Your Nest thermostat can’t find WiFi, even though your home network is right there. Start with the scan and router, then work through hidden-network settings, reception, and the connection steps for your model. These fixes cover the Nest Thermostat (2020), Nest Thermostat E, and Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd and 4th generation.
Give the Wi-Fi list time to load
An unfinished scan leaves networks missing from the initial Wi-Fi list.
Leave the Wi-Fi selection screen open for several minutes. The thermostat keeps scanning after the first networks appear, so give it time.
Select your network name when it appears.
Enter its password.
If your network stays missing, restart the router next.
Restart your router before changing settings
Give the router a fresh start before trying the Wi-Fi scan again.
- 1.Unplug the router from power.
- 2.Leave it unplugged for one minute.
- 3.Reconnect power and wait for the router to finish starting.
- 4.Retry the connection using the path for your model below.
Use the connection path for your Nest model
For the Nest Thermostat (2020) or Learning Thermostat 4th gen, stand near the thermostat. Open Google Home > Home > All devices > your thermostat > Settings > Device information > Wi-Fi. Follow the connection prompts.
For the Thermostat E or Learning Thermostat 3rd gen, press the ring. Open Settings > Network. Select your network name and enter its password.
Hidden network? On the 2020 or 4th-gen model, select Other Wi-Fi network at the Connect to Wi-Fi screen during setup, or under the Google Home > Home > All devices > your thermostat > Settings > Device information > Wi-Fi menu afterward. Enter the case-sensitive network name, password, and requested security type.
On the E or 3rd-gen model, Type Network Name appears during initial Wi-Fi setup. If the thermostat is already connected to another network, first erase its saved credentials with Settings > Reset > Network > Reset. Then open Settings > Network > Type Network Name. Rotate and press the ring to enter the network name. Select the check mark, then enter the password.
Restart the thermostat when the scan stays stuck
A restart starts a stalled Wi-Fi scan over.
If initial setup blocks access to Settings, finish setup with Wi-Fi skipped before continuing.
On the Nest Thermostat (2020) or Learning Thermostat 4th gen, select Settings > Restart.
On the Thermostat E or Learning Thermostat 3rd gen, select Settings > Reset > Restart.
After the restart, retry through Google Home > Home > All devices > your thermostat > Settings > Device information > Wi-Fi on the 2020 or 4th-gen model, or Settings > Network on the E or 3rd gen.
Only use a forced restart when the thermostat is frozen. For the E or Learning Thermostat 3rd or 4th gen, hold the thermostat down for approximately 10 seconds until its screen turns off.
Release the thermostat.
Press and release the ring to turn it back on.
For a frozen Nest Thermostat (2020), detach the display.
Remove both AAA batteries.
Reinstall the batteries.
Click the display back onto its base.
Improve reception around the thermostat
Weak reception and nearby wireless interference prevent network discovery.
Check whether your phone sees the home network while you stand beside the thermostat. That gives you a comparison at the spot where the connection fails.
Move the router closer to the thermostat.
Temporarily switch off nearby sources of interference, such as cordless phones, baby monitors, microwaves, Bluetooth equipment, or wireless video equipment.
Retry the Wi-Fi scan.
If you use an extender, temporarily disable it.
Try connecting the thermostat directly to the router.
Match the network settings across your access points before using them again.
On an E or 3rd-gen thermostat, open Settings > Technical Info > Network to inspect the available connection diagnostics. A signal reading below 50 indicates weak reception.
If the router cannot provide adequate coverage, consider adding an extender.
Adjust the router settings that affect discovery
Open your router’s administration page. Menu names vary by router, so use its documentation to locate the controls below.
Enable the 2.4GHz band.
Enable 802.11 b/g/n compatibility.
Try connecting over 2.4GHz for better range. Nest band support varies by model and region; some models also support 5GHz.
Before trying 5GHz to address interference, check your thermostat’s regional hardware specifications for support.
Set channel selection to Auto.
Set Wi-Fi encryption to WPA2.
For a hidden network that still will not connect, temporarily make its network name visible in the router’s administration page.
Retry setup with the correct case-sensitive network name and password.
If the problem began after a router replacement, configure the new router with your previous network name and password. Automatic reconnection depends on the other settings remaining compatible.
Before a firmware update, back up the router’s settings.
Install the manufacturer’s firmware using the instructions for your exact router model.
Retry the thermostat’s Wi-Fi connection.
If these changes fail, check thermostat power next, then use the temporary-hotspot test below to isolate the home network.
Check power before more network troubleshooting
On the Nest Thermostat (2020), open Settings > Battery.
On the Learning Thermostat 4th gen, open Settings > Equipment > Power info.
On the Thermostat E or Learning Thermostat 3rd gen, open Settings > Technical Info > Power > Battery.
After an outage, allow time for charging. On the E and 3rd-gen models, wait for the battery to recover to 3.8V before continuing.
If the 2020 model needs new batteries, detach its display.
Remove the old batteries.
Remove any remaining battery-tab material.
Install two fresh 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries with the correct polarity.
Click the display back onto its base.
For temporary USB charging of an E or Learning Thermostat 3rd or 4th gen, detach the display.
Connect its rear USB port to a suitable wall charger. Use USB-C for the 4th gen or the matching connector for the E and 3rd gen; Google says not to charge from a computer USB port.
Reattach the display when prompted.
Have an HVAC professional correct recurring power faults or install a required C wire.
Unstick Google Home during setup
Use these steps for app-pairing failures on the Nest Thermostat (2020) or Learning Thermostat 4th gen.
- 1.Connect your phone to the intended home Wi-Fi and turn off Cellular Data.
- 2.Wake the thermostat and enable your phone’s Bluetooth. If it is already enabled, switch it off briefly and back on.
- 3.Disconnect other Bluetooth accessories. Keep the phone within 12 inches (30cm) of the thermostat until setup finishes.
- 4.On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and enable Google Home. Enable Nest instead when troubleshooting pairing through that app.
- 5.Completely quit the companion app, then reopen it. Install any offered update for Google Home or Nest through Google Play or the App Store.
- 6.If pairing still fails, restart your phone. Try another compatible phone or tablet if the restart does not help.
Resolve persistent failures and the W5 error
These checks isolate network faults and address failed setup or a persistent W5 error.
On a Thermostat E or Learning Thermostat 3rd gen, press the ring.
Open Settings > Network to check for Error - nest.com/w5.
If W5 appears, select Settings > Reset > Restart.
Retry Settings > Network after the restart.
If W5 persists, note the error code and the serial number behind the display.
Contact Google support about replacement.
For an E or 3rd-gen thermostat without persistent W5, select Settings > Reset > Network > Reset to erase saved Wi-Fi credentials. Skip this method if Network is absent from the Reset menu.
Confirm the network reset.
Reconnect through Settings > Network.
If your supported thermostat still cannot connect, create a temporary hotspot on another phone.
Connect the thermostat to the hotspot using its model-specific Wi-Fi path above. A successful connection isolates the problem to your home network.
If the hotspot connection also fails, contact Google support.
Restore the home Wi-Fi connection after the test. Use the hotspot for diagnosis, not as a permanent connection.
Before a last-resort factory reset, record your equipment settings. The reset erases custom configuration.
For an E or 3rd-gen thermostat, select the correct home in the Nest app.
Open Settings > your thermostat > Remove thermostat.
Confirm removal.
On the thermostat, select Settings > Factory Reset for the 2020 or 4th-gen model, or Settings > Reset > All Settings for the E or 3rd gen.
Confirm the factory reset.
Repeat setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting a 1st- or 2nd-generation Nest restore app access?
No. Google ended app and cloud support for the 1st-generation, 2nd-generation, and European 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostats on October 25, 2025. Resets and re-pairing do not restore that support. Local temperature and schedule controls remain available.
Can I update my Nest thermostat while it is disconnected from Wi-Fi?
It cannot download software updates while entirely disconnected. After reconnecting, open Settings > Version > Check for update on the 2020 or 4th-gen model. On the E or 3rd gen, open Settings > Software > Update. Automatic updates require internet access and adequate power.
Can a Nest thermostat use Wi-Fi that requires a browser sign-in?
Nest thermostats do not support captive-portal networks or 802.1x/RADIUS enterprise Wi-Fi. Use a compatible private home network. In a managed building, ask the network administrator for a suitable connection.
What if other devices also have no internet?
Enable Airplane Mode on your phone. Turn Wi-Fi back on. Test internet access through your home network. If other devices also fail, contact your ISP. Check for electricity outages and Nest service outages at status.nest.com. Wait for an identified outage to clear.
