Beginner’s guide to the Nest thermostat

Learn the basics of how to use your Nest thermostat, change settings, set temperature schedules, save energy, control it with your phone, and more.

If you don't find what you're looking for here, use the search bar above, or go to the Nest thermostat support page for more help.

Download documents for your thermostat

Nest thermostats include a few materials to familiarize you with the product and installation, but you should follow the installation instructions in the Nest app which will also provide you with the right wiring diagram for your system.

Each thermostat has different guides you can download. If you’re not sure which thermostat you have, see: How to tell which Nest thermostat you have

How to install and set up your thermostat

As your Nest Learning Thermostat will be connected to high-voltage cables, you should have your thermostat professionally installed in order to keep you safe and avoid damaging your system or your Nest Learning Thermostat.

Note: Nest Thermostat E is designed to easily replace most thermostats and most customers can install it themselves. However, some complex systems may require professional installation.

Find a Nest Pro installer >

If you have a Nest Thermostat E, here's a preview of install and set up:

How to set up and install Nest Thermostat E - UK

After your thermostat has been set up and connected to Wi-Fi, you can add it to your account in the Nest app to start using your phone to control your thermostat, get monthly updates on your energy use and more.

Set up your thermostat >

Nest thermostat basics

Nest thermostats don’t have a touch screen. Use it just
like a normal thermostat, turn the ring up when you want
it a little warmer, and turn it down when you want it a
little cooler.

Press your thermostat ring to see more options.
Turn the ring to select an option.
Press the ring again to confirm your selection.

Here are the most important articles to familiarize yourself and get you comfortable with using your thermostat:

Animated hand turning the temperature up on Nest thermostat

How to control your thermostat with the Nest app
How to manually set your Nest thermostat to heating, Eco Temperature or off
Learn about what you’ll see on your Nest thermostat (including icons, Farsight, and notifications)
Learn about domestic hot water control and how to change settings (3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat only)
Learn about Nest thermostat settings and how to change them
Learn about Heat Link

Learn how to save energy with your thermostat

There are a few ways to save energy with your thermostat like setting an Eco Temperature when no one’s home, reviewing your Home Report to monitor your energy use, or joining an energy saving program.

Learn about thermostat temperature schedules

Your thermostat starts learning on day one and it’s up to you to teach your Nest thermostat good habits to help save energy. You can set your own heating schedules or learn how to change True Radiant settings.

Learn how your thermostat works

Your Nest thermostat has a few different features that can help keep you comfortable. For instance, True Radiant pre-heats to reach your scheduled temperature on time. You can also set Safety Temperatures, which prevents your home from going below certain temperatures, and learn about the other ways your thermostat works.

Common troubleshooting issues after set up

These articles cover the most common issues you may encounter after setting up your Nest thermostat. This is not an extensive list so if you don’t find what you’re looking for below, there are other troubleshooting articles that you can find using the search bar above.

If you moved into a home with a Nest thermostat already installed

If you moved into a home that already has a Nest thermostat installed, follow these steps to remove the previous owner’s settings.

Have the previous owner remove the thermostat from their account if possible. If this isn’t possible, reset the thermostat to factory defaults.
Set up the thermostat and add it to your account.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?