Nest Cam Video Freezing and Camera Unavailable

[AlHarris]

my NEST outdoor battery camera keeps freezing and it says camera unavailable couldn’t reach this camera. This has only just started in the past few weeks. I have tried restarting, updating app and all the other suggestions online but nothing seems to help. it seems this was a problem in 2022. Does this mean the problem was never fixed or it was fixed and has come back?

[Lance_L]

Hello AlHarris,

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that you’re having issues with the Nest camera. I appreciate you reaching out to the Community and sharing all the steps you’ve tried. Let’s check it out.

A few questions: is this a new installation? If not, when did the issue start? How many Nest camera devices are affected? Can you see the video feed on https://goo.gle/2UZL8VI? Also, what is the color of the status light?

If you haven’t done so already, you can check out this guide to help you troubleshoot when the video doesn't play, pauses, or skips.

Keep me posted.

Best,

Lance

[AlHarris]

I have 3 outdoor cameras. One on google home( Front Yard) and two on google nest. I use a google nest wifi point and router with wifi mesh. The problem is only on the google nest outdoor battery camera. I use the all weather cable all the time. I bought the camera 1-24-2022. It only freezes when I use the video and it also says camera unavailable. I can see all the video feeds the FRONT YARD is the problem camera. The outside light on the camera is green.

[Lance_L · Accepted solution]

Hey AlHarris,

Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Please try the troubleshooting steps below:

1. Check for any available iOS updates and install them if there’s any.
2. Uninstall the Google Home app.
3. Restart the iOS device.
4. Reinstall the Google Home app.
5. Restart the Nest Cam (battery) and check if the issue persists.

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,

Lance

[AlHarris]

I have just replaced my Google nest outdoor battery camera with a new one by a professional company. It still keeps freezing and says camera unavailable couldn’t reach this camera. However, when I send a video clip to a friend it does not freeze.

[zoeuvre]

Hi folks,

@AlHarris, thanks for getting back to us. Here are some troubleshooting techniques you may use if you recently changed your Google Nest Outdoor Battery Camera and are having problems with freezing and camera unavailability, but the camera functions well when sharing video clips with a friend. You may skip the steps you already took.

1. Make sure there is a strong and consistent Wi-Fi signal at the new camera. Interference or weak Wi-Fi signals can lead to problems with connectivity and unavailable cameras. To increase the signal strength, think about relocating the camera closer to your WiFi router or utilizing a Wi-Fi extension.
2. Try power cycling the camera by briefly unplugging it from the power supply, then plugging it back in.
3. Make sure the new camera has a direct line of sight to the Wi-Fi router and is positioned in the best possible spot. Walls, furniture, and other obstructions can reduce the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and interfere with connections.
4. Verify your Wi-Fi network configuration, taking note of the password and network name (SSID). Make sure you have the correct password typed and that the camera is linked to the correct Wi-Fi network.
5. Make sure that the new camera has the latest firmware installed. Check the Nest app or the Google Nest website for any available firmware updates and install them if necessary.
6. You can try resetting the camera to its factory settings and starting again if the issue still occurs. By doing this, you may help fix any configuration problems that might be causing the camera to freeze and not work.

Let us know how it goes.

I appreciate your help, Lance. 

Kind regards,

Zoe 

[NancyP]

My name is Nancy.  I have had the exact same issue with my video playback pauses/jumps.  How do I check the firmware version on my cameras?  Also, how do you reset cameras to original settings if I have to resort to that?  Thanks.

[Lance_L]

Hi all,

@NancyP, thanks for joining the discussion. I’d be happy to help you with your Nest cameras. Let’s check it out.

A few questions: what model of Nest camera do you have? What is the color of the status light? Are you seeing a message on your mobile device? Also, have you tried any of the suggested troubleshooting steps?

To find the firmware or software version of the device:

On the Google Home app

1. Tap Favorites or Devices.
2. Select the Nest Camera.
3. Tap the settings icon, then choose Device information or Technical information.

On the Nest app

1. Select the Nest camera from the home screen.
2. Tap the Settings icon.
3. Scroll down to Technical information.

You can check out this guide to help you restart or factory reset your Nest camera or doorbell if needed.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I appreciate your help, Zoe.

Best,

Lance