How to Change the Wi-Fi Network on a Nest Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a very useful technological development, but they only work effectively when connected to the internet. If you change your router or update its settings, you will also need to change your thermostat's Wi-Fi settings so that it can automatically maintain the correct temperature in your home. If you're wondering how to proceed, we're here to help.

Today we're going to show you how to connect your Nest, Nest E or Nest Learning Thermostat to a new Wi-Fi network. We'll also show you how to update the password for an existing Wi-Fi network on your Nest . Additionally, we will share troubleshooting instructions for connection issues.

How to Change the Wi-Fi Network on a Nest

To change which Wi-Fi your Nest Thermostat connects to, you'll need to disconnect it from your Google Home app and set everything up again from scratch. To do this, you'll need access to both the Home app and your thermostat. Follow the instructions below:

1. Launch your Google Home app and select your Nest thermostat on the screen.
2. Tap "Settings" and then "Delete".
3. Go to your thermostat and tap on “Settings”, then on “Account”.
4. Select "Disconnect".
5. Return to the Home app and tap the plus icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
6. Tap "Set up a Nest product" to start a new Nest thermostat setup.
7. Scan the QR code on the back of your Nest Thermostat using the Home app.
8. Follow the instructions on the screen. When you reach the "Get Started" section, tap "Already Installed."
9. You can skip most steps if your thermostat is properly configured. When you see the Wi-Fi setup page, find your new network and select it. Enter your Wi-Fi password if requested.

If you have the Nest E or Nest Learning Thermostat, follow the steps below to change your Wi-Fi network:

1. Go to your thermostat and press the ring to access the menu.
2. Tap “Settings”.
   
3. Turn the thermostat ring and press "Reset".
   
4. Tap "Network" and then "Reset" to remove your current Wi-Fi settings.
   
5. Press the ring on your thermostat again to return to the main menu.
   
6. Go to "Settings".
   
7. Tap "Network".
   
8. Find your new Wi-Fi network, tap it and enter the password.
   

How to update the password on an existing Wi-Fi network on a Nest

After updating the name or password of your existing Wi-Fi network, your thermostat will be disconnected. Unfortunately, there is no way to update the password quickly. You'll need to reconnect your Nest Thermostat to the network just like you would with new Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone or computer and select your thermostat on the screen.
2. Go to "Settings", then "Delete".
3. Go to your thermostat and tap on “Settings”, then on “Account”.
4. Press "Disconnect".
5. Open the Home app again and tap the plus icon in the upper left corner.
6. Tap "Set up a Nest product".
7. Access your thermostat again and scan a QR code on the back via the Home app.
8. Follow the on-screen setup instructions. You can skip all steps except Wi-Fi setup.
9. When you reach Wi-Fi options, select your network name and enter the new password.

If you have the Nest E Thermostat or the Nest Learning Thermostat, the instructions are slightly different. Here's how to update your existing Wi-Fi password with these devices:

1. Go to your Nest Thermostat and press the ring to access the menu.
2. Go to "Settings".
   
3. Turn the ring on your thermostat and choose "Reset".
   
4. Tap "Network", then "Reset".
   
5. Press the ring on your thermostat again to return to the main menu.
6. Go to "Settings".
   
7. Turn the thermostat ring to select "Network".
   
8. Find your network name and enter your new password.
   

FAQ

In this section, we'll answer more questions about setting up a Wi-Fi connection on your Nest Thermostat.

How do I fix the "Connection Failed" error?

If you're having trouble connecting your thermostat to a Wi-Fi network and you see a "Connection Failed" message, try restarting your thermostat first:

1. Tap "Settings" on your thermostat screen.

2. Select "Restart" and confirm your choice.

3. Wait for your thermostat to restart and try to connect to Wi-Fi again.

If restarting your Nest Thermostat doesn't help, try restarting your router or checking the network connection on another device. Even if your router is working fine, the problem may lie in its settings. Make sure your firewall or parental controls aren't blocking your thermostat's access to Wi-Fi. If none of the points mentioned above help, your router may be incompatible with the thermostat. Sometimes your thermostat may also not connect due to low battery. Follow the steps below to replace the batteries in your Nest Thermostat:

1. Purchase two 1,5 Vatt AAA alkaline batteries from a trusted manufacturer.

2. Remove the thermostat display.

3. Remove the old batteries from the thermostat.

4. Insert new batteries into your thermostat. Be sure to insert them the correct way round, connecting "+" on the batteries with "–" on the base and vice versa.

Why can't I see my Wi-Fi name in the Nest menu?

Sometimes it may take your thermostat a few minutes to locate all available Wi-Fi networks. Wait a bit until the new available networks stop appearing on your screen.

Stay connected

Hope our guide helped you change your Nest thermostat's Wi-Fi settings. To avoid network connection issues in the future, be sure to replace the batteries in your thermostat regularly. Before installing security updates on your router, check their compatibility with the Nest Thermostat.

Would you like your Nest Wi-Fi password to be updated more easily, without going through the whole setup process? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.