If you wish to improve your home’s security system, investing in a Nest camera is a great idea. Nest camera comes with an extensive list of abilities like HD video streaming, motion detection in the field of vision, and high-activity area detection. Anybody would love a home security system that can be managed remotely using their smartphones, and that is exactly what you get when you opt for Nest cameras.
Nest camera apps also allow users the convenience of customizing the notifications. This way, you can get real-time updates from wherever you are. However, you must first install the Nest camera in your home to enjoy all these benefits. This guide will help you easily install the Nest cameras indoors or outdoors.
How to Install Nest Cameras Indoor and Outdoors?
To set up your Nest camera either outdoors or indoors, you will require a compatible smartphone or tablet with a stable Wi-Fi connection. Once you have access to this, you can carefully follow each of the steps below to carry out the installation process.
1. Gather Necessary Tools
- Almost all the tools you need to install the Nest cameras are generally included in the box in which your camera comes. This includes,
- Camera wall plate
- Mounting magnet
- Cable clips for securing the cables
- Adapter wall plate
- Wall anchors for installation on hard surfaces like stone or brick.
- For wall plate installation and cable clips, you need to keep a 3/32” drill bit and a screwdriver handy.
- If you are going to use the wall anchors, you will also need a masonry drill of 7/32”.
- You must also have a hammer.
2. Find Right Location
Before you start to mount the Nest camera, evaluate all the available surfaces in your home and decide the best location where you would want to place your Nest camera. You will need to factor in things like outdoor outlet access and shelter. Nest cameras are weatherproof, but you still need to avoid placing it in an exposed area since snow, rain, and excess sunlight can diminish the camera view. Try to pick a place below an overhang.
The Nest Cam by Google has two versions: Battery-Powered Wireless and Wired. If you have opted for the wired Nest Cam, you need to pick a location that has an accessible power source nearby. The power cable with Nest Cam is weatherproof which means you can even use it outdoors. In case you do not have an available outlet, you can drill through the wall to get access to an indoor outlet. Push the power cable cord through this drilled hole and ensure the remaining space is caulked around later.
You get more placement options if you choose a battery-powered Nest Cam. Since this battery is pretty long-lasting (about a month), you do not need to worry about placing the Nest Cam near a power source. You only need to ensure that you have a stable wifi connection.
It is also recommended that you place the camera at least 7-10 feet above the ground to get a proper camera vision.
3. Plug Camera
The power cable length of the Nest Cam is 25 ft, which is about 7.5m. You need to plug this cable into an outlet so that it can monitor live feeds 24/7 and even give out security alerts. You can use either of the two options given below.
a. Outdoor Outlet
The most convenient option would be to plug the power cable of your camera to an outdoor outlet. You must also consider installing a lockable cover titled ‘While in use’ over the outdoor outlet. This prevents your Nest Cam from getting unplugged.
b. Adapter
If there is no outdoor outlet available, you can make use of a light socket adapter. Such an adapter will convert a landscaping light or porch light into an adapter.
4. Mount Camera
Once you have the tools ready, and have selected an appropriate location, it is time to mount the Nest Cam. You must follow the steps below to mount your Nest Cam in the selected location.
- For the wireless camera, you need to check whether the wall you are placing the camera on is receiving good wifi connectivity.
- Make dots on the wall using a pencil and the wall mount. This gives you a clear idea about the screw placement.
- Use your drill to drill holes for the screw and mount the plate there.
- Once done, place the Nest Cam on this wall mount.
5. Set Up Nest App
Once the above steps are done, you need to set up the Nest app on your smartphone to enable remote control and monitoring function. You can set up the Nest app in the following way.
- Download the Nest app on your smart device, launch it, sign up, and register.
- Plug your Nest Cam to the power source or start up your wireless Nest Cam. The camera needs to be on a stable surface for this step.
- You will hear a chime sound and the camera will light up.
- On the Nest app, tap on the ‘+’ icon to add a new camera.
- Scan the QR code given on your Nest Cam.
- Name your Nest Cam according to the location you have placed it in.
6. Connect Camera to Wi-Fi
Once you have the Nest app installed and the Nest Cam set up, it is time to connect your camera to the wireless connection in your home. This step is applicable for the wireless Nest Cams. The Nest app will show you the necessary steps to find your home network. You can connect to this network by keying in the password.
7. Test Camera
Once your Nest Cam is connected to the wireless network at your home and the Nest app on your smartphone or tablet, you are done! Go to the Nest app on your phone and check what area you can see through your camera. Adjust the camera positioning if it doesn’t seem right. After this, test the live video stream to ensure that your Nest Cam is functioning as per your expectations.
How to Install Nest Cameras Indoor and Outdoor – FAQs
Ans: No, you should not use a Nest indoor camera outside since it is not meant for outdoor use. When you use it outdoors, it can cause certain damages in the camera which can void the warranty.
Ans: it is recommended that you install your Nest Cam in an area which is shaded. For instance, you can install it under an eave, which would prevent direct sun exposure of the lens and avoid overheating on very hot days.
Ans: Yes, you will need a stable Wi-Fi connection for the Nest outdoor camera to operate. You would also need to establish a connection to the Nest service so that the recorded videos can be uploaded and saved securely on the cloud.
Ans: Yes, Nest Cam records 24/7 video streams. These videos can be accessed at any time from the cloud.
Ans: The duration of battery life for Nest Cam varies depending on the frequency of its usage, particularly for recording.
*Busy – 1.5 months
*Typical – 3 months
*Quiet – 7 months
Ans: Yes, you will need to pay a subscription fee every month to avail the basic features of Google Nest cameras. You can also subscribe to the enhanced Nest Aware Plus plan with several extended features. This upgraded version will now cost you $15 per month.
Conclusion
The above guide makes the Google Nest Cam installation process pretty easy and quick. Once you have used the above guide to install Google Nest Cam, take some time to explore each of its features to utilize this camera to its maximum potential. This way you can get the best security possible from Nest Cam for your home.
