Troubleshoot low-battery issues for Nest cameras and doorbells

In general, you should charge the Google Nest Cam (battery) or Nest Doorbell (battery) with the included USB cable whenever the battery is low.

But if your Nest camera or doorbell gets a low battery more often than you expect, or isn't charging when connected to power, try these steps to troubleshoot.

If your camera or doorbell is installed without wires

1. Try our tips to save battery for your camera or doorbell.
2. If you still have to charge the battery more often than you'd like, connect your camera or doorbell to one of the following power sources:
   • Connect your camera or doorbell to a power socket with the included or optional power adaptor
     • Your camera will run off the power from the socket, so it won't need battery power as long as the socket is working.
     • Your doorbell always uses battery power. The power from the socket gradually charges your doorbell's battery, so you won't have to manually charge it as often.
   • Connect your doorbell to the doorbell system wires. This will use low voltage to gradually charge your doorbell's battery.
   • Connect your camera to the solar panel. This will use low voltage to gradually charge your camera's battery.

If your camera or doorbell is plugged into a power socket

1. Plug in your camera or doorbell with either the included power adaptor, a compatible Google power adaptor (sold separately) or a Made For Google power adaptor (sold separately). Other third-party power adaptors might send too little or too much power to your device, which can cause battery issues.

Note: The power adaptor included with the Nest Cam (battery) is not weatherproof and not intended for outdoor use.

2. Check that the power cable (camera) or Indoor Power Adapter (doorbell) is properly plugged into the power socket and properly connected to the camera or doorbell. The charging cable should sit flush when connected to your camera. The pins on the camera stand or cable should also be in contact with the pads on the camera.
3. Check that the power socket is sending power. You can test this by plugging another device into the socket.
   • If the device doesn’t charge or turn on, you might have to contact an electrician to fix the issue or use another power socket.
4. Check that the power cable (camera) or Indoor Power Adapter (doorbell) is working properly. You can test this by plugging it into another working power socket.
   • If your camera or doorbell doesn’t turn on or charge, you might need to replace the cable or power adaptor.
5. If you need more help keeping your camera or doorbell charged, go to our Save battery for Nest cameras and doorbells article.

If your doorbell is wired to the doorbell system

Important: The doorbell's battery charges to 100% the first time you charge it. To help prolong the life of the battery, it will only charge to 80% if the doorbell is wired to the doorbell system. Before you install your doorbell, you can use the USB cable to charge the battery above 80%. However, after the doorbell is wired to the system, the battery will drop down to 80% and stay at that level or below.

1. If you recently installed your doorbell, make sure that the power for your doorbell system is switched back on at the circuit breaker box.
2. Check that the wire ends are clean and wrapped securely around the screws on the back of your doorbell. You may need to tighten the wire screws a bit.
3. Make sure that the ends of the wires don't touch each other or the base plate. Trim the wire ends and bend them if needed.
4. If you need more help keeping your camera or doorbell charged, go to our Save battery for Nest cameras and doorbells article.