Why Is Your Nest Doorbell Ringing? 3 Real Causes and Fixes


Why Is Your Nest Doorbell Ringing

Nests are great tools; however, sometimes devices don’t work as well as they should.

One of the common problems that can happen to a Nest doorbell is that it starts ringing for no reason.

It’s not a serious problem and you can easily fix it.  

The most common reason for constant Nest doorbell ringing is miswiring, which can happen during installation. A malfunctioning doorbell transformer may also cause this problem. The phantom ringing may occur due to voltage fluctuations that usually occur when switching to night vision.

The rest of this article will explain the common causes of constant doorbell ringing and ways to stop it. 

1. Miswiring

If your Nest doorbell is constantly ringing, it’s probably due to miswiring.

That’s a typical problem with a newly installed complex doorbell chime. 

This problem usually happens with complicated chimes that have three or more wires.

These chimes may also be connected to intercoms, gates, or other devices.

Alternatively, you may have forgotten to connect one component, causing a short in the circuit.  

If you cannot fix your constant doorbell ringing by any of the methods listed below, you may need to contact a professional for further assistance. 

How To Fix Why Is Your Nest Doorbell Ringing

Before rewiring your Nest doorbell, you may want to double-check to ensure you have installed it correctly.

Proper installation is essential so that your Nest doorbell works as expected. 

Before installing your Nest doorbell, you should start by ensuring that your Nest is compatible with other devices like the built-in intercom.

If you aren’t sure, you may use Google’s compatibility checker.

Begin the setup with the app. Install the chime connector, and install the doorbell with the correct wiring.

Then, finish up within the app. 

You’ll need the correct tools, such as a screwdriver or drill.

A good wifi connection and a compatible phone or tablet are also recommended.

If you’re still hesitant, you may contact a professional via Google’s pro finder

To continue on your own, sign in to the app or sign up for the Nest doorbell app on the play store.

If you’re a new user, tap the plus sign; otherwise, tap the gear sign to set up a new device.

Scan the machine correctly, and the app will set you up automatically. 

Turn off the power to your doorbell for safety reasons, and make sure you take a picture of your doorbell wiring before uninstalling; by doing this, you know which wires to put where.

That may be the reason why your doorbell is going off constantly.

You may need to rewire and ensure that your wires are placed in the correct spots. 

Check out this Google Nest video for more installation information if you need more visuals: 

2. Malfunctioning Doorbell Transformer

Another common problem for a Nest doorbell to ring continuously is a malfunctioning doorbell transformer.

If the transformer experiences a drop in voltage, it may interpret it as a ringing command.  

Your transformer may need to be upgraded or replaced, which can be a problem.

You should always check your transformer compatibility before purchasing your Nest doorbell.

The best voltage range for a transformer is 16 to 24 volts.

If you don’t want to spend time and money on a new transformer, you may need to get an indoor power adapter instead. 

How To Fix

You may need to hire an electrician to fix your problem if you don’t have the technical know-how; however, you could fix a malfunctioning transformer yourself with the correct tools. 

You need first to check the voltage of your transformer to make sure you’re getting enough power or not too much.  

Sixteen volts is a recommended amount of energy for your doorbell transformer.

You may even need more ability to run it, such as 20 volts.

If the doorbell isn’t working correctly, you may need to uninstall your power kit inside of your Nest doorbell. However, be aware that if you damage or take apart your Nest, it may disqualify any warranty you may have. 

For more information, check out this video: 

3. Phantom Doorbell Ringing

You may not have a problem with constant ringing; your Nest doorbell may ring randomly or have the common problem known as phantom ringing. 

That may feel frustrating or be an annoyance; however, there are ways you can make your phantom ringing stop. 

 How To Fix

The first step is to make sure your device is updated; problems may occur when software within your Nest doorbell is not up to date.

You should check this before moving forward with another solution.

It would be best to turn off night vision.

Phantom ringing usually happens because of fluctuations in the voltage sent to your chime. 

You could disable night vision in two different ways; using the Home app and the Nest app. 

To disable it on the Home app,

  1. Go to the home screen and select the camera in question. 
  2. Find Video and tap on it. 
  3. You’ll find different choices, such as Always On, Off, and Auto. Select “Off.”

To use the Nest app,

  1. Open the home screen and select your camera. 
  2. Select “Settings” and tap Night Vision. 
  3. Turn off the Night Vision setting by tapping “Off.” 

If none of these solutions stop your phantom ringing, you may need to contact a professional for assistance. 

Conclusion

If you have problems with your Google Nest doorbell, you may need to hire a professional to handle your electric needs. It’s the safest bet to ensure that your wiring is correct. 

Before taking apart or removing your doorbell transformer, be sure that you take pictures of your wiring to make sure that you’re placing the wires in the correct areas. 

It’s not uncommon for wiring to be the main culprit for a constantly ringing doorbell. Fixing it yourself may be risky, and if you decide to fix your faulty wiring yourself, be sure to take the proper safety precautions before doing so.

Are You Still Struggling With Your device?

If you’re still struggling trying to get going your smart device, contact me at nelson.barbosa@myautomatedpalace.com and we can discuss how can we fix it!

Nelson Barbosa

I'm an engineer in love with smart home tech. On my website, I share useful tips and tricks to help my readers get the most of their devices and make their lives simpler by adding just a drop of technology in everyday routines!

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