Google Nest Aware is the main subscription for Nest cameras

Google Nest Aware is a paid monthly plan that adds cloud video storage and AI features to your Nest camera. Without it, your camera records only to local storage (if your model supports it) or shows a live feed only. Nest Aware stores 30 days of video in the cloud, lets you search recordings by person or object, and sends alerts when the camera detects specific activity.

The subscription costs $12 per month or $120 per year for a single camera. If you have multiple cameras, you can add them to one Nest Aware plan for $4 per additional camera per month, or $40 per year. A household with three cameras would pay $20 per month ($12 + $4 + $4) or $200 per year under the annual plan.

Nest Aware is sold through Google Play or directly in the Google Home app. You need a Google account and an active internet connection. The subscription renews automatically each month or year unless you cancel it.

Key Takeaways

  • Nest Aware stores 30 days of video in the cloud and costs $12 per month for one camera, with discounts for additional cameras on the same plan.
  • Without a subscription, most Nest cameras show only a live feed and do not record video to the cloud.
  • Nest Aware Plus adds person detection, package detection, and other AI features, and costs $18 per month or $180 per year.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time through the Google Home app, and your stored video remains available until the subscription ends.
  • Some Nest cameras come with a trial period of free Nest Aware, usually 30 days, which begins when you first set up the camera.

What Nest Aware Plus includes

Nest Aware Plus is a higher tier that adds advanced AI detection features. It costs $18 per month or $180 per year for one camera, and $6 per additional camera per month ($60 per year). It includes everything in Nest Aware plus person detection (alerts when a person is spotted, not just motion), package detection, vehicle detection, and animal detection.

Person detection is the main difference most people notice. A standard Nest Aware camera sends an alert for any motion; a Nest Aware Plus camera sends an alert only when it detects a person, which reduces false alarms from wind, passing cars, or pets. Package detection alerts you when a delivery is left at your door.

Nest Aware Plus also includes 60 days of cloud storage instead of 30, and early access to new features Google releases. The subscription works the same way as Nest Aware — it renews automatically and you manage it through the Google Home app.

What happens without a subscription

If you do not pay for Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus, your camera still works. It will show you a live video feed in the Google Home app and send motion alerts. However, it will not record video to the cloud or store any history you can watch later.

Some Nest camera models support local storage through a microSD card or a Nest Secure hub, which lets you record without a subscription. Check your camera's specs to see if it supports local storage. Even with local storage, you cannot access recordings remotely unless you pay for Nest Aware.

If your subscription expires, your camera continues to work for live viewing and alerts. Any video stored in the cloud is deleted 30 days after your subscription ends (or 60 days if you had Nest Aware Plus). You can download your videos before the subscription ends if you want to keep them.

Free trial periods and bundled subscriptions

Most new Nest cameras come with a free trial of Nest Aware, usually for 30 days. The trial starts when you first set up the camera in the Google Home app. After the trial ends, you must pay for a subscription to keep cloud storage and AI features.

Google also bundles Nest Aware with some other Google services. If you have a Google One membership (Google's cloud storage plan), you may have Nest Aware included depending on your membership tier. Check your Google One settings in the Google Home app to see if Nest Aware is already active on your account.

Some internet service providers and mobile carriers offer Nest cameras or subscriptions as part of their plans. Contact your provider to see if Nest Aware is included with your service.

How to manage your subscription

You can start, pause, or cancel your Nest Aware subscription through the Google Home app. Open the app, tap the camera you want to manage, select the settings icon, and look for the subscription section. From there you can view your current plan, change to a different tier, or cancel.

If you cancel, your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged again, but your cloud video storage will be deleted 30 days after the subscription ends. You can restart your subscription at any time.

If you have multiple cameras, you can manage each one separately or add them all to a single Nest Aware plan. The Google Home app shows you which cameras are on which plan and what you are paying each month.

Comparing Nest Aware to other camera subscriptions

Other camera brands offer similar cloud storage subscriptions. Amazon Ring cameras have Ring Protect plans that cost $3 to $10 per month depending on the tier. Wyze cameras have a Wyze Plus plan for $1.99 per month. Logitech Circle cameras have a subscription for $3 per month. Nest Aware is more expensive than some competitors but includes more advanced AI detection and longer storage periods.

The choice depends on which camera brand you already own or prefer. If you have a Nest camera, Nest Aware is your main option for cloud storage. If you are buying a new camera and cost is a concern, compare the subscription prices along with the camera price.

Some cameras work without any subscription at all if they support local storage. This is an option if you want to avoid ongoing costs, though it means you cannot view recordings remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Nest camera without paying for a subscription?

Yes. Your camera will still show a live feed and send motion alerts. You just will not have cloud video storage or the ability to watch past recordings. Some Nest models support local storage through a microSD card, which lets you record without a subscription.

What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?

Your cloud videos are deleted 30 days after your subscription ends. You can download your videos before canceling if you want to keep them. Any local storage (microSD card) is not affected by the subscription.

Can I share my Nest Aware subscription with family members?

Yes. If family members are part of your Google Home setup, they can view the camera and its recordings through the shared home. The subscription is tied to your Google account, not to individual people, so everyone in the home sees the same camera and storage.

Do I have to pay for Nest Aware for each camera?

No. One Nest Aware subscription can cover multiple cameras. The first camera costs $12 per month, and each additional camera costs $4 per month. So three cameras would cost $20 per month total, not $36.

Is there a way to get Nest Aware for free?

New Nest cameras usually come with a 30-day free trial. Some Google One memberships include Nest Aware depending on the tier. Some internet providers and mobile carriers also bundle it with their plans. Otherwise, you need to pay the monthly or yearly fee.