The battery in your Blink doorbell slides out from the bottom and takes about two minutes to swap
Your Blink doorbell uses two AA batteries that sit in a compartment on the underside of the device. When the battery indicator in the Blink app shows low, you can replace them without removing the doorbell from your wall or calling anyone. The whole process takes longer to read about than to actually do.
The Blink app will tell you when batteries are running low — usually when they drop below 30 percent. You don't have to wait until the doorbell stops working. Replacing them early means you won't miss video alerts or motion detection while you're waiting for new batteries to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Your Blink doorbell uses two standard AA batteries located in a compartment on the bottom of the device.
- The battery door slides down and out; you don't need tools, and you don't need to remove the doorbell from the wall.
- The Blink app shows battery percentage and sends a notification when batteries drop below 30 percent.
- After you insert new batteries, the app will update within a few seconds and show the new battery level.
What you need before you start
Gather two fresh AA batteries before you begin. Alkaline batteries (the standard kind you find in most stores) work fine. Some people prefer rechargeable AA batteries, which also work, though they may show a slightly lower voltage in the app.
You don't need a screwdriver, a ladder, or any other tools. The battery compartment opens by hand. If you're replacing batteries in a doorbell that's mounted high on your door frame, you might want a small step stool so you don't have to reach awkwardly, but it's not required.
How to open the battery compartment
Look at the bottom of your Blink doorbell. You'll see a small rectangular door with a slight lip or groove. This is the battery cover. Place your thumb or fingernail under the lip and slide the cover downward — it will come free from the device.
The cover is held in place by friction, not by a latch or screw. It should slide smoothly. If it feels stuck, try sliding it from a different angle or make sure you're pushing down, not pulling out. Once it's free, set it aside somewhere you won't lose it.
Removing the old batteries and inserting new ones
Inside the compartment, you'll see two AA batteries standing upright, side by side. The positive end (marked with a + sign) should be facing up. Gently push down on each battery from the top and it will pop up slightly, making it easy to lift out by hand.
Take your two fresh AA batteries and insert them into the same slots, positive end up. They should sit flat and flush with the compartment. If a battery feels loose or sits at an angle, remove it and reinsert it — it should click into place.
Closing the compartment and checking the app
Slide the battery cover back up into place. It should fit snugly and sit flush with the bottom of the doorbell. You'll hear or feel a small click when it's fully seated. The cover should not wiggle or move side to side.
Open the Blink app on your phone and look at your doorbell's device page. Within a few seconds, the battery percentage should update and show the new level — usually 100 percent if you used fresh batteries. If the app still shows low battery after 30 seconds, close the app completely and reopen it to force a refresh.
What to do if the battery compartment won't open
If the cover is stuck, try using a plastic spoon or a credit card edge to gently pry the lip upward rather than sliding it. Avoid metal tools, which can scratch the device. If the cover still won't budge, stop and let it sit for a few minutes — sometimes the plastic just needs to relax.
If you've tried multiple times and the compartment still won't open, the cover itself may be damaged. Contact Blink support through the app and describe what's happening. They can walk you through other options or discuss a replacement if the device is still under warranty.
How often you'll need to replace batteries
Battery life depends on how often your doorbell records video and detects motion. A doorbell on a busy front door might need new batteries every three to six months. A doorbell on a side entrance that rarely triggers might last a year or longer. The app's battery percentage gives you the best sense of when you're actually running low.
Some people set a phone reminder for the month they last replaced batteries, then check the app percentage around that time. Others just wait for the app notification. Either way, you'll have plenty of warning before the batteries die completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Blink doorbell?
Yes. Rechargeable AA batteries work fine, though they may show a slightly lower voltage reading in the app because they have a lower nominal voltage than alkaline batteries. This is normal and doesn't mean they're failing — the doorbell will still function properly.
What happens if the battery dies completely?
The doorbell will stop recording video and won't detect motion. You won't receive alerts. The device will appear offline in the app. Once you replace the batteries, it will reconnect within a few seconds and resume normal operation.
Do I need to remove the doorbell from the wall to change batteries?
No. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the device and opens from the outside. You can change batteries while the doorbell is mounted on your door frame. You don't need to disconnect anything or restart the device.
Why does the app show a different battery percentage than I expected?
The app measures voltage, not actual remaining capacity. Brand-new batteries may show 95 to 100 percent depending on the brand and how long they've been sitting on the shelf. This is normal. The percentage will drop gradually over weeks or months of use.
Can I use different brands of batteries together?
Yes, you can mix brands. Using one old battery and one new battery is not recommended, though — the older battery will drain faster and the newer one won't perform at full capacity. For best results, replace both batteries at the same time with the same type.