Nest is a collection of home automation devices that form a system that can include speakers, lights, thermostats, doorbells, and more. Nest is owned by Alphabet, Inc, the parent company of Google. Nest home automation products can streamline many parts of your home, such as remote home maintenance and security.

The Nest Doorbell is a WiFi internet-connected video surveillance doorbell that connects to your mobile device via the Nest App. It’s such a great device; some people have been using the Nest Doorbell through moves or leaving them in the house’s main structure. If you get a used one, how do you change the owner of a Nest Doorbell?

How to Change the Owner of a Nest Doorbell

Some home sellers leave home automation devices, such as the Nest Doorbell, behind to increase buyers’ desire to purchase the home. The problem is, how do you know that the home automation device’s original owner isn’t still unable to access it? This can be a disturbing thought, especially when cameras are involved, but it is possible to transfer ownership.

  • Cancel your Nest Aware SubscriptionRemove the Nest Device from your Nest accountPerform a factory reset on the Nest DeviceAdd the Nest Device to the new owner’s Nest AccountContact Nest Support if the original owner can’t be contacted

It is important to note that transferring ownership of a Nest device can take up to 15 days or more from the requested date. Also, deleting the Nest app, uninstalling the Nest device, or canceling a subscription isn’t enough to release ownership of the Nest device.

Cancel Your Nest Aware Subscription

Nest Aware is Nest’s subscription service that opens up a world of features in various Nest products. Nest doorbells have facial recognition, so familiar faces don’t alert your phone and package detection. You also get access to a cloud service, and with the Nest Aware Plus account, you can get a 24/7 video history.

You want to be certain to cancel any Nest Aware subscriptions before attempting to transfer ownership of your Nest device.

Remove the Nest Device from your Nest Account

Nest devices can be installed either through the Nest or Google Home apps. You will need to remove the device from whichever app you have it installed under.

Remove Device from the Nest App

  • Open and sign in to the Nest AppSelect the Settings Cog on the app home screenSelect the product you want to remove – in our case, your Nest doorbellScroll down and Select Remove [name of device]Confirm your selection

Remove Device from the Google Home App

  • Open the Google Home appPress and hold your device’s tile from the app home screenSelect the Settings cog from the menuSelect Remove DeviceSelect Remove

Note: Your previously saved videos will be deleted once you remove the device from your Nest or Google Home account. This cannot be undone. So it is important only to do this if you are attempting to transfer ownership and no longer need any of the saved videos.

Perform a Factory Reset on the Nest Device

Once the original owner has removed the Nest device from their account, the new owner needs to do a factory reset to ensure any old videos are deleted, and the device is back to its original settings.

Factory Reset a Nest Doorbell (Battery)

  • Find the reset pinhole on the back of your Nest Doorbell – usually located directly beneath the USB port on the back of the Nest DoorbellPress and hold the reset button for 5 seconds (you might need a paperclip for this)The doorbell will restartIt is finished when the status light is solid white and steady

Factory Reset a Nest Doorbell (Wired Directly Into House’s Power)

  • Use a tool into the hole on the bottom of your Nest Doorbell to detach it from its baseDo not unscrew the wires connected to your doorbellHold down the button on the back of your Nest Doorbell for 10 seconds – usually located near the top of the Nest DoorbellThe doorbell will restart

Factory Reset a Nest Doorbell (Wired Through a Plug In Power Adapter)

  • Disconnect the Nest Doorbell’s power adapter by unplugging it from the outletWait 10 secondsPlug your Nest Doorbell back inThe doorbell will restart

Add the Nest Device to the New Owner’s Nest Account

You can now add the Nest Doorbell to the new owner’s nest account. Installation depends on whether your Nest Doorbell is powered by a battery, an AC power adapter, or wired into your home’s electrical system.

Simple-to-follow instructions for all styles can be found here on the Google Support website.

Contact Nest Support If the Original Owner Can’t be Contacted

It is possible that the original owner of the Nest Doorbell you are trying to transfer ownership can’t be contacted either because they just left the device without notice, or possibly a friend or relative passed away. You need to transfer ownership as a result.

In any of these situations, you will need to contact Nest Support, fill out some forms, and send them scans of your government ID and the death certificate of the deceased original owner. A list of legal requirements must be fulfilled to transfer ownership in this manner as a security precaution and theft deterrent.

Conclusion

Nest home automation devices are great for security. It can be a pain to transfer ownership but the peace of mind knowing someone else can’t access the cameras around your home is worth the effort.