Install Nest Doorbell (wired)

Start here if you have a new Google Nest Doorbell (wired), or if you’ve removed your doorbell from the app and want to add it back.

You need the app to connect your doorbell to Wi-Fi and get recorded video, so you should always use the app as your primary guide to set up and install your doorbell.

Here’s a brief overview of steps to get started, along with some important troubleshooting.

This article only applies to the following device:

Nest Doorbell (wired)

More installation help

You can find steps to install Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) or Nest Doorbell (battery) in our Help Center.

You can also find instructions to install the Nest doorbell with the indoor power adapter in our Help Center.

Watch the installation video

For a quick overview of how to set up and install your Nest Doorbell (wired), watch our video tutorial.

How to set up and install the Google Nest Hello video doorbell

1. Check compatibility and voltage requirements

While the Nest doorbell can replace most wired doorbells, there are some cases where the doorbell system either doesn’t give enough power or gives too much power. You should check that your current doorbell can be replaced by the Nest doorbell.

Check doorbell system compatibility with Nest doorbell

2. Check that you have everything for installation

Check that you have all the parts included in the box. We’ve also included wall anchors and a masonry drill bit (for brick, stone and stucco) if you need them.

What’s in the box

• Nest Doorbell (wired)
• Wallplate
• Wedge
• Chime connector
• Wire extenders
• Drill bit
• Screws
• Unlock tool

Tools

• Phillips screwdriver 
• Power drill with Phillips bit
• Ladder (to reach your doorbell chime)
• Bubble level (to check doorbell alignment)

App and internet requirements

• The latest version of the app
• A compatible phone (check the requirements here)
• Your Wi-Fi network password
• A broadband internet connection, with a minimum of 2 Mbps upload speed for each Nest camera or doorbell in your home

3. Turn the power off to your doorbell system

Switch the power off for your doorbell and chime at your home’s breaker or fuse box. This will protect you and your equipment during installation.  Try to ring your doorbell to confirm that you’ve flipped the right switch to turn the power off. If needed, you can switch off the main power at the breaker box instead.

4. Remove your old doorbell

Remove your old doorbell and disconnect the wires. You’ll probably need a screwdriver for this step.

Tip: As you remove your old doorbell, bend the doorbell wires or tape them so they don’t slip back into the wall.

5. Connect your doorbell to the app

If you're new to Nest

1. Download the Nest app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and create an account.
3. On the app home screen, tap Add .
4. Scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell. You can also tap Continue without scanning and type the numbers at the top of the QR code.
5. The app will help walk you through setup and installation.

If you already have an account

1. Open the Nest app .
   • Note: If you have more than one home in your account, make sure that you’ve first selected the Nest home where you want to install your doorbell. Tap Menu  in the top left of the home screen to change homes.
2. In the top right corner of the app home screen, tap Settings .
3. Select Add product .
4. Scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell. You can also tap Continue without scanning and type the numbers at the top of the QR code.
5. The app will help walk you through setup and installation.

Add your camera to the Home app after setup

After setup in the Nest app, you can add your Nest camera to your home in the Home app. This lets you control your camera and other connected devices (like a smart bulb or Google speaker) in the same place.

Set up smart home devices in the Home app

Note: If you already sign into the Nest app with a Google Account, your Nest doorbell and some other products in your Nest home should also appear in your home in the Home app. You might need to close and reopen both apps for it to show up.

6. Troubleshoot if needed

During setup, the app lets you connect your doorbell to Wi-Fi, personalize settings, check the video quality, and more.

If you have any issues, here are some quick tips.

Help messages and codes

If you see a help message with the code in the app, get detailed troubleshooting help from our interactive troubleshooting tool for Nest cameras and doorbells.

Connection issues

If you can’t find your Wi-Fi network, or if your doorbell has trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, here are a few things you can do to try to fix the issue:

• Wait a few minutes, then try to connect your doorbell again.
• If possible, move your doorbell and router closer to each other to improve the signal.
• Reduce wireless interference.
• Try restarting your router.
• If you have a hidden Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to type in the network name (SSID) manually. 

For more tips, go to our Troubleshoot adding Nest cameras to the app article.

Power issues

Signs that your doorbell isn’t getting enough power include the following:

• Your doorbell won’t turn on.
• You get a message or status in the app telling you there isn’t enough power.
• Things like the Wi-Fi connection and the video quality can also be reduced when there isn’t enough power.

To try to fix the issue, check that the power is on and that the wires are connected properly to your doorbell.

Video quality issues

If your doorbell is having video delays or lag, it’s usually a sign that the Wi-Fi connection is weak. It could also be a sign that your doorbell isn’t getting enough power. Try the following to try to fix the issue:

• If possible, move your doorbell and router closer to each other to improve the signal.
• Reduce wireless interference.
• Check that the wires are connected properly to your doorbell.

If your doorbell’s video is distorted, here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot:

• Dust off the camera lens.
• Ensure your doorbell is shaded and protected from extreme weather conditions. While Nest doorbells are built to work outside of your home, extreme hot or cold temperatures can affect things like the video quality.

For more tips, go to our Troubleshoot Nest camera video distortion article.

Chime issues

If you have a mechanical chime with moving parts and it didn’t ring or didn’t sound right, try the following:

1. Remove the chime cover and check that the wires aren’t touching any moving parts.
2. Next make sure that any exposed wire ends (with bare copper showing) aren’t touching each other.
3. Then test your chime again.
4. If your chime still doesn’t sound right, try to install the connector on the outside of your chime cover if you haven’t done so already.

You can get more help to troubleshoot chime issues in our help center.

7. Learn how to use your doorbell

Learn more about Nest doorbell basics, how to change settings, and more in our Get started using your Nest doorbell article.