Nest Outdoor Battery Operated Camera

[gmacchio]

For months I was able to view a constant stream of recorded events using my Google Nest Outdoor camera. At some point within the last 6-8 weeks there is almost NOTHING recorded. I removed the device and set it up again as if installing it new to my Google Home App. I added a wifi extender so I know it's getting a strong wifi signal. I have made sure the battery is fully charged. I have STOOD IN FRONT of the camera and still no recording monitor light comes on and there is no video history of me standing there in front of it. I have both added and removed familiar face features. I have added and removed activity zones. I have tried changing notifications and recording settings. My Google Nest Aware account is active and paid. At this point I'm ready to throw it away and buy another product from another brand. For the price I paid (over $200) it should last for well over a year if it's only doing one job. 

[MplsCustomer]

@gmacchio 

This may not entirely address your situation, but we've had a battery camera for over 2 years now, plugged in with the optional power cable. Whenever we've unplugged it to test it, it will not detect an event even if we walk directly in front of the camera. In our experience, the camera does very poorly at detecting any events if it is running on battery power, and it has been that way since the beginning. I'm glad ours is plugged in.

I know that it's supposed to be a battery camera, but it works for us because we wanted a plugged-in camera and Google Nest quit selling the wired Google Nest Outdoor Camera in Sept. 2021, right before we bought our battery camera with the optional power cable.

[Lance_L]

Hello everyone,

@gmacchio, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having issues with the Nest Cam (battery). I appreciate you sharing all the steps you’ve already tried to fix the issue. Let’s check it out.

A few questions: what is the color of the status light? Can you see live video from the camera? After removing the camera from the Home app, did you factory reset the device?

Please try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open the Google Home app .
• Tap Favorites or Devices .
• Tap and hold your device's tile > More > Settings .
• Select Events.
• Toggle the events that you want to receive off then back on.
• Test if the camera can now detect motion. Check the Google Home app for new activities.
• If the issue persists, toggle the camera off then back on.
• In the Google Home app, tap Favorites or Devices .
• Tap and hold your device's tile > More >  Settings .
• Toggle the switch next to Camera on or off.
• Check again if the issue is resolved.

Keep me posted.

Thanks for chiming in, MplsCustomer.

Best,

Lance

[gmacchio]

Good morning. Thanks for the suggestions. My Nest Outdoor camera is fully charged. I tried all of the advice Lance_L listed above. Camera connects and I can view live audio/video. It still does not record almost anything at that passes in front of it. Not cars moving quickly, slowly or even people walking past my driveway. Have adjusted the angle of the camera as well. Doesn’t even record our cars leaving for work in the morning which are parked less than 10ft immediately in front of camera. The camera was purchased from the Google store via Amazon last November 28th, 2022. Not yet one year old and can not do its primary job. The camera was not cheap AND I pay for Nest aware account. Very disappointed and probably should be issued a refund or have it replaced by manufacturer. Similar devices from other brands work month in and month out at neighbors houses. 

[Lance_L]

Hi everyone,

@gmacchio, I gotcha. Since the steps didn't work on your end, I'd be happy to take a look into this for you. 

I need additional information from you that would be best shared privately. I’m sharing a link to a form for you to fill out so we can look into this further. This form is only meant for you to use, so let me know once you’re done.

Regards,

Lance

[gmacchio]

Much appreciated Lance_L. I hit the form link and clicked submit but it asked me for only very simple, vague info. I was expecting to be punching in serial numbers, model #s, etc. The form I saw only asked for my phone #, the community thread (Name?) and my forum username. Guess that's it for now. Thanks.

[EdmondB]

Hey gmacchio,

We got your form — thanks for filling it out. Our team will reach out to you via email and ask for the details about your Nest camera to further assist you. 

Regards,
Edmond