Install Nest Protect

You can easily install your Google 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. The steps are different for 1st and 2nd generation Nest Protects.

How to tell which Nest Protect you have

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

A Wi-Fi connection
Your Wi-Fi password
A phone or tablet (iOS or Android)
A Phillips screwdriver

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

Where to install your Nest Protect in a room

Which rooms in my home need a Nest Protect

You can also have a Nest Pro set up and install all your Nest Protects for you. Make an appointment with our installation partner OnTech to have a trained pro come to your home to install and set up your Nest products. After they've installed your Nest Protects, they'll give you a demo and answer any questions you have.

Select your Nest Protect

Each kind of Nest Protect has different installation instructions. Select the Nest Protect that you have to go to the right instructions. If you're not sure which Protect you have, you can check how to tell here.

How to install your 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 the Nest app. Download the app and sign in or create an account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup. Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone or tablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.
2. Add your Protect to the app	The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QR code, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects in your home. Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup. How to set up a 2nd gen Nest Protect with the Nest app Write down the Entry Key for each Protect you’re installing and keep this number in a safe place. The entry key is 6 digits long, located on the back next to the QR code. This can save you some time in the future if you ever remove your Protect from the app and need to add it back.
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 Protects together until they're all set up and ready to be installed. Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a clear plastic dust cover. Keep the cover 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 circuit breaker for the room where you are installing Nest Protect or remove the fuse from the fuse box. Warning: Failure to turn off power may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.
5. Remove your old smoke alarm	Note: If you don’t have an old smoke alarm, skip to step 9. To prevent electrical shock, make sure the green power light is off on the alarm. You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it to keep 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 the Nest Protect backplate later. Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dust before you install Nest Protect.
7. Remove the old connector	Twist the wire connectors counterclockwise to unscrew them and detach the 120V connector from your old smoke alarm. The exposed wire should be straight.
8. Attach the Nest connector	Hold the white wire ends together, cap them with a wire connector and twist clockwise until it’s secure. Do the same with the black wires. If there are any extra wires, you won’t need them. Cap them with wire connectors.
9. Install the Nest Protect backplate	Screw the Nest backplate to the existing electrical box, reusing the existing screws. You can also screw the backplate directly into the wall or ceiling with the Nest screws. Important: The backplate’s Nest logo must face away from the ceiling and towards you, or you won’t be able to attach your Nest Protect to it. Tip: If the electrical wiring box is recessed and isn't flush with the wall or ceiling, use the dry wall screws that are included in the Nest Protect (Wired 120V) box and attach the backplate directly to the ceiling.
10. Connect power	Plug the 120V connector into the back of your Nest Protect.
11. Install your Nest Protect	Tuck any excess wiring into the electrical box first. Hold Nest Protect against the backplate and turn it clockwise. You’ll feel the tabs drop into place and grip the backplate. Continue turning until it’s square with the wall or ceiling. Install the rest of your Nest Protects if you have more. Tip: To remove your Nest Protect (for cleaning or battery replacement), turn off power to your Nest Protect at the breaker box or remove the fuse first. Then turn counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.
12. Switch power back on or replace the fuse
13. Press to test	After you’ve installed all of your Nest Protects, press the button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next. During the test, every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they're connected 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 its alarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects and testing again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, but its range may be affected by your home's construction or interference from other wireless electronics. Learn about wireless interference and how to troubleshoot it If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to the app again. How to reset Nest Protect and erase all your personal settings

How to install your 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 the Nest app. Download the app and sign in or create an account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup. Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone or tablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.
2. Add your Protect to the app	The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QR code, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects in your home. Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup. How to set up a 2nd gen Nest Protect with the Nest app Write down the Entry Key for each Protect you’re installing and keep this number in a safe place. The entry key is 6 digits long, located on the back next to the QR code. This can save you some time in the future if you ever remove your Protect from the app and need to add it back.
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 Protects together until they're all set up and ready to be installed. Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a clear plastic dust cover. Keep the cover on so your Nest Protect stays clean until you install it.
4. Remove your old smoke alarm	You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Unscrew and remove the backplate if there is one. Your old smoke alarm might make a loud noise when you disconnect it. Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dust before you install Nest Protect.
5. Install your Nest Protect backplate	Screw the Nest backplate to the ceiling or wall using the included screws. The Nest screws are self-tapping, so there’s no need to drill pilot holes in wood, plaster and other relatively soft materials. Important: The backplate’s Nest logo must face away from the ceiling and towards you, or you won’t be able to attach your Nest Protect to it.
6. Install your Nest Protect	Hold Nest Protect against the backplate and turn it clockwise. You’ll feel the tabs drop into place and grip the backplate. Continue turning until it’s square with the wall or ceiling. Install the rest of your Nest Protects if you have more. Tip: To remove your Nest Protect (for cleaning or battery replacement), turn it counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.
7. Press to test	After you’ve installed all of your Nest Protects, press the button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next. During the test, every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they’re connected 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 its alarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects and testing again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, but its range may be affected by your home's construction or interference from other wireless electronics. Learn about wireless interference and how to troubleshoot it If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to the app again. How to reset Nest Protect and erase all your personal settings

How to install your 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 the Nest app. Download the app and sign in or create an account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup. Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone or tablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.
2. Add your Protect to the app	The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QR code, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects in your home. Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup. How to set up a 1st gen Nest Protect with the Nest app Write down the Entry Key for each Protect you’re installing and keep this number in a safe place. The entry key is 6 digits long, located on the back next to the QR code. This can save you some time in the future if you ever remove your Protect from the app and need to add it back.
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 which Protects you've already set up and where you're going to install them. Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a plastic dust cover. Keep the cover 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 circuit breaker for the room where you are installing Nest Protect or remove the fuse from the fuse box. Warning: Failure to turn off power may result in serious electrical shock, injury, or death.
5. Remove your old smoke alarm	Note: If you don't have an old smoke alarm, skip to step 9. To prevent electrical shock, make sure the green power light is off on the alarm. You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it to keep 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 the Nest Protect backplate later. Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dust before you install Nest Protect.
7. Remove the old connector	Twist the wire connectors counterclockwise to unscrew them and detach the 120V connector from your old smoke alarm. The exposed wire should be straight.
8. Attach the Nest connector	Hold the white wire ends together, cap them with a wire connector and twist clockwise until it’s secure. Do the same with the black wires. If there are any extra wires, you won’t need them. Cap them with wire connectors.
9. Install the Nest Protect backplate	Screw the backplate to the existing electrical box, reusing the existing screws. Alternately, you can screw the backplate directly into the wall or ceiling with the Nest screws.
10. Connect power	Plug the 120V connector into the back of your Nest Protect.
11. Install your Nest Protect	Tuck any excess wiring into the electrical box and push Nest Protect onto the backplate. Then give it a slight twist clockwise. It’ll click into place. Install the rest of your Nest Protects if you have more. Tip: To remove your Nest Protect (for cleaning or battery replacement), turn off power to your Nest Protect at the breaker box or remove the fuse first. Then turn counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.
12. Switch power back on or replace the fuse
13. Press to test	After you’ve installed all of your Nest Protects, press the button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next. During the test, every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they’re connected to each other. Important note: If one of your Nest Protects doesn't speak up or sound its alarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects and testing again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, but its range may be affected by your home's construction or interference from other wireless electronics. Learn about wireless interference and how to troubleshoot it If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to the app. How to reset Nest Protect and erase all your personal settings

How to install your 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 the Nest app. Download the app and sign in or create an account. You can use a phone or tablet for setup. Important: If you already have the Nest app installed on your smartphone or tablet, make sure it's the latest version before setting up your Nest Protect.
2. Add your Protect to the app	The Nest app will guide you through each step: scanning the Nest Protect QR code, connecting it to the Internet, and connecting it to other Nest Protects in your home. Tip: Lay everything out on a table for easy setup. How to set up a 1st gen Nest Protect with the Nest app Write down the Entry Key for each Protect you’re installing and keep this number in a safe place. The entry key is 6 digits long, located on the back next to the QR code. This can save you some time in the future if you ever remove your Protect from the app and need to add it back.
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 Protects together until they're all set up and ready to be installed. Tip: Your Nest Protect came packed in a clear plastic dust cover. Keep the cover on so your Nest Protect stays clean until you install it.
4. Remove your old smoke alarm	You may have to twist the alarm to release it. Carefully remove it to prevent ceiling 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 Protect backplate	Screw the Nest backplate to the ceiling or wall using the included screws. Use two to four screws. Choose the slots to support Nest Protect evenly. Make sure the backplate is squared up to the wall. Tip: All smoke alarms prefer to live in a dust free area, so remove any dust before you install Nest Protect.
6. Mount your Nest Protect	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), turn it counterclockwise until it disconnects from the backplate.
7. Press to test	After you’ve installed all of your Nest Protects, press the button on one Nest Protect. It will tell you what to do next. During the test, every Nest Protect in the house should speak up, confirming that they're connected 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 its alarm during the test, try moving it closer to your other Nest Protects and testing again. It should be located within 50 feet of another Nest Protect, but its range may be affected by your home's construction or interference from other wireless electronics. Learn about wireless interference and how to troubleshoot it If it still doesn't speak up during the test, reset it to defaults and add it to the app again. How to reset Nest Protect and erase all your personal settings

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