When the Google Home app shows a Nest Cam (wired, 2nd generation) as offline, the camera has lost its link to your network or its power. Because it is wired, power is a quick check: the status light should be on, and an unlit camera in a working outlet has a power fault. Wasserstein's guide to offline Nest cameras lists the usual fixes: restart the router by unplugging it for thirty seconds, move the camera closer to the router or add a node, and use the right Wi-Fi band.
The checks in more detail
A wired camera sits in one spot for years, so a router change, a new password or a neighbor's new network can break the link without you moving anything. After a router or password change, the camera must be set up again or told the new Wi-Fi details. Check whether other devices lose connection at the same time, in which case the router is at fault. A camera that goes offline at a fixed time each day points at a router restart or a scheduled update, and one that goes offline when the microwave runs points at 2.4 GHz interference.
A weak signal at the camera, often behind furniture or a wall, makes it drop. The camera's power adapter can also fail, so try another outlet and the original cable. A status of Offline in the app while the camera works on the live view may be a stale status, so refresh the app. If the camera stays offline after a router restart and a power cycle, a factory reset is the last step: press and hold the reset button on the camera, following Google's page for cameras. Set it up again afterwards.
Check the firmware updates, since the camera updates itself when online. Keep a spare outlet in mind for a camera far from power. The wired camera often sits behind a TV or on a shelf where its cable runs along the wall, and a cable that is bent or pinched can give intermittent power. Check the cable along its length and replace it if it is damaged. A camera on a smart plug controlled by a timer or an app will go offline when the plug turns off, so check that the plug is not scheduled. Note the times of the outages for troubleshooting.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nest Cam (wired, 2nd gen) is offline or unavailable”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
No power
What separates it The status light is off
How to confirm Test the outlet and cable
- 2
A weak Wi-Fi signal
What separates it The camera drops in and out
How to confirm Move it closer or add a node
- 3
A changed router or password
What separates it Offline after a change
How to confirm Set up the camera again
- 4
Interference or router restarts
What separates it Drops at set times
How to confirm Check the router's schedule and channel
- 5
A stale status
What separates it The app says offline but live view works
How to confirm Refresh the app
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The status light
- Whether other devices drop
- Whether the router or password changed
- The time the camera goes offline
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCheck the status light
ReversibleAnd the outlet.
Restart the router
ReversibleUnplug for thirty seconds.
Move the camera or add a node
ReversibleFor a better signal.
Set the camera up again
ReversibleAfter a router change.
Refresh the app
ReversibleIf the status looks stale.
Factory reset
ReversibleAs a last step.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Wired power
- Check the light first.
- Fixed position
- A router change breaks the link.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it stays offline after a router restart and a power cycle, factory reset
- !If the status light never comes on in a working outlet, ask for a replacement
- !Contact Google Nest support
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Router, Wi-Fi band and power checks for an offline Nest camera.
Restart and factory reset guidance for Nest cameras and doorbells.
Setup connection checks for Google and Nest devices.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my wired Nest Cam offline?+
No power or a lost Wi-Fi link.
What if the light is off?+
Test the outlet and cable.
Do I need to set it up after a router change?+
Often, yes.
Is the status always right?+
It can be stale.