Keeping your Nest thermostat connected to the internet is super important for it to work its best.
Features like remote control, geofencing, and intelligent features are only accessible when the thermostat is connected to a Wi-Fi network and paired up with a Nest or Google Home app.
So if you're connecting the device to a new Wi-Fi network, or reconnecting after a Wi-Fi or factory reset, this guide should hopefully come in handy.
Reconnecting Your Thermostat to Wi-Fi
Usually, Nest thermostats can automatically reconnect, especially if they're linking up with a previously connected Wi-Fi network.
However, if you're changing your Wi-Fi router, or have updated the Wi-Fi network name or password, you'll need to reconnect Wi-Fi.
The mobile apps are crucial for this step, so if you haven't done already, make sure you download these apps and set them up with your Google account.
- For the Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning models, you can easily switch networks or reconnect to your previous Wi-Fi network via the thermostat itself.
- It will automatically link to your Nest app once the thermostat and smart devices are running on the same Wi-Fi network.
- However, for the latest Nest thermostat (2020 model), you need the Google Home app to connect to the thermostat via Bluetooth before you can configure the Wi-Fi settings.
- After initial setup, you can reconnect or switch networks for the thermostat, but only through the Google Home app.
Anyhow, I'll explain each of these different procedures, step-by-step.
Reconnect Nest Thermostat Via the Display
Applicable to Nest Thermostat E and Learning Models
To switch or reconnect these models to a Wi-Fi network:
- Wake up the thermostat and head over to “Settings”
- Then, scroll to “Network”
- Here, a list of available Wi-Fi networks will show up.
- You can select a network from the list, disconnect from the current network or manually enter the name of your network.
- After selecting your network, you can then type in the password
Switch Networks or Reconnect Via Google Home
Applies to the latest Nest thermostat (2020 model)
To move to a different network or get your 2020 Nest thermostat reconnected manually:
- Open the Google Home app on your smart device
- Select your thermostat in the “Favorites” or “Devices” tab
- From the thermostat's menu, in Google Home, tap on “Settings”
- After that, head over to “Device Information” –> “Wi-Fi”
- Follow the instructions provided by the app to switch networks or reconnect manually.
Set Up Your Nest Thermostat with the Nest App
Mobile app to control and manage all Nest smart home devices
Compatible Models:
- Nest Thermostat E
- Nest Learning Thermostats (all three generations)
If the above reconnection instruction do not work, you may need to factory reset the device and then set it up from scratch again. Check out my article here on how to reset the Nest thermostat. Once it has been factory reset, then you can continue with the below instructions.
During the setup of your Nest thermostat, you must configure the language, equipment setup, and connection/account with the Nest app.
So when you choose the option to set up the “Nest app” on your thermostat, you can start the process of pairing your Nest thermostat with the Wi-Fi network and the Nest app.
First Step: Get the QR Code or Entry Code from Your Nest Thermostat
- Follow the prompts given out by the thermostat to download, install and set up your Nest app on your smartphone or smart device
- After that, your Nest thermostat will give the option to add the device via a QR code or “entry key”
- The Nest thermostat will then show a QR code or a number code depending on the option you picked
- Then, open up the Nest app on your smart device and tap on the “Settings” icon at the top right corner (represented by the gear cog icon)
- Scroll down until you get to “Add product.” Tap on it, and the app will open up your smart device’s camera
- Now, let your smart device scan the QR code on your thermostat or tap on “Continue without scanning” if you picked the entry code option on your thermostat (or the device fails to scan the QR code properly).
If you want to go back and pick the number code option, you can easily tap on “Back” in the thermostat and return to the menu in step 2. Then follow the instructions in the app to select the type of device and type in your entry code when prompted.
Last Step: Link Up Your Nest Thermostat with the Nest App
- After you type in your entry code or successfully scan the QR code, you’ll have the option to either install or set up your Nest thermostat.
- If you’ve already installed the Nest thermostat and configured the wiring, tap on “Already installed.”
- After that, the Nest app will try to connect with your Nest thermostat via Bluetooth so give it a couple of minutes until you get confirmation from the app.
- When that’s done, you’ll have to choose a Wi-Fi network for the Nest thermostat. Pick your desired network and type in its password.
- Wait for the Nest thermostat to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Then, you can start using your thermostat or configure optional settings or carry out any testing procedures.
Connect Nest Thermostat to Google Home
Android and iOS app that can manage Nest and other smart home products
Compatible Models:
- Nest Thermostat (2020 Model)
For this model, you must add the device to Google Home via the QR code or entry key located at the back of the display.
- Open the Google Home app and tap on the “+ Add device” icon (Usually located at the upper left corner of the app’s home screen or the “Devices” tab)
- Then tap on “Set up a Device/New devices”
- Pick your home (if you have multiple homes set up)
- Your app will start searching for any devices. Wait for it to pick up your Nest thermostat or until the search times out
- After that, select “Thermostat” > “Nest Thermostat” from the list of devices that may show up
- Then, scan the QR code at the back of the display or “continue without scanning” to type in your entry code
- After that, follow the instructions on the app to finalize the connection.
If you want to set up the Nest thermostat (2020 model) without connecting to a Wi-Fi network, check out this article.
Troubleshoot Nest Thermostat Connection with the Nest and Google Home Apps
If you've already connected your Nest thermostat to the mobile apps but face issues with the thermostat floating in and out of your Wi-Fi network without maintaining a stable connection, it's best to troubleshoot any network issues before resetting the device or connecting it to a different network.
So if you run into issues where the Nest thermostat won't reconnect automatically, or it shows up as offline, I highly recommend checking out this article.
Conclusion
Connecting your Nest thermostat to the internet is a crucial step during the initial installation or troubleshooting process.
So if you're following through with a factory/Wi-Fi reset, or setting up a Nest thermostat for the first time, it's best to take a look at the steps above and get your device reconnected with your home's Wi-Fi.