How to Add Someone to Blink Doorbell

Adding someone to your Blink doorbell is simple and secure when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through inviting users, managing permissions, and fixing common setup problems—so you can share access with family or trusted neighbors effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Blink app to invite users: All sharing happens through the official Blink mobile app—no web portal required.
• Only the owner can add users: You must be the account owner to send invitations; shared users cannot add others.
• Set custom permissions: Choose whether guests can view live video, receive alerts, or manage settings.
• Check email and spam folders: Invitations are sent via email, so ensure the recipient checks all folders.
• Sync devices after adding users: Always sync your Blink system to apply changes and ensure smooth access.
• Troubleshoot failed invites: Common fixes include verifying email addresses, updating the app, and restarting devices.
• Remove access anytime: You can revoke user permissions instantly from the app’s settings menu.

How to Add Someone to Blink Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve installed your Blink doorbell—great choice! It’s reliable, affordable, and keeps your home secure with motion alerts and live video. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or trusted neighbor to see who’s at the door when you’re not home? That’s where adding someone to your Blink doorbell comes in.

Whether you’re sharing access with family members, roommates, or a house sitter, Blink makes it easy to invite others to view your camera feeds and receive notifications. However, the process isn’t always obvious if you’re new to the system. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through every step—from sending the invitation to managing permissions and troubleshooting common issues.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to add someone to your Blink doorbell, customize their access level, and keep your system secure. We’ll also cover best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do if something goes wrong. Let’s get started!

Why Share Access to Your Blink Doorbell?

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to share access in the first place. Your Blink doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s a smart security tool that helps you monitor your home in real time. But security is a team effort, especially if you live with others.

Here are a few common reasons to add someone to your Blink doorbell:

• Family safety: Let your spouse or older kids see who’s at the door when you’re busy or away.
• Pet monitoring: Share access with a pet sitter so they can check on your furry friend and respond to alerts.
• Neighborhood watch: Allow a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you’re on vacation.
• Package protection: Get alerts when deliveries arrive and let someone else retrieve them if you’re not home.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that more than one person can respond to motion alerts reduces stress and increases responsiveness.

Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. You remain the account owner and can adjust or revoke permissions at any time. It’s a flexible, secure way to enhance your home’s safety network.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you begin the process of adding someone to your Blink doorbell, make sure you have the following:

• A Blink account: You must be the owner of the account where the doorbell is registered.
• The Blink mobile app: Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already.
• Your doorbell installed and synced: The device should be online and working properly.
• The recipient’s email address: You’ll need a valid email to send the invitation.
• A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Blink system should be connected to Wi-Fi.

It’s also helpful if the person you’re inviting has a smartphone, as they’ll need to download the Blink app to accept the invitation. If they don’t have the app yet, they can download it for free once they receive the invite.

Step 1: Open the Blink App and Log In

The first step is simple: open the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.

Once you’re in, you should see your home screen with a list of your Blink devices—cameras, doorbells, and sync modules. Make sure your doorbell is listed and shows as “Online.” If it’s offline, you’ll need to troubleshoot that first before adding users.

Tip: Always ensure your app is updated to the latest version. Outdated apps can cause glitches during the invitation process. You can check for updates in your device’s app store.

Step 2: Navigate to the Settings Menu

Now that you’re logged in, it’s time to find the settings. Here’s how:

Tap the Gear Icon

Look for the gear or settings icon, usually located in the top-right corner of the home screen. Tap it to open the main settings menu.

Select “System Settings”

In the settings menu, you’ll see options like “Account,” “Notifications,” and “System Settings.” Tap on System Settings.

Choose Your Sync Module

If you have multiple sync modules (for example, one for your front door and one for your backyard), select the one connected to your doorbell. This ensures you’re managing the correct system.

Tap “Users”

Inside the system settings, look for the “Users” option. This is where you’ll manage who has access to your Blink devices.

Step 3: Send an Invitation

Now you’re ready to invite someone to your Blink doorbell. Here’s how to do it:

Tap “Invite User”

Inside the Users section, tap the Invite User button. This will open a new screen where you can enter the recipient’s details.

Enter the Email Address

Type in the email address of the person you want to add. Make sure it’s correct—typos are a common reason invitations fail.

Choose Permission Level

Blink allows you to set different permission levels. You’ll see options like:

• Viewer: Can view live video and recordings, but cannot change settings or delete clips.
• Admin: Can view video, receive alerts, and manage some settings (but cannot remove the owner or add new users).

For most people, Viewer is the best choice—it keeps your system secure while allowing access to video feeds.

Send the Invitation

Once you’ve entered the email and selected the permission level, tap Send Invitation. The app will confirm that the invite has been sent.

Note: Only the account owner can send invitations. If you’re a shared user, you won’t see the “Invite User” option.

Step 4: The Recipient Accepts the Invitation

After you send the invite, the recipient will receive an email from Blink with a link to accept. Here’s what they need to do:

Check Their Email

The email will come from [email protected]. It may land in their spam or promotions folder, so they should check those if they don’t see it.

Click the Accept Link

The email contains a button or link that says “Accept Invitation.” They should tap or click it to proceed.

Download the Blink App (If Needed)

If they don’t already have the app, the link will prompt them to download it from the App Store or Google Play.

Create or Log In to Their Account

They’ll need to either log in to an existing Blink account or create a new one using the same email address you invited.

Accept the Invitation in the App

Once logged in, the invitation will appear in the app. They should tap “Accept” to gain access to your doorbell.

Step 5: Sync Your Blink System

After the invitation is accepted, it’s important to sync your Blink system to ensure the new user has full access.

Open the Blink App

Go back to your home screen in the app.

Tap the Sync Module

Find your sync module in the device list and tap on it.

Tap “Sync Now”

This forces the system to update and apply the new user settings. Wait a few seconds for the sync to complete.

Verify Access

Ask the new user to open the app and check if they can see your doorbell feed. They should also test receiving a motion alert (you can wave at the camera to trigger one).

Managing User Permissions

Once someone is added, you can adjust their permissions or remove them at any time.

View Current Users

Go back to System Settings > Users to see a list of everyone with access.

Edit Permissions

Tap on a user’s name to change their permission level from Viewer to Admin or vice versa.

Remove a User

To revoke access, tap the user’s name and select “Remove User.” Confirm the action, and they’ll lose access immediately.

Tip: Always remove access when someone no longer needs it—like a former roommate or temporary house sitter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with clear instructions, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Invitation Not Received

If the recipient doesn’t get the email:

• Double-check the email address for typos.
• Ask them to check spam, junk, and promotions folders.
• Resend the invitation from the Users menu.
• Ensure the email isn’t blocked by a corporate or school filter.

“Invitation Expired” Error

Blink invitations expire after 7 days. If the recipient doesn’t accept in time:

• Resend the invitation.
• Make sure they use the same email address.

User Can’t See the Doorbell

If the new user logs in but doesn’t see your camera:

• Sync the system again.
• Ask them to log out and back in.
• Ensure they’re using the correct Blink account (the one tied to the invited email).

App Crashes or Freezes

If the app behaves oddly:

• Close and reopen the app.
• Restart your phone.
• Update the app to the latest version.
• Reinstall the app if problems persist.

Doorbell Shows as Offline

If the doorbell is offline, new users won’t be able to access it:

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength near the doorbell.
• Replace batteries if they’re low.
• Re-sync the sync module.
• Move the sync module closer to the doorbell if needed.

Best Practices for Sharing Access

To keep your Blink doorbell secure and functional, follow these best practices:

• Only invite trusted individuals: Once someone has access, they can see your home’s activity. Choose wisely.
• Use Viewer permissions by default: Avoid giving Admin access unless absolutely necessary.
• Monitor user activity: Periodically check the Users list to ensure no unauthorized people have access.
• Update your app regularly: New versions often include security patches and bug fixes.
• Change passwords if compromised: If you suspect someone has accessed your account, change your password immediately.
• Educate users: Let new users know how to use the app responsibly—like not sharing login details.

Can You Add Multiple People?

Yes! You can add as many users as you want to your Blink doorbell. There’s no official limit, but practical considerations apply.

For example, if you have a large household or frequent guests, you might invite your spouse, two kids, and a trusted neighbor. Each person gets their own login and can access the camera independently.

However, too many users can clutter the app and make management harder. Stick to people who truly need access.

What If You’re Not the Account Owner?

If you’re not the original account owner, you cannot add new users. Only the person who set up the Blink system can send invitations.

If you’re a shared user and want to add someone else, you’ll need to:

• Ask the owner to send the invitation.
• Or, have the owner transfer ownership to you (though this is rare and requires contacting Blink support).

Ownership is tied to the email used during setup, so make sure the right person is in charge.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Sharing access to your doorbell means sharing a window into your home. While Blink uses encryption and secure logins, it’s important to be mindful of privacy.

• Recordings are stored in the cloud: Anyone with access can view saved clips, so be cautious about who you invite.
• Live viewing is real-time: Users can watch your doorstep at any time—make sure you’re comfortable with that.
• Alerts are shared: Motion notifications go to all users, which can be helpful—or annoying—if overused.

If privacy is a major concern, consider setting up a separate camera for shared use or using local storage options (though Blink primarily relies on cloud storage).

Alternatives to Sharing Access

If you’re hesitant to give someone full access, here are a few alternatives:

• Share specific clips: Instead of giving app access, you can manually share video clips via email or text.
• Use a guest mode (if available): Some smart doorbells offer temporary guest access—Blink doesn’t currently support this, but it’s worth watching for updates.
• Set up a second camera: Install a separate Blink camera for shared use, keeping your main doorbell private.

These options give you more control while still allowing others to stay informed.

Final Thoughts

Adding someone to your Blink doorbell is a smart way to enhance home security and convenience. Whether you’re sharing access with family, roommates, or a trusted neighbor, the process is straightforward when you follow the right steps.

Remember: only the account owner can send invitations, permissions can be customized, and you should always sync your system after making changes. If something goes wrong, most issues can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

By managing user access wisely and keeping your app updated, you’ll get the most out of your Blink doorbell while keeping your home safe and secure.

Now that you know how to add someone to your Blink doorbell, why not invite a family member today? A little sharing can go a long way in keeping everyone connected and protected.