Skip to main content

How to set up Privacy Zones on Blink cameras

While Activity Zones are available on most Blink cameras, only a handful support Privacy Zones. The short list includes the Outdoor 4, the Wired Floodlight, and the Video Doorbell. Unlike Activity Zones (which don’t trigger motion alerts, but are still recorded), Privacy Zones are grayed-out areas that are not recorded at all.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

It’s a useful feature, especially if you live near a neighbor and want to respect their privacy.

Interested in testing the feature? Here’s how to set up Privacy Zones on Blink cameras.

The Blink Outdoor 4 installed on a fence
Blink

How to set up Privacy Zones on Blink cameras

Keep in mind that not all Blink cameras will let you set up Privacy Zones. If that’s the case, consider using Activity Zones instead — they’re not quite the same, but at least they’ll help prevent unwanted alerts. To set up Privacy Zones (and check if they’re supported by your camera), follow these steps.

Step 1: Load the Blink app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Enter the Settings menu for the camera you’d like to modify.

Step 3: Navigate to the Motion Settings menu, then pick Motion Zones.

Step 4: If Privacy Zones are supported by your device, you’ll see another menu called Privacy Zones. Select this to begin the setup process.

Step 5: You should now see an image that represents what your camera is currently recording.

Step 6: Tap on this screen to draw a large square over the portion of the image you don’t want to be recorded. You can tell which section won’t be recorded, as it’ll be blocked on your screen by a large gray rectangle.

Step 7: Up to two Privacy Zones can be created.

Step 8: If you mess up, select the Reset Privacy Zones button to delete any Privacy Zones you’ve created.

Step 9: Privacy Zones can be moved and resized by clicking on their corners.

Step 10: Once you’re happy with the layout, select Done > Save.

Step 11: That’s it! Your Privacy Zones are now installed. Any motion in the zones will not be recorded.

Step 12: If you decide you don’t like the Privacy Zones and want to remove them, you can dive back into the Settings menu and select Reset Privacy Zones.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Arlo Pro 5S vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best premium security camera?
The Arlo Pro 5S installed outside on a wall.

Security cameras are available at all budget levels, and it's not hard to find something under $50 that'll do a decent job of protecting your home. But if you're serious about home security, you'll likely want to increase your budget. Doing so will get you a product with better resolution, a wealth of useful features, and weatherproof designs that will work either indoors or out in the elements. And when it comes to premium security cameras, few products are as popular as the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro.

Interested in adding one of these high-end cameras to your home? Here's a comprehensive look at the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Wyze Cam v4: Which is the better budget security camera?
The Wyze Cam v4 installed outside.

The Blink Mini 2 and Wyze Cam v4 are two of the most affordable security cameras available in 2024. Both offer a compact footprint and impressive filming resolutions, and both can be used indoors and outdoors. However, there are some major differences between these two budget-minded products -- and while frugal shoppers will find a lot to love about both, one of them is a better product for most homes.

Here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Wyze Cam v4 to help you decide which to purchase.
Pricing and monthly fees
The Blink Mini 2 costs $40 and is available in black or white. If you want to use the device outdoors, you'll need to pick up the Weather Resistant Adapter, which bumps the price to $50. You'll also want to spring for the Blink Basic Plan, which costs $3 per month, to access features like cloud history.

Read more
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is better for your home?
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam next to a smartphone.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is one of the latest products from Ring. It allows users to control the camera remotely, giving them a simple way to see all corners of their home. It's also much more affordable than the existing Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which offers plenty of cool features, but can't pan or tilt.

That makes it difficult to determine which is best for your home. Should you opt for the premium Stick Up Cam Pro, or is the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam a better option due to its cheaper price tag? Here's a look at the two security cameras to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more