Article Summary:
Before you install your Nest Protect on the ceiling or wall, you should set it up with the Nest app. It only takes a few minutes. Here’s how.


Setting up your Nest Protect with the Nest app will connect it to the Wi-Fi and Internet, and add it to your Nest Account. This will let you get alerts on your phone about smoke and carbon monoxide, and it will enable other Nest Protect features like spoken room names, wireless interconnect, and Pathlight. Nest Protect setup is easy. The Nest app will tell you exactly what to do.

This article covers 2nd gen Nest Protect setup. If you have a 1st gen Nest Protect, the setup steps are similar, but there are a few key differences. Don't know which kind of Protect you have? Check out this article for easy identification:

How can I tell which Nest Protect I have? >

How to set up a 1st gen Nest Protect with the Nest app >

Before you get started, here's what you'll need:

  • Nest Protect
  • Wi-Fi and Internet access in the same location that you're installing your Nest Protect (i.e. your home's Wi-Fi network)
  • The Wi-Fi network password
  • An iOS or Android phone or tablet
  • The latest version of the Nest app
  • A free Nest Account

Learn more about requirements to use the Nest app on a phone, tablet >

Nest Account frequently asked questions >

Put all your Nest Protects on a table so you easy access to them all.

Don't pull out the battery tab yet. The Nest app will tell you when to. If you already have, don't worry.

If you don't have a Nest Account already, go to the the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the free Nest app. Then create an account with the app. All you need is a valid email address. You'll have to validate your email address before the account can be used.

Nest Account frequently asked questions >

If you already have the Nest app, make sure that it's the most recent version.

  • On an iOS device, select the Updates option from the App Store app.
  • On an Android device, open the Google Play app and search for the Nest app to update it if needed.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, make sure that its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on.

If you have an Android phone, the Nest app will automatically turn on Wi-Fi.

Learn more about Bluetooth LE >

Open the Nest app and sign into your Nest Account.

The Nest app will turn on your phone or tablet's camera. Use it to scan the QR code on the back of your Nest Protect.

The Nest app will automatically recognize it.

My phone's camera won't scan the QR code, what should I do? >

Pull out the blue tab on your Nest Protect. It will greet you and the light will begin to glow blue.

If you've already pulled the tab out, but the light isn't glowing blue, press the button on your Nest Protect to wake it up.

Note: If you have a Nest Protect already added to your Nest account, you may be able to skip some of the following steps. The app will tell you exactly what you need to do.

Now you'll let your Nest Protect know where it's going to live. Pick a room.

Nest Protect will speak the room name you've chosen during a Heads-Up alert or Emergency Alarm.

You also have the option to add a label or create a custom name.

Learn more about Nest Protect locations, names and labels >

If you have a Nest Protect already added to your Nest account, the app will ask you to press its button so it can connect to your new Nest Protect.

They'll need to be in range of each other to connect. So if your "already added" Nest Protect has been installed in another room, take your new Nest Protect (and phone or tablet) with you.

If your Nest 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.

Next, select the Wi-Fi network you want your Nest Protect to connect to and enter the password.

Important note: If your Wi-Fi network isn't appearing in the list of available networks, here are some troubleshooting tips. If you have hidden your network for security purposes, read the article below:

Learn how to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network >

Note: If you already have a Nest Protect added to your Nest Account, you may be able to skip this step, so you'll see a different screen.

The Nest app will then ask if you have more Nest Protects. If you do, it'll take you through a faster setup for the rest of them.

Note: You can also press the button on your Nest Protect to hear where it's supposed to go.

See the article below for installation instructions:

How do I install Nest Protect? >

If you're installing more than one Nest Protect, you should set them all up and them to your Nest Account before installing them.

Install the Nest app and create an account

Turn on your phone or tablet's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Add Nest Protect to your account

If this is your first Nest product, choose Add New.

If you already have a Nest product in your account, select the Settings menu in the top right corner. The icon is shaped like a gear.

Select add product...

...then tap Nest Protect.

Scan the QR code

The Nest app will guide you through setup. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password and a screwdriver handy for installation.

Pull out the tab

Tell your Nest Protect where you're going to install it

Connect to another Nest Protect, if you have one

Your Nest Protect will now look for Wi-Fi networks that it can connect to.

Connect Protect to Wi-Fi and the Internet

Your phone or tablet will now connect to Nest Protect. It may take a minute or two.

Now you'll choose Pathlight settings so Nest Protect can light your way in the dark.

Nest Protect will now connect to the Internet and be added your Nest Account. It will tell you when it's finished, and you'll see its light turn from blue to green.

Before you set up another Nest Protect, write down the date and room name on the label. This will help you keep track when you install them.

After you're finished adding all your Nest Protects to your Nest Account, you'll choose Sound Check settings. This lets your Nest Protects automatically test their speaker and horn once a month.

Like all smoke alarms, Nest Protect works best when it's dust free. Use the plastic cover or the box that it came in to keep dust out until you're ready to install.