Doorbell Not Ringing
Google Nest Smart Doorbell
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
If the Nest Doorbell button is pressed but nothing rings, check the chime type setting in the Google Home app, confirm your linked Google or Nest speaker is not muted, and ensure Do Not Disturb is not active.
Affected Models
- Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd gen)
- Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
Common Causes
- Incorrect chime type selected in Google Home app
- Linked Google or Nest speaker offline or muted
- Do Not Disturb active in Google Home
- Existing mechanical chime incompatible with Nest Wired Doorbell voltage
- Phone notification permissions disabled
How to Fix It
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Check the chime type in Google Home.
Open Google Home, tap the doorbell, then Settings > Doorbell Chime Type. Select the correct option — Mechanical (for an existing physical chime), Digital, or None. An incorrect chime type selection is one of the most common reasons the chime does not ring.
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Check linked speaker volume.
If you use a Google Home or Nest Hub speaker as a chime, confirm it is powered on and the volume is not muted. In Google Home, tap the speaker device and adjust the volume. Also confirm the speaker is listed as a linked chime device under the doorbell settings.
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Disable Do Not Disturb.
In the Google Home app, tap your home, then Settings > Do Not Disturb. If active, all chimes and notifications are silenced. Disable it and test by pressing the doorbell button.
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Check wired chime compatibility.
Nest Doorbell Wired requires a 10–40 VA transformer providing 16–24V AC. Old low-VA transformers cannot power the Nest Doorbell and the mechanical chime simultaneously. A transformer upgrade typically costs less than £20 and resolves most wired chime problems.
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Enable phone notifications.
In Google Home, tap the doorbell, go to Settings > Notifications and enable Visitor alerts. Your phone will alert you when the button is pressed even if no physical chime sounds.