Blink Armed vs. Disarmed: What Does It Mean?

When it comes to home security, the Blink camera system has gained immense popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s like having a trusty guardian for your home, ready to watch over it. But to make the most out of your Blink cameras, you need to understand the difference between “armed” and “disarmed” modes. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Blink armed vs. disarmed modes so you can make informed decisions about securing your home.

Understanding Blink Armed Mode

Armed mode is when your Blink cameras are like vigilant sentinels, actively watching and waiting for any signs of movement. Here’s a closer look at Blink’s armed mode:

Blink cameras spring into action in armed mode, actively scanning their surroundings for motion. When they spot any movement, they jump into action, recording a short video clip and sending it straight to your Blink app, which is like your command center for home security. It’s a tailor-made mode for those who prioritize closely monitoring their property.

But that’s not all; when you’re in armed mode, Blink cameras can send you push notifications or email alerts. It’s like having your own security team on standby, ready to alert you to unusual events. This feature ensures you’re in the know so you can take swift action if something seems wrong.

To make the most of armed mode, you must have a sync module connected to your Blink cameras. This sync module links your cameras and the Blink cloud, ensuring seamless and real-time communication.

What about Blink Disarmed Mode?

Disarmed mode, on the other hand, is like putting your cameras to sleep, ensuring they won’t capture any motion-triggered events. Here’s what you should know about Blink’s disarmed mode:

Disarmed mode is your go-to when you want complete privacy, preventing your Blink cameras from capturing any video footage. It’s like drawing the curtains in your home, ensuring your cameras won’t record your every move.

In disarmed mode, Blink cameras take a break from their motion-detecting duties. They won’t detect or record any motion events, which can be a relief when you, your family, or trusted guests are around. It’s like hitting pause on constant motion alerts.

Blink goes a step further by offering the flexibility of scheduling disarmed periods. You can set specific times when your cameras automatically switch to disarmed mode. This feature is convenient if you have a routine and want your cameras to remain in a “do not disturb” mode during specific hours.

Making the Right Choice

The choice between Blink armed and disarmed modes largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances:

When to Use Armed Mode:

Use armed mode when you want to be in the know about every movement around your property. It’s ideal for keeping a vigilant eye on your home, especially when you’re away or during nighttime hours.

When to Use Disarmed Mode:

Use disarmed mode when you cherish your privacy and don’t want your cameras recording at specific times. It’s perfect for those moments when trusted individuals are present in your home and you want to enjoy some peace without constant alerts.

Arming Your Blink Camera

Now that we’ve explored both modes let’s dive into how you can arm and disarm your Blink camera.

Using the Blink App

The primary and straightforward method to arm your Blink camera is through the user-friendly Blink app. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Blink app on your smartphone, and you’ll be greeted with your camera system’s home screen.
2. Look for the “armed” option and give it a tap. A pop-up message will confirm your selection.
3. Once the system is armed, you can activate motion detection on the specific cameras you want to be on guard. Just tap the running man icon next to the camera you wish to activate.

• • A blue running man icon signals active motion detection.
  • A grey running man icon tells you that motion detection is off.

Via Camera Settings

Alternatively, you can enable motion detection by diving into the camera settings. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Blink app.
2. Tap the three-dotted lines up in the top-left corner to reveal the menu.
3. Select the camera you want to activate motion detection for.
4. Toggle on motion detection in the camera settings.

With the system armed and motion detection enabled, your camera becomes ready to spring into action at any sign of movement within its field of view. When it detects motion, your camera will send you alerts and start recording clips, saving them to your chosen storage plan, whether it’s the cloud or Blink’s local storage (please note that local storage requires a sync module 2 in your setup).

Using a Blink Schedule

Blink’s smart scheduling feature lets you tailor your security system to your routine. This is especially useful for disarming your system during specific times. Here’s how to set up a schedule:

1. Launch the Blink app.
2. Tap the Settings icon in the bottom menu.
3. Select the system you want to apply the schedule to.
4. Under system settings, double-check that the Time Zone is correctly set, and then hit “Scheduling.”
5. A weekly Schedule screen will appear. Tap the “+” button to add your schedule.
6. Set the time and select the desired days. Choose “Armed” or “Disarmed,” and AM or PM.
7. Tap “Save” to apply your schedule.

A Blink schedule takes the reins, overriding any other manual settings or those set with virtual assistants like Alexa or IFTTT.

Arming via Alexa Voice Control

If you’ve connected your Blink devices to Alexa, you can add an extra layer of convenience to your security routine. Here’s how to arm and disarm your system with Alexa’s assistance:

To Arm Your System:

• Say, “Alexa, ask Blink to arm,” and watch your home security come to life.
• For a more personalized touch, say, “Alexa, ask Blink to arm [System name]” to arm a specific system.

To Disarm Your System:

• Say, “Alexa, ask Blink to disarm, and my PIN is ####,” to disarm your system.
• If you’re feeling specific, say, “Alexa, ask Blink to disarm [System name], and my PIN is ####,” to disarm a specific system.

If you need help connecting your Blink devices to Alexa, here’s a guide on how to connect Blink to Alexa.

Disarming Your Blink System

Disarming your Blink system is like giving it a well-deserved break. Here’s how you can do it:

• Use the Blink app to tap the “disarmed” option on the home screen, and your cameras will be disarmed.
• Harness the power of the Blink schedule feature to automatically disarm your system during specific times, like scheduling a cozy afternoon nap for your cameras.
• Alternatively, with the Alexa voice control, you can say, “Alexa, ask Blink to disarm,” and your system will step down from its vigilant post.

Advantages of Disarming Your Blink System

Disarming your Blink system offers several friendly advantages:

Convenience and Flexibility: Disarming the Blink system grants ease of access to authorized individuals, allowing for uninterrupted movement within the property. It’s like opening the door and inviting your trusted guests inside.

Minimization of False Alarms: The disarmed state helps reduce accidental triggers by temporarily turning off monitoring. It’s like giving your system a break from the constant hustle and bustle, avoiding unnecessary notifications and recordings.

Energy Conservation: When the Blink system is disarmed, it conserves power by entering a power-saving mode, thus extending the battery life of your cameras. It’s like putting your cameras into a slumber, ready to awaken when needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Blink camera system offers a versatile solution for home security, allowing you to choose between armed and disarmed modes to suit your needs. Whether you prioritize active surveillance or maintaining your privacy, Blink has you covered. So, with Blink as your trusted partner, you can rest easy knowing your home is in capable hands.