Step-By-Step Guide on Google Nest Hello Installation

See who's knocking on your door — with a smart doorbell.

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.

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

Is the Google Nest Hello Compatible with Your Doorbell?

Before you get started, before you even buy one, the first step is to make sure that your current doorbell is compatible with the Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell. The good news is that almost all wired doorbells can be replaced with the Nest Hello. Here’s how to check to make sure your setup will work:

  • 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. Here are a few tips for wiring a doorbell transformer.
      • 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

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 home 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.