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Learn about Sunblock and how to change settings

Direct sunlight can cause a thermostat’s temperature sensors to heat up, so it may think that the ambient temperature in the room is higher than it actually is. When this happens, your thermostat may not keep your home the temperature that you want, making things uncomfortable for you. Google Nest thermostats use Sunblock to compensate for direct sunlight and keep your home comfortable.

When Sunblock is active, a sun icon Sunblock icon appears on your Nest thermostat's display and on the Nest app’s thermostat screen.

Sunblock availability

Nest thermostat heating with silver ring Nest thermostat e heating

The Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E can use Sunblock. 

Nest Thermostat 3/4ths view

Sunblock isn't available on the Nest Thermostat.

How sunblock works

Sunblock uses the Nest thermostat's built-in light sensor to track the sun’s patterns and its temperature sensors to detect the heat spikes that occur in direct sunlight. If your thermostat is connected to Wi-Fi, it’ll also take into account sunrise and sunset time. Sunblock then uses all this information to set your Nest thermostat to the correct temperature whenever it’s in direct sunlight.
 
Graph of thermostats cooling pattern over 4 days with Sunblock turned on

How Sunblock decides when to turn on

When you first install the Nest thermostat on your wall, Sunblock will start learning the sun’s patterns in your home. After a few days, Sunblock will be ready to turn on. If it senses that your Nest thermostat is in direct sunlight, Sunblock will automatically activate.

Ambient light isn't enough to trigger Sunblock, so you should only see it if your thermostat is heating up in direct sunlight.

When Sunblock is active, a little shining sun Sunblock icon will appear on your Nest thermostat's display, where the Nest Leaf would usually appear. You’ll also see the Sunblock icon when looking at the Nest app.

How to turn Sunblock on or off

On the thermostat

Note: Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen or earlier) and Nest Thermostat E only. For Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), use the Home app.

  1. Press the thermostat's ring to bring up the Quick view menu.
  2. Choose Settings Nest settings icon.
  3. Turn the ring and select Nest Sense.
  4. Choose Sunblock.
  5. Select Yes or No to turn Sunblock on or off.

With the Nest app

Note: Nest App only works with Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) and Nest Thermostat E.

  1. Select the thermostat on the home screen.
  2. Tap Settings Nest settings icon.
  3. Select Nest Sense.
  4. Choose Sunblock.
  5. Tap the switch to turn Sunblock on or off.

With the Home app

  1. Tap and hold your device's tile.
  2. Tap Settings .
  3. Open Temperature Preferences.
  4. Scroll to Nest Sense and choose Sunblock.
  5. Tap the switch to turn Sunblock on or off.

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