If your Google Nest Doorbell isn't sending notifications when pressed, missing motion events, or having video quality problems, this guide will help you resolve these common issues.
Doorbell Press Not Sending Notifications
When visitors press the doorbell but you don't receive alerts:
- Check that notifications are enabled in the Google Home app
- Verify your phone's notification settings allow Google Home notifications
- Ensure Do Not Disturb is disabled on your phone
- Check if "Quiet Time" is enabled in the doorbell settings
- Verify you're receiving other notifications from the Google Home app
- Restart the Google Home app and check again
Indoor Chime Not Ringing
For wired Nest Doorbells connected to an existing chime:
- Check that your chime type is set correctly in the Google Home app
- Verify the doorbell transformer provides enough voltage (16-24V AC)
- Ensure the indoor chime is compatible - some digital chimes don't work
- Check all wiring connections are secure at both the doorbell and chime
- Try the "Chime Test" feature in the Google Home app
- Consider using a Google Nest speaker as a wireless chime instead
Motion Detection Not Working
If the doorbell isn't detecting people or motion:
- Verify motion detection is enabled in camera settings
- Check your activity zones are configured to cover the right areas
- Ensure motion sensitivity isn't set too low
- Clean the camera lens with a soft dry cloth
- Check if "Person detection" is enabled for smarter alerts
- Review the detection history to see if events are being recorded but not alerted
Battery Draining Too Fast (Battery Model)
For the battery-powered Nest Doorbell:
- Reduce motion sensitivity to decrease processing
- Create smaller, more targeted activity zones
- Reduce video quality settings if in a high-traffic area
- Check if the camera is in a cold location - batteries drain faster in cold weather
- Consider wiring the doorbell for continuous charging
- Ensure firmware is up to date as updates often improve battery life
Poor Video Quality or Night Vision Issues
When video is blurry, dark, or has other quality problems:
- Clean the camera lens - smudges and dirt significantly affect quality
- Check the WiFi signal strength in the device settings
- Move your router closer or add a WiFi extender for better signal
- Ensure nothing is blocking the camera view
- Check if night vision is enabling properly when dark
- Adjust video quality settings in the Google Home app
WiFi Connection Problems
If the doorbell keeps going offline:
- Check WiFi signal strength in the Google Home app device info
- The doorbell needs a strong 2.4GHz or 5GHz signal
- Restart your router and the doorbell
- Check for interference from other wireless devices
- Consider a WiFi extender if the doorbell is far from your router
- Verify your internet speed meets the minimum requirements (2 Mbps upload)
Factory Reset Your Nest Doorbell
For persistent issues, reset to factory settings:
- Locate the reset button on the back of the doorbell
- Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds
- The status light will flash yellow, then turn off
- Wait for the doorbell to restart (light will pulse white)
- Remove and re-add the doorbell in the Google Home app
- Reconfigure all settings, zones, and notifications