Google has announced that it will stop supporting the Dropcam, Dropcam Pro, and Nest Secure security devices on April 8, 2024. This means that users of these devices will need to figure out their next steps as device support is ending soon. After the support ends, the affected devices will no longer record video and users will only have access to their prior video histories for the remainder of their subscriptions, which can range from five to 30 days. Once the subscription end date passes, video history will become inaccessible, so users are advised to save anything they want to keep as soon as possible.
For Dropcam owners, Google is offering two different options. Users who are not subscribed to Nest Aware can get a 50% discount toward the purchase of an indoor wired Nest Cam, while those who are subscribed to Nest Aware can get the Nest Cam for free. The Nest Cam is Google’s least expensive camera but offers great features such as free cloud storage for three hours and smart alerts that detect people, pets, and objects moving around the room. It is seen as a solid upgrade to the outgoing Dropcam. Nest Secure users also have two migration options: a free Self Setup System from ADT or a $200 voucher to purchase newer Nest products on the Google Store.
Nest Secure users with Nest x Yale Locks will need to take additional steps after April 8 to avoid being locked out. The Nest Guard keypad will no longer be able to connect to Wi-Fi, so users will need to obtain a Nest Connect if they don’t already have one. Google is providing a free Nest Connect to Nest Secure owners, and users should have received emails about it. Additionally, affected users are advised to cancel their Nest Aware subscription if they no longer need it, as Google will not cancel it automatically if users no longer own products that can use Nest Aware. The cancellation can be done through home.nest.com or the Google Home app.
Google is ending support for Dropcam and Nest Secure because the devices are deemed too old to integrate properly with the unified smart home ecosystem under the Google Home and Google Assistant umbrella. In 2023, Google began the migration by asking Nest users to migrate their accounts from Nest to Google Home and releasing a script editor for home automation use. Nest account holders were encouraged to migrate their accounts to a Google account to maintain functionality after the shutdown of Works with Nest. The rest of the Google Nest hardware family is still supported for the time being, and Google has migrated its lineup to the Google Home app, where users can manage them as they did in the Nest app.
Users who have not yet migrated their Nest accounts to Google are encouraged to do so before support ends on April 8 so they can continue using their devices. Google has taken steps to ensure that affected users have options for transitioning to new devices or services, including discounts and vouchers for newer Nest products. It is recommended that users take action before the support ends to avoid any interruption in their security systems and to ensure they can continue using their devices seamlessly after the April 8 deadline.
