How to Set Up Your Google Nest Cam (Battery)

What You Will Need

• Google Nest Cam (Battery) and included magnetic mounting plate, USB-C charging cable, and power adapter
• A smartphone or tablet with the Google Home app installed (Android 8.0+ or iOS 15.0+)
• A Google account
• A 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi network
• A drill, screws, and wall anchors (included) for outdoor or wall mounting

Charging Before Installation

Before mounting the Nest Cam (Battery), charge it fully using the included USB-C cable and power adapter. The LED indicator on the back of the camera shows charging progress. A solid green light means the battery is fully charged. A full charge takes approximately five hours and provides up to seven weeks of battery life depending on activity levels and settings.

Choosing an Indoor or Outdoor Location

The Nest Cam (Battery) is weather-resistant with an IP54 rating, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. For outdoor placement, position the camera under an eave or overhang to protect it from direct rain and extend battery life. Aim for a height of seven to ten feet for an optimal viewing angle that captures faces. Avoid pointing the camera at areas with heavy constant motion such as busy streets, as frequent recordings will drain the battery faster.

Mounting the Camera

1. Hold the magnetic mounting plate against the wall at your chosen location and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
2. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots. If mounting on drywall, insert the included wall anchors first.
3. Secure the mounting plate to the wall with the included screws using a Phillips-head screwdriver or drill.
4. Attach the camera to the mounting plate using the built-in magnet. The magnetic connection is strong and allows you to adjust the camera angle easily.
5. If you prefer a wire-free setup, no additional cables are needed. For continuous power, route the USB-C cable from the camera to a nearby outdoor-rated outlet.

Connecting to the Google Home App

1. Open the Google Home app and tap the + icon, then select Set up device and choose New device.
2. Select your home from the list or create a new one.
3. The app will scan for nearby devices. When the Nest Cam (Battery) appears, tap on it.
4. Scan the QR code located on the back of the camera (visible when the camera is removed from the mounting plate).
5. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The camera will connect and may download a firmware update.
6. Assign the camera to a room and give it a name like "Front Porch" or "Backyard."
7. Set your notification preferences. You can choose alerts for all motion, people only, vehicles, or animals.

Configuring Battery-Saving Settings

Because this camera runs on battery power, optimizing settings can significantly extend the time between charges.

• Video quality: Lowering the resolution from the maximum setting reduces power consumption per recording event.
• Activity zones: Define specific zones to monitor so the camera does not record every motion event across the full field of view.
• Event recording length: Shorten clip duration to conserve battery while still capturing essential moments.
• Home/Away Assist: Enable this feature so the camera only records when everyone has left the house, reducing unnecessary recordings.

Tips for Getting Started

• The Nest Cam (Battery) stores up to three hours of event recordings for free in the cloud. A Nest Aware subscription extends this to 30 or 60 days and adds features like familiar face detection.
• To check battery level, open the Google Home app, tap the camera, and look for the battery percentage in the device settings.
• You can use the camera with a Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max display for live viewing by saying "Hey Google, show me the front porch camera."
• If battery life is consistently short, consider connecting the camera to continuous power using a weatherproof USB-C cable and outdoor adapter.