Nest protect batteries replaced with new energizer lithium batteries but still chirping

[Callison]

I replaced the low batteries in my nest protect smoke alarm with the recommended energizer lithium batteries, and a few hours later it started showing low batteries and started chirping again.  I replaced a second time, and got same result with a few hours where the smoke/CO detector started chirping again.  what is the resolution to this problem?

[DanCoco]

Submit a warranty claim to Google. This is a hardware issue.

[Cori1]

How do you submit a warranty claim. Seems that when I “google” about this I can’t manage to find any contact information, on discussion boards. Didn’t have to use a discussion board when i bought it however. They were front and present to sell it

[Pamnel]

Make sure you are using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries (the bue ones)

[Spaghetti69]

I've seen these need reset to register new batteries and I've also seen them need 24 hours to register in the app

[aatienza]

Hey folks,

Callison, checking in — did you get a chance to follow the steps shared by Spaghetti69? If so, how did it go? Let me know if you need more help.
 

I appreciate the help, everyone.

Thanks,

Archie

[Jake]

Hey there,

I wanted to check in and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know, as I would be happy to assist, and answer any questions you may have.

Best regards,
Jake

[Tangee]

I have the same issue how was it fixed?

[DanCoco]

Try getting a warranty replacement, and report the issue to the consumer product safety Commission. If they dont replace the detector, go ahead and report this to the FTC and attorney general.

[Jake]

Hey there,

I wanted to check in, and let you know that I will be locking the thread in 24 hours.

Best regards,

Jake

[DanCoco]

This question is unanswered and unresolved. Please do not lock. It is a common problem with these, and if there is a fix outside of a warranty claim (or if that is the only fix.) Please tell us. 

This is life safety equipment. Please don't brush us off as if its just some random consumer electronics.

[StuTheWizard]

I am in the same boat now.  Replaced with brand new Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA (L91) batteries.  Upon replacement of batteries, I get a single chirp every 60 seconds.  The button does no my respond with blue lights when pressed, nor resets after holding it down.  I agree this is absolutely unacceptable to not receive more direct support/resolution on this matter.

[DanCoco]

Hey Jake? Are you still there? It's been over 3 weeks since we confirmed this is not a resolved issue and asked additional questions. Please respond to this active thread, with documented resolution steps. 

Does a reset need to happen after replacing batteries? If so, how? Provide detailed steps. Include what should happen once completed and what to do if it does not resolve the problem.

This is a recurring issue reported by many users. Is there any other fix for this issue? Do users need to file warranty claims?

[StuTheWizard]

@DanCoco 

Just a heads up - I called Google Nest support directly about the same issue.  After simple troubleshooting steps (replace the batteries again, press the button) - the support team determined my Protect had a hardware failure and since it was out of warranty, there was nothing they could do.  In fact, there is not even an out-of-warranty repair option.  My only recourse is “buy a new one”.  All this from my batteries dying and trying to replace them exactly how described in their support pages.  I can’t believe Google support is this poor.

[DanCoco]

Thanks for the reply. If I didn't see so many other experiences of poor support from Google, I'd agree. They can't even post a statement confirming the proper way to replace batteries (and requirements of type like Lithium.) People need to know if they need to replace their fire safety device.

Google / Jake: If you come across this thread, please still answer our questions, and DO NOT LOCK this thread as no true resolution has been provided.

[Callison]

I eventually found that one of the new lithium batteries was defective.  When measured with a digital multimeter, it had the proper voltage, but when I measured with an old fashioned battery tester that requires current to deflect a needle, the battery tested bad.  I replaced with a new lithium cell and smoke detector works as before.  I will now test each battery out of the package with a cheap battery tester before placing it on the nest smoke detector.  

[StuTheWizard]

@Callison 

Just tried that… all batteries are working on a battery tester - went through 12 of them.  Really hoped it was going to be that easy - still chirps after replacing the batteries.  I even tried the same batteries from my other functioning Protect and they didn’t work in the “broken” one. Interestingly, I can hook the detector up to my computer, press and hold the button, and it will connect - showing the PLI file and system information (debug) file.  I really question what hardware failure occurred after replacing the batteries.  Seems far to fragile to me.

[RoamingHedgehog]

we had a similar issue with brand new batteries (we run only one 2nd gen Protect on batteries, rest are wired).

Within a week the almighty chirp occurs, battery low. Another change and this time they lasted for 3/4 of a year.
The orginal set lasted for 4+ years.
So not sure whether it is a bad battery or something else. Disappointing though

[Cori1]

Mine is doing the same. This is very frustrating as the batteries and expensive and there is no one to call. This is not a cheap alarm and i do not like you can’t call for service. Never again. 

[StuTheWizard]

Still no answer from Google.. no answer other than a hardware failure where there is no warranty claim recourse.  The simple “fix” is to buy a new one - give me a break.

[ryanw]

Ive never had an issue with these smoke detectors for five years plus. Recently over the last few months Ive had to  replace the batteries every month or so , alarm says low battery but the batteries are brand new ..... Whats going on here ????

[Tangee]

I’m having the exact same issue I bought this Nest Protect onOctober 31, 2020 and installed it November 1, 2020. Just changed the batteries with brand new lithium as required and still shows low battery and no path light.
This seems really crappy of Google after acquiring the Nest company and now there’s no support form my product. The back of my nest smoke protect states the. Replace date is  2030!  What a joke, and now I don’t trust it to wake me up if there’s smoke or a fire in My Home, or to alert me for that matter. I’m going with a totally different product. I guess I’ll throw this paperweight in the trash! Absolute waste of money!

[DanCoco]

At this point, Google is failing to honor their warranty. If you're in the US, file a report of fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

(The FTC cant respond to your individual claim, but will use the report to establish a trend.)

Report this issue to the Consumer Product Safety Commission https://www.saferproducts.gov/IncidentReporting

Also contact your state's Attorney General.

https://www.consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint/

You might be able to report to your bank or credit card fraud dept also.

[Tangee]

Thanks I will do all the above and save this paperweight in my office and maybe something will be done in the future. Absolutely crazy that they’re doing this to people. It’s a piece of safety equipment.

[StuTheWizard]

Exactly - such a shame.