What to Do When Your Google Nest Camera Isn't Charging
The Google Nest Cam (battery) is designed for flexible placement without the need for constant wiring. However, this convenience depends on its ability to recharge properly. If you've connected your camera to its charging cable and the battery percentage isn't increasing, it's a problem that needs to be solved quickly.
This troubleshooting guide will walk you through the most common reasons a Nest Cam fails to charge and provide simple, effective solutions to get it working again.
Understanding the Charging Process
Your Nest Cam (battery) has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It charges using a specific magnetic charging cable and power adapter provided by Google. When charging correctly, a pulsing white LED light will appear on the front of the camera. When it's fully charged, the light will turn solid white. If you see no light at all, no power is being received.
Step 1: Check the Power Source
Start with the basics. The problem might not be with the camera or cable, but the power outlet itself.
- Confirm the Outlet Works: Unplug the Nest power adapter and plug in another device you know is working, like a lamp or phone charger, to confirm the outlet has power.
- Use the Official Adapter: Ensure you are using the 7.5W power adapter that came with your Nest Cam. A standard, low-power phone charger may not provide enough electricity to charge the camera.
Step 2: Inspect the Charging Cable and Contacts
The connection between the magnetic cable and the camera is a common point of failure, especially for outdoor cameras exposed to the elements.
- Clean the Contacts: Unplug the cable. Carefully inspect the gold-coloured charging contacts on both the end of the magnetic cable and on the bottom of the Nest camera. Look for any dirt, dust, or moisture. Gently wipe them clean with a dry, soft cloth. Even a small amount of debris can prevent a solid connection.
- Ensure a Secure Fit: When you connect the cable, you should feel a distinct magnetic 'snap' as it seats itself correctly. It shouldn't feel loose or wobbly.
- Inspect the Cable for Damage: Check the entire length of the USB cable for any signs of physical damage, such as cuts, fraying, or sharp bends. A damaged cable should be replaced immediately. Only use official Google replacement cables.
Step 3: Consider the Temperature
This is a crucial and often overlooked factor. For safety reasons, the lithium-ion battery in your Nest Cam will not charge if the temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
- Is Your Camera Outside in the Cold? If you are trying to charge an outdoor camera during winter, it may be too cold.
- Solution: Bring the camera indoors into a room-temperature environment and allow it to warm up for at least an hour before attempting to charge it again.
Step 4: Perform a Camera Restart
A simple software glitch can sometimes cause the camera to incorrectly report its battery status or fail to initiate charging.
- You can restart your camera via the Google Home app. Select the camera, go to Settings, and you should find a 'Restart device' option.
- If the battery is completely dead, connecting it to a known-good power source for 30 minutes should give it enough power to be restarted.
Step 5: Charge for an Extended Period
If the battery has been completely drained to 0%, it can take longer than usual to show signs of life. Once you have confirmed your power source and cable are working, leave the camera connected for several hours. Monitor the LED light to see if it begins pulsing, indicating that the charging process has begun.
If you have followed all of these steps and the camera still refuses to charge, there may be a more serious hardware issue with the battery or internal charging circuitry. In this case, you should contact Google Support for further assistance.