LEDs on Nest cameras can no longer be turned off when recording

Google is updating Nest camera devices that removes the option to disable status LEDs. When the camera is in use, the status LED of Nest products will now always be active

Google will notify Nest users of the update in an email. The status light feature change applies to Nest cameras, Dropcam, and Nest Hello. After the change, users can still dim the LEDs, but not turn them off completely when the camera is active.

The Nest cameras and Nest Hello are green LEDs, Dropcam are blue LEDs. When streaming live video, the LEDs will blink. This can no longer be turned off. Google already gave an indication in May that the change would be coming. According to Google, the update is part of its aim to provide clarity about how smart home products work in the context of privacy. The change is also described in a new privacy policy.

On Google Nest’s support page, some users are expressing their displeasure with the change. One points out that the camera is becoming an easy target for nighttime burglars, while another feels that its rights as a consumer have been compromised because the product no longer works as advertised.