Also helpful is that the light will briefly turn on at night if it senses motion, to help you see your way in the dark. Installation and SetupTo install the Nest Protect, you first screw a base plate into the ceiling, and then attach the main body of the smoke detector onto the base plate. Then, you connect to it using the Nest app on your smartphone Android and iOS, specifying, among other things, in which room the Nest Protect is located. It's a fairly simple process that took me about 5 10 minutes. MORE: Top Rated Wireless Home Security CamerasLike most smoke detectors, you can purchase the Nest Protect as either a battery powered model, or one that’s hard wired. App and PerformanceThe Nest Protect uses a split spectrum sensor that Nest says is good at detecting both slow smouldering fires as well as fast burning ones.