Install the App for Your Nest Camera

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: Nest App

Installing the Nest app allows you to get the most out of your Nest device. Control your Nest Learning Thermostat, arm and disarm your Nest Secure alarm system, see your home with Nest Cam, and know if Nest Protect goes off – all in one place. Also, get notifications on your Android or Apple devices.

Two phones showing different screens of the mobile app and the mobile app logo between them

2. Mobile Device: Bluetooth Check

Bluetooth must be enabled on your mobile device before proceeding, otherwise the necessary app will not be able to locate or communicate with your device. To enable Bluetooth on your mobile device, perform the following the steps:

iOSAndroidSwipe up from the home screen and tab the Bluetooth icon to enable it.Swipe down from the home screen and tab the Bluetooth icon to enable it.

Bluetooth symbol
Bluetooth symbol

Once Bluetooth is enabled, you are ready to proceed to the next step of the setup process.

3. Nest Device: Install and Setup Nest App

  1. Locate and install the Nest app from your mobile device's app store or marketplace.
Mobile app landing page
  1. Launch the Nest app.
Mobile app icon
  1. Log into an existing Nest account, or tap Sign up if you do not have a Nest account.
Mobile app sign in screen
  1. Once logged in, tap the I agree button to accept the Nest app's Terms of Service.
Mobile app Terms of Service screen
  1. Tap Continue to proceed with Home setup.
Mobile app welcome screen
  1. Choose a name for your Home and tap Next.
Home name entry screen
  1. Fill in all requested information to complete Home setup. Tap Next.
Home address entry screen
  1. Proceed through Home Setup with your preferred choice.
Phone location service toggle screen
  1. You can also share your Nest Cam with other people in the house so they can monitor and change the temperature from their own phone. You can also set this up later.
Account sharing setup screen
  1. After this, your Nest app setup is complete and your device can now be added.

4. Nest Device: Add Device to App

  1. Open the Nest app.
Mobile app icon


  1. Tap the Add button to begin adding a Nest device to the app.
Add device screen in mobile app


  1. You will then be presented with a list of Nest devices that can be added to the app. Choose your device from the list provided.
Selection screen for device to be added to mobile app


  1. You now have the opportunity to use your smartphone's camera to scan your Nest device's QR code. Alternatively, if you cannot locate your Nest device's QR code, you can tap Continue without scanning.
QR code scan feature for adding device in mobile app


  1. Then enter the 6-digit key that should be on your nest device.
6-digit key entry screen


  1. Follow the on-screen instructions and select Next on the following screen.
Device setup initiation screen


  1. You will be asked to select a location for your camera. Choose a selection that applies to your setup.
Device location selection screen


  1. The next page lists multiple warnings, such as not to put the indoor Nest Cam in direct sunlight or in places where the temperature drops below 32F or above 95F. If you want to place it outdoors, buy the outdoor version instead. Tap on Continue to proceed.
Device placement guidelines screen


  1. Ensure your Nest Camera is plugged in and physically setup where you'd like for it to be. Select Continue to proceed.
Device power up screen


  1. Your Nest Camera will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
Wi-Fi network selection screen


  1. Enter your Wi-Fi network's password and select Join.
Wi-Fi password entry screen


  1. Your Nest device will attempt to connect. This process may take a few moments.
Device connecting to Wi-Fi screen


  1. Once connected, you will see an acknowledgement screen.
Successful connection confirmation screen


  1. After this, you are shown the view of your camera within the app. Tap Done to complete setup.
Setup completion screen


  1. The next screen will teach you about Sightline. This is a Nest Cam feature that lets you quickly scroll through hours of footage and go to specific points when activity was detected. Select Done to proceed.
Post-setup feature description screen


  1. From here, you’re all set up and you’ll now see a live view of your Nest Camera, as well as a scrollable timeline of everything that the Nest Cam has recorded thus far.
Device dashboard screen


  1. Congratulations! Your Nest device has been added to the Nest app and is ready to use.