How to replace Nest Protect's batteries

When it’s time to replace your Google Nest Protect’s batteries, you can follow the steps in this article to learn how.

How to tell when you'll need to replace Nest Protect's batteries

If its batteries are getting low, your Nest Protect will let you know. Protect will pulse yellow when you turn off the lights at night. you will receive a message during Nightly Promise and you'll receive a notification in the Nest app.

You can check the battery life of your Nest Protect at any time.

How to check the charge level of Nest Protect's batteries >

Type of batteries to use with Nest Protect

Nest Protect uses Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA (L91) batteries.

Nest Protect (Battery) requires 6 AA and Nest Protect (Wired) requires 3 AA as backup batteries. In case of a power outage, Nest Protect (Wired) will use its backup battery.

Important things to know:

Using types of batteries other than the ones recommended by Nest will be harmful to the smoke and CO alarm operation.
Don't mix and match batteries.
Don't place new batteries in with old batteries.
Don't use rechargeable or alkaline batteries.

Replacing your Nest Protect's batteries

Each kind of Nest Protect has different instructions for replacing the batteries. To check which kind of Nest Protect you have, see the article below.

How to tell which Nest Protect you have >

Select the kind of Nest Protect you have to see how to replace your Nest Protect's batteries:

2nd gen battery powered Nest Protect

1. Remove your Nest Protect from its backplate. Turn it counter- clockwise until it comes loose.
2. Push the battery door button in the direction of the arrow. The door will spring open.
3. Replace all of the batteries with new Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries (L91). Be sure to match the positive "+" and negative "-" ends of the batteries with the markings in the battery compartment.
4. Close the battery door. It will click into place. For your safety, the battery door will not close until all 6 batteries are inserted.
5. Using the notches on the bottom of your Nest Protect as a guide, place your Nest Protect against its backplate, and turn it clockwise until you feel the backplate grip.
6. Press the Nest button twice to test your Nest Protect. This will help make sure you've replaced the batteries correctly. Learn about Safety checkup >

2nd gen wired Nest Protect

1. Turn the power to your Nest Protect off at the breaker box.
2. Remove your Nest Protect from its backplate. Turn it counter- clockwise until it comes loose.
3. Detach the power connector.
4. Push the battery door button in the direction of the arrow. The door will spring open.
5. Replace all of the batteries with new Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries (L91). Be sure to match the positive "+" and negative "-" ends of the batteries with the markings in the battery compartment
6. Close the battery door. It will click into place. For your safety, the battery door will not close until all 3 batteries are inserted.
7. Reattach the power connector.
8. Using the notches on the bottom of your Nest Protect as a guide, place your Nest Protect against its backplate, and turn it clockwise until you feel the backplate grip.
9. Turn the power back on at the breaker box.
10. Press the Nest button twice to test your Nest Protect. This will help make sure you've replaced the batteries correctly. Learn about Safety checkup >

1st gen battery powered Nest Protect

1. Remove your Nest Protect from its backplate. Turn it counter- clockwise until it comes loose.
2. Using a Philips screwdriver, unscrew the two screws from the battery door.
3. Replace all of the batteries with new Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries (L91). Be sure to match the positive "+" and negative "-" ends of the batteries with the markings in the battery compartment. Push down the small latch at the bottom of the battery compartment so that you can insert the last battery and properly close the battery door.
4. Reattach the battery door. Slide it into the tabs located on the opposite side of the batteries and replace the screws. For your safety, the battery door will not close until all 6 batteries are inserted.
5. Place your Nest Protect onto its backplate and turn it clockwise until you feel the backplate grip.
6. Press the Nest button twice to test your Nest Protect. This will help make sure you've replaced the batteries correctly. Learn about Safety checkup >

1st gen wired Nest Protect

1. Turn the power to your Nest Protect off at the breaker box.
2. Remove your Nest Protect from its backplate. Turn it counter- clockwise until it comes loose.
3. Detach the power connector.
4. Using a Philips screwdriver, unscrew the two screws from the battery door.
5. Replace all of the batteries with new Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries (L91). Be sure to match the positive "+" and negative "-" ends of the batteries with the markings in the battery compartment. Push down the small latch at the bottom of the battery compartment so that you can insert the last battery and properly close the battery door.
6. Reattach the battery door. Slide it into the tabs located on the opposite side of the batteries and replace the screws. For your safety, the battery door will not close until all 3 batteries are inserted.
7. Reattach the power connector.
8. Place your Nest Protect onto its backplate and turn it clockwise until you feel the backplate grip.
9. Turn the power back on at the breaker box.
10. Press the Nest button twice to test your Nest Protect. This will help make sure you've replaced the batteries correctly. Learn about Safety checkup >

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