On the covered Google Nest Protect alarm, no lights and a chirp every 60 seconds means light ring failure. Google says the Protect's light ring no longer works and the message is that the sensors have failed. First, push the Nest button to hear the spoken message.
Differential
Likely causes of “Google Nest Protect alarm showing no lights and a chirp every 60 seconds”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The light ring has failed
What separates it No light shows when you press the button and a chirp sounds every 60 seconds
How to confirm Press the Nest button and see whether a spoken message plays without any light
- 2
The unit has reached the end of its life
What separates it The Protect is old and the app reports it needs replacing
How to confirm Check the manufacture date on the back and the message in the app
- 3
Power or battery trouble on a wired unit
What separates it The ring is dark after a power cut or a breaker trip
How to confirm Check that the circuit is live before you decide the unit has failed
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The manufacture date on the back of the Protect
- Whether the spoken message plays
- Whether it is wired or battery powered
- What the Google Home app shows for the device
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePush the Nest button to hear the spoken message.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleGoogle's instruction is to replace your Protect now.
Press the Nest button once
ReversibleGoogle says the Protect speaks its message even when the light ring is dead. Listen for the word replace.
Check the app
ReversibleOpen the Google Home app and look at the device's status for a replace-now notice.
Replace the Protect
ReversibleGoogle's instruction is to replace your Protect now. Until the new one is up, keep a working battery alarm in the room.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- No light ring, and a chirp every 60 seconds.
- Applies to
- Google Nest Protect alarms.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Treat the alarm as not protecting you until it is replaced
- !Fit a working smoke and CO alarm in the same spot the same day
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does no lights and a chirp every 60 seconds mean on a Google Nest Protect alarm?+
Light ring failure. Google says the Protect's light ring no longer works and the message is that the sensors have failed.
Is the chirp a low battery?+
No. With no lights and a chirp about every 60 seconds, Google's table lists a light ring failure and failed sensors.
Can I repair it?+
Does the old unit still detect smoke?+
Do not rely on it. The message means the sensors have failed.