Intelligent displays and smart speakers make interactions with smart home devices easier when you use voice commands. In addition, they let you listen to music, place calls, and perform other actions. Some of them, like the Amazon Echo Show smart displays and the Google Nest Hub Max, have built-in cameras to facilitate video calls.

The integrated webcam also doubles as a security camera, allowing you to access the live feed from other devices. Depending on your smart display, you can pan the camera to look around your home. Let's see how to do this with a Google Nest Hub Max or Echo Show, depending on the device you have at home.

How to use your Google Nest Hub Max as a security camera

The Google Nest Hub lineup is popular among Google Assistant users. It comes in two versions: the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. Only the latter features a built-in security camera.

If you have a Nest Hub Max, you can use the Nest Cam feature to access its camera remotely using the Google Home app on your iPhone or Android device and check what's going on at home.

Before using the feature, you'll need to set it up:

  1. On your smartphone, open the Google Home app.
  2. Tap Devices in the bottom bar.
  3. Long press your Nest Hub Max from the menu.
  4. Tap the cogwheel icon in the upper-right corner.
  5. Scroll down and select Nest Cam.
  6. Turn on Home monitoring features and Home monitoring audio.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions when prompted.
  8. Scan the QR Code on your Nest Hub Max.
    Screenshot of the Google Home app showing the Nest Hub Max settings
    Screenshot of the Google Home app showing the Nest Hub Max Nest Cam settings

After it's set up, open your Nest Hub tile from the Google Home App and tap View Nest Cam. You'll see a live feed from your device and be able to talk and listen through it. Alternatively, say, "Hey Google, show me the living room," from another smart home device or your phone to get a camera feed of that location and two-way audio functionality.

Nest Cam provides a three-hour window to get snapshots from the device when it detects an event. If you want access to full-on continuous recording instead of only a livestream, sign up for Nest Aware, which costs $6 per month. You can save and share clips for up to 30 days on the Nest app, set up activity zones, and get automatic notifications when the device notices something unusual.

How to use your Amazon Echo Show as a security camera

You may be more of an Amazon Alexa person when it comes to smart technology. The devices offer lots of smart home integrations that can improve your setup. Like the Google Nest Hub, not all Amazon Echo Show devices can be used as a security camera, so make sure you have the right iteration to take advantage of Home Monitoring, Amazon's security camera functionality.

The Echo Show 5 (2nd gen), Echo Show 8 (2nd gen), Echo Show 10 (3rd gen), and Echo Show 15 are compatible with the Home Monitoring feature. Now that you know you have a compatible device, follow these steps to use your Amazon Echo Show as a security camera.

First, you need to activate home monitoring on your device:

  1. Swipe down from the top of the display on your Echo Show.
  2. Tap Settings from the menu.
  3. Select Camera from the Settings menu.
  4. Tap to activate Home Monitoring with the slider.

Now that you've turned on home monitoring, here's how to access the live feed from your mobile device:

  1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
  2. Select Devices from the dashboard.
  3. Tap the Echo Show from which you'd like to view the live feed.
  4. Tap Camera in the upper-right corner.
    Screenshot of the Alexa app showing the device list
    Screenshot of the Alexa app showing the Echo Show dashboard

You can now access your Amazon Echo Show as a security camera, providing a live feed from that device's camera. If you have the Echo Show 10, swivel the camera back and forth by swiping left and right on the screen. You can also use Ring Modes, which better integrate multiple Ring devices for easier functionality.

Like Google, Amazon requires you to sign up for a subscription to get a continuous recording. The plan for these devices is called Amazon Protect, and it costs $3.99 per month for a video history of up to 180 days.

How to buy a standard security camera

While smart displays perform well with home security cameras, there's no replacement for the real thing. The Google Nest Hub and the Echo Show have perks. Security cameras from companies like Ring and Arlo are better equipped for home security because they're built with home security functionality in mind. Even Nest cameras provide a solid option that integrates seamlessly with Google Nest Hub.

Home security cameras are often weatherproof, so you can place them outside to monitor more than your living room. Additionally, they typically offer better connectivity because they don't power a full-on smart display on top of recording your home. On top of that, home security cameras are portable, allowing you to place and mount them wherever you like. You no longer have to put them on the entryway table where they might be in the way.

Keep your home safe and secure

Smart displays are an excellent addition to a home security setup and let you keep an eye on your home when you're away. They're not meant to fully secure your home and can't fully replace a dedicated security camera. These feature advanced functionality, allowing you to recognize people in specific zones, and can be placed differently for an optimal view. If you're looking for a way to secure your home reliably, it's better to count on those rather than your smart display.