Resetting your Nest Outdoor camera to factory settings can come in handy if you’re experiencing issues with the device or getting ready to sell or gift it. Resetting restores the camera’s original software and clears all your personal data from the device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset your Nest Outdoor camera.
What You Need Before Resetting Your Nest Outdoor Camera
Before starting the reset process, make sure you have the following:
- The Nest Outdoor camera you want to reset.
- The Nest app installed on your phone or tablet.
- The username and password for the Nest account used to set up the camera.
Resetting your Nest camera disconnects it from your account. So have these credentials handy to reconnect it later.
Back Up Your Nest Outdoor Camera Data (Optional)
Resetting your Nest Outdoor camera erases all activity data stored on the device. This includes saved video history and familiar face data.
If you want to save this data before resetting, you can download a backup:
- Open the Nest app and go to Settings > Account > Download archive.
- Select the data you want to download (video history, snapshots, clips, and more).
- Tap ‘Download’ and wait for the backup file to download.
Store this backup safely if you need to restore data later.
Steps to Reset Your Nest Outdoor Camera to Factory Settings
Resetting your Nest Outdoor camera to factory settings only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the Nest Camera from Your Account
- Open the Nest app and go to Settings > Cameras.
- Tap on your Nest Outdoor camera name.
- Scroll down and tap ‘Remove’. Confirm again to remove it.
Removing the camera disconnects it from your Nest account.
2. Initiate the Hardware Reset
- Locate the reset button at the base of the Nest Outdoor camera.
- Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds using a pin or paperclip until the light on your camera blinks orange.
3. Re-add the Camera to Your Nest Account
- Open the Nest app.
- Tap ‘Add Product’ and follow the on-screen setup prompts to reconnect your reset Nest camera.
The camera will reboot itself and you’ll have to go through the initial configuration steps like setting up audio, video quality, Wifi network, etc.
Once the setup is complete, your Nest Outdoor camera is successfully reset to its original factory settings. All your custom settings and account data will be erased.
FAQs About Resetting Nest Outdoor Camera
Does resetting delete footage stored in the cloud?
No, resetting your Nest camera only erases data stored locally on the device. Your cloud recordings remain unaffected.
Can I reuse the camera after resetting?
Yes, you can re-add the reset camera to your Nest account or set it up on a new account during configuration.
Will resetting affect my Nest Aware subscription?
No, resetting doesn’t cancel or renew your Nest Aware service. Your subscription remains as is.
Does resetting change the camera’s firmware?
No, resetting reverts settings and connections but doesn’t modify the firmware. Your camera retains its original firmware version after a reset.
What settings are restored after I reset my camera?
Resetting restores factory defaults like video resolution, audio, activity zones, home/away assist, and more. All customizations are erased.
Can I reset a camera shared with me by someone else?
No, only the owner of the Nest account used to register the camera can perform a factory reset on it.
Conclusion
Resetting your Nest Outdoor camera can help resolve persistent issues, prepare it for resale, or wipe your personal data if giving it to someone else. The process only takes a few minutes and your Nest app has options to back up data before resetting if needed. With the steps above, you can easily master how to reset Nest Outdoor camera and troubleshoot camera issues.