How to Reset Nest Doorbell in 3 Quick Steps [Full Guide]

Being one of Nest's flagship devices, the Nest Doorbell is acclaimed for seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly design. With its bar-like, slim profile and utilitarian build, you wouldn't think that it houses one of the best smart doorbell technologies in the market today. Its simple, no-fuss installation, coupled with advanced features such as AI-powered motion detection and facial recognition, has cemented the Nest Doorbell's status as a sought-after home security device.

However, it's still not immune to occasional glitches like connection problems, suddenly going offline, or the live video feed failing to load. While some of these concerns can be solved by a simple restart, more complicated issues require a full reset. Of course, there are other reasons why you might want to reset your Nest camera. Still, the most common one is moving out and selling the camera to someone else. Whatever your reason for deciding to perform a reset, this guide will help you do it the right way.

Reasons to Reset Your Nest Doorbell

Resetting your Nest Doorbell can be a necessary step to address various issues and ensure optimal functionality. Here are some common reasons why you might need to reset your Nest Doorbell:

1. Technical Glitches and Malfunctions: Over time, electronic devices may encounter technical glitches or malfunctions. Factory resetting the Nest Doorbell can help resolve these issues and restore normal operation.

2. Connectivity Problems: Inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity or problems with the device connecting to your home network can be resolved by performing a reset. This ensures a fresh connection and may improve overall performance.

3. Preparing for a New User: If you're moving out or transferring the Nest Doorbell to a new user, resetting the device is essential to erase the camera's entire video history. This helps protect your privacy and allows the new user to set up the device from scratch.

4. Software or Firmware Updates: Sometimes, software updates or firmware upgrades may not install correctly, leading to issues with the Nest Doorbell's performance. A reset can help in implementing the updates effectively.

5. Security Concerns: If you have security concerns or suspect unauthorized access to your Nest Doorbell, restoring it to its factory settings ensures that any potential unauthorized configurations are removed, enhancing the security of your device.

6. Changes in Home Network: If you've recently changed your Wi-Fi network name or password, the Nest Doorbell may have trouble connecting. Restoring it to its default settings allows you to reconfigure the device with the updated network information.

7. System Optimization: Performing a reset can help optimize the overall system performance of your Nest Doorbell. It clears any accumulated temporary data or caches affecting the device's responsiveness.

8. Troubleshooting Persistent Issues: In cases where you've tried other troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, a factory reset provides a more comprehensive solution. It can address underlying issues that might be challenging to identify through other methods.

Preparation

Before proceeding with the reset process, here are some things to keep in mind:

Gathering the Necessary Tools & Information

Before initiating a reset, ensure you have the following tools and information:

• Smartphone or tablet with the Nest App or Google Home App installed

• Stable internet connection

• Nest account credentials

• Necessary power supply for the doorbell

Backing Up Google Nest Camera Video History

Performing a full factory reset on your Nest doorbell will wipe off your personalized settings, video history, and more. It also restores your smart device to its default factory settings and will no longer connect automatically to the same Wi-Fi network it previously used. So, it's advisable to back up your camera's video history to avoid losing important footage during the process.

You can save events as video clips to your phone if you use the Google Home app to view your doorbell's video history. However, if you have an older model in the Nest app and an active Nest Aware subscription, you can use the app or the Nest app website (home.nest.com) to download and share video clips.

To download a video clip:

1. Launch the Google Home app.

2. Click on Favorites or Devices.

3. Select your camera.

4. Scroll to an event on the camera's video history timeline or select Event history for a list of events.

5. Choose an event and click Controls Menu.

6. Save the video clip to your phone by tapping Save clip.

7. Share the saved video clip through email or other apps.

Types of Resets

Understanding the different reset options available for your Nest Doorbell is crucial. There are two main types:

1. Restart: A restart is a quick and simple option suitable for resolving minor glitches without erasing your camera settings. This process involves restarting the Nest Doorbell without performing a complete reset.

2. Reset: A reset is a more comprehensive option that involves either a soft reset or a hard reset, depending on the severity of the issues. This type of reset reverts your Nest cam to its factory default settings, and can be useful for addressing persistent problems.

How to Reset Your Nest Doorbell

While the restart (aka soft reset) and hard/factory reset start the same way - regardless if you have the Wired Nest Doorbell or the Battery Doorbell - there are minor differences in the process. Let's take a look at the steps involved in each.

Steps to Restart Your Nest Doorbell

1. Release the Doorbell: Use the included release tool, a spoon-shaped tool for Nest Doorbell (Battery), or any flat object to gently remove the Nest doorbell from the wall. If you have a wired doorbell, use the pin-shaped hole at the bottom with the included tool, a paper clip, or a similarly pointy object that can fit in the pin hole.

2. Power Restart (for Wired Doorbells): If your doorbell is powered by a wall socket, unplug it for ten seconds. This process serves as a restart. Leave it plugged in if you're planning to perform a factory reset.

3. Locate the Reset Pin: Once the doorbell is away from the wall, but with wires still plugged in, find the reset pin. For Nest Doorbell (Battery), it's below the USB port. For wired doorbells, it's at the top of the rear panel. For models with the reset pin hole, use a pointy object to hold down the reset button located inside.

4. Press and Hold the Reset Button (for Battery Doorbells): Press and hold the reset button for five seconds for a restart. The status light will turn a steady white after the restart.

Steps to Factory Reset Your Nest Doorbell

To perform a factory reset on your Nest Doorbell:

1. Release the Doorbell: Use the included release tool or a paper clip to release the doorbell from its mount.

2. Locate the Reset Pin: Find the reset hole. Its location will vary depending on the model you have (refer to Step 3 above).

3. Press and Hold the Reset Button: For Nest Doorbell (Battery), hold the button down for a total of 12 seconds. At 10 seconds the status light will blink yellow, followed by a countdown tone. The status light will turn a solid yellow, and you'll hear a confirmation tone. For the wired doorbell, hold down the doorbell button and the reset button simultaneously. The doorbell will chime, and the light will blink yellow before turning off.

Removing the Doorbell from Your Smart Home

Once you have completed the restart or factory reset process, follow these steps to remove the doorbell from your smart home:

1. Open Google Home or Nest App: Open the Google Home or Nest app on your smart device. If using the Google Home app, select the “Cameras” icon near the center of the home page.

2. Identify the Camera: Scroll through and find the camera you want to remove. It will be marked as “Offline” in the app.

3. Access Settings: Select the gear or cog-shaped “Settings” icon located in the top right-hand corner of the UI. If hidden, tap the screen to reveal it.

4. Remove Device: Scroll down to locate the “Remove device” button. Select it and confirm your choice.

5. Confirmation: The app will remove the doorbell from your smart home ecosystem.

Troubleshooting Tips

While a reset is considered the universal solution to basic camera glitches, occasional issues may still persist even after successfully doing so. Here are some useful troubleshooting tips you can try:

Doorbell Not Responding After Reset

Power Cycle the Doorbell

1. Disconnect Power: If the doorbell is wired, disconnect it from the power source. If battery-powered, remove the battery or disconnect any external power source.

2. Wait: Wait for at least 30 seconds to ensure a complete power cycle.

3. Reconnect Power: Reconnect the doorbell to the power source.

4. Restart: Initiate a restart using the appropriate method outlined in the reset guide.

Check Network Connectivity

1. Wi-Fi Signal: Ensure that your doorbell is within the range of your Wi-Fi network. Check for any potential interference that might affect connectivity.

2. Wi-Fi Settings: Verify that the Wi-Fi credentials are correctly entered in the Nest Doorbell settings.

3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi: If needed, use the Nest app to reconnect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network.

Check for Firmware and Software Updates

1. Nest App Updates: Ensure that your Nest app is up to date with the latest version from the app store.

2. Firmware Updates: Check for any available firmware updates for your Nest Doorbell through the Nest app.

3. Software Updates: Ensure that your connected devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have the latest software updates.

Preventive Measures for Future Resets

To minimize the need for resets and enhance the overall performance of your Nest Doorbell, consider the following preventive measures:

Regular System Checkups

1. Physical Inspection: Periodically inspect the physical condition of the doorbell for any damage or wear.

2. Power Source: Check the stability of the power source, whether wired or battery-powered.

3. Connections: Ensure all connections, including wiring and USB connections, are secure.

Backing Up Settings Periodically

1. Nest App Backup: Utilize the backup feature in the Nest app to save important video clips.

2. Document Configurations: Keep a record of your customized settings and configurations.

3. Cloud Storage: If available, use any cloud storage options provided by Nest to store important data.

FAQ

Is there a reset button on the Nest doorbell?

Yes, there is a reset button on the Nest Doorbell. For Nest Doorbell (Battery), it's located below the USB port. For wired doorbells, the reset button is typically found in a pin-shaped hole at the bottom.

How do I reset my Wired Nest Doorbell?

To reset your wired doorbell, hold down the chime button and the reset button simultaneously. The doorbell will chime, and the light will flash yellow before turning off.

How do I reset my Wireless Nest Doorbell?

To reset your wireless Nest Doorbell, press and hold the reset button for 12 seconds. At 10 seconds the status light will blink yellow, followed by a countdown tone. The status light will turn a solid yellow, and you'll hear a confirmation tone. Release the button.