outdoor Nest Cam (battery) won't recognize when plugged in while on magnetic base

[bricatbrarian]

I have a Nest Cam (battery) outside my home. I also have the Nest Aware Plus subscription. Because my Nest Cam is battery operated, it won't record 24/7 like my other hardwired cameras. To change that, I want to plug my Nest Cam (battery) into an outlet 24/7. When I remove the camera from the magnetic base and bring it inside, it recognizes being plugged into a power outlet. However, once I take it back outside AND attach it to the magnetic base, it does not recognize being plugged into a power outlet. I am using the same exact cord in both scenarios and I have tested the outdoor outlets to make sure that is not the issue - they work fine. I have also tried removing the camera from the Home app and factory resetting it. Does anyone have any solutions? I purchase the camera 13 months ago.

[bricatbrarian]

For clarification: I am using the cable that came with the camera. Do I need to purchase the Nest Cam (battery) Weatherproof Cable in order for it to be plugged in outdoors?

[MplsCustomer]

@bricatbrarian 

Some customers in this forum seem to have poor experiences using the 1-meter charging cord to power their camera continuously, rather than using one of the optional power cables. I've wondered whether there is any technical difference, but Google Nest in this forum has said there is no technical difference, though the 1-meter charging cord is intended only for indoor use.

[MplsCustomer]

@bricatbrarian 

When you install the battery camera, you are asked during the install process whether it will be battery-powered or plugged in. If you originally installed your camera as battery-powered, and now want plug it in with the optional power cable, you will have to remove your camera from the Google Home app, do a factory reset, and reinstall it, specifying that it will be plugged in.

(We've had a battery camera for 23 months, plugged in from the beginning with the optional power cable, and it has been "Live" and online continuously.)

[bricatbrarian]

Awesome! This sounds like an easy solution. I will try this when I am back home again🤞

[bricatbrarian]

I was able to factory reset and reinstall the camera. There wasn't a question during setup about using a cord, though (only an informational notice about using the weatherproof cable). What worked for me was getting it connected to and powered with the cable before mounting it to the magnetic base. I now have it working successfully on the magnetic base and also plugged into an outdoor outlet with the cord that was included in the box. However, I have ordered the 10m weatherproof outdoor cable, as I am in a rainy area of the US. Thanks for your help and I hope others find this post useful!

[Lance_L]

Hello bricatbrarian,

That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear that this has been sorted out, and thanks for sharing your resolution in our Community. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions in the future.

I appreciate your help, MplsCustomer.

Cheers,

Lance