Learn about night vision

Google Nest cameras' night vision uses high-power infrared (IR) LEDs to illuminate the scene when it's dark.

When you set night vision to Auto, the cameras switch between normal and night modes when the light gradually changes. For example, at dusk or dawn, when the lighting is marginal. Some cameras will flip back and forth between normal and night modes, which makes the video too light or too dark.

Night vision basics

When night vision is on and someone turns on the lights, your Nest camera quickly switches to normal video mode.
Nest cameras can also figure out when someone's trying to blind them by shining a torch at them. Night vision is designed to stay on when that happens, so that you can determine what a trespasser is up to.
The IR LEDs are positioned so that they fully illuminate the camera's wide-angle view instead of just spotlighting part of the centre.
Night vision range depends on how much light there is, and which camera or doorbell you have. Test your camera's recorded or live video when it's dark outside and adjust its position, or add lighting if needed.
If there are any light sources in the area, your camera may be able to see even further.
When night vision is on, video streams in black and white. This is true even if there's plenty of light in the scene.

Change night vision settings

Set night vision to Auto, so that it switches on and off automatically.

When set to Auto, your camera automatically turns on night vision when it gets dark. The camera turns it off when there's enough ambient light.
When set to Always on, night vision stays on until you manually set it to Auto or Off, even if there's plenty of ambient light. This setting is useful if you want to be able to see a dim or dark area of an otherwise well-lit scene.