Designed to help homeowners prevent inexpensive break-ins, Blink is a Home Security System brand with simple installation and operation via a smartphone app. Blink is only now providing interior and outdoor cameras, however, as home security devices. Sadly, Blink offers to its customers a system that lacks house alarms or door/window sensors.

Therefore, to provide a definite response to the issue raised in the headline of this article, yes, Blink does not now have door sensors for sale. They only deal in interior and outdoor security cameras. That does not, however, necessarily mean Blink will not broaden their offerings going forward.

About Blink Security Cameras Blink boasts many kinds of indoor and outdoor battery-powered security cameras. Among Blink's most well-known creations are Blink Mini, Blink Indoor, and Blink Outdoor. Every Blink camera has the following capabilities: Every Blink camera has the following capabilities:

  • Wire-free: that being the cameras which are powered by two AA lithium batteries that can power the cameras for two years. Blink cameras are not wired and there is no need to have wires or electrical outlets to run the Blink cameras.
  • Video resolution – Blink cameras record in 1080p HD (Blink Mini is only 720p). The video quality is satisfactory during the day and during night time with infrared night vision.
  • Motion detection alerts – the cameras can notify you and capture video clips in case of motion within its focal range. In the Blink app, users can change the detection settings in terms of their sensitivity.
  • Two-way audio – this is a feature that is available in the Blink cameras where the cameras have integrated microphones and speakers that enable you to listen and speak to whoever is in the vicinity through your Blink app. So you can hear the visitors, delivery people, pets, etc., and communicate with them.
  • Cloud storage and server access necessary for this system – Unlike other brands, Blink cameras and video clips cannot be saved on a device’s SD card. The cameras are connected to Blink’s servers to permit usage via the mobile application and allow some of the operations. This does impose some restrictions in comparison with the cameras having built-in storage capabilities.
  • Blink Subscription Plan – The Blink Subscription plan is necessary for clips saved in the cloud beyond the free rolling 24 hours of video clips included with the Blink Subscription Plan. For less than $4 per camera monthly, the plan increases the video clip retention period to 60 days and other features such as custom activity zones.

What Blink DOESN'T Offer So while Blink cameras offer quite robust functionality for basic video monitoring and motion detection, there are some things that Blink does NOT provide with their current generation of products: So while Blink cameras offer quite robust functionality for basic video monitoring and motion detection, there are some things that Blink does NOT provide with their current generation of products:

  • No door or window entry alerts – While with Blink cameras you cannot integrate other accessories, then if someone opens a door or a window in your house, the cameras will record this action but will not send an immediate notification about the entry event.
  • No alarm control – Blink cameras do not have the option of controlling external alarms or initiating other actions whenever particular incidents occur due to the lack of a base station. But it will continue to notify you of any activity that the cameras capture.
  • Lack of integration with third-party products – Blink cameras operate on a separate application and are not compatible with voice control systems such as Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, etc.
  • Few automations available – While using Blink cameras you can’t program the camera to perform actions such as switching on/off the light when motion is detected by the camera. There is very little compatibility with other smart devices compared to some of the other DIY security camera companies out there.

Do You Need Door Sensors?

Whether not having door/window sensors is an actual disadvantage is relative to one’s requirements and goals for home security. If the specific time when a door or window is opened is important for your application, then Blink cameras on their own would not be suitable. However, you may only want to start recording video when there is movement in some areas, without knowledge or concern about entry alerts.

Some common reasons you may want true door/window sensors and notifications beyond just security cameras include: 

  • Supervision of children or elderly relatives whenever they are coming in or going out of the home
  • Receiving an alert whenever a door or a window is opened without permission, say a break-in entrance.
  • Turning on other devices based on the door status – for instance, lighting a room when the door is opened.
  • Incorporating an advanced home security system with full detection and entry notification.

How to Add Door Sensors to a Blink System?

Unfortunately, Blink doesn’t have door sensors or support most third-party options; thus, adding genuine entry detection and notifications to a Blink camera system is a bit tricky. Here are a few potential options: 

Use self-contained battery-powered sensors Now, there are quite a few brands that design completely wire-free, rechargeable door/window sensors that come with their alarms or loud sirens. Most operate off small batteries or do not require any wiring at all and do not need to be permanently installed. The devices to install are the magnet and sensor on doors and windows and the base unit will emit audible alarms when doors/windows are opened.

Continuously Real-Time Sending of Sensor Alerts to Other Devices Some battery-powered sensor units can send the real-time open/close status to a mobile app and even to other smart home devices such as Amazon Echo speakers. This would enable Blink cameras to record the actual door opening and other smart speakers to give audible messages.

Do It Yourself: Creating Your Sensor System Using even the simplest form of magnet contact switch sensor, the user can program the alerts and notifications according to the status of the sensor. For instance, if the sensor is triggered by a door/window being opened, you might set actions such as the smart bulbs blinking, the remote speakers sounding, you can send mobile notifications, or the Blink cameras beginning recording. The opportunities here are virtually limitless for creative people with some background in IoT/electronics.

In Summary

Blink is (as of now) limited to offering wireless security cameras that are designed to solely offer motion detection features. That is, if you need a detailed door/window entry notification or if you prefer a professionally installed and wired home security system, Blink alone would not suffice. On the other hand, Blink cameras are compatible with other DIY smart home gadgets quite seamlessly. But with a little work, you can blend Blink cameras with simple standalone sensors and smart home routines for a budget-friendly DIY monitored security system. As for the future development of the platform, we will have to wait for the moment when Blink will decide to create their own first-party door/window detection sensors and add more features to the system.

Protect your home today with ADT’s top-rated security solutions!

Call now at +1 877-470-7879 to get a free consultation and find out how you can secure your home with the best in the business. Don’t wait—ensure your peace of mind with ADT!