In today’s world of smart home security, Blink cameras have become a popular choice for many homeowners. These wireless, battery-powered cameras offer a convenient and affordable way to keep an eye on your property, whether you’re at home or away. But what if you want to share access to your Blink cameras with a family member, roommate, or trusted friend? Can you share access to Blink cameras, and if so, how do you do it?
Understanding Blink Camera Sharing
Blink camera sharing allows you to grant access to your cameras to other users, giving them the ability to view live footage, receive motion alerts, and even control the cameras remotely. This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple occupants, as it allows everyone to stay informed and in control of their home’s security.
However, it’s essential to note that Blink camera sharing is only available for certain types of accounts. If you have a Blink Plus or Blink Premium subscription, you can share access to your cameras with up to 10 users. On the other hand, if you have a free Blink account, you can only share access with one additional user.
Benefits of Sharing Blink Camera Access
Sharing access to your Blink cameras can have several benefits, including:
- Increased peace of mind: By granting access to trusted individuals, you can ensure that someone is always keeping an eye on your home, even when you’re not there.
- Improved communication: Sharing access allows multiple users to receive motion alerts and view live footage, making it easier to communicate and respond to potential security threats.
- Convenience: With shared access, you can grant permission to others to control the cameras remotely, making it easier to manage your home’s security when you’re away.
How to Share Access to Blink Cameras
Sharing access to your Blink cameras is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Ensure You Have a Compatible Account
As mentioned earlier, Blink camera sharing is only available for certain types of accounts. Make sure you have a Blink Plus or Blink Premium subscription to share access with up to 10 users. If you have a free Blink account, you can only share access with one additional user.
Step 2: Access the Blink App
Open the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have the app installed, you can download it from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
Step 3: Navigate to the Account Settings
Tap on the account icon (represented by a person) in the top-right corner of the screen. This will take you to the account settings page.
Step 4: Select “Account Sharing”
Scroll down to the “Account Sharing” section and tap on it. This will take you to a new page where you can manage shared access to your Blink cameras.
Step 5: Add a New User
Tap on the “Add User” button and enter the email address of the person you want to share access with. Make sure the email address is correct, as this will be used to send an invitation to the new user.
Step 6: Set Permissions
Choose the level of access you want to grant to the new user. You can select from the following options:
- Viewer: Allows the user to view live footage and receive motion alerts.
- Editor: Allows the user to view live footage, receive motion alerts, and control the cameras remotely.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
Tap on the “Send Invitation” button to send an email invitation to the new user. The email will contain a link to accept the invitation and access the Blink cameras.
Managing Shared Access to Blink Cameras
Once you’ve shared access to your Blink cameras, you can manage the shared access settings at any time. Here’s how:
Viewing Shared Users
To view a list of shared users, navigate to the account settings page and select “Account Sharing.” This will display a list of all users who have access to your Blink cameras.
Editing User Permissions
To edit the permissions of a shared user, tap on their email address and select the new permission level. You can choose from the same options as before: Viewer or Editor.
Removing Shared Users
To remove a shared user, tap on their email address and select “Remove User.” This will revoke their access to your Blink cameras.
Security Considerations When Sharing Blink Camera Access
While sharing access to your Blink cameras can be convenient, it’s essential to consider the security implications. Here are some tips to help you maintain the security of your Blink cameras:
- Only share access with trusted individuals: Make sure you only share access with people you trust, such as family members or close friends.
- Use strong passwords: Ensure that all shared users have strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep your Blink app up to date: Regularly update your Blink app to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
Conclusion
Sharing access to your Blink cameras can be a convenient and useful feature, especially for households with multiple occupants. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily share access to your Blink cameras and manage shared access settings. Remember to consider the security implications and take steps to maintain the security of your Blink cameras. With Blink camera sharing, you can enjoy increased peace of mind and improved communication with your loved ones.
Can I share access to my Blink cameras with others?
You can share access to your Blink cameras with others by sending them an invitation through the Blink app. This allows them to view live footage, receive motion alerts, and customize settings for the cameras. To share access, go to the Blink app, select the account icon, and choose “Manage Account” followed by “Grant Access.”
When you grant access to someone, they will receive an email invitation with a link to download the Blink app and create an account. Once they accept the invitation, they will be able to view and manage the cameras you have shared with them. You can also revoke access at any time by going to the “Manage Account” section and selecting “Revoke Access” next to the person’s name.
How do I share access to my Blink cameras with family members?
To share access to your Blink cameras with family members, follow the same steps as sharing with others. Go to the Blink app, select the account icon, and choose “Manage Account” followed by “Grant Access.” Enter the family member’s email address and choose the level of access you want to grant them.
You can choose to grant “Admin” or “Viewer” access. Admin access allows the family member to view and manage the cameras, as well as make changes to settings and receive motion alerts. Viewer access only allows them to view live footage and receive motion alerts. You can also customize the level of access for each family member by selecting specific cameras to share with them.
Can I share access to my Blink cameras with multiple people?
Yes, you can share access to your Blink cameras with multiple people. To do this, follow the same steps as sharing with one person, but enter the email addresses of all the people you want to share with. You can also choose to grant different levels of access to each person.
For example, you may want to grant admin access to a family member who will be managing the cameras, but only grant viewer access to a babysitter or houseguest. You can customize the level of access for each person by selecting specific cameras to share with them and choosing the level of access you want to grant.
How do I revoke access to my Blink cameras?
To revoke access to your Blink cameras, go to the Blink app and select the account icon. Choose “Manage Account” and then select “Revoke Access” next to the person’s name. This will immediately revoke their access to the cameras.
Once you revoke access, the person will no longer be able to view or manage the cameras. They will also no longer receive motion alerts or be able to make changes to settings. If you want to re-grant access to someone, you will need to send them a new invitation through the Blink app.
Can I share access to my Blink cameras with someone who doesn’t have a Blink account?
Yes, you can share access to your Blink cameras with someone who doesn’t have a Blink account. When you send them an invitation through the Blink app, they will receive an email with a link to download the Blink app and create an account.
Once they create an account and accept the invitation, they will be able to view and manage the cameras you have shared with them. They will also be able to customize settings and receive motion alerts. If they don’t create an account, they will not be able to access the cameras.
Is sharing access to my Blink cameras secure?
Yes, sharing access to your Blink cameras is secure. Blink uses end-to-end encryption to protect your video footage and ensure that only authorized users can access it. When you share access with someone, they will only be able to view and manage the cameras you have shared with them.
Blink also requires two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access the cameras. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, Blink’s servers are secure and compliant with industry standards to protect your data.
Can I customize the level of access for each person I share my Blink cameras with?
Yes, you can customize the level of access for each person you share your Blink cameras with. When you grant access to someone, you can choose to grant “Admin” or “Viewer” access. Admin access allows the person to view and manage the cameras, as well as make changes to settings and receive motion alerts.
Viewer access only allows the person to view live footage and receive motion alerts. You can also customize the level of access for each person by selecting specific cameras to share with them. This allows you to control what each person can see and do with the cameras.