Can I extract setup code from a working 1st gen indoor cam? Printed sticker peeled off/long gone.

[tismondo]

There are loads of threads in this forum from people who have lost the QR/setup codes, but they seem to all be dealing with cameras that are not set up - they need the missing code to get started. In my case, the camera is working fine and connected to wifi so I'm hoping I can extract the setup code from the app somehow so that I can write it down for future/safekeeping.

Background info:  The cam is a nest cam indoor (the small wired black one, I believe 1st gen), that is set up properly, connected to my account, and connected to wifi.  The setup code I originally used was attached by a strong adhesive at the factory and was never meant to come off, but time and heat took their toll and now that sticker with the QR code is gone.

Thanks.

[aatienza]

Hey tismondo,

You can write down the serial number of your Nest Cam Indoor and it's located on the Nest app > Settings > Technical Info. You can use that to set up your device again since the QR code is gone.

Thanks,
Archie

[tismondo]

Hi Archie, Thanks for your reply.

Could you please confirm that information is correct?  This thread from elsewhere in this community  specifies the serial number cannot be used to set up a nest camera.

I'm in a bit of a pickle -- I don't want to test the process because I don't want to disconnect a working camera and then wind up being unable to reconnect it. So it is very important that I get the right info.

Thanks again!

[janthadeus]

Hi folks,

Thanks for helping out, Archie.

I can understand that. The serial number of your Nest Cam Indoor doesn't have the ability to pair your camera to your Nest app but on the later part of the setup process it finds your camera serial number to complete the setup. If you know the 6 digit code of your camera, give these steps a try:  

1. Open the Nest app.
   •  Tap Menu in the top left of the home screen to change homes.
2. In the top right corner of the app home screen, tap Settings.
3. Select Add product.
4. Scan the QR code on the back of your camera. You can also tap Continue without scanning and type the numbers at the top of the QR code.
5. The app walks you through setup and installation.

If that doesn't work you can use a computer to set up your Nest Cam Indoor. Check this article for your setup guide.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

JT

[tismondo]

Hi JT,

> If you know the 6 digit code of your camera, give these steps a try:  

The issue is that I don't have the 6 digit code. 

Could you please clarify the last part of your message:  can I set up my 1st gen nest camera indoor using my computer, even if I don't have the 6 digit code? 

Thanks for everyone's help! 

[janthadeus]

Hi tismondo,

I'm sorry for the confusion. Yes, you can set your Nest Cam Indoor on a computer. Check this article for your setup guide.

Let me know how it works.

Best,

JT

[aatienza]

Hey tismondo,

I just wanted to follow up to see if you still need our help. Please let us know as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. 
 

I appreciate the help, JT.

Thanks,

Archie

[tismondo]

I ended up following a second track of support (via Google One's official support channel) and was informed that the process of setting up a camera by computer DOES require the 6 character setup code or QR code to work.

I wanted to flag this, because the above reply implies that setup by computer does NOT require the code. According to Google support, it DOES.  Similarly, I couldn't find reference to using the code in the official support article @janthadeus linked above. If the Google Support rep I spoke to is correct and the code is in fact required, then this guidance may be missing a step. 

Anyways, I'm nowhere nearer to a solution and beginning to believe there is no workable solution for this problem.  Very frustrating.

[aatienza]

Hey tismondo,

I'm sorry to hear that. Once you plugged in your camera to your computer, it will not prompt you to put in the code. After you double click the Nest or Dropcam icon, an app should launch and guide you through the following steps:

1. Create an account, or sign in if you already have one.

Connect your camera to Wi-Fi. Your camera should scan for nearby networks automatically. Wait a moment for the list of Wi-Fi networks to appear, then choose the network you’d like your camera to use. Be sure to connect only to a wireless network that you trust. You may also be asked to enter the network’s password.

It can take a little while to find and connect to your Wi-Fi network. If you can't find your network or your camera fails to connect, refer to the following articles to help troubleshoot:

Wi-Fi network doesn't show up during Nest Cam setup
Troubleshoot Nest camera and doorbell error codes and messages

1. Pick a name for your camera that matches its location. You can choose a location from the list or select Custom at the bottom of the list to type in your own name. The Nest app uses this location to tell you where alerts happen and group any other Nest products that match this location.
2. Finish setup. The Nest app should guide you through some final customization steps, including checking that your camera can stream video on your Wi-Fi network.

Thanks,

Archie

[aatienza]

Hey tismondo,

I just wanted to follow up to see if you still need our help. Please let us know as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. 
 

Thanks,

Archie

[aatienza]

Hey tismondo,

Just checking in to make sure that you've seen our responses. Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours if I won't hear back from you again. Feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.
 

Thanks,

Archie