Google Nest and Doorcam Batteries Won't Change When Subjected to Extreme Cold

Sophie Webster, Tech Times 20 February 2022, 11:02 pm

Google Nest Doorbell and Google Nest Cam are reportedly having issues in cold places. Users stated that the battery of their devices do not work, which prompted Google to release a statement to answer questions.

Google Nest Cam and Doorbell Issues

On Google's support page that was posted this week, the tech giant confirmed that at temperatures below freezing, the lithium-ion battery in the Google Nest cameras and doorbells don't get to charge properly.

The statement from Google follows a 9to5Google report from January that pointed out the same charging problem.

The battery-equipped versions of the Google Nest Doorbell and the Nest Cam can operate at -4 degrees Fahrenheit, or -20 degrees Celsius, as long as the batteries have juice, the support page says. But for the batteries to recharge, the temperature has to be at least 32 F zero degrees Celsius.

Also Read: Outrage towards Google! Google Nest Camera Services Crashes and Responses are Unsatisfactory

Google added that batteries may also drain faster, with their life expectancy potentially halved as the thermometer dips close to -4F.

The company said that the way to recharge your device is to bring it to a warm spot, preferably room temperature, as the battery warms up it will gradually start to charge, moving more quickly as it gets toastier.

The support page said that while the battery is still cold, the Google Home app will show "Charging paused," or "Charging slowly," and a long estimated charge time. The estimated charge time will get shorter as the battery warms up.

It does not matter if your battery-equipped Nest Doorbell is connected to your existing doorbell wiring, the battery is still what is powering your gadget, and even though it gets trickle charged through the wiring, it can't change below 32 F.

If the battery dies, the doorbell will conk out, and Google says you will need to bring it inside for charging.

So in freezing weather, it is better fix up a bit of the charging spot next to your coaster or any warm appliance.

If your battery-equipped Nest Cam is wired in, the camera does get powered directly through the wires. So if the battery dies and can't recharge because the temperature is too low, the camera will still work down to -4F, provided the wired power source is still humming.

If the Google Cam is connected to the Wasserstein Solar Panel, it is only getting trickle charged, so the battery can run down and die in cold weather, shutting down the camera.

How Much Does a Google Cam and Doorbell Cost?

If you are thinking of getting a Google Cam or a Google Doorbell for your home, you can check out the prices to see which one fits your budget best.

Since the release of the original Google Home smart speaker back in 2016, the series of Google Nest and Google Assistant devices for the home has expanded, according to CNET.

The Google Assistant routines are now available in 30,000 compatible devices, and a Google Smart Home could cost you from $30 to $3,000.

You could buy one Google Nest Hub for $100 or you could add a full-fledged ecosystem of security cameras, video doorbells, smart displays, speakers, thermostats, and streaming devices.