How to Connect Blink Doorbell to Alexa: Quick & Easy!

Learning how to connect Blink Doorbell to Alexa transforms your home security with voice control and smart automation. This process involves enabling the Blink SmartHome skill in the Alexa app, linking your accounts, and letting Alexa discover your device.

Integrating your Blink Doorbell with Amazon Alexa creates a powerful smart home duo. It offers unparalleled convenience and peace of mind.

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions. You’ll discover the benefits, troubleshoot common issues, and unlock advanced features for a truly responsive home.

Table of Contents

The Power of Smart Home Integration with Blink and Alexa

Smart home technology enhances convenience and security. Connecting devices like your Blink Doorbell to a voice assistant like Alexa amplifies their capabilities.

This synergy allows for centralized control and automated actions. Your living space becomes more responsive to your needs.

Benefits of Home Automation

Home automation offers significant advantages for modern living. It provides greater control, enhanced security, and improved energy efficiency.

Effortless Control: Manage your home from a single app or with voice commands. Adjust settings, arm security, or check your door from anywhere.
Enhanced Security: A video doorbell provides immediate alerts to activity. You can monitor entrances, deter intruders, and receive real-time notifications.
Energy Savings: Automate lights, thermostats, and smart plugs. This leads to reduced utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Increased Convenience: Streamline daily routines. Lock doors, turn off lights, or set alarms with a single voice command.
Peace of Mind: Stay connected to your home. You’ll know everything is secure and functioning, even when you are away.

Blink Doorbell and Alexa: A Powerful Combination

The Blink Doorbell offers affordable and easy-to-install front-door security. Integrating it with Amazon Alexa brings hands-free operation and intelligent automation.

This pairing creates a more responsive and secure home environment.

Voice Commands: Use natural language to view live feeds or talk to visitors. Say, “Alexa, show me the front door” on an Echo Show.
Real-Time Alerts: Receive instant announcements on Alexa devices when the doorbell rings or motion is detected. Never miss a visitor or package.
Live Video Streaming: Stream your doorbell’s live feed to Echo Show, Fire TV, or compatible Fire Tablets. See who’s there quickly and safely.
Customizable Routines: Create automations. For example, turn on porch lights when the doorbell rings after sunset.

This integration makes your doorbell an integral part of your smart home. It offers unparalleled control and proactive security.

Understanding Your Blink Doorbell

Before connecting, understand your Blink Doorbell’s features and requirements. Blink offers user-friendly, cost-effective security solutions.

Key Features of Blink Doorbells

The Blink Video Doorbell is a practical choice for home security.

HD Video: Records in crisp 1080p HD, with infrared night vision for clear footage day or night.
Two-Way Audio: Talk to visitors at your door using the Blink app or connected Alexa devices.
Motion Detection: Configurable motion detection allows custom activity zones and sensitivity settings. This minimizes false alarms.
Extended Battery Life: The wire-free model can last up to two years on two AA lithium batteries.
Weather Resistance: Built to operate reliably in various weather conditions.
Flexible Installation: Can be installed wire-free (battery-powered) or wired to existing doorbell power (8-24 VAC).
Sync Module Integration: Connecting to a Blink Sync Module can extend battery life for other cameras and enable local video storage.

Initial Setup and Wi-Fi Requirements

Your Blink Doorbell must be fully installed and configured in the Blink Home Monitor app before Alexa integration.

Physical Installation: Mount the doorbell securely. Ensure it captures the optimal viewing angle.
Powering On: Insert batteries for wire-free or connect to existing wiring for wired options.
Blink App Setup: Download the Blink Home Monitor app. Create an account and add your doorbell following in-app instructions.
Crucial Wi-Fi Connection: Connect your doorbell to your home’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Ensure a strong, consistent signal (ideally -60 dBm or better) for reliable performance.
Firmware Updates: Allow the Blink app to perform any necessary firmware updates. This ensures optimal operation and compatibility.

Only proceed to Alexa integration once your Blink Doorbell is fully operational and accessible via the Blink Home Monitor app.

The Power of Alexa: Your Smart Home Hub

Amazon Alexa is a sophisticated, cloud-based voice service. It acts as a central nervous system for millions of smart homes.

How Alexa Works with Smart Devices

Alexa resides in devices like Echo speakers and smart displays. It understands natural language commands.

When you speak, your Alexa device sends your voice to Amazon’s cloud servers. AI interprets your intent and executes actions, such as controlling smart devices.

Device manufacturers develop “Skills” that teach Alexa how to communicate with their products. The Blink SmartHome skill enables Alexa to control your Blink Doorbell.

Alexa-Enabled Devices for Blink Integration

Various Alexa devices offer unique ways to interact with your Blink Doorbell.

Echo Dot/Echo Speakers: Provide audio announcements for doorbell rings or motion. Use voice commands for status checks or two-way audio.
Echo Show (Smart Displays): Instantly display live video feeds from your doorbell. They support two-way audio and provide visual notifications.
Fire TV/Fire Tablets: Compatible devices can display live video feeds. This turns your TV or tablet into a large smart display.
Alexa App: Essential for setup, managing settings, creating routines, and viewing device status on your smartphone or tablet.

A stable Wi-Fi connection is vital for all Alexa devices. This ensures seamless communication and quick alerts.

Pre-Connection Checklist: Laying the Foundation for Integration

A thorough check of requirements prevents frustrations and ensures a smooth setup. Prepare your system before connecting your Blink Doorbell to Alexa.

Verifying Essential Requirements

Confirm you have the following in place for successful integration:

Blink Doorbell (Operational): Ensure it’s installed, powered, and fully configured in the Blink Home Monitor app. Verify live views, motion alerts, and two-way audio function correctly.
Amazon Echo Device (Set Up & Online): Have at least one Alexa-enabled device powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and responding to commands.
Stable Wi-Fi Network (2.4 GHz Focus): Both Blink Doorbell and Alexa devices must be on the same, stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Weak signals or different network segments can cause issues.
Active Amazon Account: Use an active Amazon account for the Alexa app and Echo devices.
Active Blink Account: Use an active Blink account, linked to your doorbell, for the Blink Home Monitor app.
Latest App Versions: Ensure you have the latest versions of both the Blink Home Monitor app and the Amazon Alexa app.
Adequate Power Source: Confirm fresh batteries or consistent wired power for your doorbell.

Understanding Wi-Fi Bands (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz)

Most smart home devices, including Blink, use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. This band offers better range and wall penetration than 5 GHz.

The 5 GHz band is faster but has shorter range. For optimal performance, ensure your Blink Doorbell connects to your 2.4 GHz network.

Consistency: Ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal.
Separate SSIDs: If possible, give your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks different names (e.g., “MyHome_2.4GHz”). This ensures devices connect to the correct band.
Signal Strength: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check signal strength at your doorbell. Aim for above -60 dBm.
Router Placement: Position your router centrally and unobstructed.
Wi-Fi Extenders/Mesh Systems: Consider these for weak signal areas. Ensure they also broadcast a strong 2.4 GHz signal.

Having these prerequisites in order makes the connection process seamless. It reduces the likelihood of encountering frustrating issues.

The Definitive Guide: How to Connect Blink Doorbell to Alexa

With all preparations complete, follow these steps to integrate your Blink Doorbell with your Amazon Alexa ecosystem. This guide ensures a successful connection.

Step 1: Ensure Your Blink Doorbell is Fully Operational

Confirm your doorbell functions perfectly within the Blink ecosystem before connecting to Alexa. This prevents troubleshooting headaches later.

Complete Blink App Setup: Open the Blink Home Monitor app. Verify your doorbell is listed, shows ‘Online,’ and is accessible.
Thorough Functionality Test:
- Press the doorbell button: Do you receive a phone notification? Does your indoor chime sound (if wired)?
- Initiate a Live View: Can you start a live video stream in the Blink app?
- Test Two-Way Audio: Can you speak through the app and hear sounds from your doorstep?
- Check Motion Detection: Do you receive a motion alert notification?
Firmware Check: Ensure your doorbell’s firmware is up-to-date in the Blink app settings.
Sync Module (If Applicable): Verify your Sync Module is online and functioning if your doorbell uses one.

Resolve any doorbell-specific issues within the Blink app before proceeding.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Alexa Device (If Not Already Done)

Skip this step if your Alexa device is already working and connected to your Amazon account.

Plug In Your Echo Device: Connect it to power. Wait for Alexa to greet you.
Download the Alexa App: Install the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log In: Open the app and sign in with your Amazon account credentials.
Add Your Device: In the Alexa app, tap ‘Devices’ > ‘+’ > ‘Add Device’.
Select Your Device: Choose ‘Amazon Echo’ and your specific Echo model.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow prompts to connect your Echo to your home Wi-Fi. Ensure it’s the same 2.4 GHz network as your Blink Doorbell.
Test Alexa: Say, “Alexa, what’s the weather?” to confirm it’s online.

Step 3: Downloading and Navigating the Alexa App

The Alexa app is your central command center for smart home integrations. Ensure you have the latest version.

App Store Access: Download the latest Amazon Alexa app from your device’s app store.
Login with Amazon Account: Open the app and log in using your Amazon account.
Familiarize Yourself:
- ‘Devices’ Tab: Manage all smart home devices, including your Blink Doorbell.
- ‘More’ Tab: Access ‘Skills & Games’ (for enabling the Blink skill), ‘Routines,’ and ‘Settings.’

Step 4: Enabling the Blink SmartHome Skill

Enable the official Blink SmartHome skill to allow Alexa to interact with your doorbell.

Open the Alexa App: Launch the Amazon Alexa app.
Access Skills & Games: Tap ‘More’ > ‘Skills & Games’.
Search for Blink: Type “Blink SmartHome” in the search bar.
Select the Official Skill: Tap on the ‘Blink SmartHome’ skill, published by “Blink for Home” or “Amazon Services LLC.”
Enable the Skill: Tap ‘Enable to Use’.
Link Your Blink Account: You will be redirected to a secure Blink login page. Enter your Blink account email and password (from the Blink Home Monitor app).
Authorize Access: Tap ‘Sign In’ or ‘Authorize’ to grant Alexa permission.
Close Window: A confirmation message will appear. Close the window or tap ‘Done’.

This step establishes the crucial communication bridge between your Blink devices and Alexa.

Step 5: Discovering Your Blink Devices

Alexa needs to find your Blink Doorbell after linking accounts. Discovery can be automatic or manual.

Automatic Discovery: Alexa often discovers devices automatically after linking the skill. Look for a notification like “New devices have been found.”
Manual Discovery (If Needed):
- Voice Command: Say, “Alexa, discover my devices” to any Alexa-enabled device.
- Alexa App: Go to ‘Devices’ tab > ‘+’ > ‘Add Device’ > ‘Other’ or ‘Camera’. Select ‘Discover Devices’.
Confirmation: Alexa will inform you how many devices were found. Your Blink Doorbell should appear in the ‘Cameras’ section under ‘Devices’ in the Alexa app. It will likely use the name you assigned in the Blink app.

Step 6: Verifying the Connection and Basic Commands

Test the integration to ensure your Blink Doorbell responds to Alexa commands.

Check Device List: In the Alexa app, navigate to ‘Devices’ > ‘All Devices’ or ‘Cameras’. Confirm your Blink Doorbell is listed and shows ‘Online’.
Test Live View (Echo Show/Fire TV): Say, “Alexa, show me [Doorbell Name]” (e.g., “Alexa, show me the front door”). The live video feed should appear on your screen.
Test Announcements: Press your Blink Doorbell button. Your Alexa-enabled devices should announce, “Someone is at the [Doorbell Name].”
Two-Way Talk: If on an Echo Show, you can often say “Alexa, talk to the front door” to initiate two-way audio.

Confirming these functions ensures your Blink Doorbell is fully integrated with Alexa.

Advanced Features and Troubleshooting

Once connected, explore advanced features. Also, know how to troubleshoot common issues.

Creating Alexa Routines with Your Blink Doorbell

Alexa Routines automate actions based on triggers. Use your Blink Doorbell as a trigger for powerful automations.

To create a routine:

Open the Alexa app. Tap ‘More’ > ‘Routines’.
Tap ‘+’ to create a new routine.
Tap ‘When this happens’ > ‘Smart Home’.
Select your Blink Doorbell. Choose the trigger (e.g., ‘When someone presses the doorbell’ or ‘Motion detected’).
Tap ‘Add action’. Choose what Alexa should do (e.g., ‘Lights’ to turn on smart lights, ‘Messaging’ to send an announcement, ‘Wait’ for a delay).
Tap ‘Save’.

Examples:

“Welcome Home” Routine: When doorbell motion is detected after sunset, turn on porch lights and unlock a smart lock.
“Package Delivery” Routine: When doorbell is pressed, announce “Package at the front door” on all Echo devices and record a short video.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

If you encounter problems, here are solutions for common issues:

“Device is unresponsive” or “Can’t connect”:
- Check Wi-Fi: Ensure both Blink and Alexa devices are on the same, strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Restart Devices: Power cycle your Blink Doorbell, Alexa device, and Wi-Fi router.
- Check Blink App: Verify the doorbell is online and functioning correctly in the Blink Home Monitor app.
- Relink Skill: In the Alexa app, disable the Blink SmartHome skill, then re-enable and relink your Blink account.
Delayed Alerts or Choppy Video:
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Improve your Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell’s location (use an extender or move the router).
- Network Congestion: Reduce other network traffic or try changing your router’s 2.4 GHz channel.
- Blink Battery: Low battery on the doorbell can affect performance. Replace or recharge.
Alexa Doesn’t Announce Doorbell Presses:
- Enable Announcements: In the Alexa app, go to your Blink Doorbell’s settings. Ensure ‘Doorbell Press Announcements’ and ‘Motion Announcements’ are enabled for desired Echo devices.
- Do Not Disturb: Check if any Alexa devices are in ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.

Always start by checking the basics: power, Wi-Fi, and app status for both Blink and Alexa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Alexa announce when someone is at the Blink Doorbell?

Open the Alexa app, go to ‘Devices’, select your Blink Doorbell, and enable ‘Doorbell Press Announcements’ and ‘Motion Announcements’ for your desired Echo devices. This ensures audio alerts throughout your home.

Why is my Blink Doorbell not showing up in the Alexa app?

First, ensure your Blink Doorbell is fully set up and online in the Blink app. Then, confirm you’ve enabled the Blink SmartHome skill in the Alexa app and linked your Blink account. Finally, ask Alexa to “discover my devices” or manually initiate discovery in the Alexa app.

Can I view my Blink Doorbell on my Echo Show?

Yes, you can. Once connected, simply say, “Alexa, show me [your doorbell’s name]” (e.g., “Alexa, show me the front door”). The live video feed will appear on your Echo Show’s screen.

Do I need a Blink Sync Module to connect my Blink Doorbell to Alexa?

No, the Blink Video Doorbell can connect directly to Alexa without a Sync Module. However, a Sync Module can provide additional benefits like local storage for other Blink cameras.

What Wi-Fi band should my Blink Doorbell be connected to?

Your Blink Doorbell should be connected to your home’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. This band offers better range and wall penetration, which is ideal for devices located further from your router, like a doorbell.

My Blink Doorbell live view is slow or choppy on Alexa. What can I do?

This often indicates a weak Wi-Fi signal. Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer, using a Wi-Fi extender, or ensuring there are no obstructions. Also, check your doorbell’s battery level and ensure your internet speed is adequate.

Conclusion

Connecting your Blink Doorbell to Alexa is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your smart home experience. By following these steps, you unlock hands-free control, real-time alerts, and advanced automation.

This integration brings convenience, security, and peace of mind directly to your doorstep. Enjoy a more responsive and intelligent home environment.

Start enjoying the full potential of your Blink Doorbell with the power of Amazon Alexa today!