Nest Thermostat Shutting Down During Installation? (Fixed)

Wondering why your Nest thermostat shutting down during installation?

Well, this could be very exhausting, so in this guide, we’ll uncover the reason behind the Nest shutting down issue.

When your Nest thermostat shuts off during installation, perhaps the wiring in the base is not set correctly. To fix it, reset the power from the main circuit, reattach the screen with the base, inspect the wires, and charge the thermostat manually.

Let’s quickly find out what can cause this problem!

Why Does the Nest Thermostat Keeps Shutting Down?

The Nest thermostat’s power may be insufficient, making your device shut down every time your device requires a bit more power.

So, during the installation, due to updates, configurations, and other tasks, your Nest thermostat may be unable to withdraw sufficient voltage and shut down.

Here’s everything that may cause your Nest thermostat to shut down during installation:

This is everything that may make your Nest thermostat shut down during the installation.

So, let’s keep reading the solution guide below and learn how to solve the issue in a few minutes…

Nest Thermostat Shutting Down During Installation – Fixed!

Now that you know the underlying causes of this problem, we can start troubleshooting this case.

Moreover, we recommend attempting all of the steps/solutions in chronological order.

1. Soft Reset Your Nest Thermostat

The first step you should do is to reset your Nest thermostat, which will tackle all minor bugs or glitches during the installation.

This reset process will reboot the Nest thermostat, discharge any remaining power, and provide you with the opportunity to test and install the thermostat freshly.

Here is how to soft reset the Nest thermostat in easy steps:

1. First, pull the display panel of your thermostat.
2. Take out the batteries carefully (if removable).
3. Wait for about 5 minutes for the full discharge.
4. Then, re-insert the batteries back into the unit.
5. Re-attach the display screen back to the base.

If you have a Nest Learning Thermostat or Nest Thermostat E, then the steps might differ.

To perform a soft reset on these devices, you will need to hold down the thermostat ring until the display powers off. After that, release the ring and push it again to turn on the Nest thermostat.

If this step doesn’t work out for you, jump on to the next step!

2. Reset the HVAC Circuit Breaker

Your Nest thermostat entirely relies on the power it receives from your HVAC system.

Therefore, if the main power supply is interrupted, the battery may be very low and constantly shut down the thermostat. 

This will happen regardless of whether you’re in the middle of the installation or on standby.

So, it is crucial to reset the circuit breaker because sometimes the switch of the fuses gets tripped, preventing the central thermostat’s power supply.

Here is how to reset your thermostat’s circuit breaker in easy steps:

1. Head over to your home’s circuit breaker panel.
2. Locate the circuit breaker for the Nest thermostat.
3. Turn the circuit breaker switch to the “OFF” side.
4. Wait about 5 minutes for a complete discharge.
5. Turn the circuit breaker back to the “ON” position.
6. Go to your Nest thermostat device and power it on.

Hopefully, this will restore the power to your thermostat device, and you no longer have to encounter the shutting down problem.

Tip: If there is a separate switch for the HVAC system, refresh the power there, too!

3. Reseat the Thermostat’s Display

Another possibility can be that the thermostat display is not seated correctly on the base, which is why it keeps shutting off.

This can happen either due to stuck debris on the side of the display or when the Nest thermostat wires are not correctly aligned to the base, causing the disruption.

Warning: Turn off the thermostat circuit breaker to cut off the power!

Here’s how to reseat the Nest thermostat from the wall mount:

1. First, grab and remove the display of the base.
2. Inspect for any debris or any external particles.
3. Push the Nest thermostat wires back into the base.
4. Verify that the wires are correctly aligned to the wall.
5. After that, connect the display back to the wall base.

When you push the display screen back onto the base, you’ll hear a click, ensuring the display is seated correctly on the wall base.

Then, simply turn the power to your thermostat and check to see if the shutting-off problem is resolved.

Tip: Any damage to the thermostat’s faceplate may represent a shutting down problem!

4. Inspect the Thermostat’s Wiring

When your Nest thermostat is shutting down, a loose or exposed wiring connection can be the culprit, which could be preventing your device from getting a proper power supply.

That’s why you must examine the wiring connection in the base and ensure that each wire is secure!

Here is a guide to inspect the Nest thermostat’s wiring:

1. First, remove the Nest thermostat display from the base. 
2. Take a picture of the current wiring or installation guide.
3. Unplug all of the wires from the corresponding terminal.
4. Info: To unplug a wire, you must undo the terminal screw.
5. Verify that the ends of the wires are correctly straightened.

Warning: Don’t forget to disable the power before you begin!

Nest Thermostat Correct Wiring

Wire Color	Gray	Green	Orange	Red	Brown	Blue
Terminal	Y2	G	OB	Rc	W2	C

When you are ready, turn on the power to your thermostat and test whether the device will still shut down during the installation.

If you continue to experience the same issue, keep reading…

Note: Any damaged wires must be reported to the HVAC technician!

5. Manually Charge Your Thermostat

If you are still facing the Nest thermostat shutting off problem, you must charge your Nest with a regular USB charging cable.

Although this is a temporary workaround, it will also help you find out whether the issue comes from insufficient battery or due to a problem with the Nest system. 

Here is how you manually charge your Nest Learning or Nest E Thermostat:

1. First, pull off the display screen from the wall mount.
2. Connect a USB cable to the thermostat USB-C port.
3. Connect the other end to any USB charger adapter.
4. Leave the thermostat on charging for about 2 hours.

After that, reattach the display screen to the wall base. Then, check if your thermostat shutting down problem is resolved.

If the same problem persists, you need to look at some other factors, so continue reading…

Note: This step only applies to Nest Learning Thermostat or Nest E!

6. Correct the Thermostat’s Placement

The location of your thermostat can significantly impact its performance, control over the HVAC, and the overall comfort of your space.

This is why it is crucial to consider a few factors when installing your thermostat system to ensure optimal performance and temperature accuracy. 

Here are the best thermostat installation practices:

• Install your Nest thermostat in a central location.
• Verify the thermostat has a clear view of the room.
• Avoid putting the thermostat in front of any covers.
• Place it near an indoor wall, far from any windows.
• Avoid putting the thermostat near heat conductors.

There are essential things that you must take into notice when installing your thermostat for better performance and temperature accuracy.

If you are confident that the Nest thermostat is installed at a suitable location but keeps shutting off, the issue is probably in the power source.

Reminder: Have you checked whether your thermostat is overheating?

7. Install a C-Wire in the Thermostat Base

Most Nest thermostats require a C-wire for proper performance and battery charging.

So, if your Nest thermostat doesn’t have a “C-wire,” you just need to install it into the base for a continuous power source and battery charging.

This will indeed prevent the thermostat from shutting down.

Here is a quick guide to installing a C-wire for your Nest thermostat:

1. Flip down your Nest thermostat breaker.
2. Then, pull the Nest display from the wall.
3. Look for the standard “C-wire” terminal.
4. Info: The “C” wire must be in blue color.
5. Locate the terminal labeled with the “C.”
6. Unscrew the screw holding that terminal.
7. Insert the blue “C-wire” into the terminal.
8. Tighten the screw and verify it’s secure.

Tip: If you have no C-wire in the base, contact the HVAC technician, and for additional help, feel free to contact Nest Support.

Quick Recap:

If your Nest thermostat shuts down during installation, soft reset the thermostat and circuit breaker and ensure the display is fully seated on the base.

If the problem persists, you must check your thermostat’s wire connection or manually charge your thermostat.

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