Sharing your Blink camera system with family members is a great way to keep everyone connected and informed about what's happening at home. Whether you want to share access with your spouse, children, or other family members, it's easy to do with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can effectively manage access and maintain security.
Understanding Blink Sharing Features
Before diving in, it's crucial to understand how Blink handles shared access. Unlike some systems, Blink doesn't use a complex family account structure. Instead, it relies on sharing individual cameras or entire systems. This means you grant specific permissions to each individual you want to have access. This granular control is a significant advantage, allowing you to precisely manage who sees what.
Key Things to Consider Before Sharing:
- Privacy: Before sharing access, discuss privacy concerns with your family members. Be clear about which cameras are being shared and what kind of information might be visible.
- Permissions: Blink offers different permission levels. Understand what each level allows (viewing only, viewing and control) before granting access.
- Security: Remind family members to keep their own passwords secure to prevent unauthorized access.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Your Blink System
These instructions apply generally to various Blink camera systems (Blink Mini, Blink Outdoor, etc.). The exact screen names might vary slightly depending on your app version, but the overall process remains the same.
1. Open the Blink App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Blink app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Select Your System: Choose the Blink system you want to share. You might have multiple systems if you have cameras in different locations.
3. Access the Sharing Settings: Look for a settings icon (often a gear or three dots) associated with your Blink system. This will lead you to the sharing options.
4. Initiate the Sharing Process: You should find an option clearly labeled "Share," "Add User," or something similar. Tap this button.
5. Add Family Member's Email Address: Enter the email address of the family member you wish to share access with. Ensure the email address is correct – this is how they will receive their invitation.
6. Select Permission Level: Choose the appropriate permission level. This typically ranges from view-only access (allowing them to watch live feeds and recordings) to full control (allowing them to adjust camera settings and receive notifications). Choose wisely based on your needs and trust level.
7. Send the Invitation: Once you’ve confirmed the details, send the invitation. Your family member will receive an email with instructions on how to accept the invitation and access the Blink system.
8. Acceptance and Setup on Their End: Your family member needs to accept the invitation via the email. They'll likely need to log in to or create a Blink account if they don't already have one.
9. Verify Access: After they accept, check to make sure they can access the shared camera(s) or system.
Managing Shared Access
- Removing Access: If you need to revoke access, navigate back to the sharing settings for your Blink system and remove the individual's email address.
- Changing Permissions: You can adjust permission levels at any time through the same sharing settings.
- Multiple Users: You can share your Blink system with multiple family members by repeating the process for each person.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Invitation Not Received: Check your family member's spam or junk folder. The invitation might have ended up there.
- Access Issues: Ensure they've followed the instructions in the email correctly and that they are using the same Blink app version as you.
- Network Problems: Poor internet connection can interfere with access. Ensure your Wi-Fi is functioning properly.
By following these steps, you can easily share your Blink system with family and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with shared home security. Remember to always prioritize security and communicate clearly with your family members regarding access and privacy.
