Can't rename camera zone

[DutchEnvoy]

I successfully set up a zone for my Nest Cam Indoor, but I can't change the name of the zone. The name isn't applied or saved. This works fine with my other cameras.

The software on all the cameras is the same, and they are up-to-date. iOS is also up-to-date.

Maybe someone has a tip?

If it's not fixable, I'd also be satisfied with a response from Google that basically says they don't know either and that their software is sometimes poorly designed.

[Zerobrand]

I have the same problem, I suspect that its a bug.

[EyeCaptureImage]

Nest was such a great company... till they sold to Google.

[futureBLU]

Same issue here. Bug.

[eisenb11]

Same bug here. Just bought a Nest Outdoor Battery and I can’t name the zone. You press “Save” and it goes through the motions but the name doesn’t save. It’s amazing how even the basic stuff doesn’t work right. 

[porfymartinez]

Same here

[Tjk1985]

Same issue. I wish I didn’t invest in Google devices. Should’ve went with eufy. 

[DutchEnvoy]

It seems the logical choice at the time. Made the same mistake. 

[DutchEnvoy]

*seemed

[Jellins1]

Same problem here!

[vkwd113]

Same problem here, cant rename Zones 

[mikengn]

Same problem here

[Webbie]

Same problem. Very frustrating!

[wootberg]

Same problem 🙂 worked in my previous home , so this is a new bug - and yeah they can’t fix basic things with urgency

[Jellins1 · Accepted solution]

Have spent a bunch of time with Google Help Technicians.  After two tries, I got a note from Tech acknowledging a bug and saying that a fix would be implemented by early October.  

I’m hopeful

[DutchEnvoy]

I have to see it before I believe it, but thank you for this update!

[JMC3]

Yep - same problem here .. small bug but still a bug 🐛/ did let them know too. 

[Shutdowng00gle]

Best advice, after being a google user (pixels, nest cams, g suite…) for over a decade… throw them at a wall and go buy products that are not continuously beta tested on their consumers and claim updates are coming but never do.. this has been a problem for me since Oct 2021. It’s always, it’s the next update or they ask you to do a factory reset which only uses up your time. 

when changing something as simple as the wifi name or password requires you to factory reset all your security devices… it’s time to move on to different manufacturers.

[DutchEnvoy]

I'm indeed considering my options. Any ideas?

[Shutdowng00gle]

I went with Eve, Apple has a home kit. Doorbell, indoor outdoor cameras. The sound of roosters with tech support is a thing of the past! With Apple support, the call centers are in North American and instant.

Been anti Apple until 2 weeks ago. Best move I made both for personal use and kicking myself I didn’t do it sooner for the business. 

I’m in Canada, there’s no real options for +35 Celsius and up or below -25 Celsius unless you go with a commercial setup. I’ve tried blink (too temp sensitive and saving recordings issues with paid version), tp-link & google (great cameras, normal temp sensitivity. Factory resets required to alter settings, apps present constant issues, need an independent wifi network to run more than 2 cameras smoothly on 300mbps fiber… Logitech is all the best of the different brands with limited camera types and you need additional devices for a smooth ecosystem. Eve, so far like to switch to the Apple ecosystem has been a game changer.. 32 Celsius this week and no over temp warnings … from what I read, I can expect about the same as the nest cams in extreme cold..

the one thing I will say with next cams though, if you keep the cameras plugged in during the harsh cold period they do perform better (they get nice and warm when plugged in).

[Jellins1]

I believe that the functionality these products provide is best-in-class.  In the case of this issue about naming a zone, it is a nit that I can live without, but being OCD I can't.  I run into bugs with all software including apple, google, Schlage, ADT, you name it.  With these companies falling over themselves to offer new and unique features into the market FAST, I'm not surprised by the challenges.  It's people like us that are called to keep them accountable; even though it is a pain in the ass sometimes.

For me, I really like the google camera operating environment, and don't plan to change.

[DutchEnvoy]

In my opinion, Google leads the way when it comes to unresolved basic problems. You can't even remove a product that you no longer physically possess from the Google Home app. How simple should that have been? And why does my Google Hub sometimes spontaneously switch to French? Or if it's up to Google Home, I'll never change my Wifi, because then I have to reset and reinstall my 20 to 25 devices. A particular challenge with the Nest Protect smoke detectors. No, I have become very dissatisfied with Google. Much more than the other tech giants, they just do whatever they feel like. 

[Jellins1]

I run 3 houses, 7 cameras, 40 lights, 5 thermostats.  I sort of think that those of us with the most devices are more challenging to their infrastructure.  My question is this, who else do you go to?

Apple has its own warts.  My Apple HomePod is flakey.  I cannot link a bunch of devices that I want.  The depth of their functionality at Apple Home is not as sophisticated.  I can’t tie it to IFTTT. etc. 

In a way I see those of us with sophisticated systems as pushing the envelope of technology.  By playing along, Google learns (albeit slowly) and at cheaper price points than Apple.

I share your frustrations.  But what do you do?

A quick story.  Last week, all of a sudden, I was no longer able to receive 2-step verification codes from my bank and others.  Turns out that my cellphone cellular setup somehow got screwed up.  Took an hour getting through the robot help desk at ATT before I got to a human who reset things for me.  I can’t imagine what someone that is not tech savvy would have done.  The point being that the more tech you have, the more issues you must resolve.  It is not anywhere close to perfect.  

Yet.

[jgads]

FWIW you can rename the zone on the Android version of the app. If you don't have an Android device, you can use a tool like Genymotion to download Google Home that way.