Google Nest cameras are one of the many smart security cams in the market. Once set up on the Home or Nest app, you can easily monitor your home from anywhere. From time to time, you can experience the Nest camera not working problem either due to connectivity or software issues.
Out of the box (Nest Indoor cams), you enjoy live streaming, intelligent alerts, access to recorded events for up to 30 minutes, etc.
For additional features like Familiar face detection, Package detection, Activity Zones, 30-day Event storage, and so on, you have to subscribe to the Nest Aware plan.
It can be frustrating when your camera isn’t working as intended or won’t power on. I’ll help you explore the possible solutions to get your Nest camera back in action.
Why Is My Nest Camera Not Working?
The Nest camera isn’t working due to a prolonged power outage disconnection, it’s turned off on the camera settings or has corrupt firmware files. Power cycle the camera and confirm it is powered by observing the status LED light; any color indicates the camera receives power.
On the other hand, if no light comes on after unplugging and plugging it back, scroll down to the “Nest Camera won’t turn on” section.
Nest camera not working can be mainly attributed to network connection, power supply, or performance issues.
As with all smart Wi-Fi cameras, the security system has several failure points. Here are some common reasons;
- Camera disconnected and turned off after a prolonged power outage
- Poor network signal or inferences on the installation point
- Outdated App or device firmware
- Corrupt firmware files affecting the performance
- Camera settings – Nest cameras have an OFF/ON provision on the app
- Server outage
Whether the camera is hooked to the Google Home or Nest app, the troubleshooting steps are similar. The reference “app” refers to your respective choice.
Nest Camera Not Working – Troubleshooting
Nest cameras use a LED indicator to communicate their connection status. Observing the status indicator points you in the right direction – where to focus your troubleshooting efforts.
Primarily, nest cameras use three colors in different variations to indicate their status. The LED colors vary from model to model; here are the standard color meanings in Nest cameras.
- A Green LED color indicates the camera is online and working correctly.
- Pulsing Blue indicates the camera is ready to connect.
- A solid red light means something isn’t working correctly – a network or power issue.
- No light means the camera is turned off or not receiving power – confirm the outlet is working.
For Google Nest cam IQ models, a flashing red ring indicates inadequate power, while five yellow flashes indicate setup or network connection problems.
These solutions should guide you in identifying the source of the problem and getting your Nest camera back online;
Power Cycle the Camera and Network Router
Power cycling restarts a device and reinitializes its connection network connection. Sometimes, the solution lies in simple tasks.
Reboot your network router and all Nest devices to refresh the connection. Restarting also helps clear temporal configuration errors and solves IP conflicts within the network.
So, unplug the router from the power source, let it stay unplugged for a minute, and plug it back. Once the router boots up and reinitializes, test that you have an active Wi-Fi signal.
Use your phone or any other device and confirm you can access the internet. Remember, Nest cameras require a string signal to SYNC with the cloud servers.
Once the network is set, power cycle the Nest camera. Follow the same technique – unplug the USB from the adapter, wait for 20 – 30 seconds, and plug it back.
Give the camera one to two minutes to reconnect. Once connected, observe the status LED; a solid green light means the camera is online and should work.
Also, confirm your Nest camera network compatibility. Some older Nest cams only support 2.4 GHz networks, while newer models can run on 5 GHz.
If your router broadcasts 2.4 and 5 GHz bands on a single SSID, you must separate them into two different networks. This helps you avoid conflicts and only connect the devices to the compatible frequency.
If your camera can’t connect, follow this Nest camera not connecting troubleshooting guide.
Double-Check Your Camera Settings
Unlike most camera brands, you can turn off your Nest camera on the app. The camera remains powered and connected to your Wi-Fi network for remote access.
However, all other camera functionalities are lost – it won’t detect motion, stream live video, record, or save event activity.
Again, the camera can be turned on and off through scheduling. I once forgot a set schedule and thought my camera was dead.
Confirm the camera is ON or OFF in the Nest app by following these steps;
- Launch the Nest app
- Select the camera on the Home Screen
- Tap the Settings icon
- Toggle on the “Camera On/Off” switch
For Google Home cameras;
Open the Home app > Hold the camera tile on the home screen to load up live stream > Tap the More option (three dots) > Select Turn on or off.
Move The Camera to A New Location
The Wi-Fi signal weakens the further you move from the router; due to signal interference or obstacles.
The presence of signal jammers, electronic devices, baby monitors, thick walls, etc., all contribute to a poor signal at the camera installation point.
The Wi-Fi range depends on your network setup. Are you on a single network access point or have Google Nest Wi-Fi with mesh topology?
Moving the camera to a closer location within your network’s ranges ensure that the camera receives a sufficient signal to sync to cloud servers and support live video streaming.
Ensure the installation point has solid Wi-Fi network coverage.
Apart from network coverage, weather conditions also come into play when selecting a location.
According to Google, Nest cameras charging temperature ranges from 0°F to 100°F (-18°C to 38°C), while the operating temperature is -4°F to 104°F (-20°C – 40°C).
Ensure the installation point isn’t close to the heating or cooling source.
Check for App Updates
New app versions are periodically released to address known software bugs and introduce new features.
Running on an outdated version is a caveat in the app’s service delivery; you aren’t getting the most from your Nest system.
Therefore, confirm the app’s version by checking your respective app store (Android or iOS). If there is a new release, kindly update your app.
Check For Server Outages
Nest devices must sync with the cloud servers to function effectively and communicate with the app.
Sometimes, downtime or server outage occurs, affecting the cloud servers’ availability. The app requests to the server go unanswered.
Ultimately affecting the app’s performance and functionality.
Luckily, server outages don’t go unnoticed and are reported on several channels. All users in the affected location experience glitch in the smart systems.
You can use the down detector tool or check on popular social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, etc.)
Reset The Camera and Reconnect
Factory resetting clears all the configurations and restores the default settings. Ensure your back up your essential clips before performing the reset.
To fully reset your camera, remove it from the app before resetting. This disassociates it from your account, and no residual data is spared.
To delete the camera, open the Nest or Home app > select the offline camera from the home screen > tap the settings cog > under the camera settings, scroll to “Remove Device” and hit it.
To factory reset your camera, find the reset button (in front or back, depending on your model), press and hold it with a paper clip for 10 – 15 seconds.
Older generation Nest cams have no reset button; removing them from the app initiates the reset process.
The camera resets and reboots; observe the LED indicator to confirm the pairing mode. Once the camera is ready to pair, reconnect it to the app and upgrade to the latest firmware.
Contact Nest Support
Still can’t get your Nest camera to function?
Try contacting Nest support with the device activity log for guidance. We could be dealing with a faulty unit that needs replacing.
Nest Camera Won’t Turn On
The nest camera won’t turn because it has lost the power connection or is manually turned off. Confirm your camera is ON and perform a power cycle by unplugging the USB from the adapter. Once unplugged, wait for 20 – 30 seconds and plug it back.
Again, it could be due to a tripped power outlet or issues in your circuit breaker. Test the outlet and ensure it receives sufficient voltage before connecting the camera.
A simple test method would be to plug your phone or laptop charger into the outlet and try charging your device. If the device charges, the outlet works and should power the camera.
Alternatively, move the camera different outlet and try accessing it from the app. You should get a live feed once the camera connects to your network.
Final Thoughts
Nest cameras hold a considerable chunk of the smart camera market – Especially from Google Home devices ecosystem enthusiasts.
I have a friend who won’t install any other smart device in his house. When I try to peach a new device to him, the first question is, “Does it work with Google Home?” always.
Nest cameras not working can be frustrating. Luckily, the troubleshooting steps are relatively simple, and you can get the camera back in action.
