Idle Camera - No motion detection

[Demostroyer]

Hi there,

I recently purchased the Nest Cam (battery) for outdoor usage. I have noticed that it never detects motion unless I am actively watching the live feed, otherwise the camera is in an Idle state. I have walked straight up to the camera whilst it is Idle and it never sends an alert or powers on (the green light never comes on).  

I have tuned it to have the highest motion sensitivity, and also created a detection zone area that I want the camera to cover. I also ensured that the camera has a clear view.

Is there a way to make the event-based recording (EBR) actually work so that it records events whilst I am away from home? Otherwise, I see no point in the camera as it will be missing a huge aspect of the advertised functionality, as per the Google Sales site. 

Any help is appreciated. 

[Tzu-yen]

I am trying to work out this exact problem. It's unbelievable for a function that is at the core of the product. I can jump in front of the camera with the Home app / Camera app in live view (idle) and nothing will happen. Then as soon as I turn on "live video" and the video shows on my phone, I get the alert/notification that a person is detected. I have turned off battery optimization in for Google Home on my Samsung S20 Ultra as well as i thought maybe the app is "asleep" too. 

[MplsCustomer]

I wonder, just as another Google Nest customer, whether your problem is because, when running on battery power, the new Google Nest Battery Camera goes into "Idle" mode.  We installed our camera with the optional weatherproof power cable so that the camera is "Live" and recording all the time and it detects and reports people and motion.

[Demostroyer]

If that is the case then I'm seriously disappointed in this product. You should not need an additional cable to get the camera to work as expected.

I will be returning the camera and getting a Wyze camera instead. A lot cheaper and seems to do the job. 

[MplsCustomer]

Can you address the concern reported here and on other threads that the new Google Nest Battery Camera seems to go into an "Idle" state when running on battery power and therefore is not very good at detecting and reporting people and motion events? Our own Google Nest Battery Camera is plugged in all the time with the optional power cable and so we have not seen the problem reported here and elsewhere.

[Demostroyer]

If we can get clarity from someone at Google or Nest then I would be happy. Currently on Battery power and it is quite bad at motion detection unless you are directly in front of it. 

[Dpulsifer]

Hey there, ever find a solution for this? I just bought the camera and running into the exact same thing.

[Demostroyer]

Yes exactly my current experience. If I am away from home and need to sit on live video then it's not a security camera.

I'm getting a Wyze camera now instead. 

[Tzu-yen]

Is it because the camera does not work through a glass window? I have it sitting on the window ledge pointing out. The motion detection doesn't work this way as I assume it's using some sort of differnet signal other than pixel analysis. It seems to work better when it's not through a glass pane. I assume if it's plugged in it can analyse via video pixels.

Is this right? 

[Tzu-yen]

If it's on idle, does it detect anything that doesn't produce heat?

[MplsCustomer]

@Tzu-yen 

Using an indoor camera to view through glass has its own separate issues, due to glare during the day and reflection of infra-red light from the camera at night. (See this post, for example: https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Cameras-and-Doorbells/Internal-camera-won-t-see-through-windo....)

There seem to be separate issues with detecting events when the Google Nest Battery Camera runs on battery power.

[Tzu-yen]

I have the battery outdoor / indoor camera that is placed inside facing out through a window. Is it supposed to work? Or not? Question is, was it designed to work this way on battery? I don't mind mounting it outside on battery but would be nice to know if it was designed to work through a  glass window. 

[MplsCustomer]

Here is what Google says: "Placing your camera so it looks out a window can negatively affect its performance. For instance, Night vision's quality and detection can also be impacted, and a battery powered camera's motion sensor may not turn on the camera."

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9208999?hl=en

[Brad]

Hi there,

Just checking in to see if you still need assistance with this issue. Please let me know if you need further assistance. 

Best Regards,

Brad.

[Dpulsifer]

Same issue here. Just purchased the nest camera battery. Have it mounted outside under a covered deck. A car can pull in, or I can walk in the house without detection. Set zones, turned on everything but camera will not come out of idle to record. It will only turn on if I get within 5 feet of it...

[koaxed]

I purchased the Nest Cam battery a few months ago and had zero issues with motion detection. Only recently did this start happening. I tried all the things the OP has as well. This camera is indoors and has no obstructions. Something changed, perhaps a firmware update, which appears to have broken functionality.

[Brad]

Hey there,

Thank you for your patience. If you are still having this issue, please fill out this form so we can collect your feedback on this issue. I just want to make sure that all of you who has experienced this issue, have tried to restart the camera using the restart button on the back first. If that doesn't work, give a full Factory Reset a try. I understand this is an inconvenience, but resetting it can help clear out a lot of issues. 

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Best Regards,

Brad.

[Jagil71]

Hello Brad,

We have just purchased Nest Cam Battery and are experiencing the same issue with motion detection while on battery.  We have zero power available outside so cannot use the power cable option others have mentioned in the threads about this problem.  I have just reset it in attempt to comply with your suggestion and have tested it personally.  There is still zero motion detection when in idle mode until right next to the camera.

Are you able to confirm whether there is a repair coming?

Thank you

Jason

[Brad]

@Jagil71

I am not aware of a fix for this issue as of yet. It will be addressed once there is a fix. Thank you for your continued patience!

Best regards,

Brad.

[GregT]

Hi Brad,

is there a fix to this issue yet? 

[Brad]

Hey folks.

There is no such fix for this at this time still. Nest Cam (battery) will go into idle mode whenever it's running on battery. To stream live video in this case, you'll first need to tap "Live video" for your camera in the Google Home app. If Nest Cam (battery) is wired, the live video will stream without needing to tap the option. 

Best regards,

Brad.

[bshoker]

Brad, installed a battery cam today and have the same idle issue.  This is not what the product description states so if wiring is the only solution then the product does not match the advertised functionality.  

[Sandrocchia]

Hello Brad

Does this mean that a fix is in the works though? Or do you foresee this being an issue that cannot be resolved? We just purchase a 3 pack of Nest cameras today and will return them if there is no solution in sight. 
thanks

[Brad]

@Sandrochia

My personally, I do think that Google will release a solution for this issue. I am honestly just not sure when this is coming. I know that we are looking into it at this time.

@bshocker

How cold is it in your area? This could be related to the weather if it is too cold, it may remain in an idle state if set up for battery use. Check out this article on Cold Weather and its effects on our cams. 

Best regards,

Brad.

[Dpulsifer]

Hey Brad,

I don't think it has anything to do with temperature as we are all having the same issue. It seems to be a bug. I tried the factory reset and did not work for me either. I was hoping this issue would be resolved by now. Was hoping to add a few cameras where there is no plug close by.