Worried About Nest Camera Static Noise – (Quick Solutions)

The Nest camera static noise can be classified as a potentially serious issue with the device, as it could often indicate fluctuations in the power supply.

If the buzzing noise produced by the camera is fairly irregular, loud, and continuous, it can be caused by interference or a wiring fault. 

The Nest camera could have two types of buzzing noises:

The camera’s live feed could be picking up the buzzing coming from the hardware, or the feed itself could be experiencing interference issues. 

How to Fix the Nest Camera Static Noise? [7 Quick Methods]

Note: Follow the steps in consecutive order!

1. Check for Obstructed Movement

The Nest camera is designed to rotate on demand, either through the Nest app or during motion detection.

The camera’s electrical motor could produce a buzzing or grinding noise if something obstructs the movement. 

What May Obstruct Nest’s Movement?

For example, if you’re using a hardwired unit, the power adapter’s cable might have been tied around the stand, preventing the camera from completing a full rotation cycle.

A loose mount or bracket is also to blame for the Nest camera’s rotation issues.

How to Solve Nest Camera’s Rotation?

Here are several tips to improve Nest’s rotation:

• Ensure there are no cables or wires near the stand
• Tighten the Nest camera’s mount plate and bracket
• Check if there’s dust or debris on or near the motor

Based on whether you use an outdoor, indoor, or floodlight camera, the rotary segment (motor) can be found right under the lens panel.

It allows the camera to complete an entire 360° during motion detection or on demand through the app’s live feed.

2. Reset the Nest’s Power Supply

Both battery-powered and hardwired Nest cameras can be power-cycled to resolve underlying issues.

The power cycle can be effective for interference, electricity issues, or failure of one of the camera’s segments.

How to Hard Reset a Hardwired Nest?

1. Disconnect the USB cable from your Nest camera.
2. Now, disconnect the other end from the A/C outlet.
3. Wait for a total of 40 seconds for the Nest to discharge.
4. Then, reseat the power cable on both ends and test.

How to Hard Reset a Battery-Powered Nest?

Battery-operated cameras are much more complex and difficult to power reset, as the procedure requires removing the internal batteries.

That will not only void the warranty of the Nest product but could also damage the HW, as putting it back together afterward is much more challenging. 

Note: In case of a failure with your battery-operated Nest camera, we recommend getting in touch with Google’s support.

3. Move Nest to a Different Room (Live Feed)

If your Nest camera’s buzzing with static noise, moving it to a new spot can often make it quiet down very quickly.

That annoying vibration-like sound mainly comes from things nearby messing with it, so finding the right place is key. 

There are two primary tips for picking a placement for Nest!

Find the Noise Source:

Static often happens when electronics like Wi-Fi routers, TVs, or power cords are way too close to each other, throwing off interference.

• Move it away: Pick a spot at least 3–5 feet from gadgets like microwaves or speakers.
• Check Wi-Fi: Ensure the new position is within 50–100 feet from the network router.

You may have to go through several different positions for your Nest camera until you figure out what exactly is causing the static noise.

Keep your smartphone on the live feed through the Nest app to check consistently if there’s an improvement. 

Tip: Feel free to explore tips on relocating Nest cameras!

Choosing a Better Spot:

Go for an open area, maybe up high, to dodge the noise:

• Try higher: Put it on a shelf or a wall mount away from other devices and objects.
• Test it out: Use the app to hear if the static’s gone after moving it, and tweak it if needed.

Note: The new spot of the Nest camera should be as far as possible from other electronics and power components that could interfere with the broadcast.

4. Eliminate Environmental Noise

The Nest camera buzzing noise may be caused by sounds picked up from the room (or surface) where it is located.

If you hear the buzzing sound only through the live feed, try relocating the Nest camera somewhere else in complete silence.

Your camera could be amplifying the noise of a nearby electrical appliance and causing it to be much louder through the live feed.

Check for Room Noise:

Your camera might be picking up and boosting sounds around it, making them way louder in the app than they really are.

• Try a quiet spot: Try a place with no noise, like a corner away from chatter or hums.
• Test in silence: Listen to the camera feed after moving it to see if the buzz goes away.

Move Nearby Devices:

Nearby devices/appliances could be the culprit, sending buzzes through the camera’s mic.

• Keep it clear: Put it far from things like fridges, fans, or chargers that are humming.
• Check the surface: Set it on something steady, not wobbly, to cut extra vibrations.

By testing the camera in complete silence, you will quickly identify whether the static noise has something to do with the positioning of your product. 

5. Check for Power Supply Issues (A/C)

Nest cameras that are connected over a power adapter may be experiencing power fluctuations due to defective external equipment in the setup.

The buzzing noises could be produced by an improper transformation of the electricity or shortages in the power line, which is quite serious.

Warning: Battery-operated cameras do not require external equipment, and disassembly must be conducted only by Google!

Here are several problems that could impact Nest’s power supply!

5.1 Power Source Issues

Consider plugging the power adapter of the Nest camera into an alternative outlet to check if there’s an issue with the consistent voltage.

Inspect if the power cable is secured on both ends and proceed to check if the buzzing is still there.

5.2 No External Equipment

Use a standalone power outlet for the Nest camera without installing any power strips, dividers, extenders, or smart plugs.

Then, plug the power cable directly into the outlet and test if your Nest camera operation is going to be quiet without buzzing.

5.3 Adapter & Cable Check

Inspect the condition of the power adapter along with the USB cable supplying power to your Nest.

Check if the USB port is filled with debris and verify that the adapter is functional by testing it on another device.

Note: The buzzing can also be coming from the electrical socket; check whether your Nest camera is not charging as well.

6. Reset the Camera to Default

The factory reset could resolve most issues with the Nest camera, including the static noise, as long as it is on a software level (only on the feed).

All of the camera settings and configurations will be permanently erased after the restoration, and the product should be set up from scratch.

Here’s how to factory reset the Nest camera:

1. Remove your camera from the mounting plate. 
2. Locate the reset button on the camera’s back.
3. Now, hold the button for about 10–15 seconds.
4. Release once the camera status turns “Offline”.
5. Remove the device profile from the Nest device.
6. Tap on “Add Device” and follow the instructions.

The camera will appear as “Offline” within the app until the profile is erased and the camera is registered from scratch.

You will be prompted to re-assign the cam and reconnect it to the Wi-Fi.

7. Identify Nest Hardware Issues

If the Nest camera static noise is still there, perhaps it’s a consequence of hardware damage.

Fortunately, Google’s product warranty covers all types of environmental and weather-related damage, so you will be able to claim a replacement after getting in touch with the support team.

The Types of Nest Camera Hardware Issues:

Cam rotary problem: A failure of the Nest camera’s internal motor. The earliest signs of this malfunction include slow live feed responses, failed motion detection, and consistent buzzing, rubbing, and grinding noises when moving the camera.

Transformer problem: A failure of the Nest camera’s A/C voltage transformer. The early signs could include repeated camera rebooting, powering off, and long-lived outages of the live feed.

Lens/camera problem: A fault of the digital electronic sensor of the Nest camera that captures the live feed. The earliest signs of this malfunction can be image and video losses accompanied by the heavily reduced quality of the feed.

How to Claim Nest Product Warranty?

To put your warranty to use, you must describe the problem to Google’s support team and follow the stated instructions.

For this purpose, head to the Google Store Help page through the PC or smartphone and answer the support survey before getting in touch.

Quick Tip: Verify you’re signed through the account that was used to order your Nest camera for easier identification of your product.