You need to have a stable power connection for your Google Nest camera to turn on, stream, and record videos. If your camera is offline, won’t turn on, or suddenly drops its connection, it might be a cable or adapter issue.
Other cable, adapter, or power issues may include the following:
- There are no LED lights on the camera.
- The Nest or Home app shows that the camera is offline even though the internet connection is working and other products are online.
- The camera intermittently powers on and off.
Check the cable and power requirements for your Nest camera
Before you set up your Nest camera, or if you experience issues, check that your power source meets the device requirements.
|
Camera Model |
Cable requirement |
Power requirement |
| Nest Cam Indoor | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
AC adapter output: 5V DC, 1.4A Camera input: 5V DC, 1.0A |
| Nest Cam Indoor (wired) | 10 ft (3.0 m) | 7.5W |
| Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen) | 10 ft (3.0 m) | Power adapter output: 5V, 1.5A, 7.5W |
| Nest Cam IQ Indoor | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
Power adapter output: 15V DC, 1.87A Camera input: 15V DC, 1.0A |
| Nest Cam Outdoor |
25 ft (7.5 m) 10 ft (3 m) captive cable that plugs into an outdoor power adapter and a 15 ft (4.5 m) power cord |
AC adapter output: 5V DC, 1.4A Camera input: 5V DC, 1.0A |
|
Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen) |
18 ft (5.5 m) | Power adapter output: 12.0V, 0.75A, 9.0W |
| Nest Cam IQ Outdoor |
25 ft (7.5 m) |
AC adapter output: 15V DC, 1.87A Camera input: 15V DC, 1.0A |
Troubleshooting
Here are some reasons your Nest camera might not be working:
- The cable isn't securely plugged into the camera and the power outlet.
- There are physical damages on the camera or cables.
- There’s insufficient power to the camera.
- If there’s no LED light on the camera, it might be turned off.
Troubleshoot to identify if the issue is about the outlet, adapter, cable, or your Nest camera.
Check if the issue is with the power outlet you’re using.
- Unplug your Nest camera and plug it into a different power outlet in your home.
- Check if the outlet isn’t controlled by a light switch.
Important: Do not use an external battery pack or a USB-connected battery. - Plug another working device into the original outlet and check if your Nest camera works.
- If your Nest camera doesn’t work, continue to the next step.
- Replace your adapter. Your camera needs a specific type of power adapter to work correctly.
- Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd gen): Use a USB-C wall adapter with at least 1.5 A (5V DC).
- Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen): Use a 4-pin adapter with at least 0.75 A (12V DC).
- Nest Cam Indoor (wired), Nest Cam Indoor (wired), Nest Cam IQ Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: Use one with at least 1.5A (5V DC).
- Plug the camera into a working outlet.
- If the camera starts up, replace the Nest power adapter.
- If the camera doesn't turn on, check the cable. If the cable appears undamaged, you may need to replace the camera.
- If the camera doesn't turn on at any outlet, but starts with the computer, replace the Nest power adapter. If it still doesn't turn on, continue to the next step.
- Check the power cable for damage.
- Remove and reinsert the cable, then check if the LED light is blinking.
- If the LED blinks or the camera power cycles, remove the USB cable from the camera or adapter.
- Wait 5 seconds, then plug it back in.
- If the camera still doesn't turn on, or the LED blinks when moved, test a different USB cable.
- If this works, replace the cable.
- If you don't have another cable, continue to the next step.
- Make sure the USB cable fits into the port and isn’t loose.
- If loose, try a different USB cable. If the camera works, replace the original cable.
- If any cable is loose and the camera doesn't power on, it might be that your camera's USB port is faulty.