Nest Recording Failed? Here’s How to Troubleshoot It
Your Nest camera is a powerful security tool, but its value depends on its ability to reliably record footage. When it fails to record, whether it's missing specific events or has large gaps in its history, it can be a major cause for concern. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the most common reasons for Nest recording failures.
Most recording issues stem from two key areas: your Nest Aware subscription and your Wi-Fi connection's stability.
## The Foundation: Nest Aware Subscription
The first thing to verify is your Nest Aware subscription status. How your camera records is directly tied to whether you have an active subscription.
- Without Nest Aware: Your camera can only save motion-activated snapshots (still images) from the last three hours. It cannot save video clips. If you are expecting video, this is the most likely reason it's not working.
- With Nest Aware: This subscription enables motion-activated video recording (event history) for the last 30 or 60 days.
- With Nest Aware Plus: This is the premium tier that allows for 24/7 continuous video recording, giving you a complete, uninterrupted history.
Action: Go to the Google Home or Nest app and check your subscription status. Ensure it's active and that it's the correct tier for the features you expect. An expired credit card is a common reason for a lapsed subscription.
## The Lifeline: Your Wi-Fi Connection
For your Nest camera to record, it needs to constantly upload video data to the cloud. An unstable or slow Wi-Fi connection is the number one cause of recording failures and gaps in video history.
1. Check Your Internet Speed Google recommends a minimum sustained upload speed of 2 Mbps per Nest camera. Note that this is upload speed, not download speed.
- Run a speed test on your phone or computer while connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your camera.
- If your upload speed is below the 2 Mbps threshold, your network may not be able to handle the constant data stream, leading to failed recordings. You may need to contact your internet service provider to upgrade your plan.
2. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
- A weak signal between the camera and your router can cause the connection to drop, creating gaps in your recording timeline.
- Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera.
- If that's not possible, consider a Wi-Fi mesh system or an extender to improve signal coverage and stability in the area where your camera is located.
3. Reboot Your Network and Camera A simple power cycle can resolve many connectivity glitches.
- Unplug your Nest camera from the power source.
- Unplug your modem and your Wi-Fi router.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the modem in first and wait for it to fully connect. Then, plug in your router.
- Once your Wi-Fi network is back online, plug your Nest camera back in.
## Fine-Tuning Your Camera's Settings
Sometimes, the recording settings themselves can be the cause of the issue.
- Check Camera On/Off Schedule: In the settings, ensure you haven't accidentally set up a schedule that turns the camera off during the times you expect it to be recording.
- Activity Zones: If you are using Activity Zones, remember that the camera will only record motion that occurs within the zones you have drawn. If an event happens outside of a zone, it will be ignored. Make sure your zones cover all the areas you want to monitor.
- Event Sensitivity: If your camera isn't recording events you think it should, try increasing the motion or sound sensitivity in the camera's settings.
By methodically checking your subscription, verifying your network's stability, and reviewing your camera's settings, you can resolve the vast majority of Nest recording failures and ensure your home is always monitored.