Night vision

Google Nest cameras’ night vision uses high-power infrared (IR) LEDs to illuminate the scene when it's dark. When night vision is set to Auto, Nest cameras will wait to switch between normal and night modes only when the light gradually changes. For instance, at dusk or dawn, when the lighting is marginal. Some cameras will flip back and forth between normal and night modes, making the video too light or too dark.

Night vision basics

When night vision is on and someone turns on the lights, your Nest camera will quickly switch to normal video mode.
Nest cameras can also figure out when someone’s trying to blind them by shining a flashlight at them. Night vision is designed to stay on when something like that happens, so you can see what a trespasser is up to.
The IR LEDs are positioned so that they fully illuminate the camera’s wide-angle view instead of just spotlighting part of the center.
Night vision range depends on how much light there is, and which camera or doorbell you have. Test your camera’s recorded or live video when it’s dark out and adjust its position, or add lighting if needed.
If there are any light sources in the area, your camera may be able to see even farther.
When night vision is on, video is streamed in black and white, even if there’s plenty of light in the scene.

Change Night Vision settings

For most situations, it's best to set night vision to Auto, so it'll switch on and off automatically.

When set to Auto, your camera will automatically turn on night vision when it gets dark, and turn it off when there’s enough ambient light.
When set to Always On, night vision will stay on until you manually set it to Auto or Off, even if there's plenty of ambient light. This setting is useful if you want to be able to see a dim or dark area of an otherwise well lit scene.

Home app

Open the Google Home app
Tap Favorites or Devices .
Tap and hold your device's tile More Settings .
Tap Video. Under Night Vision, select from Always on, Auto, or Off.