Google Nest energy, safety and security products are designed to be used in homes. With some exceptions, they can generally be used in small offices or businesses as well. If you install a Nest thermostat, camera, or other Nest product in a small business, make sure that you remain in full compliance with all applicable laws, and local building and safety codes for commercial properties.
Note: You can’t sign into the Nest app with a Google Workspace account. If the Super Administrator has turned on Web and app activity, you can link a Workspace account to the Google Home app, but some app features won’t be available. For best results, create a personal Google account to sign into the app where you add your products.
Use a Nest thermostat in your business
Google Nest thermostats can be set up to work seamlessly in an office or business that has a compatible heating or cooling system. You can use our compatibility tool to help determine if you can install a Nest thermostat in your business.
The following features on your Nest thermostat can help you save energy and keep you and your customers comfortable.
Temperature schedule
A temperature schedule ensures that your thermostat automatically maintains the right temperature at the right time.
Learn about Nest thermostat temperature schedules
Eco Temperatures
When your business is empty, you don’t need to keep it at a comfortable temperature. Eco Temperature settings can help you save energy at these times.
Learn about Eco Temperatures and how to change settings
App temperature control
You can use the Home or Nest app to monitor the temperature at your business. For example, you can use the app to check that your business stays warm enough while you’re out and change the temperature if needed.
Control your Nest thermostat with the app
Thermostat lock
Some Nest thermostat models can be locked so you can limit what employees or curious customers can change. Only people who know the PIN to unlock the thermostat will be able to unlock it and adjust the temperature beyond the set range or change the thermostat’s settings.
When you lock your thermostat, the temperature can only be changed within a custom range, so it won’t get too hot or cold inside. No other features are accessible. However, your thermostat will still follow its regular temperature schedule, automatically switch to Eco Temperatures when appropriate, and otherwise work as normal.
Note: This feature is only available in the US and Canada on the Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat.
Use Nest cameras and doorbells in your business
Nest cameras and doorbells are primarily intended for purely personal and household use, but you may find them helpful to monitor your business.
You may also want to share access to the video stream with additional employees, such as a manager or partner, so that they can keep an eye on the business too.
You can also set up presence sensing to turn your camera on or off when you arrive or when your business is empty. If you have a camera that you control with the Nest app, you can also program a camera schedule.
Depending on how you use your camera and where your business is located, you may also need to display a notice that alerts your customers and employees that you are using a camera, or declare that you’re using a camera to and obtain permission from your local authorities. Learn more about Nest camera safety and privacy guidelines and our tips for respecting the privacy of others when using Nest Products.
Remember to always check that your use of a camera is in compliance with local regulations.
Data protection and privacy laws where your business is located may impose certain additional responsibilities on you and your use of your Nest Cam or Nest doorbell in your office or business.
Use Nest Protect in your business
You may be able to install and use Google Nest Protect in your business as long as you’re in full compliance with local building and fire safety codes. But there are some restrictions because Nest Protect is designed to detect smoke and carbon monoxide in a residential environment.
Nest Protect alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose nonresidential buildings, which require special fire detection and alarm systems. However, depending on the building codes in your area, Nest Protect may be used to provide additional protection in those facilities.
Learn about Nest Protect's certifications
Use Nest x Yale lock in your business
The Google Nest × Yale Lock can replace most common residential deadbolt locks. Before you uninstall your current lock, check that the door you want to install it on is compatible.
Important: Make sure you only give Full Access to your lock to individuals you trust, since they'll be able to lock and unlock the door with the app, add users and passcodes, and remove the lock from the app.