Maintaining your Blink doorbell camera is essential for keeping your home secure, but many users find themselves frequently changing batteries, which can get expensive and inconvenient. While Blink advertises a battery life of up to six months, real-life usage often falls short of that promise. This guide will explore the best rechargeable battery options for your Blink doorbell, offering a cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
Why Choose Rechargeable Batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are an excellent alternative to traditional AA batteries. Not only do they save you money in the long run, but they also reduce the hassle of constantly replacing dead batteries. Given that Blink doorbells typically require new batteries every couple of months, switching to rechargeable options can greatly enhance the convenience of owning a doorbell camera.
However, not all rechargeable batteries are created equal. The Blink doorbell requires 1.5-volt lithium-ion batteries for optimal performance, and using the wrong type can cause issues with battery indicators and overall functionality.
Understanding the Right Battery Type
When choosing rechargeable batteries for your Blink doorbell, the most important factor is to use 1.5-volt lithium-ion batteries. This is because they provide the necessary power to run your doorbell smoothly. I initially made the mistake of using Amazon Basics 1.2-volt NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries, and while they worked for a month, the battery indicator always showed “low.” This left me guessing when the battery was actually running low, making it an unreliable option.
The key takeaway here is that while 1.2-volt batteries might seem like they work, they aren’t ideal for the Blink doorbell camera. The 1.5-volt lithium-ion batteries, such as those from the Double Pow brand, are the correct choice. They ensure that your Blink doorbell performs optimally and gives accurate battery life readings.
Finding Affordable Alternatives
Premium brands like Duracell and Energizer offer 1.5-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, but they can be pricey. I opted for a more budget-friendly option: Double Pow. While this brand may not be as well-known, it delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost. The weight difference between these and the heavier Amazon Basics NiMH batteries is noticeable, but the lighter weight of lithium-ion batteries doesn’t compromise their power.
Charging and Installation Process
The charging process for these batteries is simple and convenient. Unlike older chargers that come with bulky DC plugs, the charger for these batteries uses a USB connection, which is far more flexible and easy to use. The charger is versatile and can charge both AA and AAA batteries, making it a useful tool for various household devices.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to charging and installing the batteries in your Blink doorbell:
1. Place the batteries in the charger: Ensure the positive and negative terminals are aligned correctly. The charger will indicate charging status with LED lights. Once the lights stop flashing, the batteries are fully charged.
2. Remove the Blink doorbell cover: This part can be tricky. The tool that comes with the Blink doorbell is often ineffective. Instead, use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the cover without damaging it.
3. Install the new batteries: Once the cover is off, insert the freshly charged 1.5-volt lithium-ion batteries, ensuring the positive and negative ends are placed correctly.
4. Snap the cover back on: Reattach the cover, and your Blink doorbell should power back on, showing the correct battery status.
Performance and Final Thoughts
After installing the rechargeable batteries, the Blink doorbell camera immediately reflected the correct battery status, reading as “OK” with a full charge. These 1.5-volt lithium-ion batteries are an excellent alternative to expensive single-use batteries, offering long-lasting performance and cost savings over time.
If you’re tired of spending money on disposable batteries, switching to rechargeable options is a smart move. The Double Pow rechargeable batteries are an affordable and effective solution that will keep your Blink doorbell running smoothly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right rechargeable batteries for your Blink doorbell camera can make all the difference in both performance and cost-efficiency. Stick with 1.5-volt lithium-ion options to ensure accurate battery life readings and a longer-lasting charge. If you’re on a budget, brands like Double Pow offer a more affordable alternative to pricier options like Duracell and Energizer.
By making this simple switch, you’ll save money and reduce the hassle of constantly changing batteries in blink Camera. If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with friends or family who also own a Blink doorbell. Your wallet—and your Blink doorbell—will thank you!