How to Set Up Your Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm (Battery)

What You Will Need

• Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm (Battery, 2nd Generation) and included backplate, screws, and six AA lithium batteries (pre-installed)
• A Phillips-head screwdriver or drill
• A step ladder for ceiling mounting
• A pencil for marking screw holes
• A smartphone or tablet with the Google Home app (or legacy Nest app) installed
• A Google account
• A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (5 GHz is not supported)

Choosing the Right Location

Proper placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is critical for early detection. Install a Nest Protect on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas in hallways. Mount the alarm on the ceiling at least four inches from any wall, or high on a wall between four and twelve inches from the ceiling. Avoid installing near kitchens (within ten feet of cooking appliances), bathrooms, garages, or near windows and vents, as steam, exhaust, and drafts can cause false alarms.

Mounting the Backplate

1. Hold the backplate against the ceiling at your chosen location and mark the four screw holes with a pencil.
2. If mounting on drywall, drill pilot holes at each mark.
3. Secure the backplate to the ceiling using the included screws. For drywall ceilings, use the included wall anchors for a more secure hold.
4. Ensure the backplate is firmly attached and does not move when you apply light pressure.

Installing the Batteries

1. The Nest Protect (Battery) comes with six AA long-life lithium batteries pre-installed. If they have been removed, open the battery compartment on the back of the unit and insert six Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries (the only recommended type).
2. Do not use alkaline or rechargeable batteries, as they do not provide the consistent voltage the Nest Protect requires and will significantly shorten the device's lifespan between replacements.

Attaching the Nest Protect

1. Align the Nest Protect with the backplate on the ceiling.
2. Twist the unit clockwise until it clicks into place on the backplate.
3. The Nest Protect will power on automatically. The LED ring around the center button will glow and the device will announce that it is ready for setup.

Setting Up in the App

1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the + button and select Set up device, then choose New device.
3. Select your home from the list.
4. The app will search for nearby devices. When the Nest Protect appears, tap to select it.
5. Press the center button on the Nest Protect when the app prompts you to confirm pairing.
6. Select your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The Nest Protect will connect and download any available firmware updates.
7. Assign the alarm to a room. The room name will be used in spoken alerts, so choose a name that is clear and specific, such as "Upstairs Hallway" or "Master Bedroom."
8. Complete the initial safety checkup by following the on-screen prompts. The Nest Protect will test its smoke sensor, CO sensor, speaker, and LED ring.

Linking Multiple Nest Protects

If you install more than one Nest Protect in your home, they automatically interconnect wirelessly through the Google Home app. When one unit detects smoke or carbon monoxide, all linked units will sound their alarms simultaneously and announce which room detected the hazard. This whole-home alert system works even if your Wi-Fi goes down.

Tips for Getting Started

• Test the alarm monthly by pressing and holding the center button. The Nest Protect will announce the test and send a notification to your phone.
• Battery life lasts approximately five years under normal conditions. The app and the device itself will alert you when batteries are running low.
• Enable Nightly Promise in the app. When you turn off the last light at night, the Nest Protect briefly glows green if all sensors and batteries are in good condition.
• The Nest Protect uses a Split-Spectrum Sensor that detects both fast-burning and slow-smoldering fires, providing earlier warnings than many traditional smoke alarms.