i get a notification that says 'camera is offline due to poor power connection' but the cable is plugged in tight.

Diagnosis

This error message is often misleading because it suggests a physical disconnect, but it actually indicates a "voltage drop" or inconsistent current delivery. Even if the cable feels tight in the socket, the camera is detecting that the power flowing to the internal circuitry is dipping below the required threshold for stable operation. When the Nest Cam Indoor Wired attempts to initiate a high-power task—such as activating the infrared LEDs for night vision or streaming a high-bitrate 1080p video clip—the power draw spikes. If the adapter cannot sustain this peak, the camera momentarily brown-outs, causing the "poor power connection" notification. This instability is typically caused by one of three things: a failing power brick that can no longer provide a consistent 5V/1.5A output, a micro-fracture in the internal wiring of the USB-C cable (often caused by tight bends or cable management clips), or oxidized contact points on the USB-C tongue. You can confirm this by observing the status light on the front of the device; if it flickers or changes color immediately before the notification arrives, you are dealing with a power delivery failure rather than a network disconnection.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must isolate the power chain and ensure a high-amperage connection. Follow these steps precisely:

1. Disconnect the power adapter from the AC wall outlet and unplug the USB-C cable from the back of the camera.
2. Inspect the USB-C port on the camera housing using a flashlight. Look for lint, dust, or bent pins. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the port; even a tiny piece of debris can prevent the plug from seating deeply enough to maintain a constant connection.
3. Inspect the cable for "kinks" or sharp 90-degree bends, especially where the cable meets the connector. If the cable is wrapped tightly around a stand or tucked into a tight corner, straighten it out to eliminate internal wire fatigue.
4. Bypass any power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords. Plug the Nest power adapter directly into a known-working wall outlet to ensure there is no voltage sag from a crowded power strip.
5. Reinsert the USB-C cable into the camera, pressing firmly until you feel a distinct "click." Ensure the cable is not being pulled at an angle by the weight of the cord, which can pry the connector slightly out of alignment.
6. Restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

If That Didn't Work

• Swap the Power Adapter: The most common culprit is a failing power brick. Replace the original adapter with a high-quality 5V/2A (10W) USB power supply. Avoid using "cheap" generic phone chargers, as they often lack the stable voltage regulation required for 24/7 security cameras.
• Replace the USB-C Cable: If you are using a third-party extension cable or a replacement cord, ensure it is rated for high-speed data and power. Use a cable with a thickness of at least 24 AWG to minimize resistance and voltage drop over the length of the wire.
• Check for Thermal Throttling: If the camera is placed in direct sunlight or near a heat vent, the internal components can overheat. Overheating can cause the power management chip to malfunction, triggering false "poor power" alerts. Move the camera to a cooler location to see if the errors cease.
• Perform a Factory Reset: In rare cases, a firmware glitch causes the camera to misread voltage levels. Use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button on the back of the device for 10-15 seconds until the status light pulses, then set the camera up as new in the Google Home app.

Heads Up

• Avoid using USB hubs or multi-port charging stations; these devices split power between multiple ports and rarely provide the consistent current the Nest Cam requires.
• Never use "fast chargers" or "USB-PD" (Power Delivery) bricks that exceed 5V unless they are specifically compatible, as they can occasionally cause erratic power cycling in older Nest hardware.
• Periodically check the cable for fraying, especially if you have pets that may chew on the cord, as a partial break in the internal shielding will cause intermittent power drops.
• Ensure the camera is mounted on a stable surface where the cable can hang naturally without tension, preventing the USB-C port from wearing out over time.