Here are some steps I recommend to resolve issues during the setup of Google Nest cameras or doorbells.
Before trying these steps
Make sure you're using the correct app for setup. Need help checking which model you have?
Use the Google Home app to set up the following cameras and doorbells:
- Nest Cam (wired)
- Nest Cam with Floodlight
- Nest Cam (battery)
- Nest Doorbell (battery)
- Nest Doorbell 2nd gen (wired)
Use the Nest app to set up the following cameras and doorbells:
- Nest Cam IQ Indoor
- Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
- Nest Cam Indoor
- Nest Cam Outdoor
- Nest Dropcam (all models)
- Nest Doorbell 1st gen (wired) also known as Nest Hello
For cameras and doorbells setup in the Nest app, if you're seeing a message that has a numeric code such as C100 or NC003, go to the Nest camera troubleshooter. For cameras and doorbells setup in the Google Home app, tap the link shown in the app message to get the troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Things to check on your phone or tablet
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Turn off cellular/mobile data.
This ensures your phone or tablet does not try to use mobile data during setup which might interfere with the setup process.
- Turn off VPNs or proxy settings or apps.
To provide confidentiality or other features, some Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) route communications from your phone or tablet through something called a VPN tunnel, which might interfere with the setup process. You can temporarily turn off your VPN or proxy during setup, and turn it on again later.
- If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, open the settings app then:
- Tap your name at the top > iCloud > Private Relay > Off.
Private Relay routes communications through Apple servers before the rest of the Internet, which might interfere with the setup process. You can temporarily turn off Private Relay during setup, and turn it on again later.
- Tap back to the main settings screen > Privacy & Security > Local Network > Enable Nest and Google Home (as appropriate).
By default, apps on iOS are blocked from accessing other devices on your local network. To be able to set up your device, you'll need to grant the Nest app or Google Home app (as appropriate) access to the local network on your iOS device.
- Make sure you’re using a recent version of your phone or tablet’s operating system, by checking your phone’s settings for any updates.
- Make sure you're using the latest version of the Nest app or Google Home app (as appropriate), by checking the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for any updates.
- Reboot your phone or tablet, usually by pressing and holding its power button.
Step 2: Recommended setup steps
Set up and connect Nest camera - Google Nest Help
Get started with your Nest doorbell - Google Nest Help
Nest camera and doorbell installation videos - Google Nest Help
Some things to bear in mind during setup:
- For ease of setup, make sure your camera or doorbell is within 15 - 20 ft (4 - 6 m) of your Wi-Fi router, Wi-Fi point, range extender, or repeater. You can move your device to its desired location after setup. If your camera or doorbell is already mounted, and you can’t move it easily, try to move your Wi-Fi router or Wi-Fi point closer to your camera or doorbell instead.
- If you have a dual band router that has different network names, try to set up your device on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Try rebooting your modem and router by unplugging the power cable. You may have a combination modem/router, or they might be separate devices. All of the lights on your modem and router should be off. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug your modem and router back in. You should also restart any Wi-Fi points, range extenders, or repeaters that you are using.
- Restart (not factory reset) your camera or doorbell by following these steps.
- Retry setup in the Nest app or Google Home app (as appropriate).
If none of the steps above help, factory reset your device by following the steps linked below and then retry setup. You may also want to try setup using a different phone or tablet, if you have one. If you don’t have one, perhaps see if you can temporarily borrow one from a friend or family member.
Restart or factory reset Nest camera or doorbell - Google Nest Help
Step 3: Advanced troubleshooting
If you’re still experiencing issues at this stage it’s possible that:
- You're using an incompatible Wi-Fi range extender or repeater. Unplug or disable any network extenders and retry setup directly with your Wi-Fi router.
- You're experiencing something called Wi-Fi interference. Learn how to troubleshoot wireless interference.
- Your Wi-Fi router has a setting enabled that is preventing your device from working properly. Refer to the manual or documentation that came with your Wi-Fi router or consult the manufacturer’s support website to check the following settings on your router are set correctly.
Enable:
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
- Multicast
- Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
Disable:
- AP/client isolation
- Virtual private networks (VPNs)
- Proxy servers
- Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Proxy
- MAC Address Filtering
Note that all Wi-Fi routers are different, so each setting may or may not be applicable to your particular router. Keep in mind that resetting or making changes to your router settings may have unintended consequences. If you have any questions or need assistance, we recommend you check your router manual or online support documentation, or contact your Internet Service Provider or router manufacturer.
