How to Install a Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell

With a Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell, you will get notifications on your smartphone anytime someone approaches your home. Then you can talk and listen to your guests using the built-in two-way audio system. Plus, unlike other video doorbells, Nest Hello records continuous video, so you can review everything that has happened in front of your door for the past 30 days. While you can install your Nest Hello doorbell yourself, it does involve multiple steps. Here’s how to install your Nest doorbell right the first time.

This installation can be complicated. If you experience any issues or are uncertain, a professional technician from HelloTech can help. We have thousands of experts across the country ready to visit your home and install your video doorbell.

What You Will Need to Install Nest Hello Doorbell

Before you install your Nest Hello Doorbell, you will need an existing doorbell that has compatible wiring and a transformer with the proper voltage. You will also need a reliable WiFi connection at the installation location. Plus, you will need a power drill and a screwdriver.

• An existing doorbell: To install a Nest Hello video doorbell, you will need to replace a working doorbell. However, Nest Hello isn’t compatible with certain doorbells, including ones that have an intercom button, front gate controls, or other advanced controls. If you don’t have an existing doorbell, you can purchase and install a compatible indoor power adapter. This will allow you to plug your doorbell into a power outlet in your home.
• Compatible doorbell wiring: While Nest Hello will work with most doorbells, it needs to be powered by wires delivering 14 to 30 Volts. You can check the voltage of your doorbell’s wiring with a multimeter.
• Compatible transformer: You also need a doorbell transformer that supplies 16 to 24 Volts (V) and at least 10 Volt-Amps (VA). You should see labels for the voltage rating on your transformer. Common locations for doorbell transformers include on your electrical panel or somewhere near it. It could also be located in your garage, HVAC system, utility room, or in your doorbell chime. 
• Doorbell chime: Your doorbell must also have a chime with 14 to 30 Volts. If you see two or more wires in your chime, it will probably work with Nest Hello. If you only have batteries and no wires, Nest Hello might not be compatible.
• Reliable WiFi connection: Before you install Nest Hello, you need to make sure that you have a reliable WiFi connection. Google states that you need an upload speed of at least 2 Mbps at the location where you plan to install your video doorbell. If you want to know how to test your WiFi speed, check out our guide here.

• WiFi password: Unless you have Nest products installed already, you will need to input your WiFi network name and password during the installation process.If you don’t know your WiFi network’s login credentials, check out our guide on how to change your WiFi username and password here.
• Tools: To install your Nest Hello Video Doorbell, you will need a power drill and a #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

How to Install a Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell

To install a Nest Hello doorbell, first install the Nest app on your smartphone. Then turn off the power to your existing doorbell and install the chime connector in your chime box. Remove your old doorbell, attach the wall plate, then connect your wiring. Finally, attach your Nest doorbell.

1. Install the Google Nest app and sign in. You can download the Nest app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once you open the app, you will have to sign in with Google or Nest account. If you don’t have either, you will have to set up a Google account.The easiest way to create a new Google account is by going to gmail.com and clicking the blue Create an account button in the top-right corner of the window.
2. Then tap Add a product. Tap the plus sign to add your Nest Hello device. If you already have a Nest account, you can also tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Then scroll down and select Add a product.
3. Next, scan the QR code on your Nest doorbell. You can find the QR code printed on the back of the Nest Hello near the bottom. You can also scan the QR code on the envelope in your Nest Hello box. Position your smartphone or tablet’s camera at least a foot away from the code, then move it closer using the blue square inside the app for guidance. The square will turn green once it detects the QR code.

   Note: If you’re having trouble scanning the QR code, you can enter it in manually. Tap Continue without scanning on your device. Then type in the six-character entry key below the QR code.

4. Do the compatibility checker on the app. You can also tap Next to skip this step. All the compatibility instructions are listed at the top of this article.
5. Then turn off the power to your existing doorbell. Cut off the power to your doorbell and your chime from the circuit breaker. Then check if it’s turned off by ringing your doorbell.
6. Remove your chime’s cover. Your doorbell chime should be high on the wall near your door. You might be able to snap the plastic cover off, or you might need to unscrew it first.

   Note: It is a good idea to take a photo of your chime’s wiring before touching anything. This way, you have a reference in case you need to rewire it later.

7. Select your chime’s wire configuration in the app. Look at how the wires are configured in your chime. Then select the number of wires you have connected to your terminal. Next, tap on the appropriate labeling setup you see on your chime. This will show you which wire you have to remove in the next step. Then select whether you are replacing a doorbell for your front or back door.
8. Then disconnect the wire the app tells you to. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw of the wire the app tells you to remove. Then gently remove the wire and bend it away.
9. Next, straightening the ends of the wires. If your chime has stranded wires, twist them into a tight line. You should have ¼ inch of an exposed wire. If you have excess wire, you can trim it down.
10. Then remove the chime connector from the box. Your Nest Hello will come with a small grey chime connector. This will have two wire hooks and two small clips attached to short cables.
11. Next, push the wire into the chime connector’s wire clip. Squeeze the clip of the chime connector and push the end of the wire you removed into the small hole at the end. Push it until it stops. Then release the tab on the clip and give the wire a gentle tug to ensure that it’s securely in place.

    Note: The two clips on the chime connector have different colored wires. The app will show you which clip you should use for each of your chime’s wires.

12. Then screw the appropriate wire on your chime connector. Check your app to find out which wire on your chime connector to connect to your chime’s terminal screw. Wrap the hook-shaped end of the chime connector around the screw on your terminal. Then use a screwdriver to secure it in place.
13. Next, disconnect the next wire from your chime. The app will tell you which wire to disconnect.
14. Then push that wire into the remaining chime connector’s clip.
15. Next, mount the chime connector in or on your chime box. If you have room inside your chime box, you can place it inside. If not, you can also place it on the outside of your chime box. Remove the adhesive tape on the back side of the chime connector and press it firmly to mount it to your chime box. Make sure that the connector, wires, or any of its moving parts don’t touch the chime. Otherwise, it might not sound correct or even work at all.
16. Then put the cover back on your chime box.

    Note: Installing the Nest chime connector is required. If you don’t, you will damage your existing doorbell system.

17. Next, remove your old doorbell. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew your existing doorbell and remove the wires. Then pull the wires back and bend them or tape them to the wall, so they don’t slide back inside the hole. 
18. Then mark the screw holes for the wall plate. Run your doorbell’s wires through the bottom half of the center hole in the provided wall plate. Then use a pencil to mark where the screw holes will be placed on the wall or surface. Make sure that the Nest logo is upright. Otherwise, your Nest doorbell might not lock into place. 
19. Next, drill your pilot holes. Remove the wall plate and use a 3/32nd drill bit to drill a hole where you marked the screw holes in the wall plate.

    Note: Use the masonry bit that comes with your Nest Doorbell if you are drilling into stone, stucco, or other hard surfaces. Then insert the provided wall anchors with a mallet or hammer.

20. Then screw the mounting plate into the wall. Check to ensure that the Nest logo is upright and the wires come through the bottom half of the wall plate hole.

    Note: You can also use the provided 15-degree wedge to change the angle of the Nest Hello. You might want to use this wedge if your doorbell is located in a corner or is in a wall that blocks the camera’s view. If needed, flip the wedge to reverse the angle.

21. Next, attach your doorbell wires to the Nest Hello. Wrap each of the wires around the screws on the back of your Nest Doorbell. Then tighten the screws around each wire. It doesn’t matter which wire you attach first, or which wire goes to which screw. Just make sure that exposed parts of the wires are not touching each other. Also, point the wires facing down, so the excess wiring can be neatly tucked away in the wall.

    Note: If the wires are too short, use the wire extenders that come with your Nest doorbell.

22. Then run your wires back into the wall as you attach the doorbell to the wall plate. Push any excess wiring into the wall as you move the doorbell closer to the mount. Then insert the top of the Nest doorbell to the top of the mounting bracket. It should snap into place. Next, press down on the bottom until it clicks as well. If you don’t hear a click, use the small metal release tool to remove the doorbell from the wall plate. Then tuck any excess wiring into the wall and try again.
23. Next, turn the power back on. Once you switch the power back on, your Nest doorbell should also power up. The light ring will glow blue and will emit a melody-like sound. If it doesn’t light up, check your chime box to see if the wiring is correct. If the light is yellow, that means your doorbell is not getting enough power to stream video. Nest recommends you contact a professional installer to reconfigure the voltage of your doorbell system.
24. Finish setup with the app. Select where you installed your Nest doorbell in the app. Then connect the Nest Hello to your network by selecting your WiFi name and entering your WiFi password. Tap Next when you land on the screen that says, “Added to your Nest account.” You should now see a live feed of your doorbell camera.
25. Finally, test your doorbell. Ring your doorbell to see if it’s working correctly. The app should notify you that someone is at your door. If you have an electric chime without moving parts, use the in-app slider to adjust the duration of the chime so you can hear it ring. If you have a mechanical chime with moving parts, and it does sound right or does not sound at all, take off the chime cover. Check to see that the chime connector is not touching any moving parts. Test the chime again. If that doesn’t work, place the chime connector outside of your chime cover.

Once you have installed your Next Hello video doorbell, youcan sign up for Nest Aware, Nest’s video storage subscription service. You can also select language settings and enable audio recording or the familiar face alerts feature in the app.

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