How to Install and Connect a Google Nest Hello Doorbell

See who's knocking on your door — the smart way.

Next Project
Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$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.
Joe Cruz

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?
    • A 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.
Please be careful in this step. Electrical currents are present. DO NOT touch any wires!

 

Step 2

Sign In to Nest

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.