nest app not controlling thermostat

Got a Nest app not controlling thermostat problem? Let’s address the issue head-on!

It can be irritating when the app is displaying an error message or not responding.

The error often indicates a communication problem between the app and the Nest thermostat.

To get your Nest app to control your thermostat, force close the Nest app on your phone to refresh it. You also want to refresh the connection by removing your thermostat from the app and adding it again.

Let’s delve into each solution in detail. 

Nest App Not Controlling Thermostat – 10 Quick Solutions

nest app is not controlling thermostat

There are several ways to fix the Nest app not controlling your thermostat.

We arrange them from the easiest to the most complex, so do them in order until you find one that works.

1. Power Cycle Your Nest Thermostat

Power cycling your Nest thermostat is an effective way to troubleshoot and resolve errors. It requires you to turn it off and then turn it back on the thermostat.

disconnecting nest thermostat from the source

This refreshes the system and addresses connectivity and performance problems. 

To power cycle your Nest thermostat, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the Nest thermostat from its base.
  2. Wait for 30 seconds.
  3. Reconnect the Nest thermostat to its base. 

Check if any settings or schedules were affected and reconfigure them if necessary. 

2. Force Close the Nest App on Your Phone

forcing close the nest app on your phone

If your Nest app is freezing or crashing, force close it on your phone and restart it.

It should fix any communication problems between the app and your thermostat, including low memory, excessive CPU usage, or concurrent background processes.

Here’s how to do this:

iPhone

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and pause in the middle.
  2. Swipe left or right to find the Nest App preview.
  3. Swipe up on an app preview to close it.
  4. Tap on the home screen to exit the app switcher.
  5. Tap on the Nest app icon to reopen it. 

Android

  1. Tap on the Recent Apps button on your phone.
  2. Swipe left or right to find the Nest App preview.
  3. Swipe up on an app preview to close it.
  4. Tap on the Home button to exit the recent apps screen.
  5. Tap on the Nest app icon to reopen it. 
Pro Tip: Save any information or changes within the app to avoid data loss. Keep your login credentials handy; you need them to log in again.  

3. Refresh Your Internet Connection with a Power Cycle

refreshing your internet connection

A power cycle resolves connectivity issues between your phone, router, modem, and thermostat.

The standard troubleshooting step involves turning off and unplugging your devices, waiting for a few seconds, plugging them back in, and turning them on. 

Here are more detailed steps:

  1. Unplug your router and modem from the power source. 
  2. Wait for about 30 seconds.
  3. Reconnect them and wait another 30 seconds for full power-up.
  4. Turn off your phone and wait for 10 seconds.
  5. Turn it back on and wait another 10 seconds until it’s fully rebooted.
  6. Check if the Nest app is now controlling your thermostat.  
Note: Allow the refresh process to complete, which usually takes a few minutes. Refrain from making consecutive refresh attempts to prevent further complicating the process. 

4. Clear the Nest App’s Temporary Files

clearing the nest app’s temporary files

The Nest app stores temporary files, such as cache or data, on your phone to enhance its performance and functionality.

Over time, these files accumulate and become overloaded or corrupted, causing the app to malfunction.

To fix this, clear the Nest app’s temporary files by following these steps:

iPhone

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Select iPhone Storage.
  4. Scroll down and tap on the Nest App. 
  5. Tap on the Offload App and confirm. 
  6. Tap on Reinstall App.
  7. Wait for it to download and install again.
  8. Open the Nest App and sign in to your account.

Android

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on the Apps and Notifications option.
  3. Select the See All Apps menu.
  4. Scroll down and tap on the Nest App.
  5. Tap Storage and Cache.
  6. Select Clear Cache and confirm.
  7. Tap on Clear Data and confirm. 
  8. Open the Nest App and sign in to your account.
Tip: Clear your Nest App’s temporary files periodically during routine app maintenance to prevent accumulating unnecessary data. 

5. Remove Your Thermostat from the App and Add It Again

removing your thermostat from the app

Removing your thermostat from the app and adding it again helps reset the connection between your Nest app and thermostat.

It also fixes any compatibility or configuration issues.

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Nest App on your phone. 
  2. Tap on the Settings icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Tap Home Info.
  4. Select Remove Home and confirm.
  5. Tap on Add Product at the bottom of the screen.
  6. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code on your thermostat and add it to the app. 
Note: Ensure your thermostat and phone are connected to the WiFi network before re-adding for a smoother setup process.  

6. Check Your Thermostat’s Wiring

checking your thermostat’s wiring

If you still have a Nest app that won’t control the thermostat problem, ensure your wiring is properly connected and secured.

A loose or faulty wiring connection will cause your thermostat to lose power or signal, preventing it from communicating with the app.

To check your Nest thermostat’s wiring, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your heating and cooling system at the fuse box or circuit breaker. 
  2. Pull the thermostat straight out of its base. 
  3. Check for loose, frayed, or damaged wires or connectors. 
  4. Tighten or replace them as needed.
  5. Line up the pins and push until you hear a click.
  6. Turn on your heating and cooling system. 
Tip: If you notice any corrosion or buildup on the terminals, clean them with a soft brush or cotton swab to ensure a proper connection.    

7. Update Your Nest Thermostat Firmware

updating your nest thermostat firmware

Outdated or incompatible firmware is another possible culprit for your Nest app problem.

It causes the thermostat to malfunction or not work with the latest app version. To fix this, update your thermostat’s firmware. 

Info: Before proceeding with the update, take note of your thermostat’s current settings, schedules, and preferences. 

Here are the steps to do this:

  1. Check if your thermostat is connected to a WiFi network and has enough battery power.
  2. Press the thermostat ring to open the Quick View menu. 
  3. Scroll to Settings.
  4. Tap on Software.
  5. Select Update Software and press the ring again.
  6. Wait for your thermostat to download and install the latest firmware update. 
  7. Check if the Nest app is now controlling your thermostat.  

8. Verify the Status of the Nest Service

verifying the status of the nest service

Sometimes, the problem is not on your end but on Nest’s service.

Outages, maintenance, and technical issues affect the app’s functionality and prevent it from communicating with your thermostat. To fix this, check the status of the Nest service.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to Nest’s Service Status page.
  2. Check for alerts about ongoing or scheduled outages. 
  3. Wait for the Nest service to resolve them and restore normal operation. 
  4. If there are no outages, check if the Nest app is now controlling your thermostat.
Alternative: Subscribe to updates or contact Nest customer support for more information.   

9. Connect Your Thermostat to the 2.4GHz Band

connecting your thermostat to the 2.4ghz band

5 GHz has a shorter range and is more prone to interference than 2.4 GHz.

If your thermostat is connected to the 5 GHz band, switch it to 2.4 GHz, as it has a longer range and is more compatible with your Nest device. 

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Access your router’s web interface via your web browser. 
  2. Go to WiFi settings.
  3. Change your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names and passwords.
  4. Save your changes and exit your router’s web interface. 
  5. Press the thermostat ring to open the Quick View menu. 
  6. Scroll to Settings.
  7. Tap on Network.
  8. Select Reset Network Settings and press the ring again.
  9. Choose 2.4 GHz from the available options. 
  10. Enter the 2.4 GHz network password. 
  11. Wait for your Nest thermostat to connect to it.

10. Reset Your Thermostat

resetting your thermostat

As a final option, reset your thermostat to its factory settings and start from scratch.

It should fix any deep-rooted issues causing your Nest app not to control your thermostat properly. 

To reset your Nest thermostat, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the thermostat ring for 10 seconds to power it off.
  2. Wait for a few seconds until your device turns back on.
  3. Release the thermostat ring when you see a blinking red light.
  4. Wait for another 10 seconds until you see a gear icon.
  5. Press and hold the thermostat ring again for about 10 seconds. 
  6. Release it when a countdown is initiated.   
  7. Wait for the reset process to complete. 

Restoring your Nest device to its factory defaults will erase all data, apps, and settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your thermostat again.  

Quick Recap

If you’re having issues with your Nest app not controlling thermostat, force close the app and power cycle your devices.

As a last resort, hard reset your thermostat to fix any deep-rooted issues. 

Explore our blog for more troubleshooting insights on the Nest device.