If you have a new Google Nest camera or you need to re-add your camera, download the Google Home or Nest app.
You need the app to connect your camera to Wi-Fi and get recorded video. Use the app to guide you through setup and installation.
Before you begin
To begin setup, you need:
- Your Nest camera
- A 2.4 GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connection
- A compatible mobile device:
- Android phone or tablet with Android 9.0 or later (Android 5.0 or later for Nest app setup)
- iPhone or iPad with iOS 17.0 or later
- Your Bluetooth turned on
- Latest version of the Google Home app
Important: You need to scan the QR code located on a removable sticker on the front of your camera to add it to the app. To make sure you can access the QR code, connect your camera to the app before you install or mount it. Make sure to keep the QR code sticker, as it will be required for any future setup or troubleshooting.
Step 1: Download or update the app you need
Depending on which camera model you have, use either the Google Home app or Nest app to set it up. Download the one you need from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Use the Google Home app to set up the following Nest cameras:
- Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen)
- Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen)
- Nest Cam (wired)
- Nest Cam with Floodlight
- Nest Cam (battery)
Use the Nest app to set up the following Nest cameras:
Step 2: Add your camera to the app with the QR code
Choose the instructions that match the app you use to set up your camera.
Important:
- Make sure that you plug in or charge your camera and wait for it to turn on before you connect it to the Google Home app.
- If the device has been used before, factory reset your camera or doorbell before you continue.
- Open the Google Home app
.
-
At the top right, tap Add
Device
.
- Or, if a setup screen for your device appears, tap Set up or Next.
- If it’s not the correct device, tap Not now or Set up a different device.
- Or, if a setup screen for your device appears, tap Set up or Next.
-
Scan the QR code of your device. A check mark appears when the scan is complete.
- If you can’t scan the QR code:
- Tap Use setup code, then enter the setup code for your device.
Tip: The Google Home app provides additional details to help you locate and use your device setup code.
- Tap Add a different way, enter your device in the search bar, then select your device.
- Tap Use setup code, then enter the setup code for your device.
- If you can’t scan the QR code:
- Wait for your app to connect to the device. Once it’s finished, you’ll see a confirmation screen that says, “Connected.”
- Follow the in-app steps to complete setup.
Device If you already have an account
Important: If you have more than one home in your account, make sure to select the Nest home where you want to install your camera. Tap Menu 
- Open the Nest app
.
- Tap Settings
.
- Select Add product
.
- Scan the QR code at the back of your camera. You can also tap Continue without scanning and type the numbers at the top of the QR code.
- Follow the rest of the on-screen prompts.
.
.
.Add your camera to the Google Home app after setup
Tip: If you already signed into the Nest app with a Google Account, your Nest camera should automatically appear in your home in the Google Home app.
After setup in the Nest app, you can add your Nest camera to your home in the Google Home app. This lets you control your camera and other compatible connected devices, like a smart bulb or Google speaker in one place.
Learn how to set up smart devices in the Google Home or Nest app.
Step 3: Install your camera
The app gives you basic installation instructions to mount or install your Nest camera. If you need more tips for your camera, select your camera below for detailed instructions.
Step 4: Learn how to use your camera
To help you get started with your camera, we selected the most important articles you should read in our Get started using your Nest camera article.
Troubleshoot issues during setup
During setup, the app lets you connect your camera to Wi-Fi, personalize settings, check the video quality, and more.
If you have any issues, here are some quick tips.
Important: The interactive troubleshooting tool is only recommended if you use the Nest app to set up your camera.
If a help message with the code appears in the app, get detailed troubleshooting help from our interactive troubleshooting tool for Nest cameras and doorbells.
If you can’t find your Wi-Fi network, or if your camera has trouble with its Wi-Fi connection, here are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue:
- Wait a few minutes, then try to connect your camera again.
- Move your camera closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve the signal.
- Reduce wireless interference.
- Restart your router.
- If you have a hidden Wi-Fi network, you need to type in the network name (SSID) manually.
For more tips, refer to Troubleshoot adding Nest camera to the app.
Signs that your camera doesn't get enough power include the following:
- Your camera won’t turn on.
- You get a message or status in the app that tells you there isn’t enough power.
- The Wi-Fi connection and the video quality can also be reduced when there isn’t enough power.
Here are some things you can do to try to fix the issue:
- If your camera uses a cable to stay powered, check that the cable and power outlet work properly. Use another compatible cable or power outlet with your camera to check if it works.
- If your camera is battery-powered, recharge it when the battery is low. You should also make sure it’s seated correctly on its stand when you remount it.
If your camera has video delays or lag, it’s usually a sign that the Wi-Fi connection is weak. It could also be a sign that your camera doesn’t have enough power. To fix the issue, try the following:
- Move your camera closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve the signal.
- Reduce wireless interference.
- If your camera uses a cable to stay powered, check that the cable and power outlet work properly. Use another compatible cable or power outlet with your camera to check if it works.
- If your camera is battery-powered, recharge it when the battery is low. You should also make sure it’s seated correctly on its stand when you remount it.
If your camera’s video is distorted, here are a few things you can try:
- Dust off the camera lens.
- Angle the camera so that it’s not directly facing the sun’s beams.
- Put your camera somewhere shady and protected from extreme weather conditions. While outdoor cameras are built to work outside of your home, extreme hot or cold temperatures can affect things like the video quality.
For more tips, refer to Troubleshoot Nest camera video distortion.