Learn about how Nest Guard works and what it detects

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 Guard works as a keypad to arm and disarm the alarm, it lets you know what's happening and if something needs your attention, and its motion sensor can trigger the alarm.

Nest Guard's illuminated keypad

Guard lights up when you approach, and the buttons light up as you need them so you'll know what to do.

Security level buttons  Let you switch between security levels   Info button  Press when lit to check the status of your security system.

Keypad  Enter your passcode or tap Google Nest Tag here to arm and disarm.

Arming and disarming with Guard

Nest Guard makes it easy to arm and disarm the alarm. You can enter your numerical passcode on the keypad or hold a Nest Tag key fob on it for a couple of seconds. How to arm and disarm Nest Secure >

There are three security level buttons to choose from:

• Home and Guarding includes open/close detection for windows and doors and optional motion detection for doors and walls.
• Away and Guarding includes both motion detection and open/close detection for windows and doors and motion detection for doors and walls.

• Off turns off the alarm so it won’t sound.

  Learn about security levels >

Lets you know what’s happening

Guard will speak to you if there’s something that you need to do. The light ring will also light up and change colors depending on what’s happening. For instance, when you come home and the alarm is armed, you’ll hear “Please enter your passcode.“ The light ring will turn yellow and get shorter to show you how much time you have left to disarm the alarm.

If there’s an important message, the Info button will light up. Press it and Guard will tell you what you need to know.

What you’ll see and hear from Nest Guard >

Detects motion

Guard is much more than a simple alarm keypad, it also has a built-in motion sensor that can detect intruders up to 10 feet (3 m) away.

 

Panic button when you need it

If you ever want to sound the alarm quickly, you can press Guard’s panic button. How to trigger Nest Secure’s panic alarm >

 

Microphone

Nest Guard has a microphone that is off by default. It is only used when you opt in to enable the Google Assistant on your Nest Guard. The microphone will listen for the hotwords "OK Google" or "Hey Google." You can turn off the microphone at any time in Nest Guard settings on the Nest app.

Built-in tamper resistance

Guard comes with a bracket that secures the power adapter and helps prevent unplugging. It attaches to the screw hole on most standard wall outlet covers.

Battery and cellular backup

Nest Secure can keep looking after your home and sound the alarm even when power is cut. A built-in backup battery will keep Guard powered up for at least 12 hours. And if you have cellular backup, you can continue to get notifications even if your Wi-Fi network is down.

How Nest Secure keeps working if the power goes out >

UL Certified

Certifying a home security system is a rigorous process. We worked with Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) to ensure that Guard and the other parts of the Nest Secure system meet their guidelines. For instance, Guard has a loud alarm (85db sound pressure level at 10 feet/3 m) that complies with UL standards.

Learn more about Nest Secure certifications >

The Nest app lets you control Guard

With the Nest app you have easy access to Nest Secure arming, disarming, notifications and other features wherever you carry your phone.