Google Nest Camera Setup Invite-only beta
ReefMind can use your Google Nest cameras through your Google account, cloud to cloud. No ReefMind Collector, camera IP address or camera password is needed. Nest is an invite-only beta: Google lets ReefMind connect only a few homes for now, so Google Nest shows in Add Camera only on invited accounts.
What ReefMind uses
- Google's official Device Access (Smart Device Management) API. You sign in on Google's own page; ReefMind never sees your Google password.
- Only the cameras you choose to share on Google's page. You can change that list or remove ReefMind at any time in your Google account.
- Pictures from the camera for the tank's AI observations, and live video in ReefMind's viewer.
Information only: Nest pictures feed camera AI observations. They never change dosing, equipment or any automation.
Setup steps
- Open the Camera tab and choose + Add Camera.
- Pick Google Nest as the camera type, then Sign in to Google.
- Google may show "Google hasn't verified this app". That is expected during the beta: choose Advanced, then Go to ReefMind.
- On Google's page, choose your home and the cameras to share with ReefMind, then allow access.
- Back in ReefMind, choose your camera from the list, give it a name, and choose + Add Camera.
Pictures and live video
Google does not let apps take a still picture whenever they like, so ReefMind takes its pictures from the live stream:
- Older Nest cameras (Nest Cam IQ, the original Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor, Nest Hello doorbell, Nest Hub Max): ReefMind takes a picture every 15 minutes, and Snap takes one now.
- Newer Nest cameras (Nest Cam wired or battery, Nest Cam with floodlight, newer Nest Doorbells): open Live video and choose Snapshot to save a picture. ReefMind cannot take scheduled pictures from these cameras.
- Live video runs in 5-minute stretches that ReefMind renews for wired cameras. Battery cameras stop after 5 minutes; choose Keep watching to start again.
- ReefMind plays live video for every Nest camera. Older Nest cameras play through ReefMind's servers for up to 10 minutes at a time; open Live video again to keep watching.
Disconnect
In the Add Camera window with Google Nest selected, choose Disconnect Google Nest. ReefMind removes its Google access, your Nest cameras in ReefMind and every Nest picture it saved. You can also remove ReefMind in your Google account under third-party connections.
Troubleshooting
I don't see Google Nest in Add Camera
Nest is invite-only for now. Ask ReefMind support to join the beta.
"The Google Nest beta is full"
All beta spots are taken. We will let you know when one opens.
"Google needs you to sign in again"
The link with Google ended. Choose + Add Camera, then Google Nest, and sign in again.
A camera is missing from the list
It was not shared with ReefMind. Sign in to Google again and turn that camera on.
"This Nest camera is offline"
Check the camera in the Google Home app, then try again.