Google Nest Detect is an advanced sensor that can detect motion and when windows and doors open or close. It can even tell when it’s being tampered with. Detect requires Google Nest Guard to sound the alarm and work with the Nest app.
Detect also has convenient features like Pathlight which automatically lights your way in the dark. But first, let’s cover some key points about setup and installation: how and where you choose to install Detect will change what it will look out for.
Where you can place Nest Detects
When you’re first setting up a Nest Detect, the app will ask you whether you want to install your Detect on a door, window or wall. It will sense different things depending on where you’re going to install it.
Here’s a table showing what Detect can look for in each type of spot:
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On a door |
On a window |
On a wall |
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Nest Detect can |
Nest Detect can |
Nest Detect can |
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Detects motion |
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Detects open-close |
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How the security level affects what Detects sense
Google Nest Secure has three different security levels that you can use when you’re home or away. Your Detects will look for different activities depending on what level is currently set. For complete details, see the following article.
Learn about Nest Secure alarm levels: Home and Guarding, Away and Guarding, and Off >
How open/close detection works
Nest Detect senses that a door or window is open or closed by measuring the magnetic force from the open/close magnet. When Nest Secure is armed, and Detect senses it has moved away from the magnet, the alarm will sound and you’ll get a notification sent to your phone. Depending on the mode it’s armed in, you may get a spoken Heads-Up alert from Nest Guard before the alarm sounds.
How motion detection works
Motion detection is enabled by default when Nest Secure is set to Away and Guarding. You can also enable motion detection on Detects when Nest Secure is set to Home and Guarding. When a person enters the Detect’s range (about 15 feet or 4.5 m), both their motion and body heat can trigger an alarm. The illustration below shows Detect’s motion detection range.
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Side view |
Top view |
Additional Detect features
We decided to make Nest Detect more than just a sensor, so we gave it features that make it easy for everyone in your home to use.
Quiet Open
If you just want to let some fresh air in while Nest Secure is armed, simply press the button on a Detect to turn on Quiet Open. Then you can open that door or window without sounding the alarm.
Reduced Motion Sensitivity
Reduced Motion Sensitivity will let you set your Detects and Guard to help reduce false alarms caused by your dog (under 40 pounds or 18 kg) or other things in your home. You’ll need to place Detects at a different height than your would for a standard installation (exactly 6 feet 4 inches above the floor), and you’ll need to turn on Reduced Motion Sensitivity with the app. Doing this will slightly reduce all your Detects’ range.
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Side view |
Top view |
Tamper Detection
Nest Detect can also sense if it’s been tampered with. If it’s removed from the backplate while Nest Secure is armed, the alarm will sound. The Nest app can also send you a tampering notification so you can stay on top of your home’s security even when you’re not there.
Pathlight
Pathlight is designed to help you every day. It’s a night light that automatically turns on when you walk by, so you don’t need to stumble around in the dark. It’s ideal for hallways, the kid’s room or any location in your home where you’d like a bit of extra light.
Light Ring
Nest Detect’s light ring can also tell you what’s happening. Press a Detect’s button to check its status. If it’s green, go ahead and open the window: the alarm won’t sound. If it’s yellow, something needs your attention