The Nest Thermostat is easy to install yourself, usually in 30 minutes or less. The step-by-step instructions in the Google Home app make it easy to install and wire your thermostat, so use it as your main guide. Or refer to this sheet if you need a little extra help.
Don’t want to install it yourself? Contact our installation partner OnTech at 1-833-ONTECH2 to schedule an appointment. They can check your system’s compatibility and install your thermostat. After they’ve installed your Nest thermostat, they can give you a demo and answer any questions you have.
Getting started
The Google Home app will guide you through thermostat installation, but here are some more detailed instructions to walk you through everything you need to do to install your Nest Thermostat. Make sure your current system is working properly before you install your new thermostat.
1. Switch off power to your system
(You may have already completed this step.)
It’s important to protect your thermostat and your system. Turn off the power to your system and thermostat before exposing any wiring. Your HVAC system can have multiple breakers, so make sure to turn them all off before moving on. Check that the power to your system is off by changing the temperature on your thermostat by at least 5 degrees.
- If it’s winter, turn up the temperature to turn on heating.
- If it’s summer and you have system cooling, turn down the temperature to activate your central air conditioning.
- Wait at least 5 minutes to see if your system turns on (you’ll need to wait because many systems have a built-in delay).
You can listen for your system to turn on, or put your hand near a vent to feel if there’s warm or cool air coming through.
2. Download the Google Home app
Download the Google Home app from Google Play or from the App Store.
- Sign in to the app with your existing Google Account, or create one.
3. Scan the QR Code
Scan the QR code on the back of the display or manually enter the code.
- Open the Google Home app.
- In the upper left corner, tap Add, then Set up device, then New devices, and then choose a home.
- The app will search for devices that you can add. 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 Google Home app will walk you through installation.
Note: You’ll need to be able to touch your thermostat to add it to your account in the Google 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 home or away.
*4. Install your thermostat
Note: Nest thermostats are designed to work without a C wire in most homes. But for some systems, including heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a Nest Power Connector or C wire.
- Remove the cover from your existing thermostat and take a photo of the wiring for later reference.
Note: If your existing thermostat is labeled 120V or 240V, has stranded wires, or has thick wires with wire nuts, your system is high voltage and not compatible. Learn more at g.co/nest/iwire. - Remove jumper wires. 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.
- Check off which wires you have and label each one with the stickers provided from the box.
- Disconnect the old thermostat.
- If you are using the Nest Thermostat Trim Kit (sold separately), attach it to the wall now. Otherwise, you can connect the base plate directly to the wall.
- Press the buttons and insert each wire into its corresponding slot. The buttons will remain pressed.
Note: If you have a wire in the *OB slot (could be used as W2, Y2, O, B etc.), when you set up the Nest Thermostat, you must declare that wire according to its function (example: W2). - On the back of the thermostat display, pull out the clear battery tab. The display may turn on.
- 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 Google Home app.
- After turning the power back on, your Nest Thermostat should power on automatically. If it doesn’t turn on, you might see a blinking red light to indicate that the battery is charging.
- Wait for the battery to charge.
If you thermostat won’t turn on, or for more information on troubleshooting, visit
g.co/nest/tto5. Set up your thermostat
After your Nest Thermostat has been detected by your Google Home app, you can select a language and perform a quick system power test. Your Google 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 Google 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 Google Home app.
- Tell the Google 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 temperature presets that you can use anytime.
- Create a schedule for these presets to activate in your home.
- Opt into Home / Away assist to help improve your energy savings. The Nest Thermostat can use sensors and your phone’s location to check if you’ve left the house. Then it can set itself to an Eco temperature to save energy.
You will get heating and cooling system alerts if there are system issues and receive seasonal reminders for checkups.
7. Get to know your thermostat
Change temperatureOn the right side of the thermostat, swipe up and down to change the temperature.
Navigate menusOn the right side of the thermostat, tap the touch bar to open the menu.
Swipe to change what’s selected.
Tap to confirm your selection.
To learn more, check out these videos:
g.co/nest/ttvg.co/nest/tcvThat’s it. You’re all set.
With your Nest thermostat installed, you’re ready to take control of your comfort and savings, home or away.
* To learn more about controlling your Nest Thermostat and improving your energy savings, visit
support.google.com/googlenest.
* Remote control and mobile notifications require working internet and Wi-Fi.
