Is there a beginner's guide to Google Home/Nest Cam settings

[HarrisNo]

I'm trying to work my way through the settings in the Google Home app for my Next Cam. Very frustrated by all the options without a quick start package and especially how to setup the Presence setting.

Is there a very basic quick start guide to the settings for a beginner?

Thank you.

[David_K]

All the help and support materials are available online in the help centre.

Explore features and settings - Cameras and doorbell - Google Nest Help

[HarrisNo]

Thank you. I'll try again but my last effort was unsuccessful. Maybe your link will take me through it, slowly, step by step. Hope so.

I'll ask two specific questions.

1. Can one have Settings apply to all cameras or individually? 

2. I do not understand the second Presence sensing selection options.

Thanks for any help.

2. T

[nerys]

Hi HarrisNo,

Thanks for posting in the community! 

I see that you have some questions about the settings of the Google Home app. No worries; I'm here to help! 

First of all, I appreciate the information you shared with us [user].

1. Both are correct. You can configure general app settings (like notifications) that apply to all your devices or customize settings for each device individually.
2. Can you be more specific about the presence feature? So, I can explain it better.

If you have more questions for me, feel free to reply to this post. I'll be happy to assist further. 

Best regards,

Nery.

[HarrisNo]

Thank you.

In your answer #1, how do you set it so all cams have the same settings?

To answer your question on #2, when one goes to Google Home/Settings/Presence Setting the second setting there is Your Location. I don't understand what to set after I move slider to right. There is the option to set "Your current location" Does that actually mean to tell the App where you are?

Thanks for the help

[nerys]

Hi HarrisNo,

Thanks for your reply! To answer your questions:

1. Remember that not all the settings are included in the general settings for all the cameras. In the Google Home app settings, you can configure notifications, Nest Aware, and filters for all devices. The other settings are specific to each individual device.
2. Can you please tell me the app version you're using on Google Home? Are you part of the Google Home public preview program? Here's how to check the app version:
   1. Open the Google Home app.
   2. Go to Settings.
   3. Go to the "Support" section.
   4. You'll be able to see the current version of your Google Home app.

In the meantime, if you have more questions for me, feel free to reply to this post. I'll be happy to assist further.

Best regards,

Nery.

[HarrisNo]

On #1: I thought there was a setting to set all the same or individually. I gather not so.

On #2: 

Version 3.19.101

I don't know what Home public preview program is.

[nerys]

Hi HarrisNo,

Thanks for your reply!

Let me answer all your questions at once!

1. Currently there is no option to configure all the cameras at the same time, but we appreciate your comments. You can share them through the feedback form. This goes to the developers and helps us implement the features you need.
2. The public preview is the program where you can be an early tester of new features for the Google Home app. I see that you have the latest version of the Google Home app. I was asking you this because I couldn't identify the option you are talking about. Do you have an Android or Apple device? Can you please share a screenshot of the "Presence" option?

Keep me posted about anything else you may need.

Best regards,

Nery.

[HarrisNo]

I have a iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 17.5.1

Attached is the requested screenshot.

It is not clear to me the reason for the first two sliders and how to set the second slider. Not clear to me.

You have more weight than I. I think it would be very helpful for new Next Cam users to have a Quick Start help site that goes through the settings in a logical order and does not go into detail on all of them but only those that really need attention at setup.

Screenshot of Presence Sensing

[nerys · Accepted solution]

Hi HarrisNo,

Thanks for your reply and for all the information!

I see that this option is part of the Home/Away feature. This feature uses your phone's locations and activity sensors on Nest devices to automatically adjust your smart home settings depending on whether you're home or not. I shared an article with you that talks more about the Home/Away feature in the Google Home app.

The first slider allows you to enable location sharing for your home, and the second slider allows you to set each device (which is part of the home) individually.

I hope this helps! If you have more questions for me, feel free to reply to this post. I'll be happy to assist further.

Best regards,

Nery.