This guide walks you through how to place Nest Doorbell on side of entrance with clear, easy-to-follow steps. You’ll learn about ideal positioning, wiring tips, and how to avoid common mistakes for the best video quality and motion detection.
Key Takeaways
- Side placement improves coverage: Mounting your Nest Doorbell to the side of your entrance gives a wider view of walkways, driveways, and approaching visitors.
- Height matters: Install the doorbell between 48 and 60 inches from the ground for optimal facial recognition and motion detection.
- Angle it correctly: Tilt the doorbell slightly downward and toward the walkway to capture people as they approach.
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength: Ensure strong connectivity by testing signal at the installation spot before mounting.
- Use the right tools: A drill, level, screwdriver, and possibly a voltage tester are essential for safe and secure installation.
- Consider weather protection: Choose a spot with some overhead cover to protect the doorbell from direct rain and extreme sun.
- Test after installation: Always run a live view and motion test to confirm everything works before finishing.
How to Place Nest Doorbell on Side of Entrance: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got your new Nest Doorbell and you’re ready to install it—but instead of the traditional spot right next to your front door, you’re thinking about mounting it on the side of your entrance. Great choice! Placing your Nest Doorbell on the side can give you a much better view of your walkway, driveway, or front yard, helping you spot packages, visitors, or unexpected activity more easily.
But side mounting isn’t as simple as just picking a spot and drilling a hole. You need to consider angle, height, Wi-Fi strength, wiring (if applicable), and even weather exposure. That’s where this guide comes in.
In this comprehensive how-to, we’ll walk you through how to place Nest Doorbell on side of entrance the right way. Whether you’re installing a wired Nest Doorbell (1st or 2nd gen) or the battery-powered Nest Doorbell (2nd gen), these steps will help you get the best performance and coverage. We’ll cover planning, tools, installation, troubleshooting, and tips to keep your doorbell working perfectly for years.
Let’s get started!
Why Mount Your Nest Doorbell on the Side?
Visual guide about How to Place Nest Doorbell on Side of Entrance
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why would you want to place your Nest Doorbell on the side of your entrance instead of the usual spot next to the door?
The answer is simple: better field of view.
When mounted directly beside the door, your doorbell camera typically captures only what’s right in front of the entrance. But if someone approaches from the side—say, from your driveway or a side path—they might not trigger the motion sensor or be clearly visible in the video.
By mounting the doorbell on the side of the entrance—like on a wall, pillar, or gate post—you can angle it to cover a much wider area. This is especially useful if:
– Your front walkway curves or comes from the side.
– You have a long driveway you want to monitor.
– You frequently receive packages delivered to a side door or porch.
– You want to keep an eye on kids or pets playing in the front yard.
Side mounting also helps avoid blind spots caused by door frames, overhangs, or nearby plants. Plus, it can reduce false alerts from people just walking past your door without approaching.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you grab your drill and start mounting, make sure you have the right tools and materials. Here’s a checklist:
- Nest Doorbell (wired or battery)
- Drill and drill bits (for mounting screws)
- Screwdriver (manual or electric)
- Level (to keep the doorbell straight)
- Pencil or marker (for marking drill points)
- Measuring tape (to check height and distance)
- Voltage tester (only for wired installations—to confirm power is off)
- Wire strippers (if installing a wired model and reusing existing wires)
- Wall anchors (if mounting into drywall or brick without studs)
- Smartphone with the Google Home app (for setup and testing)
- Wi-Fi signal strength checker app (optional but helpful)
If you’re installing a wired Nest Doorbell, you may also need wire nuts or electrical tape to secure connections. For battery models, you won’t need to worry about wiring, but you should still check that the spot gets good Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The first and most important step is picking the perfect spot. Not every side wall or post will work. Here’s how to choose wisely.
Look for a Clear Line of Sight
Your doorbell needs to “see” the area you want to monitor. Avoid spots blocked by trees, shrubs, mailboxes, or decorative items. Even a small obstruction can create a blind spot or cause glare in the video.
For example, if you want to monitor your driveway, stand where you plan to mount the doorbell and look toward the driveway. Can you see the entire path? Is there a clear view of where people usually walk? If not, adjust the location.
Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Your Nest Doorbell needs a strong Wi-Fi connection to stream video, send alerts, and update firmware. A weak signal can cause lag, dropped recordings, or failed notifications.
To test signal strength:
1. Stand at the proposed mounting spot with your smartphone.
2. Open a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer) or simply try streaming a video.
3. Look for at least 2–3 bars of signal. If it’s weak, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to boost coverage.
Tip: If you’re mounting the doorbell far from your router, a mesh system like Google Nest Wifi can help extend your network to the front of your home.
Consider Height and Angle
The ideal height for a Nest Doorbell is between 48 and 60 inches (about 4 to 5 feet) from the ground. This height helps capture faces clearly and reduces the chance of tampering.
When mounting on the side, you’ll also need to angle the doorbell correctly. Aim it slightly downward and toward the walkway or area you want to monitor. A 15- to 30-degree downward tilt is usually best.
For example, if your walkway comes from the left, mount the doorbell on the right side of the entrance and angle it left and down. This gives you a full view of people approaching from that direction.
Protect from Weather
While Nest Doorbells are designed to handle outdoor conditions, they last longer when protected from direct rain, snow, and harsh sun.
Look for a spot under an eave, porch roof, or awning. If that’s not possible, choose a location that gets morning sun but is shaded during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid mounting in areas where water might drip or pool, like under a gutter or near a sprinkler head.
Step 2: Turn Off Power (For Wired Models Only)
If you’re installing a wired Nest Doorbell (1st or 2nd gen), safety comes first. You’ll be working with electrical wiring, so you must turn off the power before starting.
Locate Your Doorbell Transformer
Most wired doorbells use a low-voltage transformer, usually located in your basement, garage, or electrical panel. It converts standard 120V household current to 16–24V, which is safe for doorbells.
Find the transformer and note which circuit it’s on. If you’re unsure, turn off the main breaker to be safe.
Turn Off the Circuit
Go to your electrical panel and switch off the breaker that controls your doorbell. Use a voltage tester at the existing doorbell to confirm there’s no power.
Never skip this step—even low-voltage systems can cause shocks or damage your doorbell if mishandled.
Remove the Old Doorbell (If Applicable)
If you’re replacing an existing doorbell, unscrew it from the wall and disconnect the wires. Label them if possible (front and trans) so you know how to reconnect them later.
If you’re installing in a new location, you may need to run new wires. This can be tricky and may require professional help, especially if you’re drilling through walls or siding.
Step 3: Mark and Drill the Mounting Holes
Now it’s time to prepare the mounting spot.
Hold the Mounting Plate in Place
Take the Nest Doorbell mounting plate (included in the box) and hold it against the wall where you want to install it. Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
Tip: If you’re mounting on brick or concrete, use a masonry bit and wall anchors. For wood or drywall, standard screws usually work.
Mark the Drill Points
Use a pencil to mark the center of each screw hole on the mounting plate. Double-check the position and angle before drilling.
Drill the Holes
Drill pilot holes at the marked spots. The size of the drill bit should match the screws or wall anchors you’re using.
If you’re using wall anchors, tap them gently into the holes with a hammer.
Secure the Mounting Plate
Line up the mounting plate with the holes and screw it into place. Make sure it’s tight and level.
Step 4: Connect the Wires (Wired Models Only)
If you’re installing a wired Nest Doorbell, now’s the time to connect the wires.
Strip the Wire Ends
Use wire strippers to remove about 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the doorbell wires. This exposes the copper for a good connection.
Attach Wires to the Mounting Plate
The Nest mounting plate has two terminal screws. Connect one wire to each screw—it doesn’t matter which wire goes where, as long as both are secure.
Tighten the screws to hold the wires in place. Don’t overtighten, as this can damage the wires.
Tuck Wires Neatly
After connecting, gently tuck the wires back into the wall so they don’t interfere with the doorbell.
Step 5: Attach the Nest Doorbell
With the mounting plate secure and wires connected (if applicable), it’s time to attach the doorbell.
Slide the Doorbell onto the Plate
Align the Nest Doorbell with the mounting plate and slide it down until it clicks into place. You should hear a firm snap.
Secure with the Security Screw
Use the included security screw and screwdriver to fasten the doorbell to the plate. This prevents theft and ensures it stays in place.
Step 6: Restore Power and Test
If you turned off the power earlier, now’s the time to turn it back on.
Turn the Breaker Back On
Go to your electrical panel and switch the doorbell circuit back on. Wait a few seconds for the system to power up.
Open the Google Home App
Launch the Google Home app on your smartphone. If this is your first time setting up the doorbell, follow the on-screen instructions to add a new device.
If you’ve already set it up, the app should detect the doorbell automatically.
Check the Live View
Tap on your doorbell in the app and open the live view. Make sure the video is clear, the angle is correct, and the field of view covers the area you want to monitor.
Test Motion Detection
Walk into the camera’s view and see if you get a motion alert. Adjust the motion zones in the app if needed to focus on the most important areas.
Step 7: Fine-Tune the Angle and Settings
Even after installation, you might need to make small adjustments.
Adjust the Tilt
If the video is too high or too low, you can slightly loosen the security screw and tilt the doorbell up or down. Retighten when done.
Set Motion Zones
In the Google Home app, go to your doorbell settings and customize the motion zones. You can draw areas where you want alerts (like the walkway) and ignore others (like a busy street).
Enable Package Detection (If Available)
If your model supports it, turn on package detection to get alerts when deliveries are left at your door.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Doorbell Won’t Turn On
– For wired models: Check that power is restored and wires are connected properly.
– For battery models: Make sure the battery is charged and inserted correctly.
– Reset the doorbell by holding the button for 10 seconds.
Poor Video Quality or Lag
– Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location.
– Move your router closer or add a Wi-Fi extender.
– Reduce interference by avoiding mounting near microwaves or cordless phones.
False Motion Alerts
– Adjust motion zones to exclude trees, cars, or pets.
– Lower the motion sensitivity in the app.
– Make sure the doorbell isn’t pointed at a reflective surface like a window.
Doorbell Falls Off or Feels Loose
– Tighten the security screw.
– Ensure the mounting plate is securely attached to a solid surface.
– Use wall anchors if mounting into drywall or brick.
Tips for Long-Term Performance
To keep your Nest Doorbell working well for years, follow these tips:
- Clean the lens regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, or fingerprints.
- Check the battery (if applicable): Charge or replace the battery every 3–6 months, depending on usage.
- Update firmware: The Google Home app will notify you of updates—install them promptly.
- Review recordings: Check your event history weekly to ensure everything is working.
- Trim nearby plants: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to avoid blocking the view or causing false alerts.
Conclusion
Placing your Nest Doorbell on the side of your entrance isn’t just a creative choice—it’s a smart one. With the right placement, you can monitor more of your property, reduce blind spots, and get clearer footage of visitors and deliveries.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to place Nest Doorbell on side of entrance safely and effectively. From choosing the perfect spot and testing Wi-Fi to mounting, wiring, and fine-tuning settings, every step matters.
Remember: height, angle, signal strength, and weather protection are key. Take your time, use the right tools, and don’t skip the testing phase.
Now that your doorbell is installed, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is secure—and that you’ve set it up the right way.