Nest Protect automatically runs a Self Test, where it checks its batteries and sensors every 200 seconds. Once a month, Nest Protect can also perform an automatic Sound Check to test its speaker and horn.
You can also run a full Safety Checkup anytime. This test lets you listen to your Nest Protect's speaker and horn and check for power and sensor failures. That way you know your Nest Protects are working.
Since smoke alarms are critical safety devices, it's important to know they're working. But according to the National Fire Protection Association, 9 out of 10 people don't test them as often as they should. That's why Nest Protect has two automatic tests: Self Test and Sound Check.
Self Test runs every 200 seconds. It checks the following:
- Power
- Smoke sensor
- Carbon monoxide sensor
- Wi-Fi
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Sound Check runs once a month. It verifies the following:
Note: Sound Check must be set to automatically run with the Nest app. |
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Check with the Nest app
The Nest app will show you the most recent information available about Nest Protect.
If everything is fine, your Nest Protects should be green in the Nest app.
If there is a problem, like low batteries, the Nest app will show you what's wrong and tell you what to do.
- Battery powered Protects check in once a day.
- Wired 120V Protects check in every 30 minutes.
Learn how to access your Nest Protect from the Nest app or the web
Look for Nightly Promise
When you turn out the lights for the night, Nest Protect will glow green briefly to show you that its smoke and CO sensors are working, and that it has enough power. That way it won't chirp in the middle of the night. We call this Nightly Promise.
- If all Nest Protects in your home are connected to the app, and one glows green, that means they're all fine.*
- If there's a problem with one of your Nest Protects, like a low battery, Nightly Promise will glow yellow. Nest Protect may also speak up to tell you what's wrong.
*All Protects in the home must be connected to the same account in the Nest app.
Run a Safety Checkup
The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing your alarms at least once a month. Safety Checkup helps you easily run a thorough test of all your Nest Protects. The test lets you hear your Nest Protect's speaker and horn, so you know your Protects are working. When you run the test, you should listen for the alarm to sound on each device.
If you run a Safety Checkup, it can also help you and your family become more familiar with the lights and sounds of Protect, just in case of an actual alarm. Plus, you can run a Safety Checkup whenever you like, so you don't have to wait for a monthly Sound Check.
You can run a Safety Checkup with the Nest app for a 2nd generation Nest Protect, or press the Nest button on any Nest Protect. The test takes a few seconds to complete, and is loud.
At the end of Safety Checkup, the Nest app should let you know that everything works or if there's a problem, like low batteries, a sensor failure, or if your alarm has expired.