If you buy a security camera, you expect to be able to use it for security 24/7, whether you're at home or not. For most people, security cameras work readily to keep your home secure. That is especially true if you live in an area with a concentrated population like a city or town with easy access to WiFi. Those of us who live in cities tend to forget that there are lots of places that don't have WiFi or consistent, good-quality WiFi. Nest cameras are an excellent choice for home security. You can operate them from a mobile app remotely to see if you need to be concerned with anything and to confirm that everyone is fine when you're not at home. Nest cameras can be placed around your home so you can check on and infant or pets when you're not there. Even if you want to go downstairs, but your infant is sleeping upstairs, you can conveniently watch them from your phone with a Nest. All this convenience is lost if you don't have WiFi. Since the mobile app doesn't work without internet access, neither does your security system. If you don't have access to WiFi or your WiFi is inconsistent, Nest cameras won't work.

Nest Cameras Require WiFi to Work

While there are some security cameras that run without WiFi, a Nest camera isn't one of them. If you live in an area that doesn't have any access to WiFi, Nest cameras are not the right choice for your security or convenience. WiFi access depends on geographical location and whether a location has installed the proper cables and infrastructure to support WiFi. If you are moving to a small town or rural location but you need WiFi, you should investigate access before you move. Some small towns have invested in good WiFi as a benefit to their residents. Setting up municipal WiFi can be cost-prohibitive for some areas. If you have WiFi, but it is inconsistent, a Nest camera will work while the internet is on, but stop working when it is out. However, the camera will send you a message letting you know it's out. In that case, you will have to decide whether the convenience of a Nest camera is worth the inconvenience of your intermittent WiFi. You might need an auxiliary wired security system, too.

Why is My Nest Camera Offline?

If you live alone or have small children, the convenience of a WiFi camera like the Nest can make you feel safe and secure. You can easily place Nest cameras in several rooms to keep an eye on kids, pets, or your front door. However, if you find your Nest camera not working, all of the convenience goes out the window. If that rarely happens, then dealing with resetting it isn't too much of a problem. But, if you are in an area that has poor or no WiFi, then the Nest camera isn't the right choice for you and your family.
The Nest Cam, in particular, doesn’t let you do anything from within the Nest app—it pretty much acts like the camera doesn’t even exist by giving you a “your camera is offline” message. You can’t even go in and look at past video recordings.
WiFi is essential for the Nest camera to run. If your WiFi is spotty, so is the performance of your Nest camera. That makes it very inconvenient for you. Since the reason you bought the camera is to use it for security, not being able to work it most of the time isn't helpful or functional.

Reasons that your Nest camera isn't working:

  • No WiFi
  • Inconsistent WiFi
  • Worn, damaged, or broken camera

Alternatives to Nest Camera

Without knowing your specific security requirements, it's tough to suggest other home security cameras or systems. However, without WiFi, the list of security cameras gets much shorter. You may need to install wired cameras throughout your home if you need round-the-clock security without reliable WiFi. Wired cameras operate whether you have an internet connection or not. They are powered independently of WiFi, and take direction without the need for a mobile app. However, it results in fewer features than using a Nest camera.