How to replace Nest Detect’s battery

On April 8, 2024, Nest will no longer support Nest Secure. It will not be accessible in the Nest app and will no longer connect to the internet. You will not be able to use the Nest app to check the status of your Nest Secure, control your Nest Secure devices, or receive notifications from your alarm system. 

For more information, go to this Community Forum post.

Google Nest Detect’s battery can last up to two years. But when the Nest app tells you it’s getting low, it’s important to replace it promptly with a new Panasonic CR123 or Energizer CR123A lithium battery. Replacing the battery is easy to do – just follow the steps in this article.

Only use Panasonic CR123 or Energizer CR123A lithium batteries.

These batteries are available online and at select retailers. You can typically find them in the camera section.

Nest Detect has been precisely calibrated to use this size, type and brand of battery, so we don’t recommend using any other kind.

Do not use rechargeable or alkaline batteries. It’s also important to replace your old battery with a fresh battery that hasn’t been used before. 

How to replace the battery

 1. First, set Google Nest Secure to Off . Otherwise an alarm will trigger when you remove Nest Detect.

2. Grip your Detect at the top (the end without the Nest logo) and pull and rotate firmly to detach the backplate. Tips: To help prevent damage to paint, hold down the backplate as you pull Nest Detect off. A small flathead screwdriver can help.

If your Detect isn’t mounted yet, you can also use a screwdriver to pry off the backplate and expose the battery.

3. Take out the old battery and put in the new battery (Panasonic CR123 or Energizer CR123A lithium).

4. When you’re ready to snap Nest Detect back into its backplate, make sure it’s pointing in the right direction.

• Door: The end with the Nest logo needs to be pointing downward.
• Window: The end with the Nest logo needs to be next to the open-close magnet.
• Wall: The end with the Nest logo needs to be pointing downward.

Also make sure that Detect is properly aligned with the backplate when you snap it in. It shouldn’t extend out on either side. A Detect that’s not properly aligned might display a Tamper message in the Nest app. If so, pull Detect out of its backplate and carefully snap it back in.

If you like, you can now arm Nest Secure to Home and Guarding  or Away and Guarding .