It’s very easy to connect your Nest Cam to Alexa and basically, you need to follow two steps: setting up the camera first and then adding it to the app.
Before you start, make sure that both Nest Cam and Alexa-enabled Amazon devices are connected to the same WiFi (home internet).
They need to be on the same local network in order to communicate and transfer data to each other. To connect your Nest camera to Amazon Alexa, follow the steps below.
Set up the Nest Cam
The first thing you need to do is set up the Nest camera following the instructions. If you have already done it, you may skip this step. If not:
- Download the Nest app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Launch the app and register for a Nest account using your information.
- Tap the plus sign and add the Nest camera by scanning the QR code found on the camera. Additionally, you may add the serial number manually.
- Name your camera (for example, front door, living room, backyard).
- Plug your Nest Cam into a power outlet and wait until the status light blinks blue.
- On the Nest app select the WiFi network you want to connect it to.
Once all of these are done (the Nest cam is linked to the phone app), you need to install or place the camera in its final position. Ensure the camera and the Alexa-enabled device are within their reach (as pointed out on the spec sheet).
Download Alexa App and install the Nest skill
Now that your camera is set up, you need to link to Alexa so you can control it using its functions.
- Download the Alexa app on your phone.
- Launch the app and then drag down the menu.
- Select “skills”, and start typing “Nest Camera” until you can select it.
- Choose the Nest Cam and then “Enable” (or “Enable to Use”).
- When prompted, sign in to your Nest account using your credentials.
- The app will scan for the nearby devices and you have to select the Nest Cam. Finish the process.
- If this doesn’t happen, close the app and retry again. In some cases, you may need to select the Nest cam manually.
To control the Nest camera using Alexa’s voice command, you need to be specific and clear in your commands. For example, if you named the camera “living room”, the voice command should be “Alexa show me the living room camera”.
If you went with just “camera” you will need to say “Alexa show me the camera”. However, we’d recommend naming the device with unique and easy-to-pronounce names.
Conclusion
As we explained, all you have to do is set up the Nest camera and then add it to the Alexa app by scanning your local network. The process is simple and straightforward, just go step by step and follow the prompts on the screen.
The camera and the Alexa-enabled device need to operate under strong and reliable WiFi coverage. If the signal is weak, the connection may drop or it won’t connect at all.
If there’s lag, the voice commands will not work properly. Test out the WiFi using your phone app, or set up the devices close to each other.
