ADT once dominated the home security market, back when you had to sign a one or two-year contract so a windy day could set off a screeching alarm. Now, companies like Amazon-owned Blink have changed the home security market for good.
Blink offers a wide array of home security cameras, whether you need something with floodlight automation or an inside camera, to keep an eye on your dogs while you’re at work. The beauty in smart home security innovations is versatility.
Blink Outdoor Cameras are designed to be affordable and resilient, but they look almost exactly the same as Blink Indoor Cameras.
Does that mean you could use a Blink Outdoor Camera indoors?
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Do Blink Outdoor Cameras Work Inside?
A Blink Outdoor Camera will work perfectly fine indoors. You just can’t use a Blink Indoor Camera on the outside. The biggest factor that separates the two is the Blink Outdoor Camera has a hardened exterior, resistant to weather elements like rain, dust, and wind.
In fact, there is virtually no difference in how you go about setting up a Blink Outdoor or Blink Indoor Camera. Some of the Blink Indoor Cameras are wired, but the Blink Outdoor Camera uses traditional AA batteries and lasts a good while before you need to change them.
All of the functions you get with the Blink Outdoor Camera on the outside, you also get on the inside.
One of the reasons that some may choose to buy a Blink Outdoor Camera and use it inside is that it’s $40 cheaper than the inside camera, assuming you’re looking at the latest generations of each.
You could install a magnetic mount for your outdoor cameras and a few metal brackets in select locations around your house so that you can easily move your outdoor cameras indoors or just from one location to another.
What Are The Differences Between Indoor And Outdoor Blink Cameras?
The main differences between indoor and outdoor Blink cameras are the weatherproofing and more robust casing found on the exterior components of the outdoor models.
Outdoor cameras are weather resistant and can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. The Mini and indoor cameras should only ever be used indoors as they don’t have adequate weatherproofing to be safely used outside.
The primary comparison is the 3rd generation Blink Outdoor Camera versus the 2nd generation Blink Indoor Camera. Looking at the specs, the two cameras are virtually identical.
| Blink Outdoor Camera Gen 3 | Blink Indoor Camera Gen 2 | |
| Field of View | 110° Diagonal | 110° Diagonal |
| Dimensions | 71 x 71 x 31mm | 71 x 71 x 31mm |
| Weight | 48 grams | 48 grams |
| Power | 2 AA Batteries | 2 AA Batteries |
| Colors | Black only | White only |
| Audio | 2- way talk and audio recording | 2-way talk and audio recording |
| Frame Rate | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| CPU | AC1002B Quad Core | AC1002B Quad Core |
| Wireless Connection | WiFi 2.4GHz | Wifi 2.4GHz |
| Video Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Photo Resolution | 640 x 360 | 640 x 360 |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 113°F | 32°F to 95°F |
| Infrared | ✔ | ✔ |
| Weather Resistance | ✔ | ✘ |
| Virtual Assistant | Alexa Enabled | Alexa Enabled |
As you can see, the only real thing that separates the two is the weather resistance offered with the Blink Outdoor Camera, which won’t make much difference inside. Of course, it will make a difference if you have a screened-in porch or something where humidity and extreme temperatures occur throughout the year.
If you compare the Blink Outdoor Camera to the Blink Indoor Camera 1st gen, you will definitely see a lot of differences there, both in terms of specs and price. But the 1st gen Blink Indoor Camera is way behind what indoor or outdoor cameras should be able to do today.
Related Article: Do Blink Cameras Have To Be Plugged In? (All You Need To Know)
How To Use An Outdoor Blink Camera Inside?
You’ll set your Blink Outdoor Camera up, inside the house, exactly like you would an Indoor version. The mounting hardware that comes with the Blink Outdoor is the same as the Indoor Camera.
The mounting kit that comes with it includes a mounting plate and a screw to secure the mounting plate on a surface, preferably wood for outdoor use. Inside, if you want to mount it on the sheetrock, you may want to get a sheetrock anchor or find a stud in the wall.
- Download and install the Blink Mobile App (iOS or Android)
- Plug your Sync module into your router via an ethernet cable (sync module comes with the camera)
- Create an account on the Blink App
- Set up the Sync Module on your Blink App
- Go to the Add Device screen on your Blink App
- Select “Add Device” and scan the QR code on your Blink Outdoor Camera
- Once the camera is added, go to where you want to mount it and check your signal strength in the app
- If the signal strength is good, mount the camera
- Use the app to work through your Blink Outdoor Camera’s features and your personal preferences
It sounds sort of complicated but it’s really not. For a full breakdown of how to set up and use your camera, Blink’s website includes all of that information, but the above-order steps are all necessary to get it up and running.
All Things Considered
If you want to bring your Blink Outdoor Camera inside, there’s no harm in doing so. In fact, it will probably have a better signal, depending on how strong your WiFi signal is outside. Blink Cameras are effective home security options, especially if you subscribe to their premium plan, which is only $3/mo.
