Check Nest doorbell compatibility

Your doorbell can probably work with Nest doorbell, but you need to check the voltage.

Mechanical chime

Your doorbell can probably work with the Nest doorbell, but you need to check the voltage.

Digital chime

Doorbell chimes that only use batteries don't work with Nest doorbells. In some cases, a battery-powered chime and doorbell are installed over old doorbell wires. If wires are under your battery-powered chime and doorbell, the wires might work with wired installation of the Nest doorbell. Contact a local Pro installer to check that your wiring is compatible and install a new wired chime. If there are no wires behind the chime, there are a couple of options: Install a battery-powered Nest doorbell so that you don't need to connect it to the system wires. Install the Nest doorbell with the optional indoor power adapter, which lets you plug your doorbell into an indoor power outlet. You can't use the chime with either of these options. If you want your doorbell to use the chime, you need to contact a local professional to install wires for a new doorbell system in your home.

Wireless chime

If your chime has wires that aren't labeled T (Trans), F (Front), or R (Rear), it might be compatible, but you should contact a local pro installer for installation.

You can also install the Nest doorbell with the optional indoor power adapter, which lets you plug your doorbell into an indoor power outlet.

You also have the option to install a battery-powered Nest doorbell so that you don't need to connect it to the system wires.

Electrical transformers are typically labeled with a voltage rating. It's usually molded or etched into the transformer's body.

Transformers can be difficult to locate. Common places for transformers include the following:

• Inside your doorbell chime box
• Near your breaker or fuse box
• In the basement or crawl space under your home

If the wires lead out of your chime or doorbell, you might be able to follow them to your transformer if it's installed nearby.

Your doorbell system should be compatible with the Nest doorbell if your transformer is labeled anywhere within the following voltage ratings:

Your doorbell system isn't compatible with the Nest doorbell if one of the following is true:

• The transformer has no label.
• The voltage is above or below the requirement for the Nest doorbell.

If your doorbell system is incompatible with the Nest doorbell, there are a few options:

• Install a battery-powered Nest doorbell so that you don't need to connect it to the system wires.
• Contact a local pro installer to upgrade your transformer so it can work with Nest doorbell.
  Important: In Europe and Australia, you’ll need to have a licensed electrician install a new transformer before installing the Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen)
• Install the Nest doorbell with the optional Nest doorbell plug-in adapter, which lets you plug the Nest doorbell into an indoor power outlet.

Warning: To avoid the risk of shock, injury, or death, always use caution when working with electricity. Remember, if you're uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, you can have a local pro installer do it for you.

The most accurate way to check if your doorbell system is compatible is to measure the voltage on its wires.

Use the following steps to check your doorbell's wire voltage.

Important: Use a multimeter that has metal probes. "No contact" voltage testers (often shaped like a pen) may not be sensitive enough to give you a correct reading.

1. Remove your current doorbell from the wall.
2. Disconnect the wires from the doorbell. The voltage can't be accurately measured while the wires are still connected to the doorbell.
3. Follow your multimeter's instructions and measure the voltage on the wires.
4. Compare the multimeter's voltage reading to your doorbell's voltage requirement in the table below.

If the multimeter's reading is within the voltage requirement, the system wiring should work with the Nest doorbell.

If the measured voltage is either below or above the requirement, there are a few options:

• Install a battery-powered Nest doorbell so that you don't need to connect it to the system wires.
• Contact a local professional to upgrade the transformer so it can work with the Nest doorbell.
• Install the Nest doorbell with the optional indoor power adapter, which lets you plug your doorbell into an indoor power outlet.

A local pro installer or trained electrician can measure your doorbell wire voltage or upgrade your system if it's not compatible. They can also install the Nest doorbell for you.