This article only applies to the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen).
Note: If your thermostat is not listed above, go to our How to install your Nest thermostat article for the 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 will guide you all the way through checking compatibility, installation, and setup. It will help you select all the right options for you and your home. Below are all the steps along with helpful 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)
Nest Thermostat
How to install and set up Nest Thermostat
1. Get your tools ready
- 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)
2. Download the Google Home app
Download the Google Home app from Google Play or from the Apple App Store.
Sign in to the app with your existing Google account or create one.
3. Scan the QR code to add the thermostat in your home
Note: You’ll need to be able to touch your thermostat to add it to your account in the 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.
Scan the QR code on the back of the display or manually enter the code.
- Open the Home app
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- Tap Devices
Add
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Important: You must select Google Nest or partner device to add the thermostat in your home. If a Matter-enabled device is selected during set up, an error message will show and set up will not work. To add a third-party Matter-enabled device, go to Set up and manage Matter-enabled devices in the Google Home app. - Choose a home.
- The app will search for devices that you can add. If it doesn't find your thermostat, select it from the list.
- To continue with a QR code: Scan the QR code on the back of your thermostat display.
Tip: If the scan is unsuccessful, you can tap Continue without scanning. Select the thermostat you are setting up and enter the code on the back of the thermostat display. - The Home app will walk you through installation.
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Add 
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4. Steps to install your thermostat
1. Make sure your current system is working properly before you install your new thermostat.
2. Turn off power at the circuit breaker.
3. Remove the cover from your existing thermostat and take a photo of the wiring for later reference.
4. Remove the jumper wires or other jumper devices. If your wire connectors have 2 sets of labels, the app will ask you some questions to help you identify which label you will use.
5. Check off which wires you have and label each one with the stickers provided from the box.
6. Disconnect the old thermostat.
7. If you are 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 using anchors if installing into drywall.
8. Press the buttons and insert each wire into its corresponding slot. When inserting 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 will let you know if there are wires that are not connected.
your device’s tile Settings Thermostat Wiring.9. Nest Thermostat only: on the back of the Nest 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.
10. 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, the base isn’t receiving power. Refer to Troubleshoot when your thermostat won’t turn on for possible causes.
5. Set up your thermostat
After your Nest Thermostat has been detected by your Home app, you can select a language and perform a quick system power test.
Your Home app will now ask some questions about your heating or cooling system and the thermostat will calibrate its temperature sensor for your home.
6. Configure your thermostat
Your Home app will look 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 are home or away.
- Tell the Home app where in the home the thermostat is located. This will be 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.
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
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.
Nest thermostat
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.
To learn more, check out these videos: