This article explains how to set up and use a Nest security camera, which offers HD quality videos, live-streaming capabilities, and features like motion and sound detection and alerts.
What to Know
- Setup: Download Nest app > setup account > Add Product > scan QR code > plug in cam > connect to Wi-Fi.Positioning: Nest Cam can sit, or stick to metal surfaces via magnets. Footage: Access footage from Nest app on phone, tablet, or Apple TV.
How to Set up Your Nest Cam
Once you’ve decided on a location for your Nest cam, setting it up takes just a few steps and you should be able to accomplish it within minutes.
- Download the Nest app on your smartphone or tablet:
- Nest app for Android
- Nest app for iOS
- Set up a new Nest account.
- Launch the app, tap Add Product and use your phone to scan the QR code on your Nest Cam. You can find the QR code on the back of the camera.
- Plug the Nest Cam into the power outlet and connect it to your Wi-Fi using the Nest app.
Correct Nest Cam Positioning
Once the camera is plugged in and connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can position it in whatever way you want. The base of the camera is magnetic, and this expands how you can position your camera in different places around the house.
Download the Nest app on your smartphone or tablet:
- Nest app for Android
- Nest app for iOS
Set up a new Nest account.
Launch the app, tap Add Product and use your phone to scan the QR code on your Nest Cam. You can find the QR code on the back of the camera.
Plug the Nest Cam into the power outlet and connect it to your Wi-Fi using the Nest app.
Once you’ve found a great place to position the camera, you can set up the features you want to use via the Nest app. Set the camera to monitor sound, motion, or both.
Accessing and Storing Nest Cam Footage
Using the app, you can check on your Nest Cam any time you want from your phone, tablet, or with the app on Apple TV. There are also Nest Aware packages provided by the manufacturers that allow you to store your footage on the cloud. With the cloud, you can stream footage for as long as you want without having to worry about where you’re going to store it.
Nest Cam Versatility and Control
The beauty of the Nest Cam is its versatility. Once it’s up and running, you can move it around the house as you wish. To a new area for coverage, unplug it, then plug it back in at the location of your choice.
Via the Nest app, you have control over all of the security settings on the camera no matter the location. You can switch any connected Nest devices on or off, choose how sensitive you want those security settings to be, and you can access the two-way audio and night vision.
The Nest Cam Security Camera Family
There are three types of Nest Cams:
- Nest Cam Indoor: The baseline camera has crisp 1080p footage and a 130-degree wide-angle view. The night vision is excellent as the camera can easily differentiate between real sunlight and a flashlight. You can also customize the type of email notifications you get, whether it should be based on people, motion, or sound. It’s compatible with most smart home devices.
- Nest Cam IQ: Adds other perks, like a 4K sensor and facial recognition. It can even zoom in on someone in a room and follow them around.
- Nest Cam Outdoor: Basically the Nest Cam Indoor, but rated for outdoor use. It has all the features of the Indoor with the added advantage that it can brave the elements better.
Once you install and activate your Nest Cam, you must subscribe to Nest Aware. You have three options:
- Free plan: On the free plan you can access the previous 3 hours of saved footage.Lower tier plan: On the lower tier paid plan, you get the previous 10 days of footage.Higher tier plan: The priciest plan per camera gives you access to the last 30 days of footage, plus the ability to access intelligent alerts, setup zones of activity in your house, and share time-lapses and clips with your friends. You also get 2-way audio, where you can talk to and listen to someone via the camera.
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