How To Install Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera: 5 Steps -

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How to install Nest cam outdoor security camera? I’m so excited to get it set up to keep my family and home safe, but also a little nervous about getting the installation right.

This camera was an investment after a close call where some suspicious activity happened near our property.

Thankfully nothing bad resulted, but it was a wake-up call to take our home security more seriously.

In this guide, I’ll walk through the full process to properly set up your Nest outdoor cam from start to finish.

I’ll share helpful tips to find the optimal placement, get it mounted securely, configure the settings just right, and take advantage of features like motion alerts that provide 24/7 monitoring.

With the right approach, installing your new Nest outdoor camera can be easy and painless.

Let’s get started!

The Benefits of a Nest Outdoor Security Camera

Before we dive in, let’s look at some of the key benefits that make Nest cameras a top choice for outdoor home security:

Get notifications on your phone whenever motion is detected. This lets you monitor activity and see what’s happening in real time.
With Nest Aware subscription, enable person detection to reduce false alerts from things like passing cars. The camera will only notify you when it spots a person.
View crisp 1080p high-definition footage day or night with 8x digital zoom. Nest cameras capture clear video evidence if an incident occurs.
The wide 130° field of view allows the camera to cover more area side-to-side.
Built-in infrared LEDs enable night vision so you can see up to 30 feet even in total darkness.
With the Nest app, you can adjust the camera angle, view live footage, customize settings, and more.
Weatherproof construction stands up to the elements including temperatures from -4° to 104°F.
Works wirelessly when connected to Wi-Fi so you can install it anywhere.

5 Steps to Take on How To Install Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera

Choosing the Perfect Spot
Preparing for Installation
Mounting Your Nest Camera Outside
Finishing Touches for Your Installation
Advanced Features and Settings

What to Know Before Installing Your Nest Camera Outside

Installing an outdoor security camera takes a bit more planning than an indoor camera.

Here are some tips to prep for success:

Find a location with solid Wi-Fi coverage. Cameras need a strong connection to live stream video.
Pick a spot about 7-10 feet off the ground for optimal viewing angle.
Avoid pointing the camera where it will get direct sunlight, which can cause glare and blind the lens.
Make sure the power cable can reach an outlet, or be prepared to drill an access point through your wall.
Have tools ready for installation including a power drill, screwdriver, screws, and optional wall anchors.
Download the Nest app and set up an account before mounting your camera.
Test positioning the camera before permanently mounting to check the Wi-Fi and video quality.

Advance planning will ensure your outdoor Nest camera is set up for maximum security coverage.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Picking the right location is key for any security camera, and especially important for an outdoor installation not connected to an outlet.

Here are some tips on choosing a strategic spot to mount your Nest camera outside:

Nest Camera Placement Considerations

Set up near entry points like doors, gates, and perimeter fences since these are likely areas of activity.
Point the camera where you need coverage, not just a random direction. Think about potential security risks.
Avoid having the sun directly behind the camera if possible, which could overexpose the image.
Consider how much foot traffic occurs in the area to balance privacy and security needs.
For deterrence, make the camera prominent but out of reach to prevent tampering.

Finding the Right Mounting Location

Once you have an idea of the direction to point your Nest camera, scout the location to find the best mounting spot.

If installing under an eve or roof, position the camera close enough to avoid rain obstruction.
For a wall mount, pick a location central to the area you want to cover.
Use height to your advantage. A second story installation provides a wider vantage point.
Check for access to a power source if your camera needs to stay plugged in.

Checking Wi-Fi Connectivity from the Spot

Before mounting the Nest camera, verify it can connect to your home Wi-Fi network from the chosen location.

Take the camera to the spot and power it on.
Connect to the Wi-Fi through the app.
View live video feed and check for any glitches or lag, which indicate a weak connection.
If the signal is poor, try relocating the router closer or adjusting the camera placement until connectivity improves.

Once you’ve found the sweet spot with no Wi-Fi dead zones, you’re ready to mount!

Preparing for Installation

With the perfect location chosen, it’s time to unbox your camera and get it hooked up to power and Wi-Fi.

Here’s how to prepare your new Nest outdoor security camera for installation:

Unboxing Your New Nest Camera

Your Nest camera package includes everything needed for installation:

The Nest Cam Outdoor camera unit
Power adapter and connector cable
Mounting plate with screws
Anchors, clips, and ties for cable management
Installation guide

Carefully unpack all of the components and accessories to inventory that you have all the necessary installation tools.

Having everything ready will make the process go smoothly.

Charging and Powering On the Camera

For battery-powered Nest cameras: Fully charge the battery first before powering on the camera. This prevents startup issues from low battery.

For wired Nest cameras: Connect the power cable to boot it up. You should see indicator lights activate on the camera unit.

Downloading and Setting Up the Nest App

The Nest app (for iOS or Android) is required to connect your camera to Wi-Fi and access features.

Download the free app from your device’s app store.
Open the app and log into your Nest account, or create a new account if needed.
Tap “Add product” and follow prompts to add the new camera to your account.

Connecting Your Camera to Wi-Fi

After adding the camera to your Nest account, you’ll be prompted to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.

Select the name of your home Wi-Fi network.
Enter your network password when requested.
The camera will connect and sync automatically without needing to enter router settings.

Once connected, you’ll be ready to view live video feed and finalize the physical installation.

Mounting Your Nest Camera Outside

Now the fun part! Here are the step-by-step instructions to properly mount your Nest outdoor security camera outside:

Tools and Supplies Needed for Installation

Gather the following tools and items:

Power drill (cordless preferably)
Phillips head screwdriver
Small masonry drill bit if drilling into brick/concrete
The mounting plate, screws, anchors, clips etc. that came with your camera
Optional: Level, adjustable wrench, masking tape, caulk

Attaching the Mounting Plate to the Wall

Place the mounting plate at your desired height and location.
Level the plate if desired, and mark holes with pencil.
Pre-drill screws holes into wall material (e.g. wood, masonry, etc).
Use anchors (if provided) for brick, concrete, or other masonry.
Secure plate to the wall using the included screws.

Running and Securing the Power Cable

Route the power cable from the camera location to the nearest power outlet.
Neatly run cable against the wall or along edges using cable clips.
For drilled access, caulk around holes to seal entry points from moisture.
Use ties or clips every 5-6 feet along the cable run for support. Don’t over-tighten.
Leave a drip loop where cable connects to camera to prevent water intrusion.

Securing the Camera to the Mounting Plate

Align the camera bracket with the mounting plate. The magnet allows for some adjustment.
Gently press the camera in place against the mounting plate until the security screw engages.
The mount’s ball joint enables tilting and rotating the Nest camera’s viewing angle.

At this point, your Nest camera is mechanically installed! Let’s move on to the finishing touches.

Finishing Touches for Your Installation

To complete the installation, optimize the camera positioning and verify functionality:

Adjusting the Camera Angle and View

Open the Nest app to view the live camera feed.
Tweak the camera tilt and pan to center the desired field of view.
Use the on-screen zoom controls to see if license plates or faces will be identifiable.

Checking Video and Audio Quality

Check for any video issues like blurriness, glare, obstructions, or dark areas.
Enable night vision and verify effective visibility at a distance.
Test two-way audio to see if sound is clear in both directions.

Securing and Concealing Remaining Cables

Affix any remaining loose cable against walls or ceilings with clips.
For external cables, use weatherproof tape or silicone caulk to seal connections.
Use cable covers or conduit for buried cables and to prevent tampering.

And that wraps up the fundamental installation! Now let’s look at how to configure settings and get the most from your new security camera.

Advanced Features and Settings

Your Nest camera has lots of useful features to enhance security monitoring.

Here are some to explore and enable:

Configuring Motion Detection Zones

In the Nest app, define specific zones within the camera’s field of view to detect motion.
Customize shape and size of zones based on areas you want to monitor more closely.
Receive alerts only when motion is triggered in these defined customizable zones.

Setting Up Activity Alerts

The Nest app offers several intelligent alert options to notify you of different activity detected.
Options include person alerts, vehicle detection, package detection, animal/dog barking, and more.
Choose alerts that are most relevant for monitoring your home’s security risks.

Enabling Night Vision and Audio Detection

Schedule when night vision activates based on time of day and lighting conditions.
For Nest Aware subscribers, enable Enhanced Night Vision for clearer low-light video.
Turn on Sound Detection to be alerted to loud noises like alarm sirens or breaking glass.

Get to know the full range of features your outdoor security camera offers for tailored monitoring of your property.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Nest Camera

Like any tech device exposed to harsh outdoor environments, your Nest camera will need periodic maintenance to stay in tip-top shape.

Here are some care tips:

Protecting from Weather Damage
Keeping the Lens Clean
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

Protecting from Weather Damage

Inspect the camera casing for cracks or gaps that could allow moisture intrusion.
Use silicone caulk as needed to re-seal openings.
Consider an outdoor housing for additional protection in extreme weather.

Keeping the Lens Clean

Use a soft dry cloth to wipe dust or dirt from the camera lens.
If needed, use a mild soap and water solution for stubborn grime.
Check lens clarity often to maintain optimal video quality.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

Verify lights on the camera unit are indicating proper power connection.
In the app, run diagnostics checks and reboot camera if trouble persists.
Relocate either the camera or router if disruptions are due to distance or interference.

Routine care and maintenance will prolong the operational life of your Nest outdoor camera.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Security

Optimizing placement and settings is just the start. Here are some additional steps for enhancing security with your new Nest camera:

Integrating with Other Smart Devices

Connect your Nest Camera to doorbells, lights, alarms and other smart devices for seamless operation.
Set up automations like flashing lights when motion is detected to deter intruders.

Choosing a Secure Camera Location

Mount the camera out of reach to prevent tampering or disabling.
For wired cameras, ensure the cable is also secured and not vulnerable.
Consider using redundancies like additional cameras or indoor motion sensors.

Using Deterrent Features Like Light and Audio

Position camera prominently to increase visibility.
Enable speaker to provide verbal warnings if unwanted visitors are detected.
Add a bright light attachment to dazzle nefarious night prowlers.

Take advantage of all the ways Nest cameras can work together with other home tech for robust protection.

FAQs

How Do I Set Up My Outdoor Nest Camera?

Setting up a Nest outdoor security camera is pretty straightforward! Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

First, you’ll want to download the Nest app on your smartphone and create an account if you don’t already have one. This allows you to manage the camera from your phone.

Next, determine where you want to install the camera outside and make sure it will reach a power source. The camera needs to stay plugged in at all times.

Mount the magnetic base plate to the wall and attach the power cable.

Connect the camera to power to turn it on, then open the Nest app and scan the QR code on the camera to connect it to your account.

The app will walk you through connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network next. Just choose your network and enter the password.

Once online, you can tweak the camera’s position while looking at the live view in the app to get the perfect angle.

And that’s the basic process! Just be sure to mount the camera in a spot with good Wi-Fi coverage.

How Do You Install A Nest Outdoor Battery Camera?

Installing a battery-powered Nest outdoor camera takes just a few simple steps:

First fully charge the camera before powering it on – this helps avoid any startup issues due to low battery.

Next, open the Nest app on your phone and create an account if you don’t already have one. The app is used to manage the camera.

Choose where you want to position the camera outside. It will need to be in range of your Wi-Fi router’s signal.

Mount the camera’s base plate securely to the wall using the provided screws. No wiring is required!

Scan the camera’s QR code using the Nest app to add the camera to your account.

The app will instruct you to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Select it and enter your password when prompted.

Once connected, you can view live footage from the camera and adjust the viewing angle as needed.

That covers the basics for setting up a battery-powered Nest outdoor camera! The key difference from wired models is no need to connect power cabling during installation.

How Do I Connect My Nest Security Camera To Wifi?

Connecting your Nest security camera to your home Wi-Fi network is simple with just a few quick steps:

First, download the Nest app on your smartphone or tablet if you haven’t already. This is required to manage camera settings.

After creating a Nest account, power on the camera and access the add device flow in the app. Scan the camera’s QR code when prompted.

The app will automatically detect nearby Wi-Fi networks. Select your home network and enter the password when asked.

The camera will then connect to the network. It may take a few minutes for the connection to fully establish.

Once Wi-Fi is configured, you’ll be able to view live video feed from the camera within the app and adjust settings.

If the camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try moving it closer to your router, or reposition the router for better coverage. Also make sure your password was entered correctly.

How Do I Set Up Nest Cam Iq Outdoor?

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to setting up the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor security camera:

Begin by downloading the Nest app if you don’t already have it, creating an account, and signing in.

Determine where you want to install the camera outside. It will need power from an indoor outlet.

Use the app to add the camera to your account. Scan the QR code printed on the camera body when prompted.

Connect the camera to power to turn it on, then follow app instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Mount the sturdy base plate on the wall where you want to position the camera.

Attach the power cable between the camera and your indoor power outlet.

Click the camera into place on the mounting plate and aim the lens.

In the app, you can view live footage from the camera and digitally pan, zoom and tweak settings.

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor has some great enhancements like facial recognition. But setup is very similar to other Nest cams.

Does Nest Outdoor Camera Need Wi-Fi?

Yes, a Wi-Fi connection is required for Nest outdoor security cameras to function properly.

The camera needs to be connected to your home Wi-Fi network in order to:

Stream live video to the Nest app
Receive firmware updates
Enable motion alerts and other notifications

Without a Wi-Fi connection, the core features of the Nest outdoor camera won’t work. The camera essentially relies on Wi-Fi to communicate and transmit data.

During setup, you’ll connect the camera to your home Wi-Fi using the Nest app. It works just like connecting a new phone or tablet to your network.

So in considering camera placement, be sure it will be in range of your Wi-Fi router’s signal, or be prepared to install Wi-Fi extenders as needed. The camera needs consistent Wi-Fi to operate.

How Long Does Nest Camera Battery Last?

Nest cameras with rechargeable batteries can last between 1-6 months on average per charge, depending on usage. Here are some factors that affect battery life:

Video settings – Higher resolution and streaming quality uses more power. Lower settings extend battery life.
Motion activity – More motion events detected also drain the battery faster. Infrequent activity extends battery life.
Temperature – Colder weather negatively impacts battery performance. Warmer temps allow longer life per charge.
Alert settings – Enabling features like sound detection reduces battery life compared to basic motion alerts.
Wi-Fi signal strength – Weak signal causes battery drain. Strong signal results in power savings.

Following Nest’s tips like turning off night vision when not needed, disabling unnecessary alerts, and using optimal Wi-Fi can maximize battery life. But most users need to recharge every 1-3 months with average use.

I’d recommend getting an extra battery to swap out as needed if recharging the same battery every few months is inconvenient.

Does Nest Cam Need Battery?

This depends on the specific Nest cam model. There are both battery-powered and wired Nest camera options:

Battery-powered – These Nest cams have internal rechargeable batteries that provide power. Examples are the Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Doorbell (battery).
Wired – These Nest cameras need to stay plugged into a power outlet at all times via an adapter. Examples are the original Nest Cam and Nest Hello video doorbell.

So if you get a battery-powered Nest cam, it does not need to connect to an outlet. The built-in battery provides the power.

However, wired Nest cams don’t contain a battery and require constant power from an electrical outlet. The power cable provides the electricity.

When shopping for a Nest cam, checking if it is battery or wired powered will help determine if you need to install near an outlet or can use it wirelessly.

Do Nest Cameras Need To Be Plugged In?

Whether your Nest camera needs to be plugged into an outlet depends on the specific model:

Battery-powered Nest cameras like the Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Doorbell (battery) do NOT need to be plugged in. Their rechargeable batteries provide power.
Wired Nest cameras like the Nest Cam (wired) and Nest Hello DO need to stay plugged into an outlet at all times via the power cable and adapter. The cable provides power.

So when choosing a Nest camera, one key consideration is whether a wired or battery-powered model fits your installation requirements.

Battery Nest cams offer ultimate placement flexibility, while wired models need to be located near an outdoor or indoor outlet.

Wired Nest cams provide continuous power and don’t need charging, but lack portability. Battery cameras are versatile but need periodic recharging when depleted.

Conclusion

Installing and setting up a Nest outdoor security camera doesn’t need to be a frustrating or daunting process. By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can properly mount and configure your camera to start monitoring your home perimeter in no time.

The key steps we covered include:

Scouting the optimal mounting location based on power, Wi-Fi, and field of view.
Correctly charging, powering on, and connecting the camera to your home network.
Securing the mount, safely routing the cable, and adjusting the camera angle.
Customizing motion zones, activity alerts, and enabling night vision capabilities.
Performing periodic maintenance to ensure your camera withstands outdoor conditions.
Expanding your security ecosystem with lights, sensors and more integrations.

I hope these tips give you the confidence to install your Nest camera outdoors like a pro! Mounting your new guardian on the wall is just the first step. With the right setup and placement, a Nest outdoor camera will provide peace of mind and solid protection for your home.

Let me know if you have any other topics related to Nest cameras or DIY home security you would like me to cover in a future blog post!