How to Fix Missing 24/7 Recording on Your Nest Camera
One of the most valuable features of the Nest ecosystem is the ability to have a continuous, 24/7 video history, allowing you to scroll back through time and see everything, not just motion-triggered events. If you've paid for a Nest Aware Plus subscription but find that your camera is still only recording clips, it can be confusing and frustrating.
This guide will help you understand the requirements for 24/7 recording and troubleshoot the reasons why it might not be working for you.
Key Requirements for 24/7 Recording
Before diving into troubleshooting, it's crucial to understand that 24/7 recording is not a default feature. It has two specific requirements:
- A Nest Aware Plus Subscription: The standard, lower-tier "Nest Aware" subscription only provides event-based video history (clips). You must be subscribed to the higher "Nest Aware Plus" tier to enable 24/7 recording.
- A Compatible, Wired Nest Camera: The feature is designed for Nest cameras that are continuously powered. Some battery-powered models, even when wired, are designed to save power and may only offer event-based recording.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If you believe you meet the requirements but the feature isn't working, follow these steps.
1. Verify Your Nest Aware Subscription
This is the most common reason for the feature being unavailable. You might be on the wrong subscription tier without realising it.
- Go to the Google Store website and sign in to your account.
- Navigate to the Subscriptions section.
- Find your Nest Aware subscription and confirm that it explicitly says "Nest Aware Plus".
- If it only says "Nest Aware," you will need to upgrade your plan to get the 24/7 video history feature.
2. Check Your Camera Model's Compatibility
Not all Nest cameras are created equal. Most wired models support the feature, but battery-powered models have limitations.
- Supported Models (generally include): Nest Cam IQ (Indoor/Outdoor), Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Doorbell (wired).
- Unsupported Models: The Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Doorbell (battery) are primarily event-based recorders to conserve battery life. Even when wired, their core functionality is not designed for continuous recording, and they will not provide a 24/7 history.
3. Enable Video History for Your Camera
It's possible the setting is simply turned off for a specific camera.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Select your camera from the device list.
- Tap the Settings cog icon in the top right.
- Go to the Video section and look for Video History.
- Ensure you have selected 24/7 video history. If it's set to "Event video history" or "Off," the camera will not record continuously.
4. Assess Your Wi-Fi Connection
Continuously uploading video data requires a stable and reasonably fast internet connection.
- Check your camera's Wi-Fi signal strength in the device settings within the app.
- If the connection is weak or frequently disconnects, you will see gaps in your video timeline.
- A weak connection may cause the camera to default to a lower-quality stream or pause uploading altogether. Consider moving your router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender.
5. Check the Camera's Status
- In the app, ensure the camera is turned on and online. If the camera is turned off or has no power, it cannot record.
- Look at the physical status light on the camera. A solid green light typically indicates that it is on and connected. If you see a blinking light or no light at all, it may indicate a power or connection issue.
By confirming your subscription, checking your camera's settings, and ensuring a stable connection, you can resolve the vast majority of issues preventing 24/7 recording and take full advantage of your Nest Aware Plus plan.