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 5 GHz 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 16.1 or later
- Your Bluetooth turned on.
- Latest version of the Google Home app.
Important: You need to scan a QR code on the back or bottom of your camera when you add it to the app. To make sure that you can access the QR code, connect your camera to the app before you install or mount it.
Step 1: Download or update the app that 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 that 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 that you use to set up your camera.
Google Home app
- If you haven't already done so, download the Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the Google Home app
. If prompted, sign in with your Google Account.
- From the Home tab, tap Add
Device
.
- Choose the home that you want to add your camera to, or select Add another home to create a new one. Then, tap Next.
- The app looks for nearby devices. When prompted, select the camera model that you have as the device that you want to set up.
- Use your phone's camera to scan your camera's QR code. You can also tap Continue without scanning and enter the setup code.
Tip: If you don't know where the setup code is, tap Find the code for help. - The app walks you through setup and installation.
. If prompted, sign in with your 
Device Nest app
If you already have an account
Important: If you have more than one home in your account, make sure that you select the Nest home where you want to install your camera. Tap Menu
- Open the Nest app
.
.Note: If you have more than one home in your account, make sure that you select the Nest home where you want to install your camera. Tap Menu
- 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've already signed in to 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 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. But, if you need more tips for your camera, select your camera below for detailed instructions.
Step 4: Learn how to use your camera
Troubleshoot issues during setup
During setup, the app lets you connect your camera to Wi-Fi, personalise 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, try the following to 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 that 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 that you can do to try to fix the issue:
- If your camera uses a cable to stay powered, check that the cable and power socket work properly. Use another compatible cable or power socket 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 that 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 socket work properly. Use another compatible cable or power socket 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 that it's seated correctly on its stand when you remount it.
If your camera's video is distorted, here are a few things that 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.