This guide walks you through the simple process of adding another person to your Blink doorbell so they can view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage recordings. Whether you’re sharing access with a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, we’ll show you exactly how to do it safely and securely.
Key Takeaways
- Only the owner can invite new users: You must be the primary account holder to send invitations to others.
- Invitations are sent via email: The person you’re adding must have a valid email address linked to a Blink account.
- New users get full access by default: Once added, they can view live video, receive motion alerts, and review clips unless you adjust permissions.
- You can remove users anytime: Manage access easily through the Blink app’s settings menu.
- Works across multiple devices: Added users can access the doorbell from their own smartphones or tablets.
- No extra cost for sharing: Adding users doesn’t require a paid subscription or additional fees.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi for best performance: Both your doorbell and the new user’s device should have reliable internet connections.
How to Add Another Person to Blink Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Blink doorbell—great choice! It’s sleek, reliable, and keeps your home secure with motion detection, HD video, and real-time alerts. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or even a trusted neighbor to see who’s at the door when you’re not home? That’s where sharing access comes in.
Adding another person to your Blink doorbell is easier than you might think. Whether you’re setting up a shared household security system or just want peace of mind knowing someone else can check the feed, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from sending the invitation to troubleshooting common issues.
In this comprehensive how-to, you’ll learn:
– Why and when you should share access
– How to invite someone using the Blink app
– What permissions new users get by default
– How to manage or remove users later
– Tips for keeping your system secure
Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Blink Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Another Person to Blink Doorbell
Image source: smarthomeways.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why you might want to add someone else to your Blink doorbell. Security isn’t just about one person watching the feed—it’s about creating a network of awareness.
For example:
– Your spouse or partner can check who rang the doorbell while you’re at work.
– A roommate can respond to delivery alerts when you’re out.
– A trusted neighbor can monitor your home while you’re on vacation.
– Elderly family members can stay connected and feel safer knowing someone is watching.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. As the primary account owner, you still manage who has access and can revoke it at any time. It’s a flexible, secure way to extend the benefits of your Blink system to others.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start inviting someone, make sure you have the following:
- A Blink account: You must be the owner of the account linked to the doorbell.
- The Blink app installed: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- The email address of the person you’re adding: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi.
- The person’s consent: Always ask before adding someone—privacy matters!
Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to proceed.
Step 1: Open the Blink App and Log In
Start by opening the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.
Tip: If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password?” link to reset it. You’ll receive an email with instructions.
Once logged in, you’ll see your home screen with a list of your Blink devices. Make sure your doorbell is online and functioning properly before adding a new user.
Step 2: Navigate to the Settings Menu
To add a new user, you’ll need to access the settings for your doorbell.
Here’s how:
- Tap on the doorbell device from the home screen.
- This will open the live view or recent clip screen.
- Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner and tap it.
- This opens the Device Settings menu.
You should now see options like “Motion Settings,” “Video Quality,” and “User Management.”
Step 3: Select “User Management”
In the Device Settings menu, scroll down until you find the “User Management” option. Tap on it.
This section shows a list of all users currently linked to the doorbell. At the top, you’ll see your name (the owner), and below that, any other users you’ve already added.
Note: Only the owner can access this section. If you don’t see “User Management,” double-check that you’re logged in as the primary account holder.
Step 4: Tap “Add User”
Once you’re in the User Management screen, look for the “Add User” button—usually located at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap it.
You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure you type it correctly. Even a small typo (like “gmail.con” instead of “gmail.com”) can prevent the invitation from being delivered.
Pro Tip: Copy and paste the email from your contacts to avoid mistakes.
After entering the email, tap “Send Invitation.”
Step 5: The Invitation Is Sent
Once you send the invitation, the person will receive an email from Blink with a link to accept access.
The email will look something like this:
Subject: You’ve been invited to view a Blink camera
Body: [Your Name] has invited you to view their Blink doorbell. Click here to accept and start receiving alerts.
The recipient must click the link and either:
– Log in to their existing Blink account, or
– Create a new Blink account if they don’t have one
Important: If they don’t have a Blink account, they’ll need to sign up using the same email address you invited. Otherwise, the invitation won’t work.
Step 6: The New User Accepts the Invitation
Once the person clicks the link and logs in (or signs up), they’ll be added to your doorbell’s user list.
They’ll now be able to:
– View live video from the doorbell
– Receive motion and doorbell press alerts
– Watch recorded clips
– Adjust some settings (depending on permissions)
They can access the doorbell through their own Blink app by selecting your home system from the device list.
Note: The new user will see your home name (e.g., “Smith Family Home”) in their app, not their own. This is normal.
What Permissions Do New Users Get?
By default, when you add someone to your Blink doorbell, they get full access to the device. This includes:
- Viewing live video
- Receiving motion and doorbell alerts
- Watching saved clips
- Adjusting motion zones (if enabled)
- Changing video quality settings
However, they cannot:
– Remove the doorbell from your account
– Delete your account
– Invite other users (only the owner can do this)
– Change the home name or system settings
Tip: If you’re concerned about privacy, have a conversation with the person you’re adding. Let them know what they can and can’t do.
How to Manage or Remove Users Later
Need to remove someone’s access? No problem. You can do this anytime through the User Management section.
Here’s how:
- Go back to the Device Settings for your doorbell.
- Tap “User Management.”
- Find the person’s name in the list.
- Tap on their name, then select “Remove User.”
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Once removed, they’ll no longer receive alerts or be able to view the doorbell feed. They’ll also be removed from the app immediately.
Note: If you re-add them later, you’ll need to send a new invitation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Issue 1: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
If the person doesn’t get the email:
– Check the spam or junk folder.
– Make sure the email address was entered correctly.
– Ask them to search their inbox for “Blink” or “[email protected].”
– Try resending the invitation from the User Management screen.
Issue 2: The Link Doesn’t Work
If the link in the email is broken or expired:
– Invitations typically expire after 7 days. If it’s been longer, send a new one.
– Make sure the person is using the correct email to log in.
– Clear the browser cache or try opening the link on a different device.
Issue 3: The Person Can’t See the Doorbell in Their App
If they’ve accepted the invitation but don’t see the doorbell:
– Have them log out and back into the Blink app.
– Make sure they’re looking under the correct home system.
– Check that your doorbell is online (green status light in the app).
– Restart the Blink app or reinstall it if needed.
Issue 4: You Can’t Find the “User Management” Option
If you don’t see “User Management”:
– Confirm you’re the account owner. Only owners can add users.
– Update the Blink app to the latest version.
– Restart your phone and try again.
– Contact Blink support if the issue persists.
Issue 5: The Doorbell Goes Offline After Adding a User
This is rare, but sometimes adding a user can cause a brief sync issue.
– Wait 5–10 minutes for the system to stabilize.
– Check your Wi-Fi signal strength near the doorbell.
– Reboot the Sync Module by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
Tips for Secure and Effective Sharing
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some best practices:
- Only add people you trust: Remember, they’ll see who comes to your door.
- Use strong passwords: Make sure both your account and the new user’s account have secure passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your Blink account.
- Review access regularly: Check the User Management list every few months and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
- Communicate expectations: Let the person know how you’d like them to use the doorbell (e.g., only check during certain hours).
Can You Add Multiple People?
Yes! You can add as many people as you want to your Blink doorbell. There’s no official limit, but Blink recommends keeping the number reasonable for security and performance reasons.
Each person will receive their own alerts and can view the feed independently. This is especially useful for large families or shared living spaces.
Just remember: every added user increases the number of devices connected to your system, which could slightly impact performance if your Wi-Fi is weak.
Does Adding Users Cost Extra?
No. Adding another person to your Blink doorbell is completely free. You don’t need a paid subscription or additional hardware.
However, if you want cloud storage for longer video clips, you’ll need a Blink Subscription Plan (like Blink Basic or Plus). But that’s optional and separate from user access.
What If the Person Lives Far Away?
No problem! The person you add can be anywhere in the world, as long as they have:
– A smartphone or tablet
– The Blink app installed
– A stable internet connection
They’ll receive alerts and can view the live feed just like you can. This is perfect for monitoring your home while traveling or letting a family member check in on an elderly relative.
Final Thoughts: Sharing Access the Right Way
Adding another person to your Blink doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home security. It empowers others to stay informed, respond to visitors, and help keep your property safe—without requiring technical know-how.
By following the steps in this guide, you can share access quickly and securely. Just remember to:
– Only invite people you trust
– Double-check email addresses
– Manage users regularly
– Keep your system updated
With the right setup, your Blink doorbell becomes more than just a camera—it becomes a shared tool for peace of mind.
So go ahead, send that invitation, and enjoy the added security of knowing someone else has your back.