Blink video doorbell is one of the most comprehensive physical access control systems you can have in your home. It includes great features such as HD video, motion detection, chime app alerts, two-way audio, and so much more.
Installing the blink video doorbell is easy but there are times when some components may malfunction, get damaged, or even be defective.
One of the components that users have the most problems with is the back plate. If the back plate of your blink video doorbell is damaged, you may have to replace it.
In this article, I will provide easy to follow steps on how to replace the back plate of your blink video doorbell, including costs, timeline, and installation requirements.
Can You Replace Blink Doorbell Backplate?
Yes, you can absolutely replace your blink video doorbell back plate and it is entirely up to you whether you want to do the replacement yourself, contact blink support, or get a qualified technician to do this for you.
It is common for blink video doorbell back plate to get broken or defective. And many users have either replaced it or even used temporary measures such as adhesives to get the back plate working again.
So, replacing a Blink Video Doorbell back plate is not only possible, but quite easy to replace.
Note: If your backplate is damaged or not installed properly, your back cover might not attach. Luckily, I’ve written up an article that’ll help help with this.
Requirements For Replacing Blink Video Doorbell Back Plate
- The blink video doorbell back plate (view on Amazon)
- A tape measure
- A screwdriver or a drill bit
- Screws and wall anchors
How To Replace Blink Doorbell Back Plate
The steps provided in this article assume that you already had your blink doorbell installed but the back plate is broken or defective, and you want to replace it. Follow the steps below to replace your blink video doorbell back plate.
- Carefully detach the doorbell from the back plate on the wall
- Unscrew the broken or defective back plate if it is still attached to the wall
- I recommend mounting the replacement back plates on a new location other than the previous one where the defective or broken back plate was mounted. A few inches apart is fine.
The method to mount the back plate depends on the style of the back plate that you have. You may already know that the back plate comes in either the two mounting holes or the three mounting holes style.
For the two mounting holes, for the steps below:
- First, you need to decide on a proper location for the doorbell. When you have found this, clean the surface well.
- Make sure that this surface is flat and sturdy
- To determine how far apart you need to drill the mounting holes, you must use the paper template that is included with your doorbell. We will get to that in a minute
- At this point, check to see if you are drilling anywhere near live electrical wires. If you are, then make sure to turn off all power to the location from the circuit breaker.
- If you are mounting on a standard wall, you need just the screws. If you are mounting on brick, stucco, or drywall, then you would need the wall anchor
- Tape the paper template 40 to 48 inches above the floor
- Drill two guide holes approximately 1 inch or 2.5 cm deep
- If you’re mounting on brick, stucco, or drywall materials, please make sure to use the included white plastic wall anchors. The included wall anchors fit the hole from a 7/32 inches or 5.41mm drill bit
- Now, drill the holes through the hole locations on the template that you taped to the wall
- Now, remove the paper template
- If you are not using existing wires but such wires are present, secure the wire terminals with an insulated material to prevent electric shock or sparking. If you still have the grey terminal caps included with your blink video doorbell, then these will serve perfectly for the purpose.
- Now, attach the back plate to the surface with two screws. At this point, do not over tighten.
- Make sure to use only two screws to mount the back plate.
- Again, make sure that you mount the back plate on a firm and flat surface, in order to form a weather seal with the doorbell.
- Finally, align the top edge of video doorbell to the back plate at an angle so it aligns properly.
- Push it firmly against the back plate until you hear and feel it click, to confirm it’s in place and secure
- Do not worry if there is a gap between the doorbell and the back plate as this will not impact weather resistance.
To adjust, first move the doorbell with the included key and loosen the bottom screw.
If you are not using the included mounting kit and would need to attach the back plate before mounting, then follow the steps below:
- Place the back plate on a flat surface such as a table or counter that is flush against a wall.
- Next, match up each end of the front of the device with the back plate, then lower the end of the device that is closer to the camera lens down towards the back plate.
- Use your thumbs and forefingers to press down on each end while pushing the doorbell against the wall for leverage. You will hear and feel a slight click when it’s secure.
If you have a three hole back plate, then fill the steps below to replace your back plate:
- First of all, if you are installing on a flat surface, then use the top and bottom mounting holes.
- If you are installing on an uneven or smaller surface, then use the top and middle mounting holes. For this, be sure not to over tighten the middle screw
- Decide where you would like to place your device
- I recommend taping the included template about 40 to 48 inches high or where a previous doorbell was located
- Drill a hole at the top and bottom position
- Again, only use the middle hole for uneven or small services
- Remove the template, align the back plate to the holes you drilled and use the included screws to manually screw the back plate to the wall
- Be sure not to over tighten them
- Align the top edge of video doorbell to the back plate at an angle so it aligns properly
- Push it firmly against the back plate until you hear and feel it click, to confirm it’s in place and secure
- Do not worry if there is a gap between the doorbell and the back plate as this will not impact weather resistance
To adjust, first move the doorbell with the included key and loosen the bottom screw
If you’re using the middle screw, loosen or remove it
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Blink Doorbell Back Plate?
The cost of replacing your blink video doorbell back plate depends on who does the replacement for you.
The costs will also differ slightly depending on the tools and accessories that you already have in place. If you still have the accessories shipped with your blink doorbell originally, then all you need extra is a drill or screwdriver.
If you are replacing the doorbell back plates by yourself, then the cost will only include the cost of purchasing and shipping the doorbell back plate, and the cost of getting a drill or screwdriver if you don’t already have one.
If you are engaging the services of a security camera technician, then the cost of replacement will also include the cost of labour.
A blink video doorbell back plate costs between $10 to $14.00. The price will also differ based on the type of back plate you are purchasing. I recommend purchasing an adhesive backplate that does not require drilling.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Blink Double Back Plate?
Whether you are doing the replacement yourself or engaging the services of a technician, it takes only a minutes to replace your blink doorbell back plate. The time is even shorter when you are using an adhesive backplate that does not require drilling.
Is It Cheaper To Replace Blink Doorbell Backlit Or To Get A New Blink Video Doorbell?
Well, it depends on if you are doing the replacement yourself or engaging the services of a technician. If you are doing the replacement yourself, then it is a lot cheaper to replace the back plate than to purchase a new blink doorbell.
But, if you are engaging the services of a technician, the cost of labour plus the replacement back plate will about equal the cost of getting a new blink video doorbell.