Troubleshoot setup: thermostat doesn’t show your Wi-Fi network

If your Wi-Fi network doesn’t appear in your Google Nest thermostat’s network list during setup, or when you try to change the network, follow these steps.

If your thermostat was connected to Wi-Fi but isn't now, go to Nest thermostat offline for help.

 

1. Wait a few minutes for your network to appear

Your Wi-Fi network may take a few minutes to appear on your thermostat. Nest thermostats continue to actively scan for Wi-Fi networks even after they show you the initial list, so please be patient.

2. Restart your router

Sometimes a router restart can get your network to show up on your thermostat.

1. Unplug your router and wait a minute.
2. Plug your router in and wait a few minutes for it to fully restart.
3. Wait a few minutes before you try reconnecting your thermostat.

3. Check for a W5 help code

If your thermostat can’t see any nearby Wi-Fi networks, including your own, you may have a W5 issue. This only affects the 3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E.
 

1. Press the thermostat ring to open the Quick View menu.
2. Select Settings .
3. Turn the ring until Network appears. 

• If your thermostat shows: Error - nest.com/w5, go to Troubleshoot a Nest thermostat W5 code.
• If there’s a different message or no message, continue to the next step here.

4. Type in a hidden network name

If your Wi-Fi network is hidden (your router doesn’t broadcast your network’s name or SSID), you’ll have to enter the name manually. 

1. In your thermostat’s list of Wi-Fi networks, select the option type in the network name or choose a different network.
2. Type your network’s name and password and choose your network’s security type (WPA, WEP, etc.) when prompted.

5. Restart your thermostat

If you’re going through setup for the first time, you can skip the Wi-Fi connection step and finish the setup interview. Then you can restart your thermostat and try connecting it again.

Restart steps depend on which thermostat you have:

Nest Thermostat

1. On your thermostat, go to Settings   Restart.
2. After your thermostat has finished restarting, use the Home app to try to connect again.

Nest Learning Thermostat and Thermostat E

1. On your thermostat, go to Settings   Reset and select Restart.
2. After your thermostat has finished restarting, go to Settings   Network and try to connect again.

Restart or reset your Nest thermostat

 

6. Check for wireless interference

1. Stand near your Nest thermostat, and try connecting to your Wi-Fi network with another device (like a mobile phone).
2. If your network doesn't appear, try moving your router closer to your thermostat if possible. Even a couple of feet can make a big difference in signal strength. You can also add a Wi-Fi extender to increase wireless coverage in your phone.
3. Try temporarily turning off any wireless devices that can cause wireless interference. 
   Common devices include:

• Cordless phones
• Baby monitors
• Microwaves
• Bluetooth devices
• Wireless Video equipment

7. Check your Wi-Fi router settings

It’s very rare for router settings to be the cause of this problem, but here are the only settings you need to check. Refer to your router’s manual for instructions on how to do the following: 

• Turn on your router’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal. 
• Enable 802.11 b/g/n if you have an 802.11 ac router.
• Set your Wi-Fi router's DHCP lease time to at least 2 hours.
• Turn on your router’s Power Save Mode (PSM), if you have a Nest thermostat.