A Nest outdoor security camera is a great way to monitor your home’s exterior. With its weatherproof design, high-definition video, and intelligent alerts, a Nest cam gives you 24/7 visibility and peace of mind. Installing a Nest outdoor camera is a straightforward process that you can tackle yourself in about an hour. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps for installing your new Nest outdoor security camera.
Choose the Right Location
The first step in installing your Nest outdoor camera is picking the right spot to mount it. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing a location:
Field of View
Consider what areas you want your Nest cam to monitor. Position it so the camera’s field of view covers your home’s entrances, yard, driveway, or any other zones you want to keep an eye on. Nest cams have a 130° diagonal field of view.
Power Source
You’ll need a power source for your Nest camera within 16 feet (5 meters). So choose an installation spot near an outdoor electrical outlet. If needed, use an outdoor extension cord rated for your climate.
WiFi Signal
Your Nest cam needs a strong WiFi connection to stream video. Install it within range of your home’s WiFi network. The Nest app can check signal strength to help you identify the best spot.
Mounting Surface
Pick a solid mounting surface like the exterior wall of your home, soffit, or eave. Don’t install the Nest cam on vinyl siding, which can flex over time. Avoid pointing the cam at a busy street or neighbors’ windows to respect privacy.
Gather the Required Tools and Hardware
Installing your Nest outdoor security camera will require some basic DIY tools and hardware. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Nest Cam Outdoor or Nest Cam IQ Outdoor security camera
- Power drill with assorted drill bits
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Stud finder
- Nail or screws for mounting
- Weatherproof exterior caulking (optional)
- Heat gun (optional)
You’ll also need a smartphone or tablet with the Nest app installed to set up the camera. And if you don’t have outdoor power outlets, an exterior extension cord can come in handy.
Turn Off Power to the Installation Area
Before installing your Nest camera hardware, turn off power to the installation area at your home’s circuit breaker. Cutting power reduces the risk of shocks or damage to the camera from live wires.
If you don’t have an outdoor electrical outlet and plan to use an extension cord, keep the cord unplugged for now. Turn the power back on only after mounting and connecting your Nest cam.
Mount the Nest Cam Bracket
Your Nest cam comes with a mounting plate and hardware for attaching the camera to your home. Here are the steps to mount the bracket:
1. Mark the Screw Holes
Hold the mounting plate against your chosen surface. Use a pencil to mark the locations of the plate’s screw holes.
If installing on drywall, use a stud finder to mark stud locations. You’ll want to anchor at least one screw in a stud for stability.
2. Drill Pilot Holes
Use a 1/16” drill bit to drill pilot holes in the marked locations. Drilling pilots prevents the mounting screws from cracking drywall or masonry.
If screwing into studs, drill 1/8” pilot holes. For masonry surfaces like brick or concrete, use masonry drill bits and anchors.
3. Secure the Mounting Plate
Place the mounting plate back over the pilot holes. Insert the provided screws through the plate holes and into the wall. Tighten the screws using a screwdriver until the plate is firmly fixed.
4. Seal Around the Screws
Sealing around the screws with exterior caulk isn’t required, but can help prevent moisture getting behind the plate. Apply a bead of caulk around the plate’s perimeter if desired.
Attach the Nest Cam to the Mounting Bracket
With the mounting plate securely installed, you can now attach your Nest cam:
1. Plug In Power
If using an extension cord, plug it into a GFCI protected outdoor electrical outlet. Leave the cord switched off for now.
2. Align and Attach the Camera
Power on your Nest cam if needed and remove any protective packaging. Align the camera’s base with the mounting plate. Turn the cam clockwise to lock it into place.
3. Adjust the Position
Your Nest cam can tilt and rotate to fine-tune its viewing angle. Adjust as needed to get your preferred field of view.
Avoid pointing the camera lens directly at sunlight, which can cause glare and reflections.
4. Remove the Camera (Optional)
To detach the Nest cam later, simply turn the base counterclockwise. There’s no need to remove the mounting plate each time.
Connect Your Camera to WiFi
With your Nest cam mechanically installed, it’s time to get it connected to your home WiFi network:
1. Switch on the Power
Plug in your outdoor extension cord or turn on power to outdoor outlets at the circuit breaker. Your Nest cam will boot up.
2. Open the Nest App
On your smartphone, open the Nest app. Follow the on-screen prompts to create your Nest account if you don’t already have one.
3. Add the Nest Cam
In the Nest app, select Add Product. Follow the instructions to add your outdoor Nest cam to your account using the camera’s QR code.
4. Connect to WiFi
When prompted, choose your home WiFi network’s name and enter the password. This will connect your Nest cam to WiFi for mobile streaming.
Once connected, you can name your camera, enable mobile alerts, and take advantage of Nest’s intelligent features like facial recognition. Your outdoor security camera is now fully installed and ready to go!
How to Install a Nest Cam with Existing Outdoor Wiring
If your home already has outdoor security camera wiring installed, you may be able to connect your Nest cam using the existing cables for a clean, wire-free installation. Here’s how to hook up a Nest cam to existing outdoor cabling:
1. Identify the Wires
Locate the previously installed security camera cables. They typically include a power wire bundle and an analog video line. You’ll need to disconnect these from any old security system.
2. Connect the Power Wires
Separate the power wires. Connect the positive wire to the Nest cam’s power input port, and connect the negative wire to the port marked with a dashed line.
3. Connect the Analog Wire (Optional)
If an analog video line is available, you can optionally connect this to the “A” port on your Nest cam marked with the arrow icon. This enables 24/7 continuous video recording.
4. Mount the Camera
Follow the normal mounting steps, treating the wired cables like an extension cord. Just ensure you leave slack so the cam can be removed later.
5. Finish Setup
Complete WiFi setup in the Nest app. The existing wiring provides power and connectivity for your Nest cam installation.
Troubleshooting Common Nest Cam Installation Issues
Having trouble installing your Nest outdoor security camera? Here are some solutions to common issues:
Camera Won’t Power On
- Check that power is switched on at the circuit breaker.
- Make sure the extension cord is plugged into the outlet and camera.
- Try using a different, high-quality outdoor extension cord.
Can’t Connect to WiFi
- Double check your WiFi password entered in the app.
- Move the camera closer to your router for a stronger signal.
- Restart your WiFi router and camera.
- Check for firmware updates for the camera.
Mount Is Loose
- Ensure screws are tightened firmly into studs or masonry anchors.
- Use larger screws if the included hardware is too small for the mounting surface.
- Add extra washers between the screw head and bracket for more stability.
Getting Overheating Error Messages
- Position the camera out of direct sunlight.
- Add an overhang above the camera for shade.
- Ensure the ambient temperature doesn’t exceed the Nest cam’s 122°F (50°C) limit.
- Improve airflow around the camera.
Still running into trouble? You can contact Nest support for additional installation help.
Tips for Optimal Placement of Your Nest Outdoor Camera
Where you place your Nest cam outdoors has a big impact on its performance. Here are tips for optimal Nest camera placement:
- Install under an eave or overhang to keep the camera shaded and dry.
- Angle the camera down at a 20-30° tilt for the widest field of view.
- Position at least 8 feet (2.5 m) off the ground to deter tampering.
- Avoid pointing at busy roads or neighbors’ windows to respect privacy.
- Place near energy-saving LED outdoor lighting to improve night vision.
- Keep the camera within 40 feet (12 m) of WiFi access points for best connectivity.
- For whole home coverage, install multiple cams covering different zones.
- Point cameras so any visitors face outward, not directly into the lens.
- Adjust settings like Home/Away Assist and Supersight to reduce false alerts.
With strategic placement using these tips, your Nest cams will get optimal views while avoiding false motion triggers.
Maintenance Tips for Your Nest Outdoor Security Camera
To keep your Nest camera in top condition, follow these maintenance best practices:
- Wipe the camera lens gently with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Use compressed air to clear debris from the camera and mount.
- Check that cabling is securely connected and free of damage or wear.
- Ensure the threaded base still turns smoothly when removing the Nest cam.
- Confirm that the latest Nest cam firmware is installed for new features and fixes.
- Consider an annual test to verify the camera’s video quality and wireless connectivity.
- Back up or download any important video footage, as older clips may be deleted.
- As needed, loosen seized screws and reseal around the mount with exterior caulk.
- If signal strength drops, relocate your router or install WiFi range extenders.
With periodic inspections and cleaning, your Nest outdoor camera can stay in flawless shape for years of reliable service. Contact Nest Support if you encounter any persistent hardware issues.
Conclusion
Installing a Nest Cam Outdoor is an easy DIY project to enhance your home’s security. By choosing the optimal spot, mounting the bracket securely, connecting power and WiFi, and fine-tuning the camera’s view, you can set up seamless outdoor surveillance. Strategic placement and regular maintenance will ensure your weatherproof Nest cam provides 24/7 peace of mind and intelligent monitoring of your property’s exterior. With handy features like high-def video, motion alerts, facial recognition and two-way audio, a Nest outdoor camera is a smart upgrade for protecting your home.