Adding users to your Blink doorbell allows family members or trusted neighbors to receive alerts and view live footage. This guide walks you through the process using the Blink app, ensuring secure access and smooth setup.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Blink app: All user management is done through the official Blink mobile app, not the web portal.
- Invite via email: You can only add new users by sending an invitation to their email address linked to a Blink account.
- Grant appropriate permissions: Choose between “Viewer” and “Admin” roles to control what each user can do.
- Sync across devices: Once added, users will see your system on their app after syncing.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If invites fail, check email accuracy, internet connection, and app updates.
- Remove users anytime: You can revoke access instantly from the app if needed.
- Ensure security: Only share access with trusted individuals and use strong passwords.
Introduction: Why Share Access to Your Blink Doorbell?
Smart doorbells like the Blink Video Doorbell are designed to keep your home safe—but safety is better when it’s shared. Whether you’re giving your spouse access to check who’s at the door while you’re at work, letting a trusted neighbor monitor your home while you’re on vacation, or allowing your teenager to see delivery alerts, adding users to your Blink doorbell ensures everyone stays informed.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to add users to your Blink doorbell—step by step—using the Blink mobile app. We’ll cover everything from sending invitations and setting permissions to troubleshooting common problems and maintaining security. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently share access without compromising control or privacy.
Whether you’re new to Blink or just unfamiliar with user management, this guide is written in plain, friendly language with practical tips and real-world examples. No tech jargon, no confusion—just clear instructions that work.
What You’ll Need Before Getting Started
Visual guide about How to Add Users to Blink Doorbell
Image source: surveillanceguides.com
Before you begin adding users, make sure you have the following:
- A Blink account: You must be the system owner (admin) to invite others.
- The latest version of the Blink app: Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Your doorbell installed and connected: The device should already be set up and working with your Wi-Fi.
- The email address of the person you want to add: They must have (or create) a Blink account using that email.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Blink system need reliable Wi-Fi.
Having these ready will prevent delays and frustration during the setup process.
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, tap “Forgot Password?” and follow the reset instructions sent to your email.
Once logged in, you’ll land on the home screen, which shows all your Blink devices—including your doorbell. Make sure your doorbell appears online and functioning. If it shows as offline, resolve connectivity issues first before proceeding.
Step 2: Navigate to Your System Settings
To add a user, you need to access your system’s settings. Here’s how:
Tap on the Gear Icon
Look for the gear (settings) icon in the top-right corner of the home screen. Tap it to open the system menu.
Select “Manage Users”
Scroll down until you find the “Manage Users” option. Tap it to view current users and invite new ones.
Note: If you don’t see “Manage Users,” ensure you’re the system admin. Only admins can add or remove users.
Step 3: Send an Invitation to a New User
Now it’s time to invite someone to access your Blink doorbell.
Tap “Invite User”
On the “Manage Users” screen, tap the blue “Invite User” button. A form will appear.
Enter the Recipient’s Email Address
Type in the email address of the person you want to add. This must be the same email they use for their Blink account. If they don’t have one yet, they’ll be prompted to create it when they receive the invite.
Example: If you’re adding your partner, use their personal email (e.g., [email protected]), not a shared family account.
Choose the User Role
Blink offers two permission levels:
- Viewer: Can view live feeds, watch recordings, and receive motion alerts—but cannot change settings or delete videos.
- Admin: Has full control, including adding/removing users, adjusting camera settings, and managing subscriptions.
For most people, “Viewer” is the best choice unless you fully trust the person with system management.
Send the Invitation
After entering the email and selecting the role, tap “Send Invitation.” The recipient will receive an email with a link to accept access.
Tip: Let the person know to check their spam folder if they don’t see the email within a few minutes.
Step 4: Recipient Accepts the Invitation
The person you invited must complete a few steps on their end to gain access.
Open the Email and Click the Link
They should open the invitation email and tap the “Accept Invitation” button. This redirects them to the Blink website or app.
Log In or Create a Blink Account
If they already have a Blink account, they’ll log in. If not, they’ll create one using the same email address.
Sync Their App
After accepting, they should open the Blink app on their device and tap the sync button (usually a circular arrow icon). Your system—including the doorbell—will appear in their device list.
Important: They must use the same email for their Blink account as the one you invited. Mismatched emails will prevent access.
Step 5: Verify Access and Test Functionality
Once the user has accepted the invite, confirm everything is working.
Check Their Device List
Ask them to open the Blink app and verify your system appears under “My Systems.”
Test Live View
Have them tap on your doorbell and select “Live View” to see the camera feed in real time.
Trigger a Motion Alert
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection. They should receive a notification and be able to view the clip.
If any of these steps fail, proceed to the troubleshooting section below.
Managing Existing Users
You can view, edit, or remove users at any time.
View Current Users
Go back to “Manage Users” in the settings. You’ll see a list of all people with access, their roles, and invitation status.
Change a User’s Role
Tap on a user’s name and select a new role (Viewer or Admin). Changes take effect immediately.
Remove a User
Tap the user’s name, then select “Remove User.” Confirm the action. They will lose all access instantly—no notification is sent.
Tip: Regularly review your user list to remove access for people who no longer need it (e.g., former house sitters).
Best Practices for Sharing Access
Sharing your Blink doorbell doesn’t have to be risky. Follow these best practices to keep your home secure:
- Only invite trusted individuals: Avoid giving access to casual acquaintances or service workers unless absolutely necessary.
- Use “Viewer” by default: Reserve “Admin” for partners or family members who need full control.
- Set strong passwords: Ensure all users create secure Blink accounts with unique passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your own account.
- Monitor activity: While Blink doesn’t log user actions, you can check recent recordings to see who viewed them.
- Revoke access promptly: Remove users as soon as they no longer need access (e.g., after a vacation ends).
These habits help prevent unauthorized access and keep your smart home safe.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, adding users doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Invitation Email Not Received
- Double-check the email address for typos.
- Ask the recipient to check their spam or junk folder.
- Resend the invitation from the “Manage Users” screen.
- Ensure the email isn’t blocked by corporate or school filters.
User Can’t See the System After Accepting
- Confirm they used the correct email to create their Blink account.
- Have them force-close and reopen the Blink app.
- Tap the sync button in the app to refresh the device list.
- Restart their phone or tablet.
“User Already Has Access” Error
This means the person is already linked to your system—possibly under a different email. Check your user list to confirm. If they appear, no action is needed.
App Crashes or Freezes During Setup
- Update the Blink app to the latest version.
- Clear the app cache (via phone settings).
- Reinstall the app if problems persist.
Doorbell Shows as Offline for New User
- Verify your doorbell is online in your own app.
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location.
- Restart the Sync Module if you’re using one.
If none of these solutions work, contact Blink Support through the app or website for personalized help.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
Once you’re comfortable with basic user management, try these advanced strategies:
Create a Family Group
Invite all household members as Viewers. This ensures everyone gets alerts without risking accidental setting changes.
Use Admin Access Wisely
If you’re traveling and need someone to adjust camera angles or check battery levels, temporarily upgrade them to Admin—then downgrade afterward.
Leverage Shared Subscriptions
If you have a Blink Subscription Plan, all users can access cloud storage for recordings—no extra cost.
Combine with Other Smart Devices
If you have multiple Blink cameras (e.g., outdoor cams, indoor cams), the same users will automatically have access to all devices in your system.
Set Up Geofencing (Indirectly)
While Blink doesn’t support geofencing natively, you can use IFTTT or Alexa routines to automate actions when users arrive or leave—enhancing security further.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Your Blink doorbell captures footage of your front yard—and possibly neighbors’ properties. Be mindful of privacy:
- Avoid pointing cameras at private areas: Don’t aim your doorbell at a neighbor’s window or backyard.
- Inform guests: Let visitors know they’re being recorded, especially if you live in a two-party consent state.
- Limit recording times: Use motion zones to reduce unnecessary clips.
- Review recordings regularly: Delete old videos to free up space and reduce data exposure.
When sharing access, remember that users can view live feeds and recordings—so only invite people you trust completely.
Conclusion: Share Smart, Stay Secure
Adding users to your Blink doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to extend the benefits of your smart security system. Whether it’s keeping your family informed or giving a trusted friend peace of mind while you’re away, shared access enhances convenience without sacrificing control.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to invite users, set appropriate permissions, troubleshoot issues, and maintain security. Remember: always use the Blink app, verify email addresses, and choose roles carefully. And don’t forget to remove access when it’s no longer needed.
Your Blink doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s a tool for connection and safety. Share it wisely, and enjoy the added layer of security that comes with having extra eyes on your home.