Start here if you have a new Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen). This also works 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 access recorded video. Always use the app as the main guide for doorbell setup and installation.
Important: Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) has higher power requirements than most doorbells. For some installations, you need to replace the transformer for your doorbell. Find out how to upgrade your transformer for Nest Doorbell 2nd gen (wired).
Here’s a brief overview of steps to get started, along with some important troubleshooting.
Get installation help for other Nest Doorbell models
This article covers installation steps for Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen). If you have a different doorbell model, use the installation steps for that model.
- Install Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen)
- Install Nest Doorbell (battery)
- Install Nest Doorbell (wired)
Set up your doorbell
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)
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.
Check if 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
- Quick start guide
- Safety & warranty document
Need a wedge?
The Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) already comes with a wedge that you can use to adjust its camera angle if it’s located in a corner. This wedge can angle your doorbell horizontally up to 20.°
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, account, & internet requirements
- A Google Account
- The latest version of the Google Home app. If you haven’t already, download the Google Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- 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
- 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.
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're replacing the Nest Doorbell (wired) with the 2nd gen doorbell, you’ll need to remove the chime connector that came with it, too. The 1st gen doorbell connector is not compatible with the 2nd gen doorbell.
To remove your old hardware, use the instructions in Uninstall wired Nest doorbells and chime connector. Then continue to step 5.
Follow the steps below to add your doorbell to the app and begin installation.
Important:
- If you haven’t already, download the Google Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- If the device has been used before, factory reset it before you continue.
- Make sure your Location services and Bluetooth are both enabled.
- Open the Google Home app
.
-
At the top right, tap Add
Device
.
- Or, if a setup screen for your device appears, tap Set up or Next.
- If it’s not the correct device, tap Not now or Set up a different device.
- Or, if a setup screen for your device appears, tap Set up or Next.
-
Scan the QR code of your device. A check mark appears when the scan is complete.
- If you can’t scan the QR code:
- Tap Use setup code, then enter the setup code for your device.
Tip: The Google Home app provides additional details to help you locate and use your device setup code.
- Tap Add a different way, enter your device in the search bar, then select your device.
- Tap Use setup code, then enter the setup code for your device.
- If you can’t scan the QR code:
- Wait for your app to connect to the device. Once it’s finished, you’ll see a confirmation screen that says, “Connected.”
- Follow the in-app steps to complete setup.
After the doorbell connects to the network, you'll be prompted to install it. The app will guide you through the process. You can also follow the steps below for reference:
- Unplug the doorbell and hold it onto the location where you plan to install it. Check the view.
- Tip: Use the included wedge to find a better viewing angle.
- The doorbell will stay offline until it's attached to the base plate.
- If needed, install the included wedge.
- Connect the source if power to the doorbell.
- Attach the doorbell to the base plate.
- Turn the doorbell transformer back on.
- The app will help you finish the setup
Learn more about Nest doorbell basics, how to change settings, and more in our Get started using your Nest doorbell article.
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.
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.
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.
- Restart your router.
- If you have a hidden Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to type in the network name (SSID) manually in the app.
Signs that your doorbell isn’t getting enough power:
- 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. For more troubleshooting steps, go to Troubleshoot low battery issues for Nest cameras and doorbells.
Tip: 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.
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.
Refer to this article if the video is blurry, pixelated, discolored, or has glare.
If you have a mechanical chime with moving parts and it didn’t ring or didn’t sound right:
- Remove the chime cover and check that the wires aren’t touching any moving parts.
- Make sure that any exposed wire ends (with bare copper showing) aren’t touching each other.
- Test your chime again.
- Install the connector on the outside of your chime cover if you haven’t done so already.
To get more help, go to Troubleshoot Nest doorbell chime issues.