How to set up a Google Home security system: smart cameras, doorbells, and other devices

no need With an affordable, integrated home security system for a little peace of mind. You can keep tabs on your home when you’re away, check in on your kids or pets, and deter intruders with a few securely placed cameras and connected devices. Easily the smartest option on the market right now, Google Nest Cameras and Doorbells are straightforward to install.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting started with home security using Google Home and Nest cameras.

Selecting and installing security cameras

First, you need to figure out how many cameras you need and where to put them. You’ll want to pay special attention to any entry points to your home and think about where most members of the family can access your belongings. Think back doors, sliding doors, side doors, large windows at the bottom, and your garage or other practice. Try to process the blind spots.

It is a good idea to install cameras in shaded areas, such as under eaves, to protect the lens from sunlight and reduce the risk of overheating. But you also want the cameras to be out of sight, so don’t hide them. Many intruders will fear the camera with a green light indicating recording.

Google suggests 6.5 meters as the ideal height for its outdoor security cameras. You also need to choose spots with a strong Wi-Fi signal and look for nearby wired cameras. Setup is as simple as scanning a QR code in the Google Home app, wrapping it around a magnetic field, and adjusting the camera angle for the best view. For indoor cameras, you can simply plug them into a shelf or wall.

The latest and greatest indoor cam (8/10, recommended wired) can record crystal clear 2k footage at 30 frames per second (FPS) and has HDR to balance mixed lighting. It also offers two-way audio, which can be useful for children. Each camera comes with a Flexible Mount and a 10-Foot USB-C cable. You have a choice of colors: snow (white), hazel (grey-green), or striking berry (red). Place one in your hallway, and you can keep tabs on WHO at home and get alerts if any unfamiliar faces appear.

Photo: Simon Hill

If you can run cables to power outlets, I recommend the new Nest outdoor cam 2K (8/10, recommended wired). Each camera comes with an 18-foot cable that connects to the outlet, as well as a sharp magnetic mount and all the fixings (you can’t carry it too hard). You get clear video day or night at 2560 x 1400-pixel resolution at 30 FPS with HDR. The Nest cam Outdoor also has a 152-degree field of view and 6x digital zoom, so it can capture intruders or vehicles as they approach. This camera only comes in snow or hazel. Chances are you’ll need more than one, and you can save money with a two-pack ($250).

Although this is the last generation of Google’s camera, which means that the footage is limited to 1080p resolution, it is a good choice for floods and other floods that involve bright flames (in context, a 60-watt bulb puts out almost 800 lumens). Place this above your garage and you’ll discourage intruders, and make life easier for yourself when you come home at night or take the trash out at night. Floodlights require power, so you will need to charge this camera, although the camera itself is battery operated. If the power goes out, it will continue to run for a while, although the flood lights will not turn on. There is a possibility that Google will release a version of its new NED CAM in 2K with floods, but the company has not announced anything yet.

Photo: Simon Hill

Maybe you have spots on your property that are difficult to run cable through, or you rent and want to avoid drilling holes. Either way, Google’s battery powered last-gen Nest Cam is out of the question. The footage is 1080p, but this camera supports HDR and offers a high frame rate (30 FPS) for smooth video. It’s a little big to accommodate the battery, and you’ll have to charge it periodically (I’d say every two to three months if it’s in a busy area). If you need more cameras you can save some money by choosing a two-pack ($330) or a three-pack ($450).

Choosing and installing a door

For the main entrance of your home, video door video is the perfect way to get an eye on the meeting and departure of your family, any package delivery, and visitors, reception. The natural place for video in a video door is where it is for your normal combination door. Google recommends placing its nesting feet at a height of about 4 feet. Wedges and fixings for different types of wall are included, so you can make sure that your door has a good view of your front step or your front porch.

If you decide to go with wintell on the door (and I recommend that you do a very good job), you will probably want to rent an electrical installation. Depending on your door wiring, you may need a new transformer and chime. While Google provides GESTS-BYTY-BYTY-BY-STIPS installation guides, renting electricity is always the safest option.