How to check that your Nest Protects are interconnected

Nest Protects use wireless interconnect to communicate with one another. Here’s how to confirm that their wireless connection is working properly.

How to check that your Nest Protects are interconnected

To verify that interconnect is working, conduct a manual test by pushing the large button on any paired Nest Protect. Then confirm that all other Nest Protects respond by sounding an alarm test sequence and announcing that “everything is OK.”

What you need to do if some Nest Protects in the same home don’t respond

It’s important for you to make sure your Nest Protect in one room can tell you about a detected hazard in other areas of your home. This can be critical in an emergency.  To make sure it’s working properly, you’ll need to remove each of your Nest Protects from the ceiling and the app, reset it to defaults, and scan the QR code to reconnect it. 

After it’s removed from your account, your Nest Protect can still sound an alarm if it detects specified levels of smoke or carbon monoxide. However, some features will be limited: 

• You’ll no longer be able to view the last reported status of the Nest Protect in the Nest app.

• You won’t be able to change settings.

• You won’t get push notifications from the Nest Protect.

To remove your Nest Protects and add it back to your account, follow the steps below:

How to remove your Nest Protects from your account

1. Sign in to the Nest app.

2. If you have another home, on the app home screen, tap Menu  in the top left corner. Then select the home that has the Nest Protects you’d like to remove.

3. On the app home screen, tap Settings .

4. Select the Nest Protect you’d like to remove.

5. Scroll down and select Remove Nest Protect.

6. You’ll then be asked to confirm your choice.

7. Factory reset your device.

How to factory reset Nest Protect

1. Press and hold the button for at least 10 seconds on Nest Protect. It will chime and glow blue.

2. Release the button when Nest Protect starts speaking its version number. If you hold the button too long, the test will be cancelled.

3. Nest Protect will start a verbal countdown and tell you it’s erasing all settings. You can cancel the reset by pressing the button again during the countdown.

4. After a few seconds, your Nest Protect will reset.

5. Before you reconnect your Nest Protect to the Nest app, you will have to first remove that Nest Protect from the Nest app if you have not done so already.

 

How to add your Nest Protects back to your account

1. Tap Settings  in the top right corner. Select Add product , then select Nest Protect.The Nest app will turn on your phone’s camera. Use it to scan the QR code on the back of your Nest Protect.

2. The app will automatically recognize that you’re adding a Nest Protect and guide you through setup. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy.
   
   Tip: Write down the Entry Key for each Nest Protect you’re adding back to your account 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 Nest Protect from the app and need to add it back.

3. Next, you’ll tell your Nest Protect where you’re going to install it. Check the location label you wrote down on the back of your Nest Protect to keep the location consistent. Then, pick the location from the list of rooms in the app.

4. For 1st gen Nest Protects: Connect to Nest Protect’s Wi-Fi Network - Find more information here.
   
   Connect Nest Protect to Wi-Fi. The app will show you a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select the network you want your Nest Protect to connect to and enter the password. Your phone or tablet will now connect to Nest Protect. It may take a minute or two.

   If you already have a Nest Protect connected to the Nest app

   The app will ask you to press its button so it can connect to your new Nest Protect. This will let them share Wi-Fi information and automatically connect.

   If your Protect’s light isn’t spinning blue already, press the button to wake it up. Then it will connect to your new Nest Protect and transfer your Wi-Fi network information. It may take a minute or two.

   Note: They’ll need to be in range of each other, so you may need to take your phone and new Nest Protect to the same room as your other Nest Protect.

5. Choose Pathlight settings. You can choose to have it off, on, or always on so that Nest Protect can light your way in the dark.

6. Finish setup. Nest Protect will now connect to the internet and be added to your account in the Nest app. It will tell you when it’s finished, and you’ll see its light turn from blue to green.

7. If you didn’t label your Protect when you first installed it, write down the date and room name on your Protect’s label. This will help you keep track of where they’re supposed to be installed.
   
   Note: You can also press the button on your Nest Protect to hear where it’s supposed to go.

8. The Nest app will ask if you have more Nest Protects for a faster setup for the rest of them. Tap Add another Nest Protect and the app will walk you through the setup process for your other Nest Protect.
   
   If you’re done setting up Nest Protects, tap Next.

9. After you’re finished adding all your Nest Protects to the Nest app, you’ll choose Sound Check settings. This lets your Nest Protects automatically test their speaker and alarm once a month.

After setup, confirm that all your Nest Protects are interconnected

To verify that interconnect is working, conduct a manual test by pushing the large button on any paired Nest Protect. Then confirm that all other Nest Protects respond by sounding an alarm test sequence and announcing that “everything is OK.”

Learn about Safety Checkup >