How to Set Up Nest Thermostat Without WiFi? (Easy Steps)

Is it possible to set up Nest thermostat without WiFi? Definitely, Yes, so continue reading!

The Nest thermostats are typically set up through the Google Home App, and when you mount the thermostat onto the base, you’ll see “Continue setup in the Google Home App.”

So, the prompt will remain on-screen and require Wi-Fi to activate your thermostat, so what do you do?

To set up a Nest thermostat without Wi-Fi, you still have to download and use the Google Home mobile app. Next, start the pairing just like with Wi-Fi, but wait for the scan to time out and continue with the steps.

If there’s something unclear, the below’s guide covers everything!

Can You Set Up Nest Thermostat Without WiFi?

Yes, it’s possible to set up and activate a Nest thermostat without Wi-Fi in your home solely by using your phone’s mobile data.

Well, if you already have the Google Home app installed, you don’t even need your cellular internet, but the “no Wi-Fi” setup definitely requires extra steps!

Let’s first get to learn what you’ll lose without using Wi-Fi on a Nest thermostat!

Nest Thermostat Without WiFi: Downsides

Here’s everything that you won’t be able to do without Wi-Fi on Nest thermostat:

• No Nest remote control functionality
• No voice command input or controls
• No connection to any voice assistants
• No automatic learning of the schedule

So, if you’re ready to give up on these features, set up your Nest thermostat without Wi-Fi…

How to Set Up Nest Thermostat Without WiFi?

It’s straightforward to set up a Nest thermostat without Wi-Fi and control the device locally. So, we’ve prepared a complete list that involves everything.

1. Download the Google Home App

The first step is to download and install the Google Home app on your mobile device, regardless of whether you’ve got Wi-Fi or not.

The Google Home app is available for both iOS and Android, and you only need your mobile data (3G/4G/5G) to open the app store and download the app.

When the application is installed, you must sign into your Google account to continue and set up your Nest thermostat without Wi-Fi.

Google Home App: Add a Home

Another essential thing to do for the “No Wi-Fi” Nest thermostat setup is to add a home in the Google Home app.

This is very easy, so simply tap on the “+” icon at the top left and tap on “Create a New Home,” which will prompt you to insert a nickname and an address (optionally).

When you’ve got the Google Home app and an added home, continue reading…

2. Set Up a New Google Home Device

The next step is to begin the activation as if you have Wi-Fi, but the further steps will change in a different direction.

So, let’s continue with the typical steps of pairing the Nest thermostat:

1. In the Google Home app, tap the “+” icon.
2. Then, press “Set up a device” from the list.
3. Next, tap on “New Device” and tap “Next.”
4. Then, wait for the “Looking for devices.”
5. So, you must wait for this scan to time out.

Your Nest thermostat will not be detected since it’s not connected to the Wi-Fi, but the app will continue with the manual activation and prompt you with questions.

So, you must follow all the questions that the app is asking thus, continue reading to unwrap exactly what you need to do.

3. Select Thermostat & Scan the QR Code

So, shortly after the “Looking for devices” scan times out, you will be prompted to select what device you’re attempting to set up.

So, for the Nest thermostat, you must scroll down the list and select “Thermostat,” which is located just above the “Wi-Fi” section.

Then, you will be asked what type of thermostat, so you must select “Nest thermostat.”

Then, your mobile device will automatically turn on the back camera and prompt you to scan the QR code on your Nest thermostat.

Where is the Nest Thermostat QR Code?

The Nest thermostat’s QR code is located on the back in between the batteries.

Hence, to scan the QR code, you must dismount the thermostat from the base and point your mobile phone’s camera toward the QR code.

Align the designated square with the QR code on the thermostat.

Note: Proceed with the next step only if you see “Let’s set up your Nest Thermostat.”

4. Set Up the Thermostat Without Wi-Fi

The following prompts will be asked a series of questions regarding your Nest thermostat setup, other devices, and the thermostat’s base wiring.

This way, the Google Home app will be able to find out the exact model of your thermostat and manually activate the device without the Wi-Fi.

You will have to complete the following Google Nest app prompts:

Do you have any of these devices already installed?

The Google Home app will ask you whether you’ve got other devices:

• Select the devices you’ve got and tap “Next.”

Verification of the Nest thermostat installation setup!

The Google Home app will ask you whether you know the following:

• Getting to know your home’s wiring.
• Removing your old Nest thermostat.
• Configuring the thermostat to work.
• Connecting the thermostat to Wi-Fi.
• Learning to use the new thermostat.

Which of these wires do you have in your thermostat?

The Google Home app will ask you which wires your thermostat has:

• Common Wires – WW1, Y/Y1, G/G1, R, Rh, Rc, C
• Uncommon Wires – Y2, Y3, W2, W3, O, B, O/B, Y/O

So, to find out the exact number of wires your Nest thermostat uses, you must dismount the thermostat from the base and check the terminal wiring.

As per the wires you see in the base, precisely tap on each cable box in the app to checkmark the wires your thermostat involves.

When you’re ready, press the “Next” button to proceed…

5. Configure the Thermostat Without Wi-Fi

So, when all of the questions from the Google Home app are correctly inserted, you must wait for one last “Looking for devices” scan to time out.

After this screen, you will have to conduct a functionality test of the thermostat by following the on-screen prompts, so let’s take a quick look.

Select a Thermostat’s Language

You must select a language for your Nest thermostat, and you’ve got three options (English, Spanish, or French).

As for now, those are the only supported languages that you can select.

Test Thermostat’s Power Source

Shortly, you will be prompted to test the system’s power, so you must run a quick test for the app to check if your thermostat receives power.

This happens after you select the fuel source from the Home app’s list and adjust whether the fan should activate when calling for heat.

Another thing you would be asked is whether the test is to engage with the cooling or heating system, so based on your preference, select any option.

When you’re ready, the screen of the Nest thermostat should change to “Heating” or “Cooling,” hence, the thermostat is activated.

Note: If your Nest thermostat screen does not change and you still see “Continue setup in the Google Home App,” the activation failed, so you must repeat the steps.

6. Use Nest Thermostat Without Wi-Fi

If the screen of your Nest thermostat changes, this means that you’ve completed the setup with no Wi-Fi connection.

Hence, the next step is to learn what you can and can’t do without a Wi-Fi connection on a Nest thermostat, so we’ve prepared many tips and tricks for local Nest control.

• To use the dial, gently encircle the faceplate using your finger.
• Use the dial on the Nest thermostat to control the temperature.
• To select anything on your thermostat, gently press on the side.
• To switch from heating to cooling and vice versa, tap the side.
• Slide your finger across the dial, up/down, to highlight options.
• Using the dial, you can select and set up a thermostat schedule.
• By highlighting and selecting “Fan,” you can turn the fan on/off.
• You can connect your thermostat to the Wi-Fi from the settings.

Pretty much this is everything, and your Nest thermostat would now be entirely controllable with no Wi-Fi connection.

If you have further inquiries, go to Google Nest Help for more assistance.

Note: You may see a crossed-out Wi-Fi icon screen on the thermostat, but you can simply skip this screen by pressing on the side.

Quick Recap:

Thus, to set up a Nest thermostat without WiFi, you can use your mobile data to install the Google Home app and begin the process just like regular Wi-Fi pairing.

So, whenever the scanning attempts fail, you’ll be prompted to set up the Nest thermostat without Wi-Fi.

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