Why is my Nest Doorbell Camera Not Playing History or Video? How To Fix it

Are you having trouble getting your Nest doorbell camera to play your video history or show live video? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have experienced this problem when trying to set up their Nest doorbell cameras.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and get your Nest doorbell camera up and running again. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of this problem and show you how to fix it. We’ll also discuss how to store and record Nest doorbell videos locally, and how to contact Google Nest support if the problem persists.

What are the possible reasons why your Nest Cam is not playing history or video?

1. Lack of Internet Connection

The main cause of a lack of internet connection that affects the functionality of a Nest Cam is a weak connection. This can be due to a slow router or modem, an outdated application or device, or even a manually scheduled camera that has been turned off.

To solve this issue, the first step is to check the connection of your internet to the doorbell by restarting your modem. If this doesn’t work, then check the bandwidth of your router. If this still doesn’t work, try restarting your phone after 10 seconds and then taking it out of airplane mode.

Additionally, make sure that your device is up-to-date and installed properly and that the Google Nest application is working correctly on your device. Finally, if all of these solutions have been attempted and don’t seem to be working, it might be because there is a weak connection to the internet, in which case you can visit the Google Nest support forum or call Google for help.

2. Nest App Not Running

If the Nest application is not running properly, it can cause the Nest doorbell camera to not play video. This could be due to a slow internet connection, outdated software on the device, or a problem with the Nest app itself. To troubleshoot this issue, start by checking the home internet and Wi-Fi connection, as well as the bandwidth speed of the internet.

If these are all up to date, then the next step is to check the application and smartphone device to make sure that they are both up to date with the newest software version. If the problem persists, then the Nest app may need to be uninstalled, restarted, and then reinstalled.

Additionally, check to make sure you have access to the Google cloud where your videos are being stored, as a problem here may also account for why the videos are not recording. If all else fails, it may be necessary to update your subscription to the paid version of the Nest doorbell in order to gain access to the full video recording features.

3. Nest Camera Not Connected to WiFi

If your Nest doorbell is not playing video, it may be due to an inability to connect to your home WiFi or Bluetooth. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as a weak internet connection, an outdated smartphone or app, or a faulty router.

It is important to check your internet connection and bandwidth, as well as restart your modem to ensure that your internet connection is strong and has the adequate speed required to play the video on your device. Additionally, make sure your smartphone’s application and device are updated with the latest software.

If all else fails, you may need to reinstall the Nest video application on your smartphone or mobile device. Storing and recording Nest doorbell video locally, as opposed to a cloud storage system, is also an option to consider.

4. Camera Not Connected to Power

If the Nest Cam is not connected to power, it will not be able to turn on or respond to any inputs. The indication light will not be visible or blinking, and it will not be streaming live feed or being unresponsive to the Nest App. Additionally, it will not be able to record the history of what happened while it was not powered, and will show gaps in the recorded history saying “The camera was off or offline”.

5. Software Updates Needed

Software updates are changes to the operating system of a Nest Cam that are designed to improve its performance, fix any bugs, and ensure its security. They are necessary for the Nest Cam to work properly, as they help keep the device up-to-date with the latest features and security protocols.

Without the latest software updates, a Nest Cam may not be able to play history or video correctly, which may lead to unexpected results or errors.

6. Technical Issues with the Camera

Some possible technical issues with a Nest Cam history or video playback may include frozen, skipping, or unplaying video due to internet connection issues; blurry video due to a sticker still on the lens; black and white video due to the night vision setting being set to “always on”.

Grainy or pixelated video due to insufficient internet bandwidth; tinted pink, purple, or blue video due to the camera being outside its preferred temperature zone; gaps in the recording history due to settings, battery life, outages, or Wi-Fi going down; and a spinning blue circle in the Nest app indicative of poor Wi-Fi network performance. Additionally, if your Nest Cam live streaming is not showing up then this may indicate a problem with your camera itself.

Nest Doorbell Camera Not Playing Video: How To Fix It

If your Nest doorbell camera is not playing video or history, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to try and solve the problem.

Check your home internet network and/or Wi-Fi connection bandwidth and make sure it has the adequate speed required to play the video on your device. Restarting your modem may be enough to restore a proper internet connection.

Check your smartphone’s connection. Sometimes smartphones may experience interference with their internet connection, which can cause the Nest doorbell video not to play. Restarting your device, putting it into airplane mode, waiting for 10 seconds, and then taking it back out of airplane mode may help.

Make sure the Nest application on your smartphone or device is the most up-to-date version and is installed properly. Updating your phone or the Nest app may rectify this issue.

Finally, if the above steps don’t work, check if the camera is wired and installed correctly and that nothing is impeding the lens from seeing. Turning the camera off and then back on again with your device may solve the problem.

Here is another helpful tip if the video above wasn’t helpful (credit goes to Ulrich Bæch-Laursen).

I have a Nest-wired doorbell and none of the above solutions fixed my problem, but I did find a solution that worked immediately.

1. Create a new Google account
2. Add the Nest doorbell to the Nest app using the new Google account
3. Create a new home with the google home app
4. Add the Nest doorbell to that home
5. Add your previous/existing google home account by inviting it to the new one and sharing all resources – done! Worked on 1st try.

Also: If your home assistant is not really using the language selected.. (counterintuitive) just add another language, that will remind the assistant of the default one…

If the problem persists, contact Nest support for further assistance.

FAQs

What subscription plan do I need for my Nest Doorbell Camera?

When choosing a subscription plan for your Nest Doorbell Camera, it is important to consider the features you need and the cost. Nest offers two subscription plans, Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus. Nest Aware includes 30 days of event video history for $6 per month or $60 per year, with intelligent alerts and e911 capabilities.

Nest Aware Plus offers 60 days of event video history, 10 days of continuous video history, intelligent alerts, and e911 capabilities for $12 per month or $120 per year.

If you need continuous recordings, Nest Aware Plus is the way to go. However, if you are limited by a data cap imposed by your internet service provider, then the $6 per month Nest Aware plan may be a better choice as it only records event clips that have a lighter bandwidth usage.

It is also important to note that the Nest Hello and Nest Doorbell (the wireless version) do not support continuous recording because they rely on batteries for power. Be sure to check out our Nest doorbell pricing page to learn more about the Nest Doorbell and Nest Aware subscription plans.

Why is my Nest Doorbell Camera not playing history or video?

The issue may be due to not having an active Nest Aware subscription. To resolve the issue, restart your Nest Hello doorbell using the pinhole on the back of it, make sure that your Nest App is updated and fully up to date, and restart your wifi if that doesn’t work. Once you have an active Nest Aware subscription, you can view your video playback after the 3-hour period of the event.

How do I get my Nest camera to play videos back?

1. Ensure you have an active Nest Aware subscription. If not, subscribe to Nest Aware to able to view and save clips from the footage taken.
2. Update and fully up-to-date your Nest App.
3. Restart your wifi.
4. Restart your Nest Hello doorbell using the pinhole on the back of it.
5. Try to playback videos again in the Nest App.

Why Is My Nest Camera Not Showing History?

There can be a few causes for why your Nest camera might not be showing history. Your Nest Camera might not be showing history because it may have been accidentally turned off, it may have a poor connection to the internet, or you might have an issue with your subscription.

For instance, if you haven’t updated your app or operating system, it can cause issues and you won’t see your Nest history. You also need to make sure that you have signed up for the Nest Aware subscription, or have not missed a payment. If your Wi-Fi or cellular connection is weak, it can cause gaps in history.

The recording history of your camera might show gaps that say “The camera was off or offline” if your camera has been off or not connected to the internet.

Gaps in history can also appear if you have set your camera to Home or Away, manually scheduled the camera, if the camera’s battery runs out, if there is an outage in your neighborhood, if the Wi-Fi goes down, or if your internet bandwidth is insufficient. Lastly, if you do not have an active Nest Aware subscription, your camera will not record video and live video will not be available.

Therefore, it is important to check that your camera is connected to the internet, that your app and/or operating system is up to date, and that you are signed up for the appropriate subscription plan in order to ensure that your camera is showing the proper history.

Gladys

My name is Angel. I am a Mechanical Engineer and a lover of home security systems. This blog is focused solely on video doorbells and how they can be a great addition to your home or apartment security.