Sharing your Nest Doorbell with family members is easy and secure. This guide walks you through adding users, setting permissions, and troubleshooting common issues so everyone stays informed and safe.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Google Home or Nest app to invite family members: Both apps allow you to send invitations to share access to your Nest Doorbell.
- Choose the right permission level: You can grant “Viewer” or “Manager” access, depending on how much control you want others to have.
- Ensure everyone has a Google Account: All users must sign in with a Google Account to accept the invitation and access the doorbell.
- Keep your Wi-Fi network stable: A strong connection ensures smooth video streaming and reliable notifications for all users.
- Enable two-factor authentication for security: Protect your shared devices by requiring extra verification when logging in.
- Test access after setup: Have each family member check live view and notifications to confirm everything works.
- Update app and firmware regularly: Stay current with updates to avoid compatibility issues and enjoy new features.
How to Get Other Family into Nest Doorbell
If you’ve recently installed a Nest Doorbell—whether it’s the wired or battery-powered model—you’re probably enjoying the peace of mind that comes with seeing who’s at your door, even when you’re not home. But what about the rest of your family? Your spouse, teen, or elderly parent might also want to see live video, get motion alerts, or talk to visitors. The good news? It’s simple to get other family members into your Nest Doorbell.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of sharing access to your Nest Doorbell with trusted family members. You’ll learn how to invite them, set appropriate permissions, troubleshoot common problems, and keep your smart home secure. Whether you’re using the Google Home app or the older Nest app, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get other family into Nest Doorbell—safely, quickly, and without confusion.
Why Share Access to Your Nest Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Get Other Family into Nest Doorbell
Image source: i0.wp.com
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why sharing access is a smart move. A doorbell camera is only as useful as the people who can see it. If only one person in the household gets alerts, important visitors or packages might be missed. Sharing access ensures:
- Everyone stays informed: Whether it’s a delivery, a neighbor stopping by, or a suspicious person near your door, all family members can be in the loop.
- Improved home security: More eyes mean better monitoring. If one person is busy or away, another can respond to alerts.
- Convenience for busy households: Teens coming home late, parents working from home, or grandparents watching the house while you’re out—everyone benefits from real-time updates.
- Remote communication: With two-way audio, family members can greet guests or deter unwanted visitors, even from their phones.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. You can choose who sees what and how much they can do. Let’s explore how to do it right.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Getting Started
Before you can get other family into Nest Doorbell, make sure you have the following in place:
1. A Google Account (for You and Your Family)
All users must have a Google Account (like Gmail) to access Nest devices. If a family member doesn’t have one, they’ll need to create it at accounts.google.com. It’s free and takes just a few minutes.
2. The Correct App Installed
Nest devices now work primarily through the Google Home app, which is available on iOS and Android. The older Nest app is still supported but is being phased out. For the best experience, use the Google Home app.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.
3. Your Nest Doorbell Set Up and Connected
Your doorbell must be installed, powered, and connected to Wi-Fi. You should already be able to view live video and receive notifications. If not, complete the initial setup first.
4. Strong Wi-Fi Signal at the Door
A weak signal can cause lag, dropped video, or failed notifications. Use a Wi-Fi extender if needed. Nest recommends a minimum of 2 Mbps upload speed for smooth performance.
5. Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)
For security, enable two-factor authentication on your Google Account. This adds an extra layer of protection when sharing access.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Family Members to Your Nest Doorbell
Now that everything is ready, let’s walk through the process of getting other family into Nest Doorbell. We’ll cover both the Google Home app and the Nest app for completeness.
Method 1: Using the Google Home App (Recommended)
The Google Home app is the current standard for managing Nest devices. Here’s how to share access:
Step 1: Open the Google Home App
Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re signed in with the Google Account that owns the Nest Doorbell.
Step 2: Select Your Home
If you have multiple homes set up (e.g., “Main House” and “Cabin”), tap the correct one from the top menu.
Step 3: Tap the Settings Icon
Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the home screen. Tap it to open settings.
Step 4: Choose “People”
Scroll down and tap “People.” This is where you manage who has access to your smart home devices.
Step 5: Tap “Invite”
Tap the blue “Invite” button. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the family member you want to add.
Step 6: Enter Their Email and Set Permissions
Type in their Google Account email (e.g., [email protected]). Then, choose their permission level:
- Viewer: Can see live video, view recordings, and receive alerts. Cannot change settings or remove devices.
- Manager: Can do everything a Viewer can, plus adjust settings, invite others, and remove devices.
For most family members, “Viewer” is sufficient. Reserve “Manager” for spouses or trusted adults.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
Tap “Send.” The family member will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.
Step 8: Have Them Accept the Invitation
They should open the email on their phone or computer and tap “Accept.” They’ll be redirected to the Google Home app (or prompted to download it).
Once accepted, they’ll see your home and devices, including the Nest Doorbell.
Step 9: Test Access
Have them open the Google Home app, select your home, and tap the doorbell. They should see live video and be able to interact with it.
Method 2: Using the Nest App (Legacy Option)
If you’re still using the Nest app, here’s how to share access:
Step 1: Open the Nest App
Launch the app and sign in with your account.
Step 2: Tap the Menu (☰)
In the top-left corner, tap the three-line menu icon.
Step 3: Select “Settings”
Scroll down and tap “Settings.”
Step 4: Tap “Account”
Then tap “Family” or “People” (depending on your app version).
Step 5: Tap “Invite a Person”
Enter the family member’s email address and choose their role: “Viewer” or “Manager.”
Step 6: Send and Confirm
Send the invite. They’ll receive an email and must accept it to gain access.
Note: Google is gradually moving all Nest devices to the Google Home app. If possible, transition to the new app for better support and features.
Managing Permissions: Viewer vs. Manager
When you get other family into Nest Doorbell, choosing the right permission level is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:
Viewer Permissions
Viewers can:
- See live video from the doorbell
- View past recordings (if you have Nest Aware)
- Receive motion and person alerts
- Use two-way audio to speak with visitors
- See doorbell status (e.g., “Doorbell pressed”)
They cannot:
- Change doorbell settings (like motion zones or sensitivity)
- Add or remove devices
- Invite other people
- Delete recordings
This is ideal for kids, teens, or elderly relatives who just need to see who’s at the door.
Manager Permissions
Managers can do everything Viewers can, plus:
- Adjust motion zones and sensitivity
- Change notification settings
- Invite or remove other users
- Delete recordings
- Remove the doorbell from the account
Only grant Manager access to people you fully trust—like your spouse or a co-parent.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To ensure everyone gets the most out of shared access, follow these practical tips:
1. Use Real Names in the App
When inviting family, consider labeling them clearly (e.g., “Mom – Sarah” or “Teen – Alex”) so you can easily identify who has access.
2. Set Up Quiet Hours
If kids are getting too many alerts at night, use the “Quiet Hours” feature in the Google Home app to mute notifications during specific times.
3. Enable “Familiar Faces” (if available)
With Nest Aware, you can train the doorbell to recognize family members. This reduces false alerts and lets everyone know when a known person arrives.
4. Share the Wi-Fi Password Securely
If family members are visiting and want to check the doorbell, share your Wi-Fi password through a secure method (like a password manager) instead of texting it.
5. Teach Basic Troubleshooting
Show family members how to:
- Restart the app if the video is frozen
- Check their phone’s internet connection
- Re-accept the invitation if access is lost
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect setup, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues when getting other family into Nest Doorbell.
Issue 1: Family Member Can’t See the Doorbell
Possible Causes:
- They haven’t accepted the invitation
- They’re signed in with the wrong Google Account
- The doorbell isn’t shared with their email
Solution:
- Ask them to check their email for the invitation and accept it.
- Have them open the Google Home app, tap their profile picture, and confirm they’re signed in with the correct account.
- Double-check the email you used—typos are common.
Issue 2: Live Video Won’t Load
Possible Causes:
- Poor Wi-Fi at the door
- App needs updating
- Phone has a weak signal
Solution:
- Move closer to the doorbell or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Update the Google Home app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Restart the app or phone.
Issue 3: No Notifications
Possible Causes:
- Notifications are disabled in the app
- Phone is on “Do Not Disturb”
- Motion sensitivity is too low
Solution:
- Open the Google Home app, tap the doorbell, go to Settings > Notifications, and make sure alerts are on.
- Check the phone’s notification settings for the app.
- Increase motion sensitivity in the doorbell settings.
Issue 4: Invitation Expired
Invitations expire after 7 days. If a family member didn’t accept in time:
Solution:
- Go back to “People” in the Google Home app.
- Tap “Invite” again and resend the invitation.
Issue 5: Someone Lost Access
If a family member suddenly can’t see the doorbell:
Solution:
- Check if they were removed accidentally.
- Re-invite them using the same steps above.
- Ensure their Google Account is active and not suspended.
Keeping Your Shared Doorbell Secure
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to keep your smart home secure.
1. Use Strong Passwords
Make sure all family members use strong, unique passwords for their Google Accounts. Avoid common passwords like “123456” or “password.”
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This requires a code from a phone or app when logging in from a new device. It prevents unauthorized access even if a password is stolen.
3. Regularly Review Access
Every few months, check who has access in the Google Home app under “People.” Remove anyone who no longer needs it (e.g., a former roommate).
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Access
Don’t let family members check the doorbell over public Wi-Fi (like at a coffee shop). Use a VPN or wait until they’re on a trusted network.
5. Log Out on Shared Devices
If a family member uses a shared tablet or computer, make sure they log out of their Google Account when done.
Advanced Features to Explore Together
Once everyone is connected, take advantage of these features:
Activity Zones
Set up zones so family members only get alerts when someone enters specific areas (like the front walkway, not the street).
Package Alerts
With Nest Aware, the doorbell can detect packages and send alerts when one is delivered or picked up.
Familiar Faces
Teach the doorbell to recognize family members. Over time, it will notify you when “Mom” or “Dad” arrives.
Emergency Alerts
In case of a break-in or suspicious activity, family members can quickly view live video and contact authorities.
Conclusion
Getting other family into Nest Doorbell is a simple process that makes your smart home smarter and your family safer. By following the steps in this guide, you can share access securely, set appropriate permissions, and ensure everyone stays connected.
Whether you’re using the Google Home app or the Nest app, the key is clear communication and proper setup. Invite family members, choose the right access level, and test everything to avoid frustration.
Remember: sharing your doorbell isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. When everyone can see who’s at the door, your home becomes a more secure and connected place.
So go ahead—send that invitation, help your loved ones get set up, and enjoy the benefits of a shared smart doorbell. Your family will thank you.