Blink cameras run on AA lithium batteries – not alkaline. That distinction matters more than it sounds. Alkaline voltage drops gradually as they drain, which means your camera starts throwing low-battery warnings well before the batteries are actually dead. Lithium holds a steady 1.5V through its whole life, handles temperature swings without complaining, and lasts significantly longer. This is not a preference. Blink officially recommends lithium-only.
All current battery-powered Blink cameras – the Outdoor 4, Indoor (4th Gen), Doorbell – take 2x AA lithium batteries each. Same size, same type, across the whole lineup.
Which Batteries to Buy
Energizer Ultimate Lithium is the go-to. Blink specifically names Energizer as their recommended brand, and these are the same cells that come pre-installed in the box. The Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA 8-pack covers four cameras in one shot.
If you want a larger supply, the 24-pack works out cheaper per cell and keeps you stocked for a couple of replacement cycles.
Amazon Basics also makes a lithium AA that works fine and comes in at a lower price point. Either one will do the job – the key is lithium, not alkaline.
How Long Do Blink Batteries Last?
Blink’s official claim is up to two years on default settings. In practice, that number varies depending on how often motion triggers recordings, whether you use Live View frequently, and what temperatures the camera is exposed to. Heavy use (lots of motion events daily) cuts that down. Cold climates also reduce life, though lithium handles cold far better than alkaline does.
The app shows a battery level indicator, though it reads as a rough estimate rather than a precise percentage – especially if you have ever used non-lithium batteries in the device, which can throw the calibration off.
Can You Use Rechargeable Batteries?
Technically yes, but with a catch. Standard NiMH rechargeable AAs run at 1.2V rather than the 1.5V lithium produces. Blink cameras are tuned for 1.5V, so NiMH cells will work but the battery indicator will be inaccurate – the app will likely show low battery even on a fresh charge. Runtime also drops noticeably compared to lithium.
Blink officially advises against NiMH rechargeables for this reason. If you want to avoid swapping cells, the better option is the Blink Outdoor 4 Battery Extension Pack – a dedicated rechargeable pack designed specifically for the Outdoor 4 that clips onto the back of the camera and gets the full benefit of the device’s battery reporting.
How to Replace the Battery
Check the battery level in the Blink app
Open the Blink app and look at the camera tile. A low battery warning will appear when it is time to replace. You can also check the battery status under the camera settings.
Remove the camera from its mount
Twist the camera counterclockwise off the mount. On the Outdoor 4 you will need the mount tool (the small pin included in the box) to press the release button on the back.
Open the battery compartment
On the Outdoor 4 and Indoor models, use the included pin tool to press the small button on the rear cover. The cover slides or pops off to expose the battery tray.
Swap the batteries
Remove the two old AA batteries and insert two new AA lithium batteries. Match the polarity markings (+ and -) inside the tray. Do not mix old and new batteries.
Replace the cover and remount
Snap the battery cover back on until it clicks fully on all sides. Remount the camera, then check the Blink app to confirm the battery indicator has updated.
Battery-Free Models
Not every Blink camera uses batteries. Two worth knowing about:
- Blink Mini 2 – Plugs in via USB-C. No batteries at all. Good for indoor spots near an outlet. Not portable, but you never have to think about cells again.
- Blink Wired Floodlight Camera – Hardwired installation. Designed to replace or add to an existing floodlight fixture.
If you are placing a camera somewhere with reliable access to power, those are worth considering. But for most outdoor placements – especially where running a wire is not practical – the battery-powered Outdoor 4 is the right call, and lithium AAs will handle it for up to two years between changes.
Related: Blink cameras and Apple HomeKit – Blink wired setup options