Charging a Nest Battery in Cold Weather

Lithium-ion batteries commonly used in doorbell cameras, as well as other products, are affected by temperatures below freezing. Nest cameras and doorbells have a minimum charging temperature of 32°F, although they will continue to operate at a minimum of -4°F (-20°C).

It is recommended to charge your battery indoors during times of cold weather. Although the charge may initially be slow, it should speed up as the battery warms.

When connected to existing doorbell wiring, the Nest doorbell's battery will receive a trickle charge through that connection, and the doorbell runs off the battery charge. At below-freezing temperatures (down to -4°F), the doorbell can continue to work, but the battery will drain because it can’t be charged. If the battery drains entirely, the doorbell will shut down.

Does the Nest Cam require a charged battery to operate when powered?

No. The Nest Cam works differently and is powered directly when wired. In freezing temperatures, although the battery may not charge, the camera is not dependent on the battery to operate unless wired power fails. A notable exception to this is if the Nest Cam is powered by a Wasserstein Solar Panel, in which case it is trickle charged and requires the battery to have a charge to operate.