Dusk till Dawn floodlight

[LukeV]

I purchased 2 of these cameras with floodlights. Installed the first one. Works great, easy install, easy connection, the app is easy to use, the migration of other nest devices was simple to merge with the new app, and the floodlight is an impressive light. However, I returned the other one we purchased. If you were someone like me who assumed this floodlight has a dusk to dawn Setting, don’t purchase this product. There is a boatload of really cool settings for both the floodlight and camera, but for the money this thing costs, I’m disappointed. I assumed this floodlight would automatically turn on when dark, and stay on until light, just like almost any other floodlight out there, but not this one. I’ve searched through the threads to see if I’m missing a setting. I’ve found there are lots of other people wondering about this setting also. Anybody have a work-around or suggestions? 

[EdmondB]

Hello LukeV, 

Thank you for posting in the Community. The Nest Cam Floodlight comes equipped with Daylight Sensor Settings. By adjusting these settings, you can control when the floodlight turns on. For instance, selecting the brighter settings will cause the floodlight to activate earlier in the evening, while choosing the darkest settings will only turn on the floodlight when it's exceptionally dark outside.

Here is the steps to go to this settings. 

1. Open the Google Home app .

2. Tap and hold your device's tile.

3. Tap Settings  Settings gear and then Daylight sensor

4. Select the Daylight sensor and choose the light setting you want to use.
 

Please let me know if you have further questions. 

Best,
Edmond

[LukeV]

Maybe I’m confused and my floodlight is not operating correctly?  From what I’ve tested, changing this setting you’ve described does not turn on the floodlight. The only thing that will turn on the floodlight are settings from the camera. For example, I can change those settings that you described & the floodlight will never turn on a single time in the dark unless there is motion picked up by the camera, or if I view the camera remotely. The only other setting I see is to turn the floodlight on is a toggle switch & it stays on 24 /7.   I’m looking for dusk, till Dawn floodlight only settings that have nothing to do with the camera.  

[EdmondB]

Hi there, 

Thanks for trying. The Daylight sensor settings is an option for floodlight to turn on early in the evening or when it’s totally dark but if it doesn't fit the Dusk till Dawn feature that you are referring to, you can set up a timed routine to turn it on and off. It's pretty easy to do in the Google Home app.

First, head over to the lights section in the app. You should see your floodlight there. Click on it and hit "Create routine".

As the starter, choose either "Time" or "Sunrise/Sunset". Then, give it a voice starter label - something like "SunsetFloodlightON" works.

Next, it's time to add an action. Click on "Adjust Home Devices", find your floodlight, and turn it on. 

If you want, you can add another routine to turn the floodlight off at sunrise or set a specific time for it to turn off. 

We appreciate people who are keen on sharing their thoughts with us. We're always looking for ways to improve. I'd suggest you share feedback about Google Nest.

Let me know if you have additional questions. 

Cheers,
Edmond