Article Summary:
When joining a Wi-Fi network, Nest scans and displays a list of all local wireless networks it can find in your area. If yours isn’t showing up, use this article as a guide to isolate the problem and get it resolved.
Your network may not appear on the list if there is too much wireless interference in your home, if the Nest Thermostat is too far from the Wi-Fi router, or if your network is hidden.
This guide will help to identify what the problem is and provide the troubleshooting steps to get it resolved.
If you wait another 30 seconds to a minute, there is a good chance that your network will eventually show up on the list.
While most routers just need to be unplugged and plugged back into their power source to restart them, you should refer to your router’s documentation for specific instructions.
Type your network’s SSID and password and choose your security type when prompted.
Try connecting to your Wi-Fi network with another device (mobile phone or portable computer) next to your Nest Thermostat to see if the network name is appearing.
If the other devices can’t see the network either, you may be too far away from your access point or there may be a problem with it.
Contact your access point manufacturer or ISP (Internet Service Provider) for further troubleshooting.
Using Nest products with 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks >
Check the documentation that came with your router to verify that you’re not using it in a 5GHz-only mode.
To restart the Nest Thermostat, go to SETTINGS > RESET and select RESTART from the available options.
How to restart or reset the Nest Learning Thermostat >
Once your Nest Thermostat has restarted, go to SETTINGS > NETWORK to try to connect again.
To reset Nest Thermostat's network settings, go to SETTINGS > RESET and select NETWORK from the available options.
How to restart or reset the Nest Learning Thermostat >
After the network settings have reset, go to SETTINGS > NETWORK to try to connect again.
You should try turning off any devices that may cause interference, then test the Nest Thermostat's network connection. Here are some devices that may cause interference:
- Cordless phone
- Baby monitors
- Microwaves
- Bluetooth devices
- Wireless Video equipment
What is wireless interference and how do I troubleshoot it? >
Note: If you have a 3rd gen Nest Thermostat, try connecting it to a 2.4GHz network first. If that doesn’t work, then try connecting it to a 5GHz network.
Using Nest products with 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks >
1) Wait for 30 to 60 seconds.
Even after the Nest Learning Thermostat starts displaying the local networks it can find, the Nest Thermostat is still scanning for others.
2) Try restarting your router.
The problem might be with your router, even if your other wireless clients are still connected. A simple restart of the router will usually resolve these types of issues.
3) Is your network hidden?
If your wireless network is hidden, meaning that you’ve chosen not to have your access point broadcast a name, select the TYPE NAME option below the list of networks.
4) Try another Wi-Fi device.
If you’re still not seeing your Wi-Fi network, this next step will help isolate the issue.
5) Is your router set up to support the Nest Thermostat?
The 1st generation and 2nd generation Nest Thermostats operate on 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz networks and won’t be able to find your network if it’s set up to be in 5GHz-only mode.
6) Restart your Nest Learning Thermostat.
The next step is to restart your Nest Thermostat. If you’re going through setup for the first time, you’ll need to skip the Internet Connection step and complete the setup interview before you can restart.
7) Reset Nest Thermostat's network settings
If you're still unable to connect after restarting your Nest Thermostat, try resetting the Nest Thermostat's network settings.
8) Check for wireless interference.
Other devices that operate on a 2.4GHz frequency may interfere with the Nest Thermostat's ability to communicate with your Wi-Fi router/access point.
If you’re still having difficulties, contact Nest Support for further help.