Cannot Reach Camera to Get Code -- Help to Reconnect Wifi

[Kktagt]

Our Nest Outdoor camera was installed about two years ago, but WAY high up -- near our roof, and I cannot access it to get the 6-digit code.  I have the serial number, but to try and reconnect the camera to wifi, I apparently need the 6-digit code. Is there ANY way to find that code?   

[Rosetree]

I had to change my router and I'm having the same problem with high cameras. I was able to get the numbers off the cameras, but when i go further with the instructions, they want me to scan the QR code while i am on a ladder and then proceed. There has to be an easier way to change routers and have the cameras switch too. It seems that they only have contingencies for cameras that are new and accessible, not ones that are already installed. I wasted two hours of my life with this already today!!!!

[MplsCustomer]

@Kktagt 

This is a problem that Google Nest does not address. We have the 6-character code written down in a separate place for each of our cameras and doorbells, but Google Nest never tells its customers they should do this. The new cameras are even worse, with the QR code printed on a little sticker that's stuck to the camera and can easily get lost. Other customers report that the QR code on their camera or doorbell has worn away or been erased.

If our devices are useless without a QR code, Google Nest really should include a large printed card containing the QR code with all of its devices, with a large warning:

"Warning: Save this QR code. If you lose it, you will not be able to install or reinstall your Google Nest device and your device will be unusable."

[Kktagt]

Agree!   

[Rosetree]

I have the 6 character code, but not the QR code for each.
There should be an easy fix because I am sure that there are many people who have to change out routers and then reconnect their cameras without climbing ladders or taking the camera down....

[Rosetree]

"The simplest fix for most Nest products is to update your home network so that the network name (SSID) and password are the same as before. This will usually work even if you’ve purchased a new Wi-Fi router as long as the manufacturer settings are the same."

...and how in fact do you do this??? I am not a tech, I just want my "simple to install" cameras to work again!

[Cathal_S]

Hi Kktagt,

Unfortunately if you don't have the QR code then you will need the 6 digit code.

If you are changing WiFi network then you could either configure your new router with the same WiFi SSID and password as the old one or create a hotspot from a mobile device with the old network details and connect temporary and change the devices settings to the new network.

[Kktagt]

Thank you, Cathal. Are you saying I might be able to reconnect to wifi even if I don't have the QR code or the 6-digit code? 

[Cathal_S]

If you know the WiFi network connection information that the camera was initially set up with then you might be able to use that on another device, the camera should automatically connect and then the settings can be changed. Mobile devices allow you to create a WiFi network hotspot with a Network name (SSID) and password of your choosing. 

[Kktagt]

Thank you for your help. I’m not actually changing my wifi. The camera connection went out during a power outage a few months ago, and I’m just trying to re-establish the connection.  But, it seems like the nest only offers me to connect with two options: QR code or the 6-digit code.

[Cathal_S]

Sorry for the confusion.

Unfortunately yes you will need either the QR or 6-digit codes.

If you haven't already tried powering down the camera and then rebooting your WiFi network before powering up the camera again then this might help with reconnecting?

[MplsCustomer]

@Rosetree 

We're just other customers here, and didn't have anything to do with how Google Nest set things up.

In order for each of our cameras to work, they need the network name (also known as the Service Set Identifier [SSID]) and password for our router. This is the same thing we enter when we connect a cell phone or compiuter to our Wi-Fi network. And for many Google Nest devices, it's just not easy to update these values.

To set these values on your new router to the values used on your old router means you have to find the instructions from your Internet Service Provider for logging onto your router, then log onto your router, go to the Wi-Fi settings, and change the Network Name (SSID) and Password to the values you were using on your old router. Once you do this, your Google Nest cameras and doorbells should work. If you've already updated these values on your non-Google devices (computers or phones), you'll have to log back onto your Wi-Fi network with these old values.

[Rosetree]

Holy crap!!! Not easy for most people to do!!!

[billc17]

I have the same problem. Shame on Nest. I wish someone would answer us.

[Kktagt]

I know. I was hoping that with the serial number, (which is easily found on the app), there would be a way to locate the 6-digit code. But no. 😞

[Rosetree]

I have the 6 digit codes, but they still request the QR code! It would be simple if you are just setting them up and the cameras are lying on a table, but hanging 20 feet in the air is another story!!!

[Rosetree]

.... and lord knows, I don't need any more silly badges, I just need my problem resolved!!!!

[Kktagt]

Ha ha. Totally agree. The badges are silly. “Congrats! You posted!” 

[Brad]

Hi there,

Just checking in to see how the conversation is going as there's been a lapse in activity on this thread. Thank you @Cathal_S for all of your help! And thank you to everyone else in this thread who's helping each other out. 

Best regard,
Brad

[Brad]

Hi there,

Just checking in on this thread and the activity on it. We'll leave this topic open for another 24 hours in case there are any follow up questions or comments.

Best regards,
Brad

[MplsCustomer]

@Rosetree 

If you have the Google Nest Outdoor Camera, after selecting Add Product, you should be able to select "Continue without scanning" in order to enter the 6-character code.

[Rvaldez0977]

Gen 1 you enter 6 digit code and it the says select the last 4 digits of the serial number.  It does not list it and there is no where to enter it. So no set up is available.  

[Rosetree]

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!

Here are the steps:

Go to your individual camera.

Hit the settings gear top right.

Find your serial number in the Technical info.

Go to WiFi connections.

Continue without scan.

Choose Nest cam outdoor.

Enter 6 character code from the back of the camera.

Skip to serial number. Choose the last 4 digits.

 Find your router.

Put in your router password (on the bottom of the router)

Hold close to camera to log on!

Thanks for the help everyone! I could not have done it without y'all!!!

[Cathal_S]

Thanks for sharing what worked with others 🙂👍

Edit: This deserves another badge 🏆,Lol

[Rosetree]

Of course!!! 😉

[Rvaldez0977]

Gen 1 you enter 6 digit code and it the says select the last 4 digits of the serial number.  It does not list it and there is no where to enter it. So no set up is available.   How do you get it to allow selection or entry of the 4 digits??? Help

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[MplsCustomer]

@Rvaldez0977 

What I recall when I did this a couple of years ago, when you enter the 6-digit code, you're supposed to see a short list that includes the last 4 digits of your camera. If it doesn't, that seems to be a clear Google Nest defect that prevents you from using your camera. You could try contacting Google Nest Support and ask them to solve it: https://support.google.com/googlenest/gethelp

[Rosetree]

IIRC, on a couple of my cameras it took some time for the two choices to pop up. I just kept going back to the beginning and starting over. Wait for a few minutes to see if the system is just slow. Make sure you are ready with the serial number...