Uninstall wired Google Nest doorbells and chime connector

Start here to uninstall your wired Nest Doorbell if you plan to move, install a new doorbell, or service your doorbell system.

This article only applies to these devices:

Nest doorbell 3rd gen doorbell
Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) Nest Doorbell (wired)


This is what you'll need to uninstall your Nest doorbell:

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Hex key
Step 1: Turn off power at the breaker box

a. Turn power off for your doorbell at your home's breaker box.
b. To make sure that the power is off for the Nest doorbell, check that:

  • The light is off

  • It doesn’t ring when you press the chime button

Both the Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) will run off of its internal battery for a few minutes after you've turned off the power. At this time, it may look like the power is on.

If needed, turn off the central power for your home to ensure that the power is off.

Step 2: Remove the doorbell

Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) & Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen)

To detach the Nest doorbell from its base plate, use the hex key into the screw at the top of the doorbell. The hex key should come with your doorbell.

Nest Doorbell (wired)

To detach the Nest doorbell from its wall plate, insert its included release tool into the small hole at the bottom of the doorbell. If you don't have the release tool, use a thumb tack or paper clip instead.

Step 3: Disconnect the wires

  • Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the back of the Nest doorbell and detach the doorbell wires.

  • If a Nest wire extender was used during installation, detach that from the system wires too. Pinch each terminal to open it up, then pull the wire out to disconnect it.

Step 4: Uninstall the wall plate
Detach the wall plate after you've removed your doorbell.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the wall plate.
Step 5: Uninstall the chime connector
When you disconnect the chime wires from the chime connector, you'll need to reconnect each chime wire to the correct wire terminal. Otherwise, your doorbell's chime might not work as expected.
To uninstall the chime connector:
  1. Go to the chime box and remove its cover.
    • Tip: Doorbell chimes are usually mounted on the wall near the front door. Some covers simply pull off, but others might need to be unscrewed.
  2. Disconnect each chime wire from the connector wire. Then, reattach the chime wires to their terminals in the chime. You should use the photo you took of your chime's wiring to know which wire to connect to each terminal.
    • Tip: If you're not sure how the wires are supposed to be connected, take a photo of your chime's wiring before you disconnect anything. That way, you’re able to properly reconnect the wires to the chime connector if you need to.
  3. Once you reconnect all the wires, remove the chime connector and put the chime cover back on.

Installing a new Nest doorbell

  • If you plan to install a Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) you’ll need to install the new chime connector that came with the doorbell. The 1st gen chime connector isn’t compatible with the 2nd gen doorbell.
  • If you plan to install a Nest Doorbell (battery), you won't need the chime connector that was installed with your old Nest Doorbell (wired). You won’t need the connector even if you plan to install your new doorbell using the system wires. Learn how to install a Nest Doorbell (battery).

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?
true
Have a question?

Get an answer from an expert on the Google Home Help Forum.