Nest doorbell chime doesn't ring or sounds weak

Wire-free installations

Use these instructions if your doorbell runs only on battery power and isn't connected to wires or a plug-in power adapter.

Step 1: Check the battery charge

The app sends multiple notifications to let you know that your doorbell's battery charge is low and that you should charge it. If you didn't have a chance to charge it before the battery got too low, take it off the backplate and charge it with the included USB-C cable.

Learn how to troubleshoot low battery issues for Nest cameras and doorbells.

Step 2: Check chime settings in the app

Your current settings may prevent the chime from ringing. For example, someone who shares access to your Nest home may have turned the chime off or changed the chime duration in the app.

Learn about doorbell chime settings.

To check if the chime is turned on:

1. Open the Google Home app .
2. Tap Home  Cameras your doorbell.
3. Tap More Settings Chime.
4. Check that Ring indoor chime is turned on.
5. Tap More Quiet Time Cancel.

Step 3: Check Wi-Fi connection

Check that your doorbell isn't listed as offline in the app. If it is, use the articles linked below to troubleshoot.

• Get doorbell visitor announcements on a speaker or display

• Troubleshoot Wi-Fi and connection issues for Nest products

Wireless doorbell installations typically use a Google or a compatible speaker or display to sound the chime. Make sure that the device you use for the chime is connected to Wi-Fi and correctly set up in the app.

Step 4: Extremely hot weather

If it's extremely hot outside, or if your doorbell is installed in direct sunlight, the chime and video or Wi-Fi may turn off automatically. This is to help protect its internal circuitry. The chime automatically turns on again when your doorbell's internal temperature returns to its normal operating range.

As long as your doorbell remains connected to Wi-Fi and online in the app, you’ll still receive notifications on your phone when the doorbell rings.

Wired installations

Step 1: Check the breaker or power outlet

• Make sure that the fuse or breaker switch that supplies power to your doorbell is on.
• If you have the Indoor Power Adapter (US only):
  • Plug another device into the outlet to check if the outlet receives power.
  • Plug the power adapter into another outlet that you know is working. If the adapter doesn’t work, you need to replace it.
  • If the outlet is controlled by a switch, make sure that it’s turned on.

Step 2: Low battery at install

If your doorbell doesn't chime immediately after it's been installed, the internal battery may have lost its charge before it was purchased.

The battery will recharge after the doorbell is connected to power. Wait about 30 minutes and try again.

Step 3: Check chime settings in the app

To check if the chime is turned on:

Google Home app

1. Open the Google Home app .
2. Tap Home  Cameras your doorbell.
3. Tap More Settings Doorbell.
4. Check that Ring indoor chime is turned on.
5. Tap More Quiet Time Cancel.

Nest app

1. Open the Nest app.
2. Select your doorbell.
3. Tap Settings Indoor chime On/Off Quiet Time.
4. If Quiet Time is on, tap it and then turn it off.
5. To check the chime duration, tap Chime duration in the Settings menu.
   • If you have a mechanical chime with moving parts that ring the bell, turn off Chime duration.
   • If you have a digital chime with internal speaker and no moving parts, and the chime duration is set too short, the chime might not work properly. Try to set it to a longer duration.

How to tell if you have a mechanical chime or an electronic chime

• Listen for the sound it makes
  • If it makes the classic “ding dong,” it’s probably a mechanical chime.
  • If it has a speaker that plays a sound or a melody, it’s an electronic chime.
• Try to lift the front cover off the chime box
  • If you remove it and find two metal pistons aimed at a strike plate, you have a mechanical doorbell.
  • If you can’t remove it, you probably have an electronic chime.

Step 4: Check the chime connector

Open the chime box and make sure that the chime connector isn't touching any of the moving parts inside the chime. If the connector or the wires are in the way of any of the chime parts, they could muffle the sound.

Check that you're using the right chime connector

When you uninstalled your Nest Doorbell (wired), you should have also removed the chime connector that came with it. The 1st gen chime connector isn't compatible with Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen). If you're not sure which is currently installed, check the wire connector to tell the difference.

• Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) have only 2 wires.
• Nest Doorbell (wired) has 4 wires.

To remove the 1st gen chime connector, follow the instructions in Uninstall wired Nest doorbells and chime connector. Make sure you turn off power to your chime box before making any changes.

Step 5: Check the chime wires

Mechanical chimes

Mechanical chimes use moving parts, such as the striker and sounding bar, to create the “ding dong” sound. The connector may interfere with their movement.

First, test with the chime cover off:

1. Remove your chime's cover.
2. To ring the chime, press your doorbell's button.

If the chime sounds good with the cover off, the cover may be pressing on some wires or the connector. This could interfere with the moving parts.

1. Bend the wires or use some tape to hold them out of the way.
2. Test it again with the cover on.
3. If it still sounds bad, mount the connector outside of your chime box with some double-sided tape.
4. Test it again with the cover on.

If the chime sounds bad or doesn't sound with the cover off:

1. Have someone else press the doorbell button while you inspect the chime. You might notice an obstruction that interferes with the movement.
2. Bend the wires or use some tape to hold them out of the way if needed. You can also mount the connector outside of your chime box with some double-sided tape.
3. Test it again with the cover off.
4. If the cover off test sounded good, test it again with the cover on to make sure nothing moved when you put the chime cover back on.
5. Double-check that the wires are fully inserted into the chime connector and have a solid connection to your chime. Tighten any screws that hold wires with a screwdriver.
6. Corrosion and grime can affect the wire contact. Check each wire end to make sure they're all clean and aren't corroded. If not, trim off the corroded end and strip the casing to expose fresh wire.
7. Make sure that any exposed wires, where the bare metal shows, don't touch each other.
8. Make sure you've installed the wires correctly.

Electronic or digital chimes

If you have an electronic or digital chime that doesn't have moving parts, make sure the connector is properly installed.

1. Double-check that the wires are fully inserted into the chime connector and have a solid connection to your chime. Tighten any screws that hold wires with a screwdriver.
2. Make sure that any exposed wires, where the bare metal shows, don't touch each other.
3. Make sure you've installed the wires correctly.
4. If your chime has more than 3 wires, you should contact a Nest Pro for installation help.

Step 6: Check the doorbell wires

It's possible that a wire came loose when you put your doorbell on the backplate, or that the wires aren't tight enough. Make sure that the wires are securely connected.

1. Turn off the power to your doorbell at the breaker box.
2. Remove your doorbell from the backplate.
3. Tighten the screws that hold the wires with a screwdriver.
4. Make sure the ends of the wires don't touch each other or the base plate. Trim the wire ends and bend them if needed.
5. To test the chime, press the doorbell's button.

Step 7: Check the battery charge on the Nest Doorbell (battery)

Nest Doorbell (battery) always runs off battery power, even if you've connected it to another power source. The power source uses low voltage to gradually charge the battery.

• The battery won't charge at temperatures below 32°F (0°C). In cold weather, bring the battery indoors and charge it with the included charging cable.
• The doorbell's settings can affect battery life. Change the settings to help save the battery.

Step 8: Check transformer compatibility

To be compatible, the transformer needs to meet specific power requirements. If you're unsure about your transformer's power rating, you can contact an electrician or a Nest Pro installer. Learn how to check your doorbell’s power requirements.

After Nest doorbell installation, the chime might not get enough power from the doorbell system, even with a correctly rated transformer. To identify the issue, check your doorbell system’s wire voltage.

The Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) must be connected to a transformer rated to 16-24V AC and 10-40 VA to receive enough power.

If you’ve exhausted the troubleshooting steps in this article, your transformer may need to be upgraded or replaced. Contact a local Nest Pro installer to do it for you.

Step 9: Extreme weather

Cold weather

Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen)

If it's extremely cold outside (below -4°F or -20°C), your doorbell will shut down and the chime won't ring.

The chime should automatically turn on again when your doorbell's internal temperature returns to the normal operating range.

Nest Doorbell (battery)

If the outside temperature drops below freezing, your doorbell will stop charging the battery to protect it from damage.

Hot weather

If it's extremely hot outside, or if your doorbell is installed in direct sunlight, the chime and video or Wi-Fi may turn off automatically to help prevent overheating. The chime automatically turns on again when your doorbell's internal temperature returns to the normal operating range.

As long as the doorbell remains connected to Wi-Fi and online in the app, you’ll still receive notifications on your phone when the doorbell rings.