Start here if you have a new Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen), 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.
More installation help
You can find steps to install the older model of Nest Doorbell (wired) and Nest Doorbell (battery) in our Help Center.
For help with battery-powered or wired installation for the Nest Doorbell (battery), go to our Install Nest Doorbell (battery) article.
Watch the installation video
For a quick overview of how to set up and install your Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen), watch our video tutorial.
How to set up and install your Google Nest Doorbell 2nd gen (wired)
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 provide enough power or provides too much power. You should check that your current doorbell can be replaced by the Nest doorbell.
2. Check that you have everything for installation
Check that you have all the parts included in the box.
What’s in the box
- Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen)
- Base plate
- Wedge
- Chime puck
- Wire connector
- Hex key
- 2 Wall screws
- 2 Wall anchors
- 2 Spacers
- Extra security screw
- Window decal
Need a wedge?
The Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) already comes with a wedge that you can use to adjust the doorbell’s camera angle if it’s located in a corner. This wedge can angle your doorbell horizontally up to 20.°
If your doorbell needs a wider horizontal angle, you can purchase a Made for Google doorbell wedge. This wedge offers a 35 to 55° horizontal adjustment for your doorbell.
Tools
- Phillips screwdriver
- Power drill
- 1/4’’ (6.35mm) drill bit (optional, to drill into hard materials like brick and stucco)
- 3/32’’ (2.38mm) drill bit (to drill pilot holes into wood or siding for attachment screws)
- 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 that they don’t slip back into the wall.
Remove Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st gen)
If you are replacing the Nest Doorbell (wired) with the 2nd gen doorbell, you’ll need to remove the chime connector that came with it, too. The first gen doorbell connector is not compatible with the 2nd gen doorbell.
Use the instructions in Uninstall wired Nest doorbells and chime connector to remove your old hardware. Then continue to step 5.5. Connect your doorbell to the app
Follow the steps below to add your doorbell to the app and begin installation.
Note: If you haven’t already, download the Google Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Devices
Add
.
- Choose the home you want to add your doorbell to, or select Add another home to create a new one. Then, tap Next.
- The app will try to look for nearby devices. If prompted, select the Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) as the device you want to set up.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell. You can also tap Continue without scanning and enter the numbers near the QR code.
- The app will help walk you through setup and installation.
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.
Connection issues
If you can’t find your Wi-Fi network, or if your doorbell has trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi, here are a few things you can do to try and 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 in the app.
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 for your home’s doorbell system and that the wires are connected properly to your doorbell.
Note: Some doorbell systems have complex wiring that might not have diagrams in the app. In this case, refer to wiring diagrams in our Help Center for additional help.
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.
7. Use your doorbell
Connect power wires to Nest Doorbell
- Before you connect the wires make sure they are clean.
- Connect the power wires to the wire connectors.
- It doesn’t matter which connector you attach a wire to.
- Press down on the release tabs to insert the wires into the connectors.
- If you see exposed wire, remove the connectors and trim any excess wire.
- Important: Don’t let the connectors touch the backplate. This can cause an electrical short and damage the doorbell. Make sure that they only touch the screws. Tighten the screws to secure the connectors.
- Make sure the wires point down, not up, so the extra wire can be tucked back into the wall.
Without the connectors
- Before you connect the wires to the screws, trim the wires and the insulation so only ¼ inch of wire is exposed.
- Bend the wires clockwise into a hook shape and attach to the screws.
- Important: Don’t let the wires touch the backplate. This can cause an electrical short and damage the doorbell. Make sure that they only touch the screws. Tighten the screws to secure the wires.
- Make sure the wires point down, not up, so the extra wire can be tucked back into the wall.