Nest Doorbell Won't Factory Reset? (Fix It Yourself)

If you’re wondering why your Nest doorbell won’t factory reset, this guide will help you out!

If the Google Nest doorbell does not detect the factory reset, the issue is typically caused by an improper power supply or issues with the Nest app.

Hence, progress further into this guide to explore reliable solutions for your Nest doorbell and well-shaped troubleshooting solutions.

If the Nest doorbell won’t factory reset, first deactivate “Indoor Chime” and re-charge the battery of your device. If the issue persists, re-add the doorbell from the app, reposition the unit, and inspect the doorbell’s equipment for faults.

Let’s get started with the details!

Why Does the Nest Doorbell Won’t Reset?

To understand why your Google Nest doorbell refuses to reset, the first step is to understand what could potentially cause such a malfunction.

Hence, let’s take a look at the organized list containing all the issues that could cause the Google Nest doorbell to refuse the factory reset.

Here’s why the Nest battery or A/C operated doorbell won’t factory reset:

There’s an issue with the doorbell’s power supply.
The Nest doorbell has lost connection to the app.
The Nest doorbell has lost connection to the Wi-Fi.
There’s a problem with the doorbell’s reset button.
The Nest doorbell has sustained hardware damage.

How to Identify Nest Doorbell Type?

You can determine the type of the Nest doorbell by identifying its power supply.

There is either a battery-operated Nest doorbell that does not require an A/C power cord or a wired doorbell that must be connected to the A/C terminals.

Nest Doorbell Won’t Factory Reset – Quick Fix Guide

Tip: Follow the solutions below in their consecutive order!

1. Factory Reset Your Nest Correctly

The factory reset procedure differs on the different models of Nest doorbells and whether your unit is wired or battery-powered.

To start the factory reset, the doorbell must be removed from the wall mount, and the reset button must be held down using a thin pin or a paperclip tool.

How to Factory Reset a Battery-Powered Nest Doorbell?

Use the release tool to eject the doorbell from the holder.
Locate the reset pinhole below the USB port on the back.
Hold the reset button in the pinhole for about 5 seconds.
Wait for the Nest doorbell’s light to turn steady & solid white.

How to Factory Reset a Wired Nest Doorbell?

Remove the wired Nest doorbell after unplugging the terminals.
Detach the device from the wall holder and inspect the back panel.
Find the reset pinhole above the QR code on the doorbell’s back.
Insert a pin or a paperclip to push the reset button that is within.

Note: Both types of doorbells have the same light indication for a factory reset!

2. Power Cycle the Nest Doorbell

The next troubleshooting against the inability to factory reset is to restart your Google Nest Doorbell to refresh the operating system.

The power cycle is unlike the factory reset (it does not erase anything), but it will refresh the doorbell system and resolve the problem.

How to Power Cycle a Wired Nest Doorbell?

Disconnect the doorbell by unplugging it from power.
Wait for up to 10 seconds for the system to shut down.
Connect the Nest doorbell back to the power adapter.

How to Power Cycle a Battery-Powered Nest Doorbell

Use a screwdriver to loosen the rear doorbell panel.
Use the release key to take off the doorbell’s mount.
Next, wait 15 seconds and reinstall the Nest mount.

Alert: You cannot access the internal supplying battery of a battery-operated Nest doorbell!

3. Re-Add the Doorbell in the App

Removing and then re-adding the Nest doorbell from the Nest mobile app is another proven method to resolve issues with the factory reset procedure.

An improperly configured pairing or other issues with the app may cause issues with the reset procedure, so here’s what to perform:

How to Remove the Doorbell from the Nest App?

First, enter the Nest app on your mobile device.
On the home screen, locate the “Settings” tab.
Select the Nest doorbell you wish to remove.
Scroll down and click on the “Remove” button.
Try to factory reset the doorbell once prompted.

How to Re-Add the Doorbell to the Nest App?

Open the Nest app on your mobile Android or iOS device.
Tap the “Settings” button situated in the top right corner.
Select “Add Product” and scan the QR code on the chime.
Wait for 15 seconds until the app recognizes the doorbell.
Complete the provided solutions to re-add the Nest unit.

Removing and re-adding the doorbell will erase the doorbell’s profile within the Nest app.

This will cause all settings and configurations to be erased permanently upon re-adding the device.

Tip: If using Google Home to manage your Nest devices, go to “Settings” → “Devices” for removal.

4. Recharge the Doorbell (Battery)

The battery life of your Google Nest doorbell drains with time, and low battery life can lead to slower performance and failures in specific tasks.

You can use the supplied micro-USB to 3.0 USB cable supplied with the doorbell to recharge the internet battery of the doorbell fully.

Here’s how to recharge a battery-powered Nest doorbell efficiently:

Carefully detach the Nest doorbell from the wall mount.
Position the doorbell near an A/C outlet in your home.
Connect the micro USB cable to the doorbell’s port.
Plug the other end of the cable into a power adapter.
Wait for up to 1 hour until the Nest charges effectively.

It could take approximately 5 hours until the Nest doorbell reaches maximum battery capacity using Google’s compatible 7.5W AC adapter, which is sold separately.

Note: If you’re using an alternative adapter, the procedure can take less or longer than the original 5 hours.

5. Deactivate the “Indoor Chime”

If the Nest doorbell factory reset not working, the next step is to deactivate the “Indoor Chime” feature within the app.

By default, your indoor Nest chime is set to ring when someone presses the button on the outdoor doorbell, but setting the feature to “Off” will suppress the indoor unit.

Here’s how to deactivate “Indoor Chime” on your Nest doorbell:

Launch the “Nest” mobile app.
Tap and hold the device’s title.
Click on the “Settings” menu.
Select the “Doorbell” option.
Switch “Indoor Chime” to off.
Restart the doorbell and test it.

Note: If you cannot locate the function, verify that the Nest app is updated to the latest version!

6. Inspect Doorbell Equipment (Wired)

As mentioned above, the older models of the Google Nest doorbell use a wired C-wire power supply, which is the two wires attached to the doorbell.

Hence, damaged wires could fail to supply enough electricity to the device fully and cause it to malfunction and even fail to factory reset.

To inspect the equipment of the Nest doorbell, you’ll have to detach it from its mounting spot and carefully unscrew the two bolts holding the wires.

Then, inspect the condition of the cords for any physical damages and securely reattach them to the doorbell.

7. Reset Power from the Breaker (Wired)

If you’re using a wired Nest doorbell, it’s possible that the power reaching your device is not sufficient for a factory reset procedure.

Perhaps this is why the thermostat cannot start the factory reset, and to solve the problem, you must deactivate the main power supply.

This would be the primary circuit in your home holding the fuses for the individual rooms, including the power wire delivering power to your doorbell.

Here’s how to restart the power from the primary circuit:

First, head over to the circuit breaker panel.
Open the cover or the door to reveal the fuses.
Flip the switch down on the fuses in the circuit.
Alternatively, unscrew the fuses from their base.
Wait for a few minutes for the power to refresh.
Turn on the power supply and close the cover.

When you’re ready, attempt resetting your Nest doorbell again and check whether this helped to solve the issue.

If not, your device may have a degraded battery, so you’ll need a replacement.

Quick Recap:

To fix whenever the Nest doorbell won’t factory reset, perform a restart and re-add the doorbell in the Nest app.

If the issue persists, recharge the doorbell through the micro USB port and deactivate the indoor chime before trying to reset it again.

Finn Wheatley

Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.

Nest Doorbell Won’t Factory Reset? (Fix It Yourself)