Blink doorbell runs on AA non-rechargeable batteries and supplemental power from electricity. Amazon introduced the Sync Module, chime, and event response modes to conserve the battery. Sync module handles the live recordings and provides alerts, and Chime provides press alerts. Event response captures the activities only 60 seconds after the bell rings to reduce the internal battery consumption. Blink advertised that its batteries last for 2 years under default settings. They are easy to replace after detaching from the mount plate. Wireless and wired video doorbells have batteries as the primary power source. Make sure to purchase the best batteries from Amazon Basics, Energizer Ultimate, Sony, or Panasonic. Avoid using alkaline batteries as they have a short lifespan (30%) compared to AA 1.5-volt lithium non-rechargeable batteries.

What Factors Affect Blink Doorbell Battery Life?

Here are the five factors that affect the Blink doorbell battery life:

1. Frequency of motion events and recordings: High traffic areas increase the motion alerts and events, which drain the battery. The camera stays in dormant mode to save battery. The frequency of moving objects, vehicles, or people pushes the camera to wake up and start recording. Select a specific privacy zone to reduce the unnecessary alerts of traffic or animals.
2. Live view usage: Watching the live camera the whole day or communicating via a two-way audio system increases battery usage. It also puts a load on the Wi-Fi and app to provide high quality view of the outside. Limit the live view usage to only when someone rings the doorbell or when something feels suspicious.
3. Video length and clip quality: High-quality recorded clips or longer videos slow down the Blink Home Monitor, and users face lag. Customize the doorbell to record only when a specific event occurs. Save the recorded clips in a USB with the Sync module or purchase a subscription to move them to the cloud.
4. Wi-Fi signal strength: A poor wifi connection leads to distortion and errors in communication. The doorbell consumes more battery to stabilize the situation and manage the two-way audio system.
5. Environmental temperature: Cold temperature increases the internal resistance of AA lithium batteries. The battery cells do not provide enough current to support live view. The doorbell provides low battery alerts as the current does not discharge. Extreme hot conditions increase the self-discharge rate from cells, which makes the doorbell heated. Make sure to use the weather-resistant panel and sheaths to protect the doorbell from changing conditions.

What Type of Batteries Does the Blink Doorbell Require and How Long it Last?

Blink doorbells require 1.5V non-rechargeable lithium batteries as they supply power in extreme conditions. A wireless blink doorbell requires 1.5V to transmit video. The NiMH rechargeable batteries have 1.2V, which increases the low battery alerts. Blink doorbell batteries last two years and handle up to 4,000 five-second events per year. A wired doorbell with a chime and sync module increases the lifespan of lithium batteries.

How Can You Check the Blink Doorbell Battery Level?

Use the Blink Home Monitor to check the battery level of the Blink doorbell. Find this device on the home screen and tap on more options in the right corner to access the settings. Tap on the general settings and then battery to check the battery level in binary form. “Ok” shows the battery has sufficient power, and “Need replacement” indicates a low battery. Wired video doorbells often show “eternal power” as a sign of “Ok”. There is no need to check the battery level daily. The app provides low battery alerts when the battery falls below 20%, and high usage warnings when the clips consume more battery. It also provides a red light indication in case of a poor power supply.

How Do You Replace Batteries in the Blink Doorbell?

Turn off the power supply and remove the doorbell from the mounting plate. Remove the back cover from the device and replace the batteries with new 1.5V non-rechargeable ones. Make sure the positive and negative ends sign perfectly before putting the cover back. Remount the doorbell until a click sound is produced and turn on the power. The red light near the button indicates a good power supply.

What Are the Best Batteries for Blink Doorbell?

Here are the five best batteries for Blink doorbells:

1. Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries are a top choice for the Blink doorbell. They have the longest lifespan and work best even under extreme weather conditions. Energizer Lithium batteries provide consistent 1.5V power to the doorbell to reduce lags.
2. Amazon Basics Lithium AA: Amazon Basics is a budget-friendly Blink battery option. They perform well, though many people said that they have less run time than Energizer. People also prefer the XTAR’s 1.5 V rechargeable lithium AA batteries as they do not trigger a warning early. 
3. Duracell Lithium AA: Duracell provides 1.5V power for blink doorbells. It differs in its discharge profile from Energizer lithium.
4. Panasonic Lithium AA: Panasonic manufactures rechargeable batteries of 1.2V, which do not support the live view on wireless devices. Its 1.5V non-rechargeable lithium AA  variety is less than Energizer and often provides low battery alerts.
5. Sony Lithium AA Batteries: Sony focuses more on customized lithium-ion cells for laptops rather than blink doorbells. It makes them incompetent and less competent to ring doorbells.

How Can You Extend Blink Doorbell Battery Life?

Here are the four tips to extend Blink Doorbell battery life:

1. Reduce motion sensitivity: Select specific zones and timings to receive the motion alerts to conserve battery.
2. Limit activity zones: Select the porch area and avoid roads when setting motion alerts. 
3. Shorten the video clip length: Set up the doorbell to start recording after 6 seconds of the bell ringing to capture only specific events.
4. Improve Wi-Fi signal strength: Install the 2.4 GHZ wifi network to improve the signal strength and reduce load on the doorbell.

Is Hardwiring an Alternative to Battery Replacement?

No, hardwiring is not an alternative to battery replacement, though it increases its lifespan. A wired doorbell relies on a battery to manage the camera sensor, internal processor, and PIR motion detector. Hardwiring only supports the chime to ring when someone presses the doorbell.

What Are Common Battery-Related Issues & Fixes?

Here are the four battery-related issues and their fixes:

1. Rapid drain: Check the clip length and adjust the motion detection area.
2. Offline device: Replace batteries or reconnect with wifi to supply the power. 
3. Inaccurate battery level: Restart the doorbell via the Blink Home monitor app to check accurate battery levels. 
4. Cold-related warnings: Install the doorbell covers and use Energizer batteries to get power from cells in freezing temperatures.