How to Add Blink Camera to Apple HomeKit
Controversial opinion, Blink cameras are some of the best smart devices to be invented, the only issue is that it is incompatible with Apple HomeKit. I honestly love Blink cameras and even better, a Blink camera HomeKit integration! These are the best solutions I have found so far.
Let’s jump right into it!
AddtoHomeKit [Recommended Solution]
AddtoHomeKit is most recommended for a reason, and I will tell you why! AddtoHomeKit is an amazing solution for a Blink camera Apple HomeKit integration. I wanted to use Blink Camera with my iPhone and AddtoHomeKit delivered!! It is basically a web application that allows you to add Blink camera to Apple Home or even add Blink doorbell to a HomeKit. They offer hundreds of plugins that you can utilize to make Blink work with HomeKit.
Why I Recommend AddtoHomeKit
- Overcomes the limitations of HomeBridge.
- Very easy installation and user-friendly.
- Allows you to add any device to Apple HomeKit.
- Provides step-by-step guides.
- Provides hundreds of Plugins.
- You do not have to download any app.
Currently I am using AddtoHomeKit to add any Blink devices to Apple HomeKit, as it is very easy and user-friendly. I am going to honest, I even used AddtoHomeKit to add any Alexa devices to Apple HomeKit.
Step-By-Step Guide to Connect Blink Camera to HomeKit with AddtoHomeKit
- Visit the official AddtoHomeKit website.
- Choose the Blink ecosystem and proceed to the next page.
- Select your preferred solution.
- Choose the appropriate Operating System.
- Install the HomeBridge Plugin.
- Tap on AddtoHomeKit.
- Follow the provided instructions and enjoy!
Alternative Methods to Add Blink Camera to HomeKit
While AddtoHomeKit can also be used to add any Ring smart device to Apple HomeKit as much as a Blink camera apple HomeKit integration. The below solutions can also be used to not only add HomeKit secure video Blink integration but also add any SwitchBot smart devices to Apple HomeKit.
Not only these solutions, you can also connect any smart home device to Apple HomeKit with Enomek. Actually, it is a app solution!
ATH Bridge [Most Affordable Solution]
ATH Bridge is amazing way to add Blink camera to Apple Home. ATH Bridge is a plug and play method that gives you a HomeKit Blink Camera integration and brings Blink camera HomeKit support. It is a pre-flashed and compiled server designed to perfectly integrate and create a Blink security camera HomeKit. I even used ATH Bridge to add Shelly smart devices to Apple HomeKit.
HomeBridge Solution
Integrating your Blink Camera with Apple HomeKit is easy with HomeBridge. It supports various Blink devices, like the Blink Doorbell and Blink Outdoor Camera, allowing you to add them to HomeKit. With HomeBridge, you can manage your Blink security cameras directly from the Apple Home app, making Blink and HomeKit work seamlessly together.
You can use HomkeBridge Plugins for Aqara HomeKit, Hikvision HomeKit, D-Link HomeKit as well!
Step-By-Step to Connect Blink Camera to HomeKit with HomeBridge
- Set Up HomeBridge:
- Install Blink Plugin:
- Add Blink Cameras to HomeKit:
- Test and Customize:
- Enjoy Seamless Control:
Install HomeBridge on a Raspberry Pi, macOS, or Windows device.
Follow the setup guide to ensure HomeBridge is running smoothly.
Access the HomeBridge UI and go to the Plugins section.
Search for the "homebridge-blink-for-home" plugin.
Install and configure it using your Blink account credentials.
Open the Apple Home app on your iPhone.
Tap Add Accessory, then scan the setup code provided by HomeBridge.
The Blink camera should now appear in the Home app.
Test the integration by viewing your Blink camera feed in the Home app.
Customize the settings as needed for your Blink outdoor camera, Blink Mini, or other devices.
Now you can control your Blink cameras with Siri and manage everything from the Apple Home app.
HOOBS Solution
HOOBs is an abbreviation of HomeBridge Out of the Box. It can be used for a simpler way to connect your Blink Camera to Apple HomeKit. It streamlines adding Blink devices like the Blink Mini and Blink Video Doorbell to HomeKit. With HOOBS, your Blink cameras can work smoothly with HomeKit, giving you access to features like HomeKit Secure Video right from your Apple Home app.
Why Opt for a Blink Camera HomeKit Integration?
Pros
- Easier management of Blink cameras through Apple HomeKit.
- Voice control using Siri with Blink Apple HomeKit.
- Unified control of all smart home devices in one app.
Cons
- Requires a third-party solution like Homebridge.
- No native HomeKit support from Blink.
- Limited advanced features without HomeKit Secure Video.
Blink App VS Apple HomeKit
| Feature | Blink App | Apple Home App |
|---|---|---|
| Device Compatibility | Works with Blink Camera, Blink Mini, Blink Video Doorbell, Blink Outdoor Camera | Supports Blink Camera integration via HomeBridge or HOOBS |
| Setup | Direct setup through the Blink app | Requires HomeBridge or HOOBS to add Blink camera to HomeKit |
| Remote Access | Full remote access to Blink cameras via the Blink app | Access Blink cameras through the Apple Home app once integrated |
| Home Automation | Limited automation within the Blink app | Enhanced automation with Blink cameras using Apple HomeKit |
| Notifications | Alerts via the Blink app | Push notifications through Apple Home for Blink camera events |
| Voice Control | Works with Amazon Alexa | Works with Siri when Blink cameras are added to HomeKit |
| Video Storage | Cloud storage available with Blink subscription | HomeKit Secure Video support with Blink cameras via HomeKit integration |
| Security | Standard security features in the Blink app | Enhanced security through HomeKit, including HomeKit Secure Video |
Editor's Pick
I would personally go for AddtoHomeKit. It is easy and very less time-consuming which is why I keep on using AddtoHomeKit whenever I want to add any incompatible device to HomeKit. The Blink camera Apple HomeKit integration is literally such an amazing home automation method making the smart home life even easier.
FAQs
Blink cameras typically use a Sync Module as a hub to connect with your home WiFi network. This hub is essential for connecting Blink security cameras like the Blink Outdoor Camera and Blink Mini to your network, enabling remote access via the Blink app.
Blink cameras don’t natively support Apple HomeKit, but you can make Blink work with HomeKit by using solutions like AddtoHomeKit or HomeBridge. These platforms allow you to add Blink cameras to your Apple Home setup, making them accessible through the Home app.
To use a Blink Camera with Home Assistant, you can integrate it using the Blink component. This lets you add Blink cameras to your Home Assistant setup, providing control and automation options like HomeKit integration. However, Blink and HomeKit still require HomeBridge or HOOBS for Apple ecosystem compatibility.
Blink cameras are designed to work within their own ecosystem, so you can’t add third-party cameras directly to the Blink system. However, by using HomeBridge or AddtoHomeKit, you can integrate Blink cameras with other HomeKit-compatible devices in the Apple Home app.
Yes, you can watch Blink cameras on a Firestick using the Amazon Alexa app. By linking your Blink account, you can view live feeds from your Blink security cameras, such as the Blink Mini or Blink Outdoor Camera, directly on your Firestick.
Yes, you can view your Blink cameras on an Alexa Show device. Once connected, you can ask Alexa to display live footage from your Blink security cameras, including the Blink Video Doorbell and Blink Outdoor Camera.
Blink cameras are technically IP cameras as they use the internet to transmit video data. However, they are designed to work specifically with the Blink app and Amazon ecosystem but can be integrated into Apple HomeKit via HomeBridge or AddtoHomeKit.
Blink cameras do not have their own WiFi. They rely on a home WiFi network and connect through the Sync Module, which acts as a hub for managing Blink cameras like the Blink Outdoor and Blink Mini.
