Only the Google Nest Hub Max has a camera. The regular Nest Hub (1st and 2nd generation) doesn’t have one, so there’s nothing to turn on. On a Nest Hub Max, the camera is controlled by the camera and microphone switch on the back of the display, behind the screen near the top. Slide it so no orange shows, and the camera and microphones are on. When the switch shows orange, the camera and mics are off, and the screen shows a notice.
Below is how to check which model you have, turn the camera on and off, use it for video calls and Face Match, and use the Hub Max as a home security camera.
Check which Nest Hub you have
| Model | Screen size | Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Hub Max | 10 inches | Yes, above the screen |
| Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) | 7 inches | No (uses a motion sensor instead) |
| Google Nest Hub / Home Hub (1st gen) | 7 inches | No |
If your Hub has a small round lens centered above the screen, it’s a Hub Max. You can also check the device name in the Google Home app.
Turn the camera on or off on a Nest Hub Max
- Reach behind the top of the display to find the small sliding switch.
- Slide it so the orange marking is hidden to turn the camera and microphones on.
- Slide it so orange shows to turn them off.
This switch is a hardware control, so the camera can’t be turned on remotely while it’s off. The camera and microphones are controlled together by this switch.
Video calls on the Hub Max
With the camera on, you can make video calls with Google Meet. Say “Hey Google, video call [contact name]” or start a call from the screen. Your contacts and calling settings are managed in the Google Home app and your Google account.
Face Match
Face Match recognizes household members so the Hub Max can show personal reminders, calendars and photos when you walk up. Set it up in the Google Home app: open the Hub Max’s settings, find Face Match under recognition and personalization, and follow the prompts to register your face. You can delete your face model from the same settings at any time.
Use the Hub Max as a security camera
The Hub Max can work like a Nest Cam. In the Google Home app, open the Hub Max’s settings and turn on its camera feature (labeled Nest Cam or camera monitoring, depending on app version). You can then view the live feed from your phone. Event history and video recording depend on your Nest Aware subscription.
While someone is watching remotely, the green light next to the camera turns on, and the screen shows that the camera is streaming.
If the camera isn’t working
- Switch: Make sure the back switch isn’t showing orange.
- Restart: Unplug the Hub Max for 60 seconds and plug it back in.
- Updates: The Hub Max updates automatically. Keep it connected to Wi-Fi.
- Account permissions: Video calling needs Google Meet set up for your account in the Google Home app.
- Privacy settings: Some features turn off for Family Link accounts or in certain countries.
Related: set up a Google Nest Hub.
Related: turn off a Google Nest camera.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2nd-gen Nest Hub have a camera?
No. It uses a radar-based motion sensor for features like sleep sensing and gestures, but it has no camera.
Can someone watch me through my Nest Hub Max?
Only people with access to your home in the Google Home app, and only when the camera is on. A green light shows when the camera is streaming, and you can turn it off with the switch.
Can I turn off the camera but keep the microphone on?
Not with the switch, which turns both off together. If you only want to stop camera features, turn off Face Match and the camera monitoring feature in the Google Home app and leave the switch on.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.