9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

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Nest SupportSearch Support Nest Support> Nest Protect >Current Article

How to install your Nest ProtectAffected products: 2nd gen Nest Protect, 1st gen Nest Protect,

You can easily install your Nest Protect in just a few minutes. Follow the steps in this article to learn how.

To get an overview of Nest Protect installation, you can watch our videos to walk you through the steps. Thesteps are different for 1st and 2nd generation Nest Protects.

How can I tell which Nest Protect I have? >

You can also have a Nest Pro set up and install all your Nest Protects for you. Click here to find a Nest Pro nearyou. After they've installed your Nest Protects, they'll give you a demo and answer any questions you have.

To set up and install your Nest Protect, you will need:

A Wi-Fi connectionYour Wi-Fi passwordA phone or tablet (iOS or Android)A Phillips screwdriver

Before you begin, make sure you're aware of local regulations. Specific requirements for smoke alarminstallation vary between states and regions. Check with your local safety agency or Fire Department for currentrequirements in your area.

Where in the room should I install my Nest Protect? >

Which rooms in my home need a Nest Protect? >

Select your Nest Protect

Each kind of Nest Protect has different installation instructions. Select the Nest Protect that you have (if you'renot sure, you can find out here):

2nd gen wired Nest Protect>

1. Get the Nest app Before you install your Nest Protect on the ceiling or wall, set it up with theNest app. Download the app from the Apple App Store™ or Google Play™

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and create a free Nest Account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup.

Learn more about the Nest app >

Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone ortablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.

2. Set up Nest Protect

The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QRcode, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects inyour home.

Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup.

How to set up a 2nd gen Nest Protect with the Nest app >

3. Have more Nest Protects?

The Nest app will ask you if you have additional Nest Protects to set up. If so,it'll take you through a faster setup. Be sure to keep all your Nest Protectstogether until they're all set up and ready to be installed.

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 3/18

Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a clear plastic dust cover. Keep thecover on so your Nest Protect stays clean until you install it.

4. Turn off power

Protect yourself and avoid blowing a fuse. Switch off the correct circuitbreaker for the room where you are installing Nest Protect or remove the fusefrom the fuse box.

Warning: Failure to turn off power may result in serious electrical shock,injury, or death.

5. Remove your old smokealarm

To prevent electrical shock, make sure the green power light is off on thealarm. You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it tokeep from damaging your ceiling or wall.

Tip: Your old smoke alarm might make a loud noise when you disconnect it.

6. Remove the old backplate

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 4/18

Unscrew the backplate from the electrical box. Save the screws to install theNest Protect backplate later.

7. Remove the old connector

Unscrew the wire nuts to detach the 120V connector from your old smokealarm.

The exposed wire should be straight.

8. Attach the Nest connector

Hold the white wire ends together, cap them with a wire nut and twistclockwise until it's secure. Do the same with the black wires. There's no needfor the red/orange/yellow wire. Simply cap it with a wire nut and twist untilsecure.

9. Install the Nest Protectbackplate

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 5/18

Screw the Nest backplate to the existing electrical box, reusing the existingscrews. You can also screw the backplate directly into the wall or ceiling withthe Nest screws.

Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dustbefore you install Nest Protect.

10. Connect power

Plug the 120V connector into the back of your Nest Protect.

11. Install your Nest Protect

First, tuck any excess wiring into the electrical box. Line up the three tabs onthe back of your Nest Protect with the notches on the backplate. Hold NestProtect against the backplate and turn it clockwise. Continue turning until it'ssquare with the wall or ceiling. Install the rest of your Nest Protects if youhave more.

Tip: To remove it (for cleaning or battery replacement), turn off power toyour Nest Protect at the breaker box or remove the fuse first. Then turncounterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 6/18

12. Switch power back on orreplace the fuse

13. Press to test

Press the Nest button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next.Every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they'reconnected to each other.

How and when should I test my Nest Protect? >

Important note: If one of your Nest Protects doesn't speak up or sound itsalarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects andtesting again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, butits range may be affected by your home's construction or interference fromother wireless electronics.

What is wireless interference and how do I troubleshoot it? >

If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to yourNest Account again.

How do I reset the Nest Protect and remove all my personal settings? >

2nd gen battery powered Nest Protect>

1. Get the Nest app Before you install your Nest Protect on the ceiling or wall, set it up with theNest app. Download the app from the Apple App Store™ or Google Play™and create a free Nest Account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup.

Learn more about the Nest app >

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 7/18

Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone ortablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.

2. Set up Nest Protect

The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QRcode, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects inyour home.

Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup.

How to set up a 2nd gen Nest Protect with the Nest app >

3. Have more Nest Protects?

The Nest app will ask you if you have additional Nest Protects to set up. If so,it'll take you through a faster setup. Be sure to keep all your Nest Protectstogether until they're all set up and ready to be installed.

Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a clear plastic dust cover. Keep thecover on so your Nest Protect stays clean until you install it.

4. Remove your old smoke

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 8/18

alarm

You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it to keepfrom damaging your ceiling or wall. Unscrew and remove the backplate ifthere is one.

Tip: Your old smoke alarm might make a loud noise when you disconnect it.

5. Install your Nest Protectbackplate

Screw the Nest backplate to the ceiling or wall using the included screws.

Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dustbefore you install Nest Protect.

6. Install your Nest Protect

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 9/18

Line up the three tabs on the back of your Nest Protect with the notches onthe backplate. Hold Nest Protect against the backplate and turn it clockwise.Continue turning until it's square with the wall or ceiling. Install the rest ofyour Nest Protects if you have more.

Tip: To remove your Nest Protect (for cleaning or battery replacement), turnit counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.

7. Press to test

Press the Nest button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next.Every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they'reconnected to each other.

How and when should I test my Nest Protect? >

Important note: If one of your Nest Protects doesn't speak up or sound itsalarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects andtesting again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, butits range may be affected by your home's construction or interference fromother wireless electronics.

What is wireless interference and how do I troubleshoot it? >

If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to yourNest Account again.

How do I reset the Nest Protect and remove all my personal settings? >

1st gen wired Nest Protect>

1. Get the Nest app Before you install your Nest Protect on the ceiling or wall, set it up with theNest app. Download the app from the Apple App Store™ or Google Play™and create a free Nest Account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup.

Learn more about the Nest app >

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 10/18

Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone ortablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.

2. Set up Nest Protect

The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QRcode, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects inyour home.

Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup.

How to set up a 1st gen Nest Protect with the Nest app >

3. Have more Nest Protects?

The Nest app will ask you if you have additional Nest Protects to set up. If so,it'll take you through a shorter setup. Make sure to keep track of whichProtects you've already set up and where you're going to install them.

Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a plastic cover. Keep the cover on soyour Nest Protect stays clean until you install it.

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 11/18

4. Turn off power

Protect yourself and avoid blowing a fuse. Switch off the correct circuitbreaker for the room where you are installing Nest Protect or remove the fusefrom the fuse box.

Warning: Failure to turn off power may result in serious electrical shock,injury, or death.

5. Remove your old smokealarm

To prevent electrical shock, make sure the green power light is off on thealarm. You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it tokeep from damaging your ceiling or wall.

Tip: Your old smoke alarm might make a loud noise when you disconnect it.

6. Remove the old backplate

Unscrew the backplate from the electrical box. Save the screws to install theNest Protect backplate later.

7. Remove the old connector

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 12/18

Unscrew the wire nuts to detach the 120V connector from your old smokealarm.

The exposed wire should be straight.

8. Attach the Nest connector

Hold the white wire ends together, cap them with a wire nut and twistclockwise until it's secure. Do the same with the black wires. There's no needfor the red/orange/yellow wire. Simply cap it with a wire nut and twist untilsecure.

9. Install the Nest Protectbackplate

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 13/18

Screw the Nest backplate to the existing electrical box, reusing the existingscrews. You can also screw the backplate directly into the wall or ceiling withthe Nest screws.

Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dustbefore you install Nest Protect.

10. Connect power

Plug the 120V connector into the back of your Nest Protect.

11. Install your Nest Protect

First, tuck any excess wiring into the electrical box and push Nest Protectonto the backplate.

Give it a slight twist clockwise. It'll CLICK into place.

Tip: To remove your Nest Protect (for cleaning or battery replacement), turnoff power to your Nest Protect at the breaker box or remove the fuse first.

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 14/18

Then turn counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.

12. Switch power back on orreplace the fuse

13. Press to test

Press the Nest button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next.Every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they'reconnected to each other.

How and when should I test my Nest Protect? >

Important note: If one of your Nest Protects doesn't speak up or sound itsalarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects andtesting again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, butits range may be affected by your home's construction or interference fromother wireless electronics.

What is wireless interference and how do I troubleshoot it? >

If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to yourNest Account again.

How do I reset the Nest Protect and remove all my personal settings? >

1st gen battery powered Nest Protect>

1. Get the Nest app Before you install your Nest Protect on the ceiling or wall, set it up with theNest app. Download the app from the Apple App Store™ or Google Play™and create a free Nest Account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup.

Learn more about the Nest app >

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 15/18

Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone ortablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.

2. Set up Nest Protect

The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QRcode, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects inyour home.

Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup.

How to set up a 1st gen Nest Protect with the Nest app >

3. Have more Nest Protects?

The Nest app will ask you if you have additional Nest Protects to set up. If so,it'll take you through a faster setup. Be sure to keep all your Nest Protectstogether until they're all set up and ready to be installed.

Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a clear plastic dust cover. Keep thecover on so your Nest Protect stays clean until you install it.

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 16/18

4. Remove your old smokealarm

You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it to preventceiling or wall damage. Unscrew and remove the backplate if there is one.

Tip: Your old smoke alarm might make a loud noise when you disconnect it.

5. Install your Nest Protectbackplate

Screw the Nest backplate to the ceiling or wall using the included screws.

Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dustbefore you install Nest Protect.

6. Mount your Nest Protect

9/26/2017 How to install your Nest Protect

https://nest.com/support/article/How-do-I-install-my-Nest-Protect 17/18

Push Nest Protect onto the backplate tabs and give it a slight twist clockwise.It'll CLICK into place.

Tip: To remove your Nest Protect (for cleaning or battery replacement), turnit counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.

7. Press to test

Press the Nest button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next.Every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they'reconnected to each other.

How and when should I test my Nest Protect? >

Important note: If one of your Nest Protects doesn't speak up or sound itsalarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects andtesting again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, butits range may be affected by your home's construction or interference fromother wireless electronics.

What is wireless interference and how do I troubleshoot it? >

If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to yourNest Account again.

How do I reset the Nest Protect and remove all my personal settings? >

Article Last Updated On: 07/25/2017

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