Get started with your Nest Thermostat & Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
This article only applies to the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen).
Tip: If your thermostat isn't listed above, go to Install your Nest thermostat. This article covers Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen or earlier).
The Google Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) can only be set up in the Google Home app. The app guides you through compatibility checks, installation, and setup. It also helps you select the right options for you and your home. Below are the steps along with troubleshooting tips.
Watch a short video of thermostat installation:
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
How to install and set up Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
Go to this video with audio descriptions: How to install and set up Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
Nest Thermostat
How to install and set up Nest Thermostat
- Phillips screwdriver Head #1 (3 mm)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Power drill (optional)
- Pliers, needle nose pliers and wire strippers (optional)
- Flashlight (optional)
- Nest Thermostat Trim Kit (optional)
Download the Home app from Google Play or from the Apple App Store.
Sign in to the app with your existing Google account or create one.
You need to touch your thermostat to add it to your account in the Google Home app. This means that you won’t be able to add it remotely. After you’ve added your thermostat to the app, you can control it remotely when you’re away from home.
Important:
- If the device has been used before, factory reset your Nest Thermostat before you continue.
- Open the Google Home app 👁 Image
. -
At the top right, tap Add 👁 Add Icon
👁 and then
Device 👁 Image
.- Or, if a setup screen for your device appears, tap Set up or Next.
- If it’s not the correct device, tap Not now or Set up a different device.
- Or, if a setup screen for your device appears, tap Set up or Next.
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Scan the QR code of your device. A check mark appears when the scan is complete.
- If you can’t scan the QR code:
- Tap Use setup code, then enter the setup code for your device.
Tip: The Google Home app provides additional details to help you locate and use your device setup code.
- Tap Add a different way, enter your device in the search bar, then select your device.
- Tap Use setup code, then enter the setup code for your device.
- If you can’t scan the QR code:
- Wait for your app to connect to the device. Once it’s finished, you’ll see a confirmation screen that says, “Connected.”
- Follow the in-app steps to complete setup.
- Make sure your current system works properly before you install your new thermostat.
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the cover from your existing thermostat and take a photo of the wiring for later reference.
Tip: If your existing thermostat is labeled 120 V or 240 V, has stranded wires, or has thick wires with wire nuts, your system is high voltage and not compatible. - Remove the jumper wires or other jumper devices. If your wire connectors have 2 sets of labels, the app asks you some questions to help you identify which label to use.
- Check off which wires you have and label each one with the stickers provided from the box.
- Disconnect the old thermostat.
- If you're using the Nest thermostat trim plate, attach it to the wall now. Otherwise, you can connect the base plate directly to the wall. We recommend you use anchors for drywall installation.
- Press the buttons and insert each wire into its corresponding slot. When you insert the wires, make sure they are inserted until the buttons remain pressed. You may need to ensure that the exposed/stripped part of the wire is long enough (10mm) or use needle nose pliers to make sure the wires are seated properly. The app can check if your wiring connection is good and lets you know if there are wires that are not connected.
Tip: If your previous thermostat was a Nest thermostat, you may have a wire in the *OB terminal. The *OB terminal can control several pieces of equipment, so the app asks what’s connected to it. If you’re unsure, exit the setup flow and check your previous thermostat’s wiring by going to Devices 👁 Image
your device’s tile 👁 Image
Settings 👁 Image
👁 Image
Thermostat 👁 Image
Wiring. - Nest Thermostat only: On the back of the thermostat display, pull out the clear battery tab for the display to turn on. Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) automatically turns on after you attach it to the base and turn the power back on.
- Attach the thermostat display onto the base until it clicks into place. Now you can turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and connect your thermostat to your Home app.
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) only: If your thermostat’s display doesn’t turn on, remove the display and check if the level at the top of the base illuminates. If it doesn’t, it means the base doesn't have power. Refer to Troubleshoot when your thermostat won’t turn on for possible causes.
After your thermostat has been detected by your Home app, you can select a language and perform a quick system power test.
Your Home app now asks some questions about your heating or cooling system, and the thermostat calibrates its temperature sensor for your home.
Learn more about how to set up your Nest thermostat (3rd gen or earlier) and Nest Thermostat E
Your Home app looks for Wi-Fi networks for you to choose from. Pick one to connect to and continue customizing your thermostat.
- Add a home address for the Home app to use to know if you're home or away.
- Tell the Home app where in the home the thermostat is located. This is used for device organization and voice commands.
- You can create some settings to save energy by scheduling temperatures for each part of your day.
- Set your temperature presets that you can use anytime.
- Create a schedule for these presets to activate in your home.
- Home/Away Assist could be turned on to use Eco temperatures when the Away routine starts and return to your scheduled temperatures when the Home routine starts.
Change temperature
Turn the dial to adjust to your preferred temperature.
Navigate menus
- Press the thermostat toward the wall to activate the menu selections. Note that Nest thermostats don’t have a touch screen.
- Turn the dial to your desired mode.
- Press the thermostat toward the wall again to confirm your selection.
Change temperature
On the right side of the thermostat, swipe up and down to change the temperature.
Navigate menus
- On the right side of the thermostat, tap the touchbar to open the menu.
- Swipe to change what’s selected.
- Tap to confirm your selection.
👁 The Nest Thermostat hand temperature change animation
To learn more, check out these videos:
