Removing Nest Camera From Indoor Mount: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to remove your Nest camera from its indoor mount, the process is relatively straightforward. The Nest Cam Indoor is typically attached to a metal wall plate using a magnet. To detach it, simply grip the camera and pull it away from the metal plate. However, if your Nest Cam IQ Indoor is attached to a wall mount with screws, you'll need to gently twist it to loosen the screws before removing it. It's important to note that the Nest Cam (wired) cannot be detached from its stand. Additionally, if your camera is placed on a flat surface, there's no need to remove it as the camera stand and base are not detachable. Before removing your Nest camera, ensure you review the safety guidelines and consider the security implications of temporarily leaving your home vulnerable during the removal process.

Removing the Nest camera wall mount

Step 1: Disconnect the Wiring (Wired Models Only)

If you have a wired Nest camera model, start by turning off the power and safely disconnecting the wiring. Locate your circuit breaker and switch off the power to the camera. This step is crucial for preventing electrical accidents during removal.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power (Battery-Powered Models Only)

If your Nest camera is battery-powered, ensure the device is turned off to avoid accidental activations during the removal process.

Step 3: Remove the Camera from the Wall Mount

The method for removing the camera from the wall mount differs depending on the model:

• For the Nest Cam Indoor, simply grip the base of the camera and pull it away from the metal wall plate. The camera is attached to the wall plate with a strong magnet, so be sure to hold it securely.
• For the Nest Cam IQ Indoor, if it is attached to a wall mount, use a tool to gently twist the screws in a counter-clockwise direction until they become loose. If your camera is resting on a flat surface, there is no need to remove it as the camera stand and base cannot be separated.
• For the Nest Cam Outdoor, grasp the camera and pull it away from the metal plate, as it is also attached with a magnet.

Step 4: Remove the Mounting Plate (If Applicable)

If your Nest camera was installed using a mounting plate, you will need to remove it from the wall or ceiling. First, check your Wi-Fi coverage by viewing your camera's video stream with the Nest app to ensure you have a strong signal. Once confirmed, unscrew the mounting plate from the wall or ceiling. Make sure to hand-tighten the screws with a screwdriver if you used a drill to put them in, to prevent over-tightening and possible damage to the surface.

Twisting the camera counter-clockwise

To remove the camera, grip the base of the camera and twist it counter-clockwise. It will click as it detaches from the wall mount.

If you have a Nest Cam IQ Indoor, the process is slightly different. If the camera is attached to a wall mount, gently twist it until the screws become loose. If it's resting on a flat surface, there's no need to do anything as the camera stand and base cannot be separated.

The Nest Cam Outdoor is also attached to a metal plate with a magnet. To detach it, simply grip the camera and pull it away from the plate.

It's important to note that the Nest Cam (wired) cannot be detached from its stand.

Using a release tool

To remove your Nest camera from its mount, you'll need to use the release tool that came in the box. If you've misplaced it, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a paperclip.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove your Nest camera from its indoor mount using the release tool:

Step 1: Locate the Hole

Find the hole at the top of your Nest camera. It should be behind the speaker holes at the bottom. This is where you'll insert the release tool.

Step 2: Insert the Release Tool

Take the release tool and insert it into the hole. Push it all the way in until it can't go any further. You may need to apply some force, but be careful not to damage the camera.

Step 3: Press and Release

Once the release tool is fully inserted, press it down to release the camera from its mount. You should feel a click or hear a slight pop when the camera is released.

Step 4: Pull the Camera Away

Gently pull the camera away from the wall, holding it firmly. Be careful not to drop the camera as you remove it.

Additional Tips:

• If you're having trouble removing the camera, try twisting it counter-clockwise first to release it from the mount.
• The release tool is small and easy to misplace. Consider taping it to the top of your doorbell or chime so you know where it is.
• If you've lost your release tool, you can purchase a similar tool online or from a local hardware store.

By following these steps, you should be able to safely remove your Nest camera from its indoor mount using the release tool.

Disconnecting the wiring

Locate the circuit breaker: Before you begin, find your home's circuit breaker and turn off the power to the circuit that supplies electricity to the Nest camera. This is an important safety measure to prevent any electrical accidents during the removal process.

Identify the wiring: Once the power is off, you need to locate the wiring connected to your Nest camera. This could be behind the camera itself or in a nearby junction box.

Loosen the wiring connectors: Use a screwdriver or any appropriate tool to loosen the connectors that hold the wiring in place. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wires.

Detach the wires: Carefully disconnect the wires from the camera. You may need to gently pull or twist the wires to detach them from the terminals. Make sure to note the correct polarity of the wires (usually indicated by colour-coding) so you can reconnect them properly if needed.

Secure the wires: After detaching the wires, make sure to secure them safely. You can use wire connectors or electrical tape to prevent bare wires from touching each other or any metal surfaces.

At this point, your Nest camera should be successfully disconnected from the wiring. You can now proceed with the rest of the removal process, such as unscrewing the camera from its mount or base. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety precautions when working with electrical devices.

If you have a battery-powered Nest camera, it may not be necessary to disconnect any wiring. However, it is still important to ensure that the device is powered off before removing it to avoid accidental activations. Always refer to the specific instructions for your Nest camera model for the most accurate information.

Removing the camera from a stand

Removing the Nest Camera from a stand is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:

First, it is important to note that the process of removing the Nest Camera from its stand may vary slightly depending on the model you have. For instance, the Nest Cam (wired) cannot be detached from its stand. If you have the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and it is attached to a wall mount, the process will be different from when it is placed on a flat surface. With that in mind, let's go through the steps for removing the camera from different types of stands:

Removing Nest Cam Indoor from a Stand:

The Nest Cam Indoor can be placed on a horizontal surface using its stand. If you wish to remove it from the stand, simply grip the base of the camera stand and pull the camera away from the base. The camera itself can rotate a full 360° in the stand, providing a versatile range of motion.

Removing Nest Cam IQ Indoor from a Stand:

If your Nest Cam IQ Indoor is attached to a wall mount, the process of removing it will be slightly different. In this case, you need to grip the metal ring at the top of the stand and turn it to unscrew the ring. This will detach the camera from the wall mount. However, if your Nest Cam IQ Indoor is simply resting on a flat surface, there is no need to do anything as the camera stand and base cannot be detached from the camera head.

Removing Nest Cam (Battery) from a Magnetic Wall Mount:

If you have the newer Google Nest Camera (Battery) and it is mounted on a magnetic wall plate, you will need to twist it counter-clockwise to release it. This is a common issue that some users have faced, and the official install video at the 4:12 mark can provide a visual guide to help you with this process.

General Tips for Removing Nest Cameras:

When removing your Nest Camera from any stand or mount, it is important to be cautious and gentle to avoid damaging the device. Always grip the base of the camera or the stand, not the camera head, when applying force to detach it. Additionally, ensure that you have a secure hold on the camera as you pull it away from the stand or mount to prevent accidental drops.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove your Nest Camera from its stand or mount, depending on the specific model you own. Remember to review the safety guidelines and instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure a safe and proper removal process.

Frequently asked questions