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Blink XT2 Review

A versatile indoor/outdoor cam with Alexa control and no monthly fees ​
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Flexible installation options
Free cloud storage for video footage
"Hey Alexa” controllability

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The wireless indoor/outdoor Blink XT2 is a legacy model that Blink has discontinued—there is no current MSRP and availability is primarily used or Amazon Renewed. Core specs still apply: 1080p video, infrared night vision, two‑way audio, PIR motion detection with adjustable zones, ~110° field of view, IP65 weather resistance, and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi (Blink specs). Cloud recording policies have changed since the XT2 launched: new accounts require a Blink Subscription Plan—Basic at $3/month per device ($30/year) or Plus at $10/month for unlimited devices on one account ($100/year). Plans include up to 60 days of rolling cloud video history in the US (30 days in some regions) and Plus adds benefits like an extended warranty for eligible devices and a 10% Blink device discount on Amazon (terms apply) (Blink Subscription Plans). Only accounts created before April 15, 2020 retain legacy free cloud storage for eligible XT/XT2 devices (Legacy cloud FAQ).

XT2 supports motion‑activated recording (typical clip length adjustable up to ~60 seconds) and two‑way talk, plus activity zones for fewer false alerts (specs). Use the Blink Home Monitor app for live view and arm/disarm. Note that XT2 does not save clips to a USB drive even when paired with Sync Module 2—cloud storage via subscription (or grandfathered legacy storage) is required for clip recording (Sync Module 2 local storage support). For shoppers who want a new, warrantied camera with active support, consider Blink’s current-generation Outdoor line (e.g., Outdoor 4) on the Blink products page; newer models support local USB storage via Sync Module 2 (model dependent) (details).

Pros

  • Wire‑free DIY install with IP65 weather resistance, ~110° field of view, and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi; up to two‑year battery claim on 2×AA lithium cells under light activity (specs; battery guidance).
  • Two‑way audio and motion‑activated recording with adjustable zones and clip length (up to ~60 s) (specs).
  • Legacy accounts created before April 15, 2020 may keep free cloud motion‑clip storage for eligible XT/XT2 devices (Legacy cloud FAQ).

Cons

Blink XT2 Overview

PriceDiscontinued—no current MSRP; generally available used/renewed with pricing that varies by seller and condition on Amazon
FeaturesIndoor/outdoor (IP65) operation; ~110° FOV; 1080p HD with IR night vision
2‑way audio
PIR motion detection with adjustable zones; motion‑activated recording; clip length up to ~60 s; configurable retrigger
2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi; requires a Blink Sync Module
Up to 2‑year battery life on 2×AA 1.5 V lithium (usage dependent)
Cloud clip storage via Blink Subscription (US: Basic $3/mo per device; Plus $10/mo per account; up to 60‑day US history); legacy free cloud applies only to eligible accounts created before April 15, 2020
No USB local clip storage with Sync Module 2 for XT2 (specs; SM2 local storage; plans; legacy policy)
RatingsRatings fluctuate by marketplace—prioritize recent, verified reviews and authenticity cues. Google’s reviews system now evaluates content continuously and rewards original, experience‑based insights; EU rules (DSA) also emphasize transparency around deceptive practices (Google reviews system; EU DSA; platform transparency; consumer review behavior).
WarrantyManufacturer 1‑year limited warranty applied to new units when available. The Plus subscription can extend warranty coverage for eligible Blink devices; used/renewed units vary by seller policies (Blink plans).
Trial Period30 days (Amazon standard return policy; check the listing for seller‑specific terms)
CompatibilityAmazon Alexa; optional IFTTT. No native Google Home support and no Matter/Thread certification (XT2 is a legacy model). For context on Matter cross‑ecosystem support, see Google Home + Matter, Alexa + Matter, and the CSA Matter overview.

Amazon Alexa integration

Pair XT2 with an Echo Show, Echo Spot, or Fire TV to view the camera via voice (“Alexa, show backyard camera”). Alexa devices also function as Matter controllers, but XT2 itself is not a Matter device; use the Blink SmartHome skill for control and viewing (setup guide; Alexa Matter overview).

If you don’t have an Amazon device with a screen, you can still use voice to arm/disarm using a PIN (“Alexa, ask Blink to disarm; my PIN is ####”). For broader automations, IFTTT applets remain available but are not required for Alexa control (Blink + Alexa; IFTTT Alexa service).

Energy-efficient technology

Blink rates XT2 for up to two years of battery life on two AA lithium cells under modest activity and default settings (battery guidance). Independent testing and owner reports across battery cams indicate this is a best‑case figure: high‑traffic areas, frequent live view/talk, longer clips, weak Wi‑Fi, and extreme temperatures typically reduce runtime to months or roughly a year depending on placement and settings (Wirecutter; PCMag; The Verge; TechHive).

To stretch battery life, keep motion zones tight, lower sensitivity where feasible, shorten clip length, increase retrigger cooldowns, minimize live viewing/two‑way talk, ensure a strong 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi/Sync Module signal, use primary AA lithium cells, and account for reduced capacity in cold weather (Blink battery tips; independent guidance).

Other key features

Storage and subscriptions: new XT2 setups need a Blink Subscription for cloud clips unless your account was created before April 15, 2020 (legacy free clip storage for eligible XT/XT2 on that account). US plan pricing is Basic $3/month per device ($30/year) or Plus $10/month for unlimited devices on one account ($100/year), with up to 60 days of rolling history in the US (30 days in some regions). Plus also adds an extended warranty for eligible devices and a 10% Blink device discount on Amazon (terms apply). XT2 does not support saving clips to a USB drive via Sync Module 2 (plans and benefits; legacy policy; SM2 local storage support; Sync Module 2 product page). Against modern competitors, XT2 also lacks onboard AI detections (e.g., person/package) that are now common in cameras like Google Nest Cam (Battery) and in low‑cost ecosystems with subscriptions such as Wyze Cam Plus (Nest Cam (Battery); Wyze Cam Plus; AI trend context). If you prefer new hardware and local‑storage options, consider Blink’s current Outdoor generation instead of XT2 (Blink products).

How to set up the XT2

Ready to set up your XT2? Below is a list providing step‑by‑step details on how to get your camera system up and running with a Sync Module (2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi required) (specs).

Download Blink App

First, you’ll need to download the Blink App from your phone’s operating system’s marketplace.

Once you have installed the app, select the button titled “Create an Account” on your screen. If you already have an account, login with your existing information.

Your location will be selected after you are directed to the following screen. Be sure the selected region is correct, then click OK.

Set up credentials

Next, enter your email address. Once you have entered your email, you will have to create a password.

  • Be sure to use a phrase that only you, or those who will have access, can guess. Personal information and phone numbers are not recommended.
  • Be sure to enter a password that corresponds to the password criteria described on the page.

Verify account

After you set up an email and password, you will have to begin the account verification process.

  • All you have to do is access the email you signed up with, retrieve the pin that Blink sent you, and enter the pin.
  • Be sure not to wait too long. Once the pin code is sent, the code expires after 40 minutes of delivery.

Next, enter a phone number.

  • The owner of the house, or the individual who will be accessing the app most often, should put their number down.

You will then receive a pin code to your phone.

  • Enter the code.
  • After this, you will have an email address as well as a phone that will operate as mediums for account access like password recovery.

Add Blink Camera

Now that you are in the Blink App, click on the + on the upper right of the screen to add your Blink Camera according to the model you possess. Your app will ask for a QR code.

  • Allow the app access to your camera, then scan the QR code on the bottom of your XT2.

Once you scanned the QR code, the app will direct you to the Add Sync Module screen.

  • Have your XT2 nearby and press Discover Device on the app screen.
  • The green light should be steady and the blue light should be blinking.

Connect Blink Module’s Sync WiFi

Your app will require access to the Blink Module’s Sync WiFi.

  • Choose “Blink” so your app can connect to the Blink Module. XT2 systems operate on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi only (specs).

You will then be prompted to connect to your WiFi.

  • Connect to your home WiFi on your phone’s settings, if not already.

Now that your network setup is finished, you will be directed to the Welcome Screen.

Set up device

  • At this point, you may add your XT2 camera by clicking the + on the upper right to add a device.
  • You will be prompted to enter the serial number of your XT2 which can be found on the bottom of the device.
  • Once you have added the camera, the onboarding process will be complete by clicking on the Done button on your screen. Voila! You can now monitor your home from the faculty of your phone. 

Things to note

Camera placement

  • Do not place your camera behind a large object that obscures most of its field of view. Keep motion zones tight and sensitivity reasonable to reduce false triggers and save battery life (Blink battery tips).
  • Try to avoid any sun in the sky of your field of view. The sun’s glare will obscure your camera’s lens, and extreme temperatures can shorten battery life; strong, stable Wi‑Fi and a closer Sync Module also help performance (independent guidance).
  • Vehicles and pedestrian traffic should be minimized as much as possible in your camera’s field of view. High‑traffic placements trigger frequent recordings and shorten time between battery changes (PCMag on battery factors).

Blink XT2 vs. Other Providers


 
Prices starting atMonitoring optionsInstallation options
Blink XT2Varies (used/renewed; no current MSRP)Self‑monitoring; cloud clips via Blink Subscription (US: Basic $3/mo per device; Plus $10/mo per account; up to 60‑day US history). XT2 does not support USB local clip storage with Sync Module 2; legacy free cloud applies only to eligible accounts created before April 15, 2020 (plans; SM2 support; legacy policy).DIY only
Google Nest Cam Outdoor$179.99Self‑monitoring with on‑device detection of people, animals, and vehicles; 3 hours of event video history free. With Nest Aware subscription: 30‑day event history (Aware) or 60‑day events + 10 days 24/7 history for eligible wired cams (Aware Plus); the battery model does not support 24/7 CVR.DIY only
Wyze Cam$35–$40Self monitoring; optional Cam Plus adds AI detections (person/vehicle/pet/package) and richer cloud event video.DIY only

*Data current at time of writing; verify on official product pages for latest pricing and plan details (2025)

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