Nest Thermostat Can’t Find WiFi? – Here’s How to Fix

When the Nest thermostat cant find WiFi, it’s most likely due to an issue with your WiFi router. 

If your Nest thermostat can’t successfully connect to your WiFi network, you won’t be able to use all of its features.

Even if this is the case, don’t worry; we have you covered.

This article will show you different ways to troubleshoot your Nest thermostat and WiFi router.

To fix your Nest Thermostat from not finding any WiFi, restart your router and Nest thermostat. Next, check that your WiFi router is using the correct frequency band.

Now that you are familiar with the troubleshooting we will be doing, let’s see the most common causes first.

Why Can’t The Nest Thermostat Find WiFi?

If you can’t get your Nest Thermostat to find the proper WiFi network, your only possibilities are to troubleshoot your WiFi and the Nest device itself.

If there is an underlying problem with your network connection or stability, it might stop Nest from discovering it.

Here you will find a list of the common causes for this issue:

1. WiFi Router Issues

If your WiFi router is improperly set up or has an internal error, this might prevent some devices from connecting.

2. Outdated Software

When your Nest thermostat is not running the latest app version, it could have issues finding WiFi.

3. Wrong WiFi Frequency

Some older generations of the Nest thermostat only support 2.4GHz frequency bands.

4. Unstable Network

If your WiFi network signal strength is too weak, this might stop your Nest thermostat from discovering it.

5. Internal Device Error

Some features might malfunction if your Nest thermostat has received a runtime error.

Alert: Specific WiFi settings such as parental controls or a firewall can stop the Nest from being able to connect. 

How To Fix Nest Thermostat Can’t Find WiFi?

Before troubleshooting, ensure you can connect other devices to your WiFi network.

It is also recommended that you don’t use cellular networks for your Nest thermostat. 

Your Nest thermostat will automatically try to connect to a saved network at set time intervals.

For that reason, ensure its batteries are charged and working before attempting any fixes.

In case your Nest thermostat can’t find WiFi networks, please proceed with these steps:

Solution #1 Restart Your WiFi Router 

When your router is constantly operating, it might get an error in its cached data and disrupt the WiFi connection.

When you power-cycle your router, this clears out its temporarily stored data. 

This can significantly improve your internet speed and fix connectivity issues for your Nest thermostat.

Here are the steps to perform a WiFi Router restart:

1. Disconnect both the Ethernet and the power cables from your WiFi modem
2. Wait at least 3 minutes for it to power off completely 
3. Connect the Ethernet and power cables back to your router
4. Wait for your router’s internet light to turn a solid without blinking

After successfully restarting your WiFi router, check if your Nest thermostat can connect. 

Remember that concrete walls and wooden doors can further decrease your WiFi’s reach, so plan accordingly. 

Note: Move your Nest Thermostat closer to your WiFi router to ensure it's within range to receive data.

Solution #2 Manually Restart The Nest Thermostat

A manual restart on your Nest thermostat will clear some temporarily stored data and resolve various device-specific issues.

Depending on your exact Nest thermostat model, the steps below might vary slightly.

Here is how to manually restart your Nest Thermostat:

1. Press and Hold the thermostats ring or main button for 10 seconds 
2. Let go of the thermostat ring when its screen turns off
3. Press the central button again to turn your thermostat back on again

Note: Household appliances such as refrigerators or microwaves can disrupt WiFi signals, so check your thermostat positioning.

Solution #3 Enable 2.4 GHz Frequency Band

When your Nest thermostat can’t find WiFi, it’s possible that the Nest device isn’t compatible with your WiFi frequency band.

Some generations of the Nest thermostat only support 2.4GHz bands of wireless networks. 

The exact steps for configuring your WiFi router to run a 2.4 GHz frequency can vary depending on your router’s manufacturer. 

Here are some general steps to change your WiFi frequency band:

1. Open your Router’s interface menu from a browser
2. Navigate to your router’s Settings menu
3. Find and open the Network Settings tab
4. Locate and enable the 2.4 GHz band as the default

After changing your WiFi band to 2.4 GHz, restart your Nest thermostat device and see if it discovers your WiFi network properly.

Note: Your Nest thermostat might have trouble telling the connections apart when using a dual-band router. Ensure you are using different names for your WiFi networks to prevent this issue.

Solution #4 Update Your Nest App Version

If your Nest thermostat application is outdated, it might cause issues when trying to find a WiFi network.

Having the latest app version is also vital for your app security. 

Here is how to update your Nest app to the latest version: 

1. Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device
2. Tap on your profile image located at the top right side 
3. Find and tap on Manage apps & devices 
4. If your Nest app has an available update, you will see “Update Available” next to its name
5. Tap on Update and wait for the process to finish

After the latest version has been successfully installed, you must log back into your account.

Next, check if your Thermostat can identify and connect to your WiFi network of choice.

Note: Ensure you are using WiFi when downloading and updating apps to save your mobile data.

Solution #5 Reset Your WiFi Router 

If your Nest thermostat cant find WiFi, it might be due to an unstable network connection.

Your router’s performance might gradually slow down after prolonged use. Resetting your WiFi router can clear many internal errors and fix its speed issues. 

Here are the general steps on how to reset your WiFi router:

1. Find the Reset button located at the back side of your WiFi Router
2. Ensure the router is connected to a working power source 
3. Press the reset button on your Router and hold it for at least 15 seconds
4. Let go of the reset button and restart your router

The name of your WiFi network will change to its factory default after a hard reset on your router.

After the hard reset, check if your Nest thermostat is now able to find your WiFi network. 

Note: A hard reset on your router will remove any of the customised settings and its password. 

Solution #6 Factory Reset Your Nest Thermostat

Performing a factory reset on your thermostat can solve many WiFi connection issues, as it will remove any currently saved WiFi settings.

It’s advisable to have your current settings and Nest configuration data backed up to restore after a factory reset.

Here is how to reset your Nest Thermostat device back to its factory settings: 

1. Press the main thermostat button to show the Quick View menu
2. Select the Settings option from the menu
3. Select the option Reset by turning the ring on your device 
4. Choose to reset all settings and follow through with the procedure

After your device restarts, you must configure it correctly to control and monitor your home’s temperatures. 

Note: A factory reset will remove any saved settings on your Nest thermostat and stored temperature data.

Quick Recap:

To fix your Nest Thermostat from not finding WiFi networks, restart your router and verify you have stable internet. Next, enable the 2.4GHz frequency band for compatibility and factory reset your Nest thermostat device.

Bottom Line:

Now that you know why your Nest thermostat can’t find any wifi networks, we hope you can resolve the issue with our fixes.

Please contact the Nest Thermostat support team if you still can’t resolve the issue.