Blink 2-Way Audio Not Working: Causes & Fixes

One of the biggest perks of the Blink security camera is its 2-way audio that allows you speak to the camera’s speaker and listen to the camera’s microphone. But, what do you do when it is just not working?

You are not alone. A number of Blink users have reported having this issue. In this blog post, we’ll look into the common causes of the “Blink two-way audio not working” issue as well as some DIY fixes that can help.

blink two way audio not working

Blink 2-Way Audio Not Working: Common Causes

Here are some common reasons why the two-way audio feature in your Blink camera isn’t working.

1. Not Using the App’s Audio Button Correctly

If you are new to Blink, confirm whether you are using the App’s microphone button correctly. The microphone button on the app works similar to a “Walkie-talkie.” You hold it down to record yourself and let go when you’ve finished so the audio at the other end can come through. Continue reading as we will discuss this more under the fixes.

2. The Camera Has an Error/Bug

The longer the camera runs, the more likely a software error or a bug might occur in its many processes, resulting in its audio just crashing. In this case, you should try wiping the slate clean.

3. Weak Internet

According to its manufacturers, the Blink system needs a high-speed network connection of at least 2 Mbps upload speed. That is, anything below 2Mbps may cause hitches in audio transmission.

4. Bad Camera Location

As aforementioned, the Blink camera works best with fast, stable internet. Long distance and obstacles can reduce the signal strength reaching the camera significantly.

Placing your Blink camera behind dense building materials such as brick, stone, concrete, steel, and aluminum can interfere with signal strength as well.

5. Issues with The Blink Home Monitor App

To start with, disabled microphone access will hinder your device from registering your audio and broadcasting it to the Blink Camera’s speaker. Also, the app data and cache may have one or two bugs.

6. Sync Module Needs Factory Reset

The Sync Module is the hub that relays commands and network details to Blink cameras in the system it manages. It comes in the pack with all Blink versions except the Mini. If it has any issue at all, factory reset will help you return it to how it was bought.

Blink 2-Way Audio Not Working: How to Fix

Here are some fixes you can try on your own to get your Blink’s two-way audio feature functioning properly.

1. Use the App’s Audio Button Correctly

While you’re in Live View, the Two-Way Audio button (which looks like a microphone) is usually located in the bottom center. The button might be labelled one of these two:

Hold To Talk: If the button is labeled “Hold to Talk,” maintain pressure on the button as you speak. Release the button when you’re done, and the microphone will automatically mute itself. As soon as you release the button, the audio from the other side will be audible.

Tap To Mute: If the button is labeled “Tap to Mute,” tap the button once and then speak. Tap it again to mute the microphone. Both sides will be able to speak at the same time.

2. Power Cycle Your Blink Device

If there’s a software error or bug preventing audio transmission to and from your Blink device, power cycling an easy way to get rid of it.

For Blink Minis, unplug from power, wait for 30 seconds and restart again. If you’ve got the Blink Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor or XT2 cameras, follow these steps:

Take camera off the mounting base
Remove the back plate
Wait for at least 30 seconds.
Insert batteries and power on

Note that it’s important not skip the 30-seconds wait to clear every bit of its memory.

3. Change the Location of the Camera

Do this if visitors or receivers can hear you, but you cannot hear them. Dense building materials such as brick, stone, concrete, steel, and aluminum can interfere with signal strength. You can place it at the front or back door, windows, and garages.

Also, avoid placing the camera too far away (8-10 feet is ideal) for efficient receival of audio by Blink’s microphone.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

Blink systems require an internet connection with at least 2 Mbps upload speed for proper functionality. Also check your routers’ cable connection. If you have that done already, you may want to disconnect and reconnect your Blink Cam to the Wi-Fi. To do that, follow these steps:

Launch the Blink Home Monitor app on your smartphone or tablet.
For a Mini Camera, tap the Settings icon next to the Mini Camera (icon looks like three sliders). For Blink Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Camera, scroll to the bottom of the page and tap ‘Sync Module.’
Scroll to the bottom of the page, and tap ‘Change Wi-Fi.’
Follow the prompts on the app to press and hold the reset button at the back of your Blink Camera until it starts flashing red and blue lights.
When you see a blinking blue light and steady green light, tap ‘Discover Device’ on the Blink app.
Tap ‘Join’ and connect to your home Wi-Fi network.

5. Check Permissions

To check if you have enabled access to the microphone, for both Android or iOS devices, Go to Settings > Apps > Blink App. If not simply allow the Blink Home Monitor app to access your microphone.

6. Re-Add Your Camera to the App

You can delete the Blink Cam from the system completely and re-add it again from the app.

7. Re-install the App

If issue still persists, uninstall and reinstall the Blink app once. This will help reset all existing app data and cache.

8. Reset the Sync Module

You should try this method only if or after other fixes have failed. The Blink Mini camera does not come with a separate sync module, so you just have to use the in-built reset button to reset.

However, for other versions of Blink, the factory reset button will be on the sync module. Follow the steps below:

Press and hold the reset button (near the USB port) until the LED indicator turns red. It will take you around 15-30 seconds.
You’ll see a steady green light and a blinking blue light which indicates successful reset. (Note: Resetting the sync module will put all the cameras offline. The next step is to delete the Sync Module on the Blink App and reinstall it.)
Open the Blink app and tap on ‘Sync Module.’
Select ‘Delete Sync Module’.
Scan or enter the module serial number. You’ll find a sticker with its serial number and a QR code on the back.
Tap on ‘Delete’.
Now, return to the home screen and click on the ‘+’ icon.
Select sync module and scan/enter your module’s serial number again.
Select your Blink System.
Tap on Discover Device > Join > Done.