional
If sensitivity, zones, and angle are all correct but the camera still misses obvious motion, the PIR sensor may be faulty. Blink support can replace under warranty.