Get your Nest security camera back on duty to protect your home after it stops working. Here are a few common problems with quick fixes.
Nest Camera Troubleshooting
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Why is my Nest camera not connecting to Wi-Fi?
A spinning blue circle in the Nest app means the camera can't connect to the app due to poor Wi-Fi network performance or wireless interference. If possible, move your camera closer to the wireless router. Do a factory reset if this doesn't fix the problem.
If the problem persists after setting up the camera again, you may need to contact Google Nest support for a replacement if your camera is still under warranty.
How much internet speed do I need to use a Ring system?
According to Google Nest, you need upload speeds of at least 2 Mbps for the Nest Cam. So if you have four cameras, you need an upload speed of 8 Mbps—and that's on top of requirements for any other devices connected to your home network.
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What do I do if my Nest video isn't playing?
Check that you're using the latest version of the Nest app (or Google Home app) and that the Nest service is online. If these aren't an issue, follow the troubleshooting steps in the previous section.
How do I change the Wi-Fi on my Nest Cam?
You can change your camera's Wi-Fi setting in the Nest app. Go through the Settings menu and select Home Wi-Fi help. From here, you can choose a camera to update; the app will walk you through the rest of the process.
How do I reset my Nest camera?
You can reset older Nest cameras (Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, and Dropcam) by removing them from your Nest account in the Nest app—they don’t have physical reset buttons.
There are reset buttons on these models:
- Nest Hello video doorbell (back of unit)
- Nest Cam IQ Indoor (back of unit)
- Nest Cam IQ Outdoor (front of unit)
While keeping the camera powered, use a paperclip to press the reset button until the light ring starts spinning blue. Remove the camera from the app.
Don't cancel Nest Aware during a factory reset
Google cautions against canceling your Nest Aware subscription if you're planning to keep using your camera after a factory reset.
How do you know when a Nest camera is recording
Nest Cams are always watching for activity, but it's hard to tell when they're recording since that depends on the model and subscription plan. Still, you can tell if someone's watching a Nest Cam's live feed by looking to see if the camera's green LED is flashing.
The newest Nest security cameras record a video event whenever they detect motion—regardless of whether there's a paid Nest Aware subscription:
- Nest Cam (wired)
- Nest Cam (battery)
- Nest Doorbell (battery)
Older models record video events or continuously, depending on the subscription plan you choose.
What do the LED colors mean on Nest Cam?
Nest cameras tell you the current status using an LED or light ring on the front of the unit. While some Nest cameras use additional colors or flashing patterns, they all have three common modes:
- Blue means the camera is starting up.
- Green means the camera is operating normally (solid green) or streaming live video (flashing green).
- Red means the camera isn't functioning correctly.
What do I do if my Nest camera won't turn on?
Start by checking that the smart home camera has power by checking the cord and outlet. If there isn't a problem with the power, try unplugging the unit for 10 seconds before plugging it back in. Wait for the camera to restart. Do a factory reset before setting the Nest product up again in the app if it doesn't restart.
The camera keeps turning off
If your Nest Cam keeps turning off, overheating may be the culprit. Make sure the Nest device is in an area with good airflow.
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Disclaimers
Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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