You can place Google Nest Cam Indoor on a horizontal surface using the stand on its own, or you can install the camera on another surface using the magnet or the mounting plate. Here are some tips for each option.
Here's what you'll be doing in this series of articles to set up your camera:
- Add your camera to the Nest app
- Place or mount your camera - You are here
- Get started using your camera
After you’ve set up your Nest Cam with the Nest app, you’re ready to start thinking about how you want to mount it.
Important: Nest Cam Indoor is installed very differently than Google Nest Cam Outdoor.
Three ways to mount your camera
Everyone has different needs, and each home has a different layout, so we designed Nest Cam Indoor to be easily installed just about anywhere and to face any direction.
There are three different ways you can install your Nest Cam Indoor (each is detailed in the sections below):
- Simply place it on a horizontal surface like a shelf.
- Use the magnetic base to attach it to a metal surface.
- Install the metal plate to mount your camera on a wall, ceiling or any non-magnetic surface.
The camera stand gives you the perfect angle
No matter which method you choose, Nest Cam’s versatile stand helps you point it exactly where you want.
The stand pivots backward and forward with a 180° range of motion. So, for example, you can mount Nest Cam Indoor up high and pivot the stand downward to be able to see the room.
The camera itself can rotate a full 360° in the stand, and if you have a Nest Cam, the stand can also rotate 360° around. That way, if you need to mount your camera at an angle, you can twist the camera and the stand to straighten the image.
You can even install the camera on a ceiling, upside down, and have the image rotate 180º in the camera settings to make sure it looks great when viewing the video in the app.
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Before you begin
- Make sure you’ve set up your Nest Cam Indoor with the Nest app before you mount it. Or, if you need to, set it up with a Mac or Windows computer instead.
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Need help deciding on a location for your camera? Here are some tips to help you pick a good spot:
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Remove the stickers on your Nest Cam’s lens and on the bottom of the stand. They’re only there for protection during shipping and installation.
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Review the Safety Guidelines for mounting your camera. Follow these guidelines to avoid risk of heating and burns, risk of fire and shock, and risk of other serious injury.
Important: Nest Cam Indoor is installed very differently than Nest Cam Outdoor.
Mount your camera
When you’re ready, choose how you want to mount your camera.
- How to place your camera on a flat horizontal surface
- How to attach your camera to a metal surface
- How to install your camera on a wall or ceiling with the mounting plate
To learn more about your camera and customize its settings, check some suggestions for next steps.
How to attach your camera to a metal surface
There’s a powerful rare earth magnet at the bottom of Nest Cam Indoor’s stand, so it will securely attach itself to metal surfaces. You don’t need to drill holes or use the metal mounting plate to do this.
Simply attach Nest Cam Indoor to a refrigerator, a file cabinet, or other metal surface. We do not recommend attaching the camera to a computer or electronics as this could potentially lead to damage.
Then check your camera’s video stream with the Nest app. If your camera can’t connect to Wi-Fi, or if the video stream is interrupted, you might need to pick another location where the signal is stronger. Even a few inches can make a difference.
Find more Wi-Fi troubleshooting suggestions in the following article:
Troubleshoot Nest Cam disconnected or offline
If you’d like to explore some of your camera’s features, check some suggestions for next steps.
How to install your camera on a wall or ceiling with the mounting plate
If you don’t have a metal surface that the magnetic base can adhere to, you can install the camera’s metal mounting plate on a wall or even the ceiling. Then, you can stick your Nest Cam to the plate and rotate it to get the image you want.
- Make sure the location you’ve picked is close enough to a wall outlet. Try holding the camera where you want it with the power cable and adapter plugged in. You should have a little slack just in case.
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Check your Wi-Fi coverage by viewing your camera’s video stream with the Nest app.
If the camera can’t connect to Wi-Fi, or if the video stream is interrupted, you might need to pick another location where the signal is stronger. Even a few inches can make a difference.
Find more Wi-Fi troubleshooting suggestions in the following article:
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Once your camera is successfully streaming video, it’s time to install the mounting plate. Hold the plate against the wall, ceiling, or other surface, and screw it in. Make sure the cable clip points in the direction you want the cord to go. The screws are self-tapping, so they’ll install easily in drywall, wood, and plaster without drilling a hole. If you need to drill into hard materials like concrete or masonry, use wall anchors which are available at your local hardware store.
Important: If you need to drill holes, drill only one to start with. Place the mounting plate on the wall so that the hole you drilled lines up with one of the slots on the plate. Drill the other two holes using the slots as a guide. This will help all the holes line up with the slots.
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If you used a drill to put in the screws, hand tighten them with a screwdriver. This will ensure a secure installation and help prevent over-tightening and possible damage to your walls or ceiling.
If you ever want to move your Nest Cam to a new location, be sure to also change its location with the Nest app. Here's what you'll be doing in this series of articles to set up your camera:
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