How to Set Up a Nest Hello Video Doorbell

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

  • Verify your current doorbell system is compatible
  • Setup your Nest Hello Video Doorbell

Before We Begin:

  • Have the following tools available:
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Power drill with Phillips bit
  • Ladder (to reach your current doorbell chime)
  • Bubble level (to check alignment)
  • Have your smartphone or tablet available to setup the Nest app
  • Have your router's Wi-Fi Network Name and Password
  • Have Broadband Internet service with at least 2Mbps upload speed
Nest

2. Pro Install Check

Proper installation of your Nest Hello Video Doorbell involves working with electricity, power tools, heights, and an existing doorbell transformer.

If you are not sure, or are uncomfortable with anything listed, it is best to have a professional review and install your Nest Hello Video Doorbell system for you.

3. Compatibility Check

Your Nest Hello Video Doorbell is compatible with a wide variety of existing home doorbell systems that run off mains power.

Requires Existing Doorbell

The Nest Hello Video Doorbell system requires an existing doorbell system to be attached to.

If you do not have a doorbell system, one will need to be installed first before the Nest Hello Video Doorbell will work.

Complex Systems

A doorbell with front gate controls, built-in intercom, or is installed at a distance from your home are probably not compatible with the Nest Hello Video Doorbell.

A professional installer will be necessary to review your current system to make sure.

Verify type of Doorbell System Currently Installed

The next steps involve working with live, high voltage electricity. If you are uncomfortable with this, contact an electrician or professional installer.

  1. Locate your existing doorbell transformer.
  2. Common locations are inside the doorbell chime box, next to or inside the breaker or fuse box, or in the basement or crawl space of your home.You can follow the wires coming from the chime or doorbell back to the transformer if it is installed nearby.
  3. Many doorbell transformers have the information about their voltage rating molded or etched into the transformer body.The Nest Hello Video Doorbell requires 16 to 24 Volts AC, and 8 to 10 VA in North America.
  4. If your transformer is not labeled, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage of your current doorbell system.If you are unsure how to use a multimeter to safely test voltage, it is best to contact an electrician or a pro installer.

4. Install and Setup Nest App

  1. Locate and install the Nest app from your mobile device's app store or marketplace.
Mobile app landing page
  1. Launch the Nest app.
Mobile app icon
  1. Log into an existing Nest account, or tap Sign up if you do not have a Nest account.
Mobile app sign in screen
  1. Once logged in, tap the I agree button to accept the Nest app's Terms of Service.
Mobile app Terms of Service screen
  1. Tap Continue to proceed with Home setup.
Mobile app welcome screen
  1. Choose a name for your Home and tap Next.
Home name entry screen
  1. Fill in all requested information to complete Home setup. Tap Next.
Home address entry screen
  1. Proceed through Home Setup with your preferred choice.
Phone location service toggle screen
  1. You can also share your Nest device with other people in the house so they can monitor and change settings from their own phone. You can also set this up later.
Account sharing setup screen
  1. After this, your Nest app setup is complete and your device can now be added.

5. Add Device

  1. Open the Nest app.
Nest
  1. Select Add to add your Video Doorbell.
Nest app with Add highlighted.
  1. Locate the QR code on the back of your Nest Doorbell, and point your device's camera at it to scan.
Scanning the Nest Doorbell QR code.
  1. If The Code Won't Scan
  2. Look below the QR code for a 6-Digit Code.
Location of 6-digit code.
  1. Select Continue without Scanning on the app.
Scan code with Continue Without Scanning highlighted.
  1. Enter the 6 digit code.
Enter 6-digit Code with code entry highlighted.

We will return to the app in a moment, our next step is to connect the doorbell itself.

6. Connect Doorbell

Turn Off Power and Test to be Certain

  1. Go to your home's breaker, and shut off the power to your doorbell and chime.
Turn off breaker.
  1. It is critically important to be absolutely certain power isn't going to your doorbell system. Serious injury or death can occur otherwise.
  2. Go to your doorbell, and try ringing it. Make sure you do not hear it chime, and help check it does not have power.
Try doorbell
  1. If you are unsure which breaker controls your doorbell system, contact an electrician or shut off the main breaker to your home.

On your Chime

  1. Remove the cover on your doorbell's chime.
Remove chime cover.
  1. Take a picture of the wiring of your chime using your phone.
Photograph current setup.
  1. This is to help you troubleshoot, or remove your Ring Hello Video Doorbell in the future.
  2. Look at the wires inside your chime carefully. Make note of how many wires, what they are connected to, and how they are labelled.
Inside chime wiring.
  1. Yours will most likely look different than this picture.

In the Nest App

  1. Select the number of wires you see in the Nest app.
Number of Wires selection
  1. Select the layout of the wires in the Nest app.
Wire layout selection.
  1. Select the location where you're putting your Nest Hello Video Doorbell.
Installation location.
  1. The app will give you custom, step-by-step instructions on what to disconnect, and what to connect again, where. These instructions will guide you through the process of installing the Nest Connector in your existing chime.
Example wiring instructions.
  1. These are custom instructions for your particular doorbell. Keep your phone nearby and follow the instructions precisely to setup your Nest Hello Video Doorbell properly.

On your Chime

  1. Carefully follow the instructions provided in the Nest app on your phone to connect the Nest Connector to your existing doorbell chime.
Installing Nest Connector.
  1. Once installed, carefully tuck the Connector and associated wires into the housing, making sure the cover will still fit, and nothing touches any exposed moving parts or wires.
Nest connector tucked into chime housing.
  1. Re-attach your chime's cover.
Re-attach chime cover.

On Your Doorbell

  1. Unscrew and carefully pull the doorbell forward, exposing the 2 wires.
Pulling doorbell forward.
  1. Remove the physical doorbell itself, then bend or tape the wires so they do not slip back into the wall.
Doorbell removed, wires bent to prevent slipping.
  1. Hold the bracket for the Nest Hello Doorbell up to the wall. Use a bubble level to make sure it is straight, and make sure the wires come through at the bottom of the large center hole.
Holding the bracket in position.

  1. Don't worry about the existing screw holes from your previous doorbell, the new plate will cover them, and they most likely will not line up properly.
  2. Mark the location of the new screw holes with a pencil or marker.
Marking screw holes with 2 screwholes highlighted.
  1. Remove the mounting plate. Use a power drill and a 3/32" drill bit to create pilot holes where you marked. If you are attaching to stone, stucco, brick or other hard materials, use the included drill bit and wall anchors, instead.
Drilling pilot holes.
  1. Put the mounting plate back, and carefully screw in the two included screws.
Screwing in the baseplate.
  1. Using your bubble level, swing the mounting plate and make sure it is level before tightening the screws fully.
Mounting the base plate with arrows indicating back and forth.
  1. Connect the wires to your Nest Hello Video Doorbell.
Connect Doorbell to wires.
  1. It does not matter which wire connects to which terminal; the Doorbell and Connector you installed earlier will talk to each other and take care of that for you.
  2. Make sure the wires point down, so it's easy to tuck extra wire back into the wall.
Wires attached and pointed down.
  1. Tuck the wires back into the wall, and connect the Doorbell to the mounting plate. Slide it into the top, then push the bottom in till it clicks.
Attaching doorbell to baseplate.

Turn Power On

  1. Return to your home's breaker, and turn the power back on.
Turn on breaker.

On Your Doorbell

  1. The Nest Hello Doorbell will turn on, and the ring around the button will light up blue.
Doorbell button lighting up.

In the Nest App

  1. Select Yes, It's blue to confirm the light around the Doorbell button turned blue.
Doorbell setup with Yes it's blue highlighted.
  1. Select where this camera is located.
Camera location selection.
  1. The Nest app will connect to your Doorbell camera.
Connecting to camera.
  1. Enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.
Wi-Fi Password entry.
  1. Your Doorbell should now be connected.

7. Pro Install

Because of the complexities and possible incompatibilities you may encounter, it is recommended to have a professional complete the installation of your Nest Hello Video Doorbell system.

Nest has a special page setup to assist in locating a local professional to complete the installation of your Nest Hello Video Doorbell.

Nest Pro Finder
Nest can provide a list of capable installers in your area.

You may also contact your preferred electrician, maintenance, or building contractor for assistance or referral.

8. What's next?