Adding a family member to your Nest Doorbell lets everyone stay connected and informed about who’s at the door. This guide walks you through the process step by step, including setup, permissions, and troubleshooting tips.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Google Home app: All Nest Doorbell sharing is managed through the Google Home app, not the old Nest app.
- Invite via email or phone: You can add family members using their Google account email or phone number.
- Set permission levels: Choose whether they can view live video, receive alerts, or manage settings.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi: A stable connection helps avoid syncing issues when adding new users.
- Check device compatibility: Make sure the family member’s phone supports the Google Home app and has location services enabled.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the invite fails, check account status, app updates, and network settings.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove family members from your Nest Doorbell at any time for security.
How to Add a Family Member to Nest Doorbell
Welcome! If you’ve recently installed a Nest Doorbell—or you’ve had one for a while—you might be wondering how to let your spouse, partner, or older kids see who’s at the door without handing them your phone. The good news? It’s easy to share access so everyone in your household can stay in the loop.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a family member to your Nest Doorbell using the Google Home app. We’ll cover everything from sending the invite to setting permissions and fixing common problems. By the end, your whole family will be able to view live video, get motion alerts, and even talk to visitors—all from their own devices.
Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Nest Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add a Family Member to Nest Doorbell
Image source: androidauthority.com
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why sharing your doorbell is a smart move.
First, it improves home security awareness. If someone rings the doorbell while you’re in the backyard or taking a nap, another family member can check who it is and respond if needed. This is especially helpful for parents with teens coming home late or households with elderly relatives.
Second, it reduces notification overload. Instead of every alert going to just one person, you can spread the responsibility. For example, your teen might get a notification when a package arrives, while you only get alerts for motion after dark.
Finally, shared access promotes family coordination. Whether it’s confirming a delivery, greeting a guest, or checking on a pet sitter, everyone stays informed without needing to ask, “Did the doorbell ring?”
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before adding a family member, make sure you have the following:
- A Google account: You (the primary owner) must be signed into the Google Home app with your Google account.
- The Google Home app installed: Available for free on iOS and Android. Note: The old Nest app is no longer used for sharing—Google migrated all Nest devices to the Home app in 2023.
- Your Nest Doorbell set up: The doorbell must already be installed, connected to Wi-Fi, and working properly.
- Family member’s contact info: Their Google account email address or phone number linked to their Google account.
- Stable Wi-Fi connection: Both your phone and the doorbell should have a strong signal to avoid syncing errors.
If any of these are missing, pause and set them up first. Trying to add a user with a weak connection or outdated app often leads to frustration.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Family Member
Now, let’s go through the process step by step. We’ll use the Google Home app, which is the central hub for all Nest devices.
Step 1: Open the Google Home App
Launch the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re signed in with the Google account that owns the Nest Doorbell.
If you’re not sure which account is the owner, check the device settings. Only the primary account can add or remove users.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
On the home screen, you’ll see a list of your smart devices. Tap on your Nest Doorbell (it might be labeled “Front Door,” “Doorbell,” or a custom name you gave it).
This will open the doorbell’s live view and control panel.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the device settings.
Scroll down until you see the option labeled “People” or “Users & Access”. Tap on it.
Step 4: Add a New User
You’ll now see a list of people who already have access (likely just you). Tap the “Add person” button, usually found at the bottom of the screen.
A prompt will appear asking for the person’s email address or phone number. Enter the Google account email or phone number of the family member you want to add.
Tip: Make sure they’re using a Google account (like Gmail or a Google Workspace email). Non-Google emails won’t work.
Step 5: Choose Permission Level
After entering their contact info, you’ll be asked to select what they can do. Google offers two main permission levels:
- Viewer: Can see live video, view recorded clips, and receive alerts. Cannot change settings or delete recordings.
- Manager: Can do everything a Viewer can, plus adjust settings, delete recordings, and add/remove other users.
For most family members, Viewer is the best choice. It keeps your doorbell secure while still letting them stay informed.
Only assign Manager to someone you fully trust—like a spouse or partner—since they’ll have full control.
Step 6: Send the Invitation
Once you’ve selected the permission level, tap “Send Invitation.”
The family member will receive a notification on their phone (if they have the Google Home app) or an email with a link to accept the invite.
Step 7: Family Member Accepts the Invite
Your family member should open the Google Home app and look for a notification. They’ll see a message like “[Your Name] invited you to access [Doorbell Name].”
They tap “Accept” to gain access.
If they don’t have the Google Home app, they’ll need to download it first (free on iOS and Android) and sign in with the same Google account you used to invite them.
Once accepted, they’ll see your doorbell in their device list and can start viewing live video and receiving alerts.
Tips for a Smooth Setup
Adding a family member is usually quick, but here are a few tips to avoid hiccups:
Use the Correct Google Account
Double-check that the email or phone number you’re using belongs to the family member’s Google account. If they have multiple accounts (like a personal Gmail and a work account), make sure you’re inviting the right one.
Enable Notifications
After accepting the invite, remind your family member to enable notifications for the Google Home app. Otherwise, they won’t get alerts when the doorbell rings or motion is detected.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications > Google Home > Allow Notifications.
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Google Home > Notifications > Turn on.
Test the Connection
Once added, have your family member open the app and tap on the doorbell. They should see a live video feed within a few seconds.
If it’s slow or won’t load, check their Wi-Fi or cellular data. A weak signal can cause delays.
Name the Doorbell Clearly
If you have multiple Nest devices (like a doorbell and a camera), give your doorbell a clear name like “Front Door” or “Main Entrance.” This helps family members quickly identify it in the app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when adding a family member to your Nest Doorbell.
Issue 1: Invitation Not Received
Symptom: The family member says they didn’t get the invite.
Solution:
– Check that you entered the correct email or phone number.
– Ask them to check their spam or promotions folder in Gmail.
– Make sure they’re signed into the Google Home app with the same account.
– Resend the invite from the “People” section in device settings.
Issue 2: “Account Not Found” Error
Symptom: You get an error saying the account doesn’t exist.
Solution:
– Confirm the email or phone number is linked to a Google account.
– If they use a non-Google email (like Yahoo or Outlook), they’ll need to create a Google account first.
– Try using their phone number instead of email—sometimes that works better.
Issue 3: Can’t View Live Video
Symptom: The family member accepts the invite but sees a blank screen or “Connecting…” message.
Solution:
– Ensure both your doorbell and their phone have strong internet.
– Restart the Google Home app on their phone.
– Have them sign out and back into their Google account in the app.
– Check if your doorbell is online in your own app. If it’s offline, fix the connection first.
Issue 4: Not Receiving Alerts
Symptom: They can see the video but don’t get notifications.
Solution:
– Go to the Google Home app > tap their profile picture > Settings > Notifications > make sure “Doorbell” alerts are on.
– Check their phone’s notification settings for the Google Home app.
– Ensure motion and ring alerts are enabled in the doorbell’s settings.
Issue 5: Invite Expires
Symptom: The invitation disappears or says “Expired.”
Solution:
Google invites expire after 7 days. If they didn’t accept in time, simply resend the invite from the “People” section.
Managing Family Access Over Time
Once your family member is added, you can manage their access anytime.
Changing Permissions
To upgrade or downgrade their access:
– Go to the Google Home app > select your doorbell > tap the gear icon > “People.”
– Tap on their name.
– Choose a new permission level (Viewer or Manager).
– Tap “Save.”
Removing a Family Member
If someone moves out or you no longer want them to have access:
– Go to the “People” section.
– Tap on their name.
– Select “Remove Access.”
– Confirm the action.
They’ll lose access immediately and won’t be able to view live video or recordings.
Note: Only the primary owner can remove users. Managers can add or remove other users, but not the owner.
Adding Multiple Family Members
You can add as many people as you want—Google doesn’t limit the number of users per device. Just repeat the steps above for each person.
This is great for large families, roommates, or even trusted neighbors who watch your home while you’re away.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Sharing your doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to think about privacy and security.
Who Can See Your Recordings?
Anyone with access can view saved recordings in the Google Home app. If you have a Nest Aware subscription, they’ll also see event history and person alerts.
Make sure everyone understands the privacy implications—especially if you have sensitive areas near the doorbell (like a home office or bedroom window).
Location Data
The Google Home app uses location services to show your home and devices. When you add a family member, they’ll see your home address in the app.
Only invite people you trust with this information.
Two-Factor Authentication
For extra security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone gets your password.
Go to myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (Before the FAQ Section)
While we’ll cover more in the FAQs below, here are a few quick answers to common questions:
– Can I add someone without the Google Home app? No—both you and the family member must use the Google Home app.
– Does the doorbell work if the family member is away? Yes, as long as they have internet, they can view live video from anywhere.
– Will they hear the doorbell chime? No—the chime only sounds inside your home. But they’ll get a phone notification.
– Can I add a child under 13? Google accounts require users to be at least 13 (or the age of consent in their country). Use Family Link for younger kids.
Final Thoughts
Adding a family member to your Nest Doorbell is a simple way to keep everyone connected and your home secure. With just a few taps in the Google Home app, you can share live video, alerts, and peace of mind.
Remember to:
– Use the correct Google account
– Choose the right permission level
– Test the connection after setup
– Manage access as needed
Whether it’s your teen checking for packages or your partner answering the door while you’re cooking dinner, shared access makes life easier—and safer.
Now that you know how to add a family member to your Nest Doorbell, why not invite someone today? A few minutes of setup can make a big difference in your daily routine.