Camera won’t flag at night

[SuperAcct]

Everytime someone posts this problem, nothing is resolved and then Google closes the comment section.  I have had this problem for a few years.  I then had a problem with my newest wired google nest doorbell camera purchased in 2023 and complained while under warranty but they would not accept the warranty because I bought it from Amazon.  I thought that was wrong, but went ahead and purchased another exact product.  It does work better in terms of finally it is seeing people and packages and activity beyond 3 foot porch.  But the continuing problem of stopping flagging somewhere around 5 PM until daylight.  I have played with all the settings and I have 24 hour nest aware.  What is strange is I have my oldest nest doorbell wired camera in another location and it flags activity for the same street all night long. But the new doorbell camera goes blind even before it gets totally dark. There is no explanation and I just figure they have changed something to prevent flagging for some reason.  I am thankful I can still go to the other older camera to see activity flags overnight.  I have caught a car speeding and starting to crash (later discovered it crashed thru a neighbor fence out of sight of the camera) but I could see it lose control.  I have seen a policeman with a very bright flashlight going thru the yard of my neighbor across the street .  These are the things that I want to see but the front door bell camera aimed at the same street sees flags nothing!!  So if there is activity, I won't know about it without checking the other camera.  So this camera is useless at night.  I think Google has changed something and this is out of our control.  Anyone else have this problem?

[EduardoN]

Hi @SuperAcct,

Thank you for reaching out to our support community! I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by your Nest Doorbell not flagging activity around 5 pm. I appreciate the time you took to share this situation. I'm here to help!

To help me better understand the situation, I'd like to ask you a few questions:

• What is the model of your Nest Doorbell?
• Were there any changes to the Wi-Fi network?
• Do you use email or push notifications?
• Are there other family members who can access the camera? Do they receive any notifications?
• Are there any Activity Zones set up for the camera?
• Is there a schedule set on your Nest Doorbell?

Visit our Help Center to learn more about How Nest cameras detect sound and motion.

Please feel free to share any additional details you think might be relevant.

Best regards,

Eduardo

[SuperAcct]

You don't say if you are with Google, but I will answer. 

This is the latest Google Nest Doorbell Camera, purchased direct from Google and installed in fall 2024. No changes to wi-fi network.  From the beginning, this camera just stops flagging in late afternoon or early evening . Once in a while, it will flag something at night but rarely.  My other cameras, older Nest and Google doorbell models will flag at night but not this one.  I have tried all the google articles suggestions.  No other family members access this camera.  I use both email and push notifications.  Yes there is one activity zone that is set up for the entire view of the camera.  Not sure what you mean by a schedule.   I am on Nest aware 24 hours/7 day a week recording. 

I have to go to one of one of my other doorbell cameras to see flags at night but not this brand new one!

[EduardoN]

Hi @SuperAcct,

Thank you for providing those details. I understand you're experiencing issues with your newly purchased Google Nest Doorbell Camera (latest model, installed Fall 2024), specifically that it's not flagging events consistently during late afternoon and evening hours, despite your other Nest cameras functioning correctly.

To clarify, when I mentioned a 'schedule,' I was referring to any programmed settings within the Nest app that might inadvertently limit activity detection during certain times. However, based on your description, it appears you've confirmed no such schedule is in place.

It's concerning that you've already tried troubleshooting steps from Google's articles and that the issue persists. Based on it I'm going to ask some questions where I'll be able to share the correct troubleshooting steps.

• How far is the Nest Dooberll from the router?
• Are there devices or appliances (such as baby monitors, microwaves, cordless phones, etc.) near the Nest Doorbell?
• What Wi-Fi frequency band do you try to connect to (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)?

Keep me post.

Best regards,

Eduardo

[SuperAcct]

Thanks for answering.  The front door is probably 20 feet from the router.  Again one of the other cameras that flags all night is even farther.  There are no devices near the front doorbell.  The closest item is my security system panel but that is wired in and uses a transmitter so I don't think that would cause a problem. I don't see it connected either in my wifi devices.  So that cannot be the problem. Also this panel is also close to one of the other cameras that works fine.  I have both frequencies on my router.  I have wandered thru all the settings I can find in google home and this camera and no where can I find where it says what network wifi it is connected to in either place.  My phone is connected to 5 and frustrating that I cannot find anywhere in Google Home where the wifi connection is.  Thanks.  

[EduardoN]

Hi @SuperAcct,

I appreciate all the troubleshooting you have done with your Nest Doorbell. Unfortunately, I have confirmed the problem is with your device.

The team would like to know more about this behavior. When you get a chance, please fill out this form. Remember to include the link to this post. Let me know when you’re finished. From there, we'll contact you via email. 

Your confirmation is crucial to ensuring that I can follow up on your case effectively.

Feel free to keep us posted.

Regards,

Eduardo