How to Set Up Your Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)

What You Will Need

• Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) and included USB 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 flat surface or the included wall mount and mounting hardware

Choosing a Location

The Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired) is designed for indoor use and should be placed where it has a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Common locations include entryways, living rooms, nurseries, and home offices. The camera has a 135-degree diagonal field of view, so mounting it in a corner can maximize coverage. Ensure the location is within reach of a power outlet, as the camera must remain plugged in at all times. Avoid pointing the camera directly at windows, as bright backlight can wash out the image.

Mounting the Camera

1. Decide whether to place the camera on a flat surface using its magnetic base or mount it on a wall. For wall mounting, use the included wall plate and screws.
2. If wall mounting, hold the wall plate against the desired spot and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Drill pilot holes if mounting on drywall, and use the provided wall anchors for added support.
3. Secure the wall plate with the included screws and snap the camera's magnetic base onto the plate. The magnetic connection allows you to easily adjust the angle after mounting.
4. Route the USB cable along the wall or baseboard to the nearest power outlet. Use cable clips to keep it neat and prevent tripping hazards.

Connecting to the Google Home App

1. Plug the USB cable into the camera and connect the other end to the power adapter. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet. The camera's LED light will begin pulsing, indicating it is ready for setup.
2. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
3. Tap the + icon and select Set up device, then choose New device.
4. Select the home where you want to add the camera. If you have not created a home yet, follow the prompts to create one.
5. The app will search for nearby devices. When the Nest Cam appears, tap it to begin pairing.
6. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the camera using your phone's camera when prompted. This links the camera to your Google account.
7. Select the Wi-Fi network for the camera and enter the password. The camera will connect and download any pending firmware updates.
8. Choose the room where the camera is located and give it a descriptive name, such as "Living Room Camera" or "Nursery Cam."
9. Configure your notification preferences: choose whether to receive alerts for all motion, people only, or specific activity zones.

Setting Up Activity Zones

Activity zones let you define specific areas within the camera's field of view to monitor. This reduces false alerts from areas with constant movement, like a ceiling fan or a window with passing traffic.

1. In the Google Home app, select your Nest Cam and tap the gear icon for settings.
2. Tap Activity Zones and draw a rectangle over the area you want to monitor.
3. Name the zone and save. You can create multiple zones and set different notification preferences for each.

Tips for Getting Started

• A Nest Aware subscription unlocks 30 or 60 days of video history, familiar face detection, and continuous recording. Without a subscription, you get three hours of event-based recording at no cost.
• Use Google Assistant to view the camera feed on a Nest Hub display by saying "Hey Google, show me the living room camera."
• Adjust the camera's video quality settings in the app if you are on a limited internet plan. Lowering resolution reduces bandwidth usage.
• Enable Home/Away Assist in the Google Home app to have the camera automatically start or stop recording based on whether anyone is home.