Learn how to secure your Nest camera and what to do if it's tampered with or stolen.
A visible security camera can help deter potential intruders.
To discourage intruders, install your camera in a place where it can easily be seen. Make sure that its status light is on.
If you prefer your camera to blend in, coordinate its colour with the surroundings, like nearby items on a shelf.
Use the anti-theft screws (Nest Cam battery and floodlight)
If you’re installing a Nest Cam battery with the floodlight, make sure that you use the included anti-theft screws.
Anti-theft mount
When you place your Nest Cam (battery) indoors or outside, use the Wasserstein Anti-Theft Mount to help prevent theft and fall damage to your camera.
You can purchase the Wasserstein Anti-Theft Mount in the GStore.
Indoor cameras
- Run your camera's power cable behind furniture or shelving so that it's harder to spot and unplug.
- Install cable clips to help keep the power cable attached to the wall. Check your local hardware shop for availability.
Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
| This camera has a locking base that hides the power cable. Drill a 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) hole in your wall, run the cable through it and plug it into an indoor socket. Make sure that you identify any in-wall pipes or wiring before you drill the hole, or get installation help from a local professional. |  |
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Important: Do not paint or cover the camera. This can affect its sensors and performance, and may void the warranty. If you need to run the power cable along your exterior wall, use the included cable clips to secure it.
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Google Nest Cam Outdoor
You can protect your Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 1st and 2nd gen) against theft and tampering.
- This camera's cable is permanently attached. Use the included clips and screws to fasten the cable to a wall or surface.
- Use a clip near the camera to prevent someone from pulling on the cable to dislodge the camera.
- Run the cable along an edge, eave or another hidden area.
Important: Do not paint or cover the camera. This can affect its sensors and performance, and may void the warranty.
- Paint the power cable and clips to match your home.
- If your Nest Cam Outdoor is plugged into an outdoor socket, install a lockable 'while-in-use' or 'water and dust' cover to prevent it from being unplugged.
- Run the flat USB cable through a doorway and plug it into an indoor socket. Keep the cable out of reach by routing it through the top of the door.
- Drill a ⅞ inch (2.2 cm) hole through the wall and run the cable through it to plug it into an indoor socket. Make sure that you identify any in-wall pipes or wiring before you drill the hole, or have it installed by a local professional.
The Home app and the Nest app let you watch a live video stream from your camera. You'll also get additional intelligent alerts with a Google Home Premium subscription. This includes alerts such as familiar faces, and you'll be able to review your video history.
Most Nest camera's video footage is stored securely in your account in the app. Even if your camera is stolen, no one will be able to view or tamper with your footage.
The Nest Cam (battery), Nest Doorbell (battery), Nest Doorbell 2nd gen (wired) and Nest Doorbell 3rd gen (wired) include up to one hour of recorded video for on-device storage. It is only used as a backup if the camera can't upload video to the cloud (for instance, if it can't connect to Wi-Fi).
Your account is password protected. To help prevent unauthorised sign-ins and changes, never share your password.
You can add an extra layer of security by signing into the app with 2-Step Verification. To learn more about 2-Step Verification and how to set it up on your account, see:
Nest app only: Let someone else watch live video from your Nest camera and share the video stream through a password-protected link. This does not give them access to your Nest home.
- Review alerts and video footage to see what happened.
- If your Nest camera spots a vandal or a thief, it can send an activity alert. You can also get a notification if it's destroyed or taken out of range of your Wi-Fi network and goes offline. The email includes a snapshot of what your camera last captured.
- You can review your video history to check what happened if you have a Google Home Premium subscription. It can be jarring to watch someone break into your home. However, it can help you understand how it happened and prevent another incident.
Learn how to watch your video history. - You may also want to share the footage with law enforcement. To do this, create a video clip of the incident.
Learn how to create a video clip. - If your camera was moved or unplugged, you may want to find a new spot for it.
Theft replacement programme
If your Nest camera or doorbell is stolen, you may qualify for a replacement. Please go to the following article to learn more.