How to Set Up a Nest x Yale Lock

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

  • Replace your existing lock with the Nest x Yale lock.
  • Install the Nest app on your mobile device.
  • Set up your Nest x Yale lock for the first time.

Before We Begin:

  • Gather required tools for installation.
  • Have your mobile device handy to install and access the Nest app.
Nest x Yale

2. Prepare for Installation

  1. Ensure the door meets requirements:
  2. Thickness must either be 1 3/8", 1 3/4", or 2" to 2 1/4".
  3. Lock hole center must be 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" from the edge of the door.
  4. Gather the required tools:
  5. Tools required for a new door:
  6. Phillips screwdriver
  7. Drill
  8. Pencil
  9. Utility knife
  10. Wood chisel
  11. Tape measure
  12. Level
  13. Tools required when replacing an existing lock:
  14. Phillips screwdriver
  15. You must have a Nest Guard (1) or Nest Connect device (2).
Nest Guard and Nest Connect

If you aren't comfortable performing the physical installation yourself, professional installation options are available. See http://nest.com/profinder.

3. Additional Hardware Required

The Nest x Yale Lock doesn’t directly connect to the internet. It needs to connect through either a Nest Guard or Nest Connect device. You must have one of these devices already installed in your home and connected to the Nest app in order to be able to connect your Nest x Yale Lock properly. 

Nest Guard and Nest Connect side by side.
  • The Nest Guard (1) is the base with keypad and siren that is part of the Nest Secure alarm system.
  • The Nest Connect (2) is a range extender that keeps your Nest Secure devices connected when they're far apart or helps connect the Nest x Yale Lock to Wi-Fi.

If you purchase the Nest x Yale Lock from one of the Nest retail partners, the Nest Connect will be included in the box.
If you purchase it from the Nest store, you have the option to buy it with or without a Nest Connect.
If you already have a Nest Secure alarm system in your home, you will only need to purchase Nest Connect device if your lock is too far from the Nest Guard.

4. Install the Lock

  1. Remove your existing lock.
  2. Keep your old lock handy in the event you have problems during the installation process and need to reinstall it.
  3. Remove the existing strike plate.
  4. Install the deadbolt. Push to ensure you are fitting the bolt into the door as illustrated.
Install the Deadbolt

  1. If the holes to not line up properly, you may need to re-drill new holes. If necessary, a chisel can help with the cutout for the deadbolt's faceplate.
  2. Replace the old strike plate with the new strike plate.
Install the Strikeplate

  1. You must install the new strike plate included with your lock, even if it looks the same as your current one. If you do not, your lock may jam.
  2. Install the keypad on the outside of the door. Place the cable of the keypad through the lock hole and press the keypad into the hole.
Install the Keypad
  1. Pull the mounting plate off the back of the lock.
Remove the mounting plate
  1. Remove the battery cover with the included key. Do not install the batteries yet.
Remove the battery cover

  1. If you misplace the key you may use a thumbtack or similar object to remove the battery cover.  
  2. Run the cable through the hole in mounting plate.
Run the cable through the hole in mounting plate
  1. Press the mounting plate pins through the holes on either side of the cable.
Lining up mounting plate pins with holes. Illustration.
  1. Secure the mounting plate with the screws provided.
Tightening screws into the mounting plate. Illustration.
  1. Before fully tightening the screws, level the keypad.
Level the keypad
  1. Plug the cable into the connector on the lock. A small tab will prevent you from plugging it in backwards.
Plugging in the connector to the lock. Illustration.
  1. Route the cable behind the cable hooks to hold it in place.
Routing the cable behind cable hooks. Illustration.

  1. Before the following step, ensure that the thumbturn on the lock is pointed vertically and that the deadbolt is fully retracted (flush with the faceplate).
  2. Guide the spindle through the hole and hook the lock onto the bottom of the plate.
Guide spindle through hole
  1. Use the short black screws provided to mount the lock on the plate.
Mounting the lock onto the plate. Illustration.

5. Test and Calibrate

Test the Lock

  1. Open the door.
  2. Test the deadbolt using the thumbturn mechanism. Ensure the deadbolt extends and retracts properly.
Test that your lock works - door open
  1. Close the door.
  2. Test the deadbolt again using the thumbturn mechanism. Ensure the deadbolt extends and retracts without resistance.
  3. During testing, if you feel resistance or if the deadbolt does not extend fully, remove the lock and re-check the deadbolt and lock installation.

Calibrate the Lock

  1. Install the AA batteries (included) into your lock. The lock will turn on and you will hear the Nest greeting.
  2. Leave the battery cover off for now. You will need to scan the code inside to connect your lock to the Nest app later on.
Batteries installed. Lock turns on and plays the Nest greeting.
  1. Touch your palm to the keypad or press the Yale logo to wake up your lock if necessary. The lock will give you instructions on creating a temporary master passcode.
  2. Once your lock has been successfully connected to the Nest app later on, the master passcode will no longer be needed.
Create a Temporary Master Passcode
  1. The lock will prompt you to close the door so it can calibrate itself. If the lock detects an issue such as a jam, it will automatically unlock itself.
Lock performing calibration with the door closed.

  1. It's important to keep the door closed while the lock calibrates itself. If you leave the door open, your lock may not work properly.

6. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

Example Android home screen.
Example iOS home screen.

7. Install Android App

  1. Launch the Play Store on your smartphone.
Google Play Store.
  1. Select the search bar at the top.
Google Play Store with Search bar highlighted.
  1. Type in Nest, then select Nest from the list.
Search for Nest, with Nest highlighted.
  1. Select Install.
Nest Play Store page with Install button highlighted.

8. Setup App

  1. Launch the Nest app.
Setup App
  1. Log into an existing Nest account, or select Sign up if you do not have a Nest account.
Setup App
  1. Once logged in, select the I agree button to accept the Nest app's Terms of Service.
Setup App
  1. Select Continue to proceed with Home setup.
Setup App

  1. Nest accounts have a maximum of three "Home" locations (residences) that can be added to them.
  2. Choose a name for your Home and select Next.
Setup App
  1. Fill in the home address where your Nest products will be located to complete Home setup. Select Next to proceed.
Setup App
  1. Select a preference for using your mobile device's location.
Setup App
  1. Select a preference for sharing/adding family accounts to your Nest home location.
Setup App
  1. Home setup is now complete. Nest devices can now be added to the home location you've just configured.

9. Connect Lock to App

  1. Launch the Nest app.
Nest App
  1. From the Home screen, tap the Plus sign to begin adding a device to your home location.
Select Add for Nest App

  1. Scan your lock's QR code using your mobile device's camera. It is located in the battery compartment of your lock.
Scan QR Code
  1. If you are having trouble scanning the code, select Continue without scanning.
Continue without scanning
  1. Select Nest x Yale Lock from the product list.
Nest product list highlighting Nest x Yale Lock.
  1. The Nest app will prompt you to enter your lock's six digit entry key.
Enter Six Digit Code here
  1. The code can be located next to the QR code in the lock's battery compartment.
Nest x Yale lock 6 digit code location.
  1. Select a location label for your Nest x Yale lock.
  2. The app will use this location when it sends you notifications, so pick one that makes sense. 
Choose a location for your lock.
  1. The app will begin looking for a Nest Guard or Nest Connect that it can connect to. Once it has found one, press and hold the button above the thumbturn mechanism to connect them. The lock should chime and state: "Ready. Use your Nest app too add the lock to your account." The Nest app will finish adding the lock to your account.
Press and hold button to connect device
  1. Once the lock is connected to the Nest app, you can put the battery cover back onto the lock.
Place Battery Cover back on

10. Create Nest Passcodes

  1. You will be prompted to create a passcode with the app. This passcode will replace the temporary master passcode that was created earlier during the calibration process.
  2. Passcodes can be four to eight digits in length.
Create a unique passcode
  1. Optionally, you can create additional passcodes for other people who share access to your Nest home. You can also invite new people to share access to your home, and set schedules that limit when certain people can enter your home.
  2. A maximum of 20 passcodes can be created for your Nest x Yale lock. 
Passcode being displayed for verification.
  1. Congratulations, your Nest x Yale lock is ready to use!

11. How to Use Your Nest x Yale Lock

We have a separate guide dedicated to helping you understand and use your Nest x Yale Lock.

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

12. What's next?

13. Install iOS App

  1. Open the App Store.
iOS App Store

  1. Select Search in the bottom right corner.
Apple App Store navigation bar with Search highlighted.
  1. Type in Nest, and select Nest from the list.
Search for Nest with Nest highlighted.
  1. Select Get for Nest.
Nest App page with Get highlighted.

14. What's next?

15. Connect Your Nest Secure Alarm System to Wi-Fi

We have a separate guide to help you get your Nest Secure connected or re-connected to Wi-Fi.

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

16. How to Add a Nest Connect to Your Home Network

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

17. Additional Device Needed

The Nest × Yale Lock requires a Nest Connect or Nest Guard in order to connect to your home's Wi-Fi and the Nest app. You'll need either one to lock and unlock your door remotely. Please reach out to a local or online retailer to acquire one of these devices to proceed with the setup for your Nest x Yale lock.

Nest Connect device plugged into a wall outlet.

18. What's next?

19. Pro Install

Because of the complexities and possible incompatibilities you may encounter, it is recommended to have a professional complete the installation of your Nest x Yale Lock. 

Nest has a special page setup to assist in locating a local professional to complete the installation of your Nest x Yale Lock. 

Using your web browser on your home computer, tablet or mobile device, visit nest.com/profinder. This site will ask a few simple questions to help locate capable installers in your area. 

You may also contact your preferred electrician, maintenance, or building contractor for assistance or referral.

20. What's next?