Google separates a restart from a factory reset. A restart keeps all settings and the device reconnects to the same wifi, and it helps if the device freezes, cannot connect to the internet or misbehaves. A factory reset erases personalized settings, deletes the entire video history and snapshots for good, restores factory defaults and does not reconnect to wifi, so it appears Offline until you set it up again.
The checks in more detail
Google recommends trying a restart and other troubleshooting first, and saving any footage you want as clips or timelapses and downloading them before you reset, because there are no backups. If you have a first-generation Nest Aware subscription and plan to remove the camera or move it to another account, cancel it before resetting, since cancelling removes subscription-only features such as Activity Zones and deletes video history. Each model has its own restart and reset steps:
the Nest Cam, wired and battery models, the Nest Doorbell battery and the wired 2nd and 3rd generation each have a button or pin procedure in Google's article, so follow the section for your model. After a reset, set the device up again in the Google Home app. If you are selling it, remove it from your Google account first. Photograph your zone and alert settings before resetting, because they take longer to rebuild than the camera does to set up.
After a reset give the camera a few minutes to finish booting before starting setup. Keep the reset exact and do not repeat it, since repeating can confuse the light pattern. Reset only after you have saved clips you care about and after you have written down the settings, because the reset is final and no backup exists. Reset steps differ by model, and the wired Nest Doorbell, the battery model and the indoor camera each use different button sequences, so read the section for your exact model before pressing anything.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nest cameras and doorbells will not reset or needs to be reset safely”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A frozen device
What separates it The device is unresponsive because it has frozen in an odd state
How to confirm Restart it first, which keeps all of your settings and often clears the problem
- 2
Repeated offline states
What separates it The device will not stay connected because it keeps dropping offline
How to confirm Restart it first, and do a factory reset only if the restart does not help
- 3
Moving to a new account
What separates it The device is still linked to a plan because you are moving to a new account
How to confirm Cancel the plan first, where the model needs it, and then reset the device
- 4
Selling the device
What separates it The old data remains on the device because you are selling it
How to confirm Remove it from your account, then reset it so that the new owner can set it up
- 5
A failed setup
What separates it The setup is stuck because an earlier attempt failed partway through
How to confirm Reset the device and try the setup again from the beginning
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which type of reset you have already tried, such as a restart
- Any video that you want to save before you reset it
- Whether you have a subscription linked to the device
- The model of the camera or doorbell that you have
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTry a restart first
ReversibleTry a restart first, which keeps all of your settings and reconnects to the same wifi.
Save clips
ReversibleSave any clips that you want to keep, by downloading them before you reset the device.
Cancel a 1st gen plan
ReversibleCancel a first generation plan if you are moving the device to a different account.
Follow your model's steps
ReversibleFollow the steps for your model, which may use a button or a pin to start the reset.
Set it up again
ReversibleSet it up again in the Google Home app, joining wifi and choosing your settings.
Rebuild zones
ReversibleRebuild the Activity Zones and the alerts, since the reset returns them to the defaults.
Contact Google
ReversibleContact Google if it will not reset, and tell them the model and what happens.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Steps
- Each model has its own restart and reset steps.
- Subscription
- 1st gen plans need cancelling before a move.
- Resetting a Nest Doorbell (battery)
- Remove the doorbell from the Google Home app first, then press and hold the reset button until the light flashes as Google describes. After the reset, add it again in the app. Keep it charged during the process.
- Before you reset
- Try restarting by removing the battery for a few seconds. A reset deletes the device from your account, so note your settings and schedules. If it does not connect after a reset, check your Wi-Fi band and signal.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Nest Cam (wired, 2nd gen).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a restart does not help, contact Google Nest support before resetting
- !If it will not reset, use the model steps
- !If second-hand, ask for removal from the old account
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Restart versus factory reset.
Wifi, bandwidth, restart, power and reset steps.
Setup errors.
Help codes C101, C208, C308, C309.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does a restart do?+
A restart keeps all of your settings, and the device reconnects to the same wifi.
Can I recover video?+
No, video cannot be recovered after a reset, so download the clips first.
Will it reconnect to wifi?+
No, after a reset it does not reconnect to wifi on its own, and must be set up again.
Should I cancel a plan first?+
For a first generation plan you should cancel it first, when moving to another account.
How do I save footage?+
Make clips of the footage you want to keep, and download them before you reset.
Where is the reset button?+
On the back near the battery.
Do I lose my video history?+
History depends on your subscription, not the device.