Here are some steps I recommend to resolve issues during the setup of Nest Protect.
Step 1: Things to check on your phone or tablet
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Turn off cellular/mobile data.
This ensures your phone or tablet does not try to use mobile data during setup which might interfere with the setup process.
- Turn off VPNs or proxy settings or apps.
To provide confidentiality or other features, some Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) route communications from your phone or tablet through something called a VPN tunnel, which might interfere with the setup process. You can temporarily turn off your VPN or proxy during setup, and turn it on again later.
- If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, open the settings app then:
- Tap your name at the top > iCloud > Private Relay > Off.
Private Relay routes communications through Apple servers before the rest of the Internet, which might interfere with the setup process. You can temporarily turn off Private Relay during setup, and turn it on again later.
- Tap back to the main settings screen > Privacy & Security > Local Network > Enable Nest and Google Home (as appropriate).
By default, apps on iOS are blocked from accessing other devices on your local network. To be able to set up your device, you'll need to grant the Nest app or Google Home app (as appropriate) access to the local network on your iOS device.
- Make sure you’re using a recent version of your phone or tablet’s operating system, by checking your phone’s settings for any updates.
- Make sure you're using the latest version of the Nest app or Google Home app (as appropriate), by checking the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for any updates.
- Reboot your phone or tablet, usually by pressing and holding its power button.
Step 2: Recommended setup steps
Set up Nest Protect with the Nest app - Google Nest Help
Some things to bear in mind during setup:
- For ease of setup, set up Nest Protect with the app before you install it on the ceiling or wall.
- Make sure your device is within 15 - 20 ft (4 - 6 m) of your Wi-Fi router, Wi-Fi point, range extender, or repeater. You can move your device to its desired location after setup.
- Make sure that your router is broadcasting 2.4 GHz. Nest Protect can't connect to a 5 GHz network. If you have a dual-band router that broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, give them different names so that you can connect your Protect to the 2.4 GHz network.
- Try rebooting your modem and router by unplugging the power cable. You may have a combination modem/router, or they might be separate devices. All of the lights on your modem and router should be off. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug your modem and router back in. You should also restart any Wi-Fi points, range extenders, or repeaters that you are using.
- Retry setup in the Nest app.
If none of the steps above help, factory reset your device by following the steps linked below and then retry setup. You may also want to try setup using a different phone or tablet, if you have one. If you don’t have one, perhaps see if you can temporarily borrow one from a friend or family member.
Reset Nest Protect and erase all settings - Google Nest Help
Step 3: Advanced troubleshooting
If during setup you're seeing a message that has a numeric code such as P002 or P013, go to error code troubleshooting.
If you’re specifically seeing the P014 error message, this usually means Nest Protect is trying to get its Wi-Fi information from another Nest product in your home, and is unable to do so. If you've already tried the error code troubleshooting above and the issue persists, try one of the following workarounds.
P014 - Workaround 1
Temporarily remove other Nest products from your home (i.e., other Nest Protect, Nest Camera, Nest Doorbell, Nest Thermostat, Nest Connect, Nest x Yale Lock) from the Nest app, then retry setup of your Nest Protect. You should then be able to setup your Nest Protect, and even setup all your Nest Protects if you have more than one, before re-adding your other products to the Nest app, if you have them.
Remove a product from your account - Google Nest Help
P014 - Workaround 2
Alternatively, another workaround would be to create a new "home" in the app for your Nest Protect(s), as it then won't try to use another Nest product to get Wi-Fi information. This does mean your Nest Protect will be in its own "home" and there is no way to move products between homes unfortunately. See the "Create another home in the Nest app" section linked below.
Manage homes and products with the Nest app - Google Nest Help
If you’re not seeing a specific error code and are still experiencing issues at this stage it’s possible that:
- You're using an incompatible Wi-Fi range extender or repeater. Unplug or disable any network extenders and retry setup directly with your Wi-Fi router.
- You're experiencing something called Wi-Fi interference. Learn how to troubleshoot wireless interference.
- Your Wi-Fi router has a setting enabled that is preventing your device from working properly. Refer to the manual or documentation that came with your Wi-Fi router or consult the manufacturer’s support website to check the following settings on your router are set correctly.
Enable:
- IPv6
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
- Multicast
- Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
Disable:
- AP/client isolation
- Virtual private networks (VPNs)
- Proxy servers
- Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Proxy
- MAC Address Filtering
Note that all Wi-Fi routers are different, so each setting may or may not be applicable to your particular router. Keep in mind that resetting or making changes to your router settings may have unintended consequences. If you have any questions or need assistance, we recommend you check your router manual or online support documentation, or contact your Internet Service Provider or router manufacturer.
