Google's update article says Nest cameras and doorbells update their software automatically when connected to wifi and the internet, and that manual updates are not available. To see the version, open the Google Home app, choose the device and its settings, and find the firmware or software version. If a camera seems out of date, make sure it is online and powered, restart it, check the app version and give it a few hours, since updates roll out in stages and install during quiet periods.
The checks in more detail
A battery model needs enough charge to update, so charge it first. Keep the Google Home app and the phone up to date; Google's wifi article lists checking the app version as a troubleshooting step. If a camera never updates, check the router for filters that block Google servers and check bandwidth. After an update some features change, so check alerts and zones after major updates. Do not unplug the device during an update. A restart can clear a stalled update, and a factory reset is the last resort.
If the version never changes on a well-connected device, contact Google Nest support with the model and version. Outdated devices may stop receiving updates when they reach end of support, so check Google's support pages for your model. A camera that was moved to a new wifi network recently may take a while to catch up on updates, since it must reconnect and check in first, so give it a day before deciding it is stuck. Note the software version before and after each check so you know whether an update really arrived.
A camera that updates in one room may stall in another, so try near the router. Give the update a quiet network by pausing large downloads. Give a new update a day before deciding it caused a problem, since settings sometimes need a restart to take effect and the problem may clear on its own. Because updates are automatic, an unexpected change in behavior a day after a rollout usually reflects the new software, and a restart of the device is the sensible first response.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nest cameras and doorbells firmware update is stuck or failed”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Offline device
What separates it No update arrives because the device is offline and cannot reach Google's servers
How to confirm Reconnect the device first, since it can only update when it is online
- 2
A low battery
What separates it The update waits because the battery in the device is low
How to confirm Charge the battery, and then let the device try the update again
- 3
An old app
What separates it The update is not shown because the Google Home app is out of date
How to confirm Update the Google Home app, then open the device settings and look again
- 4
A router filter
What separates it The update is blocked because a router filter stops the device reaching Google
How to confirm Check the router settings, and allow the device to connect to the internet
- 5
End of support
What separates it No new updates arrive because the model has reached the end of its support
How to confirm Check Google's support page for your model, to see whether it still receives updates
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The firmware version shown in the device settings
- Whether the device shows as connected in the app
- The version of the Google Home app
- The model of the camera or doorbell
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the version
ReversibleYou can see the version in the device settings of the Google Home app, under the device.
Confirm it is online
ReversibleConfirm that the device is online and has power, since an update needs both of them.
Charge a battery model
ReversibleCharge a battery model first, since a low battery can hold back the update for a long time.
Update the Home app
ReversibleUpdate the Google Home app and the phone, so that the app can show the update.
Restart the camera
ReversibleRestart the camera if the update has stalled, which keeps your settings and starts again.
Wait for the rollout
ReversibleWait for the rollout, which can take hours or days, since Google releases updates in stages.
Contact Google
ReversibleContact Google if it never updates, and tell them the model and the version shown.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Automatic
- Updates install without a manual option.
- Support
- Older models eventually stop receiving updates.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Nest Cam (battery), Nest Cam (wired, 2nd gen).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If no update arrives on a good connection, contact Google Nest support
- !If the device is out of support, replace it
- !If the update is stalled, restart the device, and reset it only if that does not help
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Automatic updates.
Wifi, bandwidth, restart, power and reset steps.
Restart versus factory reset.
Battery and charging.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Do Nest cameras update automatically?+
Yes, Nest cameras update automatically when they are connected to wifi and the internet.
Can I update manually?+
No, manual updates are not offered, so you cannot start an update yourself.
Where do I see the version?+
Check the version in the device settings, where the firmware information is shown for the device.
Can a low battery block it?+
Yes, a low battery can block an update, so charge the battery first.
Do updates roll out at once?+
No, updates roll out in stages, so not every device receives them on the same day.
Can an old app hide it?+
Yes, an old app can hide an update, so keep the Google Home app up to date.
Do old models stop updating?+
Old models stop getting updates at the end of their support, so check Google's page.