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Google’s Nest product line is generally solid, and the same goes for the well-reviewed Google Nest Cam. Packed with features and easy to set up, if you’re in the Google Home ecosystem, all versions of this camera are a no-brainer. However, a technology can receive rave reviews but fall apart after a few years. So the real question is: how long should a Google Nest camera last?
Good news. Just like video doorbells can last five years or more, Nest cameras seem to last about the same. According to many users online, Google cameras can last four to five years. Granted, there are some nuances to lifespan, as you can find owners who claim their cameras looked new after five to six years (or even seven in some cases), while others complain about theirs dying after three years. Horror stories and stories of indestructible smart cameras are two extremes that should be taken with a grain of salt. Unhappy customers are simply more likely to raise pitchforks in Reddit threads, while those equipped with bulletproof cameras will defend the product using only their own experience.
However, four to five years in prison is not a bad average. This is especially true considering that the Google Nest camera is relatively inexpensive. Shooting a few years out of $170 gear (exposed to the elements, mind you) is solid with a capital S, right?
What are common issues with Google Nest cameras?
While online complaints don’t mean your camera will bite the dust in the same way, they’re still worth looking into to see if there’s a pattern of these early failures. To begin with, a few people claim that their devices have stopped working randomly. In some cases, this surprise death was accompanied by an even more surprising resurrection, when the camera started working again. These particular failures unfortunately remain unexplained.
A common problem (at least with powered cameras) seems to be the power cord itself. Many unlucky owners complain about the disintegration of the outer layer of the power cable. Although the damage looks suspiciously like a rodent has helped itself to the tasty insulating rubber, it is more likely to be UV damage. Apparently, even though this is an outdoor camera, the manufacturer clearly didn’t use UV-resistant cable; proof of this could be that Google replaced the camera under warranty for a user to whom this happened.
Aside from a series of unexpected failures and disintegrated power cables, there aren’t many glaring problems. Some complain about battery-powered cameras losing power after a few years, but that’s not that uncommon (unless they die after 18 months, as was the case for one Redditor). Battery-powered devices unfortunately have a limited lifespan and there’s not much you can do about it other than opt for a wired model.
Can a Nest camera be repaired?
You can resolve common issues, including errors and connectivity issues, by restarting the camera. For wired cameras, unplug the power adapter, wait about 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Battery-powered models (including the type with a spotlight) are a little different, but the process is just as simple: Plug it in, hold down the restart button on the back of the device for five seconds, and you’re ready to go.
What about the disintegrating power cable that users are complaining about? If the cable itself is in good condition but the coating has fallen apart, users recommend taping it with heat shrink tubing which, believe it or not, is UV resistant. If the cable is blown, you can order a replacement on Amazon for around $30, so it’s no big deal if you’re handy with the soldering iron.
Battery failures, on the other hand, are very unfortunate for one reason: the battery is not replaceable. While there is a detailed iFixit guide that makes this operation seem simple, it doesn’t mention that this ruins the factory gasket. In other words, if you perform unauthorized repairs, be prepared for condensation to get inside the camera. It’s completely reasonable to not be happy with this, which is why it’s better to go with the wired model and not worry about the battery. Alternatively, you can opt for something less expensive that you won’t miss as much once you’re gone. For example, the Tapo C310 is considered one of the best outdoor security cameras and costs around $30.
