Doorbell not connecting to the Home App

[Miklassy]

I've had a Nest Doorbell (Battery) for about 2 years. I love it!
I recently updated my modem and needed to update my password.  In trying to do so, I read a few articles (not in the Google Community) that suggested I delete the device from my Google Home app and install it as a new device on the new network.  

I proceeded to do this however, when I get to the screen that indicates it's looking for devices, it does not populate my device.  It then asks me to select my type of Device.  I obviously select, Doorbell and then Nest Doorbell (battery) on the subsequent screen.  I scan my QR-Code (I have also tested it with entering the code) and move throughout the following screen quite easily without problems. 

That is until I hit the next screen, saying Looking for Devices where I then get to the Connecting to joining device, this could take a moment.  And finally, a message that says, Something went wrong...Try connecting again.  If it does not work, try rebooting your device or tuning your Airplane Mode on/off before trying again.  The only option from here is to exit and try again.  BTW, I rest the doorbell numerous times and it's fully charged.  I have also read articles in the Google Community and tried a few of the suggested fixes and still nothing 😞

I also tried setting this up on the Nest app and it defers me to use the Home app instead.  

Anyone have an idea on what I can do next?

[Zooapk]

Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your new modem is set up correctly and that your Wi-Fi network is stable and functioning properly. Ensure that you are using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, as Nest devices often work better on this frequency.

2. Reset the Nest Doorbell: Perform a factory reset on your Nest Doorbell. To do this, press and hold the button on the doorbell for about 10 seconds until the light ring blinks and turns blue. Then, release the button.

3. Remove Any Obstructions: Ensure that there are no physical obstructions or interference between your Nest Doorbell and your Wi-Fi router. This can affect the device's ability to connect.

4. Check for Firmware Updates: Make sure your Nest Doorbell has the latest firmware installed. You can check for updates in the Google Home app or Nest app (whichever you prefer to use).

5. Try a Different Device: If possible, try setting up your Nest Doorbell using a different smartphone or tablet. Sometimes, issues can be device-specific.

6. Use Manual Setup: Instead of using the QR code, try the manual setup option. This involves entering your Wi-Fi network details manually. Make sure you double-check the SSID and password to avoid any typos.

[Miklassy]

Thanks for your suggestions.  I have tried them all and it's still not working.

[MplsCustomer]

@Zooapk 

A few comments on your suggestions:

Resetting the 2nd gen Google Nest Doorbell requires pressing and holding the reset pin for at least 12 seconds. At 10 seconds, the status light should blink yellow 4 times and there should be a countdown tone. At 12 seconds, the status light should be a steady solid yellow while the doorbell starts the factory reset, followed by a confirmation tone.

Checking for firmware updates is of no value, because there is nothing whatsoever a Google Nest customer can do to to trigger an update; Google Nest controls when updates are pushed out. And if a doorbell is not installed, it's not connected to Wi-Fi and cannot be updated.

Entering the 6-character alphanumeric Setup Code does not trigger a manual setup; it's just an alternative to scanning the QR code.

[MplsCustomer]

@Miklassy 

Users have been posting about problems with the "joining device" for at least two years. Apparently, when a customer already has Google Nest devices installed and tries to install an additional Google Nest device, Google Nest tries to contact one of the already-installed Google Nest devices in order to obtain your Wi-Fi credentials, rather than having you enter or select your network name (SSID) and enter your Wi-Fi password. The problem is that there seems to be a bug in the process so that, for some customers for some reason, the install process cannot reach that "joining device".

Some customers have tried turning off all of their other Google Nest devices while trying to install the new Google Nest device, hoping that the install process will then let them enter or select their network name (SSID) and enter their Wi-Fi password. This seems to have worked for some.

Others have tried creating a new temporary Google Nest "home/structure", installed their Google Nest device there, then deleted it from that Google Nest "home/structure", installed it in their regular "home/structure", and then deleted that temporary "home/structure". Again, this has worked for some.

I don't know why, when the "joining device" process fails, Google Nest does not simply give us the option to enter or select our network name (SSID) and enter our Wi-Fi password.

Or you could try contacting Support using the link and instructions in this post:

https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Cameras-and-Doorbells/Using-Google-Nest-s-quot-Contact-Us-quo...

[Miklassy]

Thanks for your help.  So I it turns out my Nest Thermometer was not connected.  I forgot to reconnect it the wifi once I received the new modem.  

Since connecting it, I have tried to install the doorbell and it still does not work.  I also tried creating a temporary /alternative home structure and it still doesn't work.

[MplsCustomer]

@Miklassy 

You could try contacting Support using the link I provided earlier.

I don't know why some customers encounter the "joining device" error. We have not encountered it ourselves.

[Miklassy]

Thanks!  I will send a to support!

[Miklassy]

 Google Community - Thanks again for your support with helping me troubleshoot the issue with my Doorbell.
I spoke with Google support and I am happy to report that my doorbell is now working.

After inserting a pin in the pin hole I was able to setup my doorbell.  It took a few times of trying and switching but it worked eventually worked.

[Jenelyn_O]

Hi folks,

@Miklassy, thanks for posting and for the update. I'm glad to hear that your Nest Doorbell is now working. Please feel free to let us know if you still have questions or concerns, as we'll be willing to assist you. 

I appreciate the help, @Zooapk and @MplsCustomer.

Cheers,

Jenelyn