How to Change Users on Nest Doorbell - Doorbell Troubleshooting

This guide walks you through how to change users on Nest Doorbell, whether you’re adding family members, removing old users, or managing permissions. Follow simple steps using the Google Home or Nest app to keep your smart doorbell secure and up to date.

Key Takeaways

Use the Google Home or Nest app: All user management for Nest Doorbell happens through these official apps—no web portal required.
Only the primary owner can add or remove users: If you’re not the account owner, ask them to make changes or request ownership transfer.
Users need a Google account: Every person you invite must have a valid Google account to access the doorbell.
Set custom permissions: Choose whether users can view live video, receive alerts, or manage settings.
Remove inactive users promptly: Regularly review who has access to improve security and prevent unauthorized use.
Troubleshoot invite issues: If someone doesn’t receive an invite, check spam folders, email accuracy, and app permissions.
Keep firmware updated: Ensure your Nest Doorbell runs the latest software for smooth user management and security.

How to Change Users on Nest Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve got a Nest Doorbell—maybe the wired Nest Doorbell (2nd gen) or the battery-powered version—and now you want to share access with your partner, roommate, or trusted neighbor. Or perhaps someone moved out and you need to remove their access. Whatever the reason, knowing how to change users on Nest Doorbell is essential for maintaining security and convenience.

The good news? It’s easier than you think. Google has streamlined the process so that anyone with the right permissions can manage users directly from their smartphone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from adding new users to removing old ones, adjusting permissions, and troubleshooting common issues.

Whether you’re a tech newbie or a smart home pro, this guide will help you manage your Nest Doorbell users like a pro. Let’s dive in!

Why Managing Users Matters

Visual guide about How to Change Users on Nest Doorbell

Image source: i.ytimg.com

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why user management is so important. Your Nest Doorbell isn’t just a camera—it’s a gateway to your home’s security. Every person with access can see who’s at the door, review past recordings, and even talk to visitors.

That’s why it’s crucial to:

– Limit access to only trusted individuals.
– Update permissions when someone moves out or changes roles (like a babysitter or dog walker).
– Prevent unauthorized use by removing old or inactive accounts.

Think of it like giving someone a key to your house. You wouldn’t hand it out to just anyone—and the same goes for digital access. Proper user management keeps your home safe and your data private.

What You’ll Need Before Getting Started

Before you begin changing users on your Nest Doorbell, make sure you have the following:

A Google Account: You must be signed in with the primary owner account (the one that set up the doorbell).
The Google Home app or Nest app: Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already.
Stable Wi-Fi connection: Your phone and doorbell should both be connected to the internet.
The email address of the person you want to add: They’ll need a Google account to accept the invite.
Your Nest Doorbell powered on and connected: Check the light ring—it should be solid white or green, not blinking red.

Once you’ve got these basics covered, you’re ready to start managing users.

Step 1: Open the Google Home or Nest App

Google has transitioned most Nest device controls to the Google Home app, so that’s where you’ll do most of your user management. However, if you’re using an older Nest Doorbell (1st gen), you might still use the Nest app. Here’s how to check:

Using the Google Home App (Recommended)

Open the Google Home app on your iPhone or Android device.
Make sure you’re signed in with the primary Google account that owns the doorbell.
Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
Find your Nest Doorbell in the list and tap on it.

Using the Nest App (Legacy Devices)

Open the Nest app.
Sign in with your Google account.
Tap the doorbell icon on the home screen.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which app to use, check your doorbell model. Nest Doorbell (battery) and Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) use the Google Home app. Older models may still rely on the Nest app.

Step 2: Access Device Settings

Once you’ve opened your doorbell in the app, it’s time to dive into the settings.

In the Google Home App

Tap the Settings gear icon (usually in the top-right corner).
Scroll down and select Users & permissions.

In the Nest App

Tap the Settings gear icon.
Select Users from the menu.

You’ll now see a list of people who currently have access to your doorbell. This includes the primary owner (you) and any invited users.

Step 3: Add a New User

Adding someone to your Nest Doorbell is simple—just follow these steps.

Invite a New User

In the Users & permissions (or Users) section, tap Add person or Invite.
Enter the email address associated with their Google account.
Tap Next or Send Invite.

The person will receive an email invitation with a link to accept access. Once they click it and sign in with their Google account, they’ll be added to your doorbell.

Set Permissions (Optional but Recommended)

After sending the invite, you can customize what the new user can do:

Viewer: Can see live video and past recordings, but can’t change settings.
User: Can view video, receive alerts, and talk through the doorbell.
Manager: Can do everything except remove the primary owner or change billing info.

💡 Example: If you’re adding a babysitter, set them as a User so they can answer the door but can’t mess with your settings. For your spouse, choose Manager for full access.

Confirm the Invitation

After sending the invite, check back in the app. You’ll see the person’s name with a status like “Pending” until they accept. Once they do, their status updates to “Active.”

Step 4: Remove an Existing User

Need to revoke access? Maybe a roommate moved out or a contractor no longer needs access. Here’s how to remove someone safely.

Remove a User

Go to Users & permissions (Google Home) or Users (Nest app).
Find the person you want to remove.
Tap on their name or the three dots next to it.
Select Remove access or Revoke.
Confirm the action when prompted.

⚠️ Important: Only the primary owner can remove users. If you’re not the owner, you’ll need to contact them or request ownership transfer.

What Happens After Removal?

Once removed:
– The person loses access to live video, recordings, and alerts.
– They can no longer speak through the doorbell.
– Their app will no longer show your device.

💡 Pro Tip: After removing someone, consider changing your Wi-Fi password if they had access to your network. Extra security never hurts!

Step 5: Change User Permissions

Sometimes you don’t need to remove someone—you just want to adjust what they can do. For example, maybe your teen was a Manager but you now want to downgrade them to Viewer.

Edit Permissions

Go to Users & permissions.
Tap on the user’s name.
Select a new permission level (Viewer, User, or Manager).
Tap Save or Update.

Changes take effect immediately. The user will see updated options the next time they open the app.

Step 6: Transfer Ownership (If Needed)

What if you’re moving out and want to give full control to the new homeowner? Or maybe you set up the doorbell for a family member and now they should own it?

How to Transfer Ownership

Go to Users & permissions.
Tap Transfer ownership (usually at the bottom).
Enter the email of the new owner.
Confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Warning: Once you transfer ownership, you lose all control—including the ability to remove users or change settings. Only do this if you’re sure.

💡 Note: The new owner must accept the transfer via email. Until then, you remain the primary account holder.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with clear steps, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

User Didn’t Receive the Invite

Check the email address: Make sure you typed it correctly.
Ask them to check spam/junk folders: Google invites often land there.
Resend the invite: Go back to Users & permissions and tap “Resend.”
Ensure they have a Google account: They can’t accept without one.

“You Don’t Have Permission” Error

This means you’re not the primary owner. Only the account that first set up the doorbell can manage users. Solutions:

Ask the owner to add or remove users for you.
Request ownership transfer if appropriate.
Sign out and back in with the correct Google account.

Doorbell Not Showing in App

If your doorbell disappeared from the app:

Check Wi-Fi: Is it connected? Try restarting your router.
Restart the doorbell: Remove the battery (if battery-powered) or turn off power for 10 seconds.
Update the app: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Google Home or Nest.
Re-add the device: In rare cases, you may need to remove and re-set up the doorbell.

User Can’t View Live Video

Even if added, someone might not see live feeds. Try:

Confirm their permission level is at least “User.”
Ask them to close and reopen the app.
Check if motion alerts are enabled in settings.
Ensure the doorbell isn’t in “Do Not Disturb” mode.

App Crashes or Freezes

Force close the app and reopen it.
Clear app cache (Android) or reinstall (iOS).
Update your phone’s operating system.

Best Practices for Managing Nest Doorbell Users

To keep your smart doorbell secure and functional, follow these expert tips:

Review users monthly: Go through the list and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
Use strong, unique passwords: For both your Google account and Wi-Fi network.
Enable two-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of security to your Google account.
Limit Manager access: Only give full control to people you fully trust.
Educate users: Teach family members how to use the app responsibly—like not sharing screenshots publicly.
Keep firmware updated: Google pushes updates automatically, but check occasionally in the app under Device information.

Security Tips for Shared Access

Sharing access doesn’t have to mean compromising security. Here’s how to stay safe:

Never share your login: Always invite users instead of giving them your password.
Use guest accounts wisely: For short-term access (like a repair person), set a time limit if possible.
Monitor activity logs: In the Nest app, you can see who viewed recordings and when.
Disable access remotely: If you suspect unauthorized use, remove the user immediately from the app.

Conclusion

Changing users on your Nest Doorbell is a straightforward process—once you know where to look. Whether you’re adding a family member, removing an old roommate, or adjusting permissions, the Google Home and Nest apps make it easy to manage access securely.

Remember: only the primary owner can make changes, so always double-check your account status. Use custom permissions to tailor access, and don’t forget to remove inactive users to protect your privacy.

With this guide, you’re now equipped to handle any user management task with confidence. Your Nest Doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s a smart, secure part of your home. Manage it wisely, and it’ll serve you well for years to come.