Smart thermostats are a highly useful technological development, but they only work efficiently while connected to the internet. If you change your router or update its settings, you’ll also need to change the Wi-Fi settings on your thermostat so it can automatically maintain the right temperature in your home. If you’re wondering how to do that, we’re here to help.
Today, we’ll explain how to connect your Nest, Nest E, or Nest Learning thermostat to a new Wi-Fi network. We’ll also explain how to update the password of an existing Wi-Fi on your Nest. Additionally, we’ll share connection issue troubleshooting instructions.
How to Change the Wi-Fi Network on a Nest
To change the Wi-Fi your Nest thermostat connects to, you’ll need to disconnect it from your Google Home app and set everything up again from the beginning. You’ll need access both to the Home app and to your thermostat to do this. Follow the instructions below:
- Launch your Google Home app and select your Nest thermostat on the screen.
- Tap “Settings,” then “Remove.”
- Go to your thermostat and tap “Settings” on it, then “Account.”
- Select “Disconnect.”
- Go back to the Home app and tap the plus icon at the upper left corner of your screen.
- Tap “Set Up a Nest Product” to start a new Nest thermostat setup.
- Scan the QR code located at the back of your Nest thermostat using the Home app.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. When you reach the “Get Started” section, tap “Already Installed.”
- You can skip most steps if your thermostat is set up correctly. When you see the Wi-Fi setup page, find your new network, and select it. Enter your Wi-Fi password if requested.
If you own the Nest E or Nest Learning thermostat, follow the steps below to change your Wi-Fi network:
- Go to your thermostat and press the ring to access the menu.
- Tap “Settings.”
- Turn the thermostat ring and tap “Reset.”
- Tap “Network,” then “Reset” to delete your current Wi-Fi settings.
- Press the ring on your thermostat once again to get back to the main menu.
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Tap “Network.”
- 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 your existing Wi-Fi network’s name or password, your thermostat will be disconnected. Unfortunately, there’s no way to update the password quickly. You’ll need to reconnect your Nest thermostat to the network as you would with a new Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below:
- Open the Google Home app on your phone or computer and select your thermostat on the screen.
- Navigate to “Settings,” then “Remove.”
- Go to your thermostat and tap “Settings,” then tap “Account.”
- Tap “Disconnect.”
- Open the Home app again and tap the plus icon at the upper left corner.
- Tap “Set Up a Nest Product.”
- Go to your thermostat again and scan a QR code located on its back through the Home app.
- Follow on-screen setup instructions. You can skip all steps apart from the Wi-Fi setup.
- When you reach the Wi-Fi options, select your network name and enter the new password.
If you own the Nest E thermostat or Nest Learning thermostat, the instructions are slightly different. Here’s how to update your existing Wi-Fi password with these devices:
- Go to your Nest thermostat and press the ring on it to access the menu.
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Turn the ring on your thermostat and choose “Reset.”
- Tap “Network,” then “Reset.”
- Press the ring on your thermostat once again to go back to the main menu.
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Turn the thermostat ring to select “Network.”
- Find your network name and enter your new password.
FAQs
In this section, we’ll answer more questions related to setting up a Wi-Fi connection on your Nest thermostat.
How Do I Fix the “Failed to Connect” Error?
If you’re having trouble connecting your thermostat to a Wi-Fi network and see a “Failed to Connect” message, first, try to restart your thermostat:
1. Tap “Settings” on your thermostat screen.
2. Select “Restart” and confirm your choice.
3. Wait for your thermostat to restart and try connecting to the Wi-Fi again.
If restarting your Nest thermostat doesn’t help, try to restart your router, or check the network connection on another device. Even if your router is working properly, the issue may lie in its settings. Make sure that your firewall or parental controls don’t block your thermostat’s access to Wi-Fi. If none of the above-mentioned points help, your router may be incompatible with the thermostat. Sometimes, your thermostat may also fail to connect due to a low battery. Follow the steps below to replace the batteries in your Nest thermostat:
1. Buy two 1.5-Vatt AAA alkaline batteries from a trusted manufacturer.
2. Remove the thermostat display.
3. Pull out the old thermostat batteries.
4. Insert new batteries into your thermostat. Make sure that you insert them the right way, connecting “+” on the batteries with “- “on the base and the opposite.
Why Can’t I See My Wi-Fi Name in Nest Menu?
Sometimes, your thermostat may need a few minutes to locate all Wi-Fi networks available. Wait a bit until new available networks stop appearing on your screen.
Stay Connected
Hopefully, our guide has helped you change the Wi-Fi settings on your Nest thermostat. To avoid network connection issues in the future, make sure to replace your thermostat batteries regularly. Before installing any safety updates on your router, check their compatibility with the Nest thermostat.
Do you wish the Wi-Fi password on your Nest could be updated easier, without going through the entire setup process? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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