Night Vision Too Dark

[SuperTrollMan]

Hi All,

I've recently installed new Google Nest Cameras.

They had been running perfectly, however I noticed night vision on 1 of the camera's had deteriorated significantly.
I toggled the night vision from auto, to on, to off and back to auto.
Its definitely on when its on auto, but its considerably poorer than a week ago (a lot darker).
The camera's are mounted and wired with the genuine Google cable, so they haven't moved or changed any other factors.

When looking at the 2x 'battery' camera's I have, the other one was working perfectly fine.
I noticed the firmware had changed on the one having issues "nq-user 1.67 OPENMASTER 361459"
Whereas the working camera was running 1.65 of the software.

I started chatting to support about this, they had me restart the camera this afternoon, which didn't change the issue unfortunatley.

I then noticed the working camera started showing the same symptoms, upon checking the Home app, it has now been updated to 1.67 aswell.

The same shot 24 hours apart has significantly poorer night vision and the only common denominator I've been able to come up with is the 1.67 firmware having issues.

Is anyone else seeing this?

[Anonymous]

Dont hold your breath ive been waiting for a fix for over a year

[EdmondB]

Hey everyone,

We’ve duplicated your thread to the main one here. You’ll receive all updates on this issue on the main thread and we recommend updating and checking this thread when needed. 

Please note that once moved, this original thread will be locked.

Best,
Edmond

[Adj]

It is now September 5 and there has been no communication on when there will be a software update to correct the issues 1.67 caused Google Nest Camera owners and Nest Aware Subscribers.  When can we expect this issue to be corrected?

[CaliforniaLove]

The fix isn't coming. Google simply doesn't care about its customers. It's been a month of this ridiculous problem THEY started.

[Adj]

First, I hate the new update to the google home nest cameras.  I have the events set to record for the maximum time but now cannot figure out how to see the minutes that led up to event or after the event.  You used to be able to scroll through a 24 hour time period on a wired camera now I cannot see that. Can anyone help me figure out how to do this? Also, the quality of the recordings seem to be diminished as well, anyone else have this problem?

[Arcadia]

Yes, I hate it too! My father fell sometime between 1:05 am and 3:15 am. No ability to see the in between. Was he there for close to two hours or did it just happen?? Previous version allowed me to view so much more. Google go back to previous settings, please! 

[MplsCustomer]

@Adj 

The new version of the Google Home app has a vertical timeline that you can scroll through the 24/7 history; it displays below the camera's livestream if your phone or tablet are in portrait view.  It's kind of hidden.  You have to tap the 3 small staggered vertical lines below the live view to get the timeline, and the 3 vertical lines then turn into 3 horizontal lines and the timeline then appears.  They wanted us to hunt for the timeline.

[Anonymous]

Yep googles software engineers arent the sharpest tools in the shed hey. The amount of problems constantly appearing and ongoing is farcical. Unless you're  a user then its downright distressing 

[Czizou]

Seems like the update is the worst. Cannot use the timeline as precisely as before (events are shortened drastically) , the image / video quality is really bad and when I look at the live streams there is no sound anymore !!!

[Lance_L]

Hey everyone,

I appreciate the help, MplsCustomer.

I’m sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience. Did the steps provided above work for you? You can also check this handy guide for more information: Video history in the Google Home app.
 

@Czizou, is the microphone turned on for your camera? You follow the steps here: Change Nest camera and doorbell audio settings.
 

Let us know if that helps.

Best,

Lance

[Czizou]

@Lance_L, the mic is turned on of course. Since the last update the software has been quite a mess. Even today the live camera wasn't accessible until the end of the day.

I'll review all the options from a to z but ultimately it seems like there's been a clear regression compared to previous versions 

[Adj]

Why is the camera footage a lesser quality with this update than before the update. The night live viewing and event recording is worse than before, it’s fuzzy, not as sharp. 

[Lance_L]

Hi folks,

@Adj, we have an existing thread here about image quality issues with the Google Home app update.

@Czizou, I'm sorry for the inconvenience — let's get this sorted out.  A few questions: what type of Nest camera do you have? What is the color of the status light? Do you have an iOS or Android device? Are you experiencing any internet connectivity issues with your other devices?

Let's try these troubleshooting steps below:

• Check if the live video is available on the web app. For 1st Gen Nest cameras and doorbells, go to https://goo.gle/2qjvVSU, while for new Nest devices, log in to https://goo.gle/2UZL8VI.
• If you have other family members added to the home structure, check if the same issue occurs on their devices.
• Turn the camera off in the Nest app or Home app, wait about 30 seconds, and then the camera back on again. Follow the steps here: Turn Nest camera on or off.

Keep us posted.

Regards,

Lance

[Adj]

None of those things corrected the problem. The latest update has degraded the quality of the video and live footage. I pay for Nest Aware and you all need to fix this issue ASAP. Clearly, there are many people who are experiencing this same issue, when will this be resolved Google has known about this for weeks now. 

[Lance_L]

Hey everyone, 

We’ve duplicated your thread to the main one here. You’ll receive all updates on this issue on the main thread and we recommend updating and checking this thread when needed. 

Please note that once moved, this original thread will be locked.

Best,

Lance

[Adj]

It is now September 5 and there has been no communication on when there will be a software update to correct the issues 1.67 caused Google Nest Camera owners and Nest Aware Subscribers.  When can we expect this issue to be corrected?

[Rdmetz34]

I have ADT cameras which require the Google Nest app for control. The application was "upgraded" yesterday, and now the video from the cameras is poor. How can the video be restored to its original quality?

[MplsCustomer]

@Rdmetz34 

The Google Nest app--at least the iOS version--has not been updated for 6 months.

[Rdmetz34]

The App is labeled as "Home", but when you open it, it says "Nest".  It has a completely different look and feel since yesterday! So, something happened to it!

[MplsCustomer]

@Rdmetz34 

Maybe ADT has a custom version of the Google Home app. Ours was upgraded last week, but the only place it says "Nest" is on the camera feeds.

There is a separate thread reporting that the newer Google Nest cameras have a noticeable reduction in video quality--"washed out"--since the CAMERAS were upgraded to version 1.67 recently:

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Cameras-and-Doorbells/Nest-Camera-Video-Quality-suddenly-Chan...

[asfeqaxc]

If the video quality from your ADT cameras has been adversely affected after upgrading the Google Nest app, there are a few steps you can take to try and restore it to its original quality:

1. Check your camera settings: Open the Google Nest app and navigate to the camera settings for your ADT cameras. Verify that the video quality settings are set to the highest possible resolution. Adjusting these settings can often improve the video quality.

2. Ensure a stable internet connection: Poor video quality can sometimes be attributed to a weak or unstable internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and make sure it is strong and stable in the area where the cameras are installed. If needed, consider relocating the cameras or improving your Wi-Fi coverage with range extenders or additional access points.

3. Restart the cameras and the app: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues with the app or the cameras. Try powering off your ADT cameras and unplugging them from their power source. Wait for a few minutes and then plug them back in. Also, force close the Google Nest app on your device and reopen it. This can help refresh the connection and potentially resolve any temporary issues.

4. Update firmware or app: Check if there are any available firmware updates for your ADT cameras. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance and address known issues. Similarly, make sure you have the latest version of the Google Nest app installed on your device. Updating both the firmware and app may help resolve any compatibility issues that could be affecting video quality.

5. Contact ADT or Google Nest support: If the issue persists, it's advisable to reach out to ADT or Google Nest support directly. They can provide specialized assistance, troubleshoot the problem, and guide you through any necessary steps to restore the video quality.

Remember to provide specific details about the issue, such as the model of your ADT cameras, the version of the Google Nest app, and any error messages you may be encountering. This information will help the support team better understand and address the problem.

[SuperAdam]

This has nothing to do with the app,the cameras received an update a week or so ago and it ruined the image quality.

[SuperAdam]

These are not ADT cameras,they belong to Google, and for the new nest cam batteries you use the New Home App,and yes,there was an update that degraded the quality and the HDR is washed out and the night vision is horrible,contact Google and complain so they know it's not on our end,I submitted several complaints.

[EdmondB]

Hey everyone, 

We’ve duplicated your thread to the main one here. You’ll receive all updates on this issue on the main thread and we recommend updating and checking this thread when needed. 

Best,

Edmond

[Bob223]

There are so many messages about this bug I've lost track.

Short story is that all Nest camera products are affected. Spotlight camera, doorbell camera, indoor and outdoor cameras.

The update added High Dynamic Range tone mapping across multiple video frames, which means making dark areas brighter and bright areas darker by using my. However, it's useless when the entire image is blurry, especially when artificial lights such as LEDs are in the scene.

Google support acknowledges the bug, but have not provided any indication of an ETA for fixing the issue.

This is a an extreme severity quality issue.

[Zach7]

These is extremely frustrating. It’s not an improvement. The video quality is garbage after this update. The day time footage is washed out, night time footage is too dark and the video quality is like watching a 480p video on max. All the lights have halos around them. Why am I paying for this service if it’s broken? If this topic was easier to find, I believe more users would be reporting this issue.

[Anonymous]

Still utter garbage. Any prospective buyers take heed and don't buy googles garbage products. Save your money and buy a product for heaps less that actually works .

[RavenManiac]

I’m having the exact same problem. It sucks paying a premium for security cameras, plus a yearly subscription fee, to have the quality destroyed by a firmware update that Google is either unable or unwilling to fix. Google needs to be careful not to piss off its base or they’ll be in the same boat as Anhaeuser-Busch. 😳 Too many other good options out there.

[RavenManiac]

It looks like Nest released firmware 1.67c on June 22, 2023. I wonder if this is a new, updated version of 1.67. https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/13588832#zippy=%2Ccameras-and-doorbells

UPDATE
I just got off the phone with Nest Technical Support. These people are clueless. The person I spoke with didn't even know what firmware was until she looked it up. Then, she had no idea why Nest had firmware v1.67c on its website. When I kept pressing, she said her team just troubleshoots Nest devices. How can you troubleshoot a Nest device if you don't know what firmware is? After reading her technical service bulletins, she gave me the standard "Our engineers are working on it" line.

I really wish I had listened to my neighbor and purchased the Ring system instead. In my opinion, the Nest cameras, when they're working properly, are awesome! But the Nest Home app and, of course, this latest firmware update absolutely suck. 

Come on, Google. You're better than this. 

[fbutler]

Hi,

My two Nest Cam (battery cameras) are set to Auto (Default) for Night Vision. For the last few days they have been constantly switching between night vision and day vision every few seconds from dusk onwards even when it is fully dark.  If I switch them to "Night Vision" Always on the issue stops, however if I switch them back to "Night Vision" Auto (default) the behaviour immediately begins again.

I've performed soft reset on both cameras, however this hasn't solved the issue. 

I also have an original Nest Doorbell and a original Nest Outdoor camera that are not affected by this.

Any thoughts on what might be causing this issue with the Nest Cam (battery) cameras and how to fix it?

thanks,

Fergal

[Jeldridge456]

I suspect it has something to do with the software updates that have been wreaking havoc.  I have 6 nest cams but only one does this.  I think it has to do with the light in the field of view.  5 cameras all have low light so they stay in night vision however the one that switches back and forth is in a more medium/ high lighted area. I dont have a fix except for leaving night vision on or off permanently, but hopefully this gets resolved.

[Anonymous]

There's heaps of people complaining about it. Supposedly changing to grey scale is a temporary fix however i have no idea how to achieve this

[fbutler]

The only workaround to it flicking between the two is to switch night vision on permanently which at least gives video for both day and night. Maybe that's what is meant by grey scale as the video shows up in grey all the time.

[Lance_L]

Hey everyone,

I apologize for the inconvenience — let's get this sorted out. A few questions: are there any light sources nearby that are in the camera’s view? Do you have any surfaces, such as walls, shelves, or a window, that can reflect the camera’s infrared light? Also, are there any nearby devices that may give off infrared light (e.g., Nest Protect, motion sensors, etc.)?

Keep us posted. We'd be happy to help.

Best,

Lance

[fbutler]

Hi,

The first camera is in a garden with other solar lights as a light source, however the behaviour continues when those light sources die down during the night. There are no reflective surfaces that could be reflecting the infrared light.

The second camera is in an alleyway with no other light sources and no reflective surfaces.

There are no other devices giving off infrared light other than an infrared illuminator in the garden which has been there for years without causing any issues. 

Both cameras started exhibiting the same behaviour along similar timeframes.

Both cameras are the same outdoor battery version being powered by the mains, and another outdoor Nest Camera and a Nest wired doorbell camera are not exhibiting the same behaviour.

Let me know if you need any more information.

Fergal

[Lance_L]

Hi fbutler,

Thanks for getting back to us and for sharing what you’ve done to have your concern resolved. I apologize that the feature isn’t working correctly.

Since the steps didn't work on your end, we'd be happy to take a look into this for you. Please fill out this form with all the needed information, then let me know once you're done.

Regards,

Lance

[Lance_L]

Hi folks,

@fbutler, we got your form — thanks for filling it out. Our team will reach out to you via email to further assist you.

@All, we’ve duplicated the thread to the main one here. You’ll receive all updates on this issue on the main thread, and we recommend updating and checking this thread when needed.

Please note that once moved, this original thread will be locked.

Best regards,

Lance

[diggyphil]

This is absolutely related to the firmware update, 1.67, that was sent down about 4 weeks ago.  Mine constantly does this around dusk.  The color continually flickers between actual to gray, and then eventually it tries to go into night vision.  Night vision, which is utterly broken in this 1.67 update, is unusable as it is nearly 100% black and you cannot view anything.  The only corrective action I've found is to turn the camera off (from the home app or from home.google.com via the toggle switch) and then wait a minute to turn it back on.  This only works until the next day.

Moderators, this thread should be merged as you're wasting time having people try unnecessary things to troubleshoot when it's 100% part of the botched firmware update from Google.  I'm astonished that this is not fixed a full month later, well not really considering Google's track record with Pixel devices and other Nest devices,  This is the last straw for me with these Google security products.  Once I switch from my Nest Security Hub by next April, all of these Google cameras, sensors, etc... will be replaced with equipment that is actually supported properly by a company. 

[Gogzy79]

I am having the exact same issue. One camera toggles between night vision and normal vision every few seconds during darkness. And the other cameras on night vision as so dark it’s impossible to make anything out. All were fine until a few weeks ago. 
If it’s not fixed soon I will bin them and go back to Ring. 

[fbutler]

I reset my cameras and adjusted the view to increase the amount of sky seen by them. I'm not sure if the reset or adjusting the view solved the issue, however they are now working correctly.