How to Install a Google Nest Hello Doorbell
See who's knocking on your door — the smart way.
An hour or less
Intermediate
$101–250
Introduction
We'll take you step-by-step through replacing your button doorbell with Google Nest Hello camera doorbell and setting up the Nest Home app.Tools Required
- Bubble level
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Power drill
- Smart phone or tablet
- Stepladder
- Wire stripper/cutter
Materials Required
- Google Nest Hello
Project step-by-step (14)
Step 1
Compatibility Check
- Most wired doorbells can be replaced by the Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell. But first, it’s essential to check if your current doorbell is compatible with Google Nest Hello.
- Ring your doorbell to locate your chime box.
- Remove the cover and look inside. What kind of doorbell chime do you have?
- An electronic chime has batteries and wires, which are compatible with Google Nest Hello.
- A mechanical chime has only wires, also compatible with Google Nest Hello.
- A wireless chime with batteries and NO wires is NOT Compatible with Google Nest Hello unless you purchase a power adapter.
- Locate the transformer
- The wires leading out of your chime box connect to the transformer.
- Look for the transformer in the basement, the attic, or around the circuit breaker box.
- Check the transformer voltage
- The voltage rating is printed on the transformer.
- Google Nest Hello doorbell requires transformer voltage between 16 and 24 volts AC.
- Pro tip: Do the compatibility check before purchasing the Google Nest Hello.
Please be careful in this step. Electrical currents are present. DO NOT touch any wires!
Step 2
Sign In to Nest
- Sign in to your Nest app or create a new account by going to Apple App Store or Google Play to download the Nest app.
Step 3
Add Product & Scan the QR Code
- In the Nest app touch the + sign to add the product to your app.
- Scan the QR code located on the back of the Google Nest Hello with your phone or tablet's camera.
- Note: There is a QR code on the envelope in the box as well.
Step 4
Cut the Power
- Turn off the power to your doorbell and chime at your home's breaker box.
Step 5
Chime Terminals & Labels
- Your doorbell chime may have terminals that are labeled FRONT, REAR, and TRANS.
- FRONT is for your front doorbell.
- REAR is for the back doorbell.
- TRANS is for the transformer.
- Change out the terminal for the doorbell you are replacing.
Step 6
Disconnect Front Wire
- Disconnect the FRONT wire from the terminal on the chime.
- Straighten the wire and trim it so you see 1/4-in of bare wire.
Step 7
Attach Front Wire
- Pinch the plastic clip and insert the FRONT wire into the clip on the chime connector's WHITE wire.
- Connect the chime connector’s WHITE wire to the terminal on your doorbell chime labeled FRONT.
Step 8
Disconnect Trans Wire
- Disconnect the TRANS wire from the terminal on the chime.
- Straighten the wire and trim it so you see 1/4-in of bare wire.
- Pinch the plastic clip and insert the TRANS wire into the clip on the chime connector's GRAY wire.
- Connect the chime connector’s GRAY wire to the terminal on your doorbell chime labeled TRANS.
Step 9
Attach the Chime Connector
- Find a good place to stick the chime connector, making sure the wires don’t interfere with the chimes.
- Note: You may have to put the chime connector outside the chime box.
Step 10
Remove the Old Doorbell
- Unscrew the two screws and remove the old doorbell.
- Disconnect the wires from the back of the doorbell.
- Bend or tape the wires so they don't fall back into the hole.
Step 11
Install the Wall Plate
- Pull your wires through the center hole of the wall plate.
- Position the wall plate so the wires come through the bottom half of the wall plate hole.
- Note: If the wires don’t come through, they can prevent Google Nest Hello from locking onto the wall plate.
- Mark the screw holes through the wall plate, making sure the Nest logo is at the bottom.
- Drill two 3/32-in pilot holes at your marks.
- Pro tip: If drilling into brick or stucco, use the included masonry bit.
- Attach the wall plate using the two screws provided. The bottom horizontal screw hole enables you to straighten the wall plate.
Step 12
Install Google Nest Hello
- Connect the two wires to the screw terminals on the back of the Google Nest Hello, pointing the wires down and pushing any excess wire back into the hole.
- Attach the doorbell to the wall plate by sliding the top of the doorbell into the plate, then click it into the bottom of the plate.
- You can remove the Google Nest Hello doorbell by using the tool included.
- You can change the angle of the Google Nest Hello camera by using the included wedge.
Step 13
Power Up
- Switch the power back on at the breaker box.
- The Google Nest Hello should have a blue ring around the doorbell button.
Step 14
Connection to WiFi
- Tell the Nest app where you installed the Google Nest Hello doorbell (i.e., front door, back door, etc.).
- Select your WiFi network and enter your password.
- Note: If you already have a Nest product installed in your home, Google Nest Hello will attempt to connect to your WiFi from it.
- Google Nest Hello should connect to your WiFi.
Test the App
- Test the app by ringing the doorbell to check that your doorbell chime is working.
- Note: You should also get a notification from the app that someone's at your door.
Originally Published: September 18, 2020