Article Summary:
In most homes, installing a Nest Learning Thermostat is an easy DIY project that takes 20-30 minutes. Follow the detailed steps in this article to learn how.
To get an overview of the installation, you can watch our video to walk you through the steps.
You can also have a Nest Pro set up and install your Nest Thermostat for you. After they've installed your Nest Thermostat, they'll give you a demo and answer any questions you have. Click here to find a Nest Pro near you.
If you'd like to install your 3rd gen Nest Thermostat yourself, everything you need is included in the box:
- Nest Thermostat display
- Nest Thermostat base
- Optional trim kit
- Optional steel plate
- Mounting screws and wire labels
- Nest screwdriver
- Installation Guide
- Welcome Guide
- Pro Installation Card
How can I tell which Nest Learning Thermostat I have? >
How to install your 3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat
Before getting started, be sure to use our online compatibility checker to confirm that your system's wiring is compatible with the Nest Thermostat. The checker will also make a custom wiring guide that will show you how to wire your Nest Thermostat.
When you're ready to install your Nest Thermostat, the steps below will guide you through the installation process. You can also follow along with our installation video as you go through each step.
How do I turn the power off to my heating and cooling system? >
Important: Even if you've turned off the power, your old thermostat may appear to be on if it has a backup battery, so testing is important.
To make sure the power is off, adjust the temperature on your old thermostat and check that your HVAC system doesn't turn on.
If your old thermostat is labeled 110V, 120V or 240V or has thick wires with wire nuts, your system is high voltage. High voltage systems are not compatible with the Nest Thermostat. If you're not sure, see the article below for more information or contact the Nest Support Team.
How can I tell if my current thermostat is low voltage? >
CAUTION: Do not connect Nest to high voltage wires.
Note: If your thermostat has an R wire, it can go into either the RC or RH connector on the Nest Thermostat.
Use the white labels for any W3, E, HUM or DEHUM wires. The connector can only connect to one of these wires.
If you see two names for each connector on your old thermostat's backplate, visit nest.com/2labels for help.
Tip: Before you take out any wires, take a picture of the wires on your old thermostat so you have an easy reference if you need it.
Warning: Remember, the power to your HVAC system must be off to avoid blowing a fuse in your equipment.
Tip: If you'd like, you can also install the optional trim plate. This can help cover holes made by some larger thermostats. Or even better, spackle and paint your wall now if you can, before moving to the next step, so that you don't need the trim plate.
Important: Make sure that all wires are fully inserted into the Nest connectors. You'll know a wire is properly inserted when its terminal button stays down after you let go. If the button doesn't stay down, try taking the wire out, straightening it, and putting it back in as far as it will go.
Tip: If you don't hear the display click, use your thumb to push the wires further into the wall. This will make sure the wires aren't stopping the display from connecting to the base.
After turning the power back on, your Nest Thermostat should power on automatically. If it doesn't turn on, check this article for some troubleshooting steps:
The Nest Learning Thermostat will not turn on after installation >
You'll also tell your thermostat a few basics about your home and your heating and cooling system so it can help save energy. Lastly, you'll go through a quick test to make sure everything is working properly.
A step by step guide to setup on the Nest Learning Thermostat >
Once you're done testing, you'll add your thermostat to your Nest Account.
If you don't already have the Nest app or a Nest Account, go to the Apple App Store™ or Google Play™ to download the latest version of the Nest app. Launch the app to create an account.
If you prefer using a computer, go to home.nest.com to create an account.
What's a Nest Account and how do I get one? >
The app will show you how to connect your Nest Account and thermostat.
Learn more about the Nest app >
1. Switch off power
Switching off power at the breaker box or system switch protects you and avoids blowing a fuse in your equipment.
2. Remove the cover of your existing thermostat
Some thermostat covers pop off, while others need to be unscrewed.
3. Check your system
If you haven't already confirmed that your wires are compatible with the Nest Thermostat, check our online compatibility checker before continuing.
4. Remove any jumper wires
Jumper wires are short wires between two connectors. The Nest Thermostat doesn't need them, so take them out.
5. Label the wires
Peel off the labels from the installation guide that came with your Nest Thermostat and attach them to the thermostat's matching wires.
6. Disconnect the wires and remove the base
After removing the base, we recommend gently wrapping the wires around a pen or pencil to ensure they don't fall back into the hole in the wall.
7. Mark where screws will go
Use the bubble level to make sure the Nest Thermostat is level.
8. Attach the Nest base
Pull the wires through the center of the base, then attach it to the wall with the screws. The Nest screws are self tapping, so there's no need to drill into soft materials. If you need to drill into harder things like wood, use a 3/32 or 2.5mm drill bit.
9. Connect wires
After all the wires are securely connected, push them down to make sure they're flush with the base. Hold the connector's button down when inserting a wire and let go after the wire is fully inserted.
10. Attach the display
Hold the display so the Nest logo is at the top. Push it onto the base until it clicks into place.
11. Switch power back on
12. Setup and Nest Account
After it's finished starting up, the Nest Thermostat will walk you through setup. Just turn the ring and press to select. During setup, you can connect the thermostat to Wi-Fi and the Internet. This will let your thermostat download important software updates and let you control it with your phone. Be sure to have your Wi-Fi password handy.
After installation
When you've finished installing your Nest Thermostat, store your old thermostat in a safe place. Be sure to keep the photo you took of your wiring and any jumper wires that your old thermostat used. This way, if you ever move and want to take your Nest Thermostat with you, you'll have everything you need to reinstall your old thermostat.