Seeking to Instal nest cams on new build home and seeking compatibility with existing installations

[Slobdiddy]

Hi there. 

I started using Drop Cams perhaps 10 years ago and then gradually added new Nest Cams  more recently, across two existing family properties. I have two separate subscriptions, one for each property. 

I have a house being built and when I went to shop for some outdoor wired cams I found everything has changed. Firstly, the only outdoor wired cam option is kinda ugly with two floodlights to each side versus the old quite neat outdoor wired Nest Cam. Secondly, I don’t really understand whether I will now need to move to a different app platform and whether my old cams will still be compatible. Thirdly, I read a report that Google is discontinuing support for Nest Cams altogether, but I am not sure if this is correct.

Please can I get some help on all three of these points. Plus, can I simply look on eBay for an old wired Nest Cam or is this just delaying a problem if the old platform is (or may be in the future) due for closure.

Many thanks!

[David_K · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Google Nest community and congrats on the new house! Here's some answers for you.

Firstly, the only outdoor wired cam option is kinda ugly with two floodlights to each side versus the old quite neat outdoor wired Nest Cam.

For outdoor use, the only model Google sells directly now is Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery). The model you're referring to is Nest Cam with floodlight (wired). The battery label on the first link there is a bit of a misnomer because you can still hardwire it with the Nest Cam (battery) Weatherproof Cable. It's worth mentioning that Nest Cam (battery) must be connected to a power source to have 24/7 video history. If it is only battery powered, it will only have event video history, even if you have a Nest Aware Plus subscription. 24/7 video history is not available for the Nest Doorbell (battery), even if you hardwire it to a power source.

Secondly, I don’t really understand whether I will now need to move to a different app platform and whether my old cams will still be compatible.

You don't need to change anything for your existing Nest cams setup in the Nest app. If and when you decide to purchase the newer camera models, they must be setup in the Google Home app. You will also see your older Nest Cams in the Google Home app, but there are some differences between the feature set for both apps. I'll include links below for some particular differences between apps.

Event and 24/7 video history - Google Nest Help
Save and download video clips - Google Nest Help

Thirdly, I read a report that Google is discontinuing support for Nest Cams altogether, but I am not sure if this is correct.

That's not correct. Google is ending support for the Dropcam models and no other Nest Cam models are affected.

Plus, can I simply look on eBay for an old wired Nest Cam or is this just delaying a problem if the old platform is (or may be in the future) due for closure.

You can absolutely do that. They are still very much supported. The only thing I would caution you on is to use a reputable platform and seller. For the older Nest Cam models, if a used camera is not removed from the previous owner's account you won't be able to set it up and it will be unusable.

Hope this helps!

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[Lance_L]

Hi Slobdiddy,

I'm jumping in to ensure everything is good here. Have you seen davidking’s last response? Let me know if that helps.

Thanks for the help, davidking.

Best,

Lance

[Slobdiddy]

Yes what a great reply.  I have a follow up question as you can see.  Many thanks for checking on this. 

[Lance_L]

Hello Slobdiddy,

Thanks for getting back to me. You’re correct that the Dropcams don’t work with the Google Home app.

If you have two or more eligible Dropcams, you can redeem the offer for up to two indoor wired Nest Cams. You can read our blog post here.

For assistance in redeeming the promo code, reach out to our Google Store team.

I hope that helps.

Regards,

Lance

[Slobdiddy]

Hi again.  I have about 6 Dropcams in operation I think. Apart from one indoor cam, I use thee outdoors (with the third party Drop Cases). I don’t really have a need for more than one indoor cam. Shame they cant do the outdoor cams. 

[Lance_L]

Hey Slobdiddy,

If you are eligible, you should have received an email with a unique Google Store link that you can use to redeem the offer. Using this link will automatically apply the discount at checkout. Please check your junk or spam folder if you can’t find it in your inbox.

For further assistance with redeeming the offer, don’t hesitate to contact our Google Store team.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,

Lance

[Slobdiddy]

Hi there and thanks so much for this. I am actually a huge fan of Nest Cams having used them for many years and am relieved not to need to switch platforms.  I think what all of this means is that I will need to migrate from the Nest Cam app to the Google Home app.  Am I correct in thinking that my Drop Cams will need replacing as these will not work with Google Home? Many thanks. 

[David_K]

That's correct, not only do they not work with Google Home, support for them is ending.

Support for Dropcam and Dropcam Pro ending - Google Nest Help

[Lance_L]

Hey everyone,

Thanks again for helping here, @David_K. @Slobdiddy, I hope you've got the answer you're looking for. If you're still in need of any assistance, feel free to let me know.

Cheers,

Lance

[Slobdiddy]

Ok I have found the Google email offering me two replacement nest indoor cams for my drop cams. Unfortunately this offer is no good to me as I use my cans outdoors as I understand most people do

[Lance_L]

Hi Slobdiddy,

I hear you. I understand how frustrating it can be to not be able to use the promo code for the product that you need. You may want to reach out to our Google Store team to see if they can provide further assistance.

Keep me posted.

Cheers,

Lance

[Lance_L]

Hello Slobdiddy,

Buzzing in — do you still need our help? Don't hesitate to reach back if you do.

Cheers,

Lance

[Lance_L]

Hey Slobdiddy,

I'd like to bump in here and make sure that you’ve seen our response.

Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this thread after 24 hours.

Cheers,

Lance