Blink cameras get "kicked" off xfinity internet

Hello, @user_ygzemz! Thanks for reaching out over the Xfinity Community Forum with your Blink cameras connectivity concern. It's frustrating when your smart home devices don't play nice with a new internet provider! Not to worry, though. You're in great hands with our team here :) We're awesome to work with because we'll do whatever we can to review and resolve things as quickly as possible. And you're on the right track by splitting the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and giving them different passwords, as Blink cameras only connect to the 2.4 GHz network.

 

Here's a breakdown of what might be missing and what else you can try:

 

Understanding Blink Camera Network Requirements:

- 2.4 GHz ONLY: This is the most crucial point. Blink cameras do not connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Even if you've split the bands, ensure your Blink Sync Module and cameras are explicitly connecting to the 2.4 GHz network.
- Minimum Upload Speed: Blink recommends a consistent minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device. While you likely have more than this with us, network congestion can still be a factor.

- DHCP IP Configuration: Ensure your Xfinity router is set to use DHCP for IP address assignment. This is usually the default.
- Wi-Fi Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 with TKIP SSID are supported. Most modern routers use WPA2 or WPA3, which should be fine, but sometimes there can be compatibility quirks.
- No Third-Party Login: Blink cameras cannot connect to networks that require a login page (like hotel Wi-Fi). This isn't usually an issue with home Xfinity.
- VPN Interference: If you use a VPN on your mobile device during setup, disable it. You can re-enable it after the Blink system is set up.

 

Common Xfinity Specific Issues and Solutions:

1. Firmware Update on Sync Module: This is a very common solution for Xfinity users. Your Sync Module might need a firmware update after connecting to the new Xfinity network. The process can be a bit tricky:

- Unplug the Sync Module.
- Press and hold the reset button (usually a small pinhole) on the back.
- While still holding the reset button, plug the Sync Module back in.
- Continue holding the reset button until you see a red light flash.
- Then, try to re-add your Sync Module in the Blink app. It often triggers a firmware update during this process.
2. Xfinity's Advanced WiFi Features (Band Steering/Optimization):

- Our gateways often have "band steering" or "network optimization" features that try to automatically push devices to the "best" band (often 5 GHz). Even if you've split the bands, these features can sometimes interfere.
- While you've split the bands, double-check that this feature isn't causing issues. Some Xfinity users have reported that even after splitting, the gateway still tries to "flip-flop" devices.
- If you're using the Xfinity app or the web interface (usually http://10.0.0.1), explore the advanced Wi-Fi settings. You might need to temporarily disable the 5 GHz band completely during the Blink setup, then re-enable it afterward.
3. Router Placement and Interference:

- Distance: Ensure your Blink cameras (and especially the Sync Module) are not too far from your Xfinity router. The ideal distance is generally under 20 feet.
- Obstacles: Large items made of metal (appliances) or large glass containers (aquariums) between your router and Blink devices can significantly reduce Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Other Electronics: Other household electronics (TVs, game consoles, smart appliances, baby monitors) can compete for Wi-Fi signal and cause interference. Try unplugging unneeded or unused electronics temporarily to see if it helps.
- Channel Congestion: While many routers automatically switch to the least crowded Wi-Fi channel, some don't. You might need to manually check or change the 2.4 GHz channel on your Xfinity router if there's a lot of interference from neighbors.
4. Signal Strength in Blink App:

- In the Blink app, go to Device Settings > General Settings > Camera to Wi-Fi (for cameras directly connected) or Sync Module Settings > Wi-Fi Network (for the Sync Module).
- Look at the signal strength bars. Fewer than three bars can lead to intermittent issues. If the signal is weak, try moving the Sync Module or cameras closer to the router.
5. Power Cycle Everything:

- A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary glitches. Unplug your Xfinity router/gateway for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Do the same for your Blink Sync Module and then your individual cameras (if they don't automatically reconnect after the Sync Module is back online).
6. Delete and Re-add Devices:

- As a last resort, you may need to delete your Sync Module from the Blink app and set it up again from scratch, then re-add your cameras. This often helps "reset" the connection.

 

Troubleshooting Steps to Follow:

1. Confirm 2.4 GHz Connection:

- After splitting the bands, rename your 2.4 GHz network to something distinct (e.g., "MyHome_2.4GHz").
- When connecting your Blink Sync Module, ensure you are selecting this specific 2.4 GHz network and entering its unique password.
2. Perform Sync Module Firmware Update (if applicable): Try the specific reset procedure mentioned in point 1 above. This has been a magic bullet for many Xfinity users.

3. Check Signal Strength: Use the Blink app to verify the Wi-Fi signal strength to your Sync Module and cameras. Adjust placement if needed.

4. Restart Router and Sync Module: Do a full power cycle of both your Xfinity gateway and Blink Sync Module.

5. Temporarily Disable 5 GHz (during setup): If you continue to have trouble, log into your Xfinity router's admin tool (usually http://10.0.0.1) and temporarily disable the 5 GHz band. Try connecting your Blink devices. Once they are connected and stable, you can re-enable the 5 GHz band.

6. Contact Blink Support: If none of the above works, reach out to Blink support. They might have specific troubleshooting steps or be able to identify a deeper issue.

 

By systematically going through these steps, you should be able to get your Blink cameras working reliably with Xfinity. Please let us know if this helps!