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The reset steps depend on your thermostat model. A 4th-generation Nest Learning Thermostat uses Settings > Factory Reset and is set up again in the Google Home app. A 3rd-generation-or-earlier Learning Thermostat uses Settings > Reset > All Settings and is set up again in the Nest app.
A factory reset is not the same as a restart: a restart preserves your settings, while a factory reset erases the thermostat’s stored configuration and requires setup again.
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Before you reset
Use Google’s model-identification guide if you are unsure which thermostat you have. The 4th-generation model is the newer design and uses Google Home. Older Learning Thermostats use the traditional rotating outer ring and the Nest app. The Nest Thermostat E follows the older Nest-app workflow but is a separate model.
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Before starting:
- On the thermostat, open Settings > Equipment and record the wiring configuration, system type, heating and cooling details, and safety temperatures.
- Take a clear photograph of the wiring and terminal labels. The reset does not require you to touch the wires, but setup may ask for equipment information again.
- Write down your Wi-Fi details, thermostat name and location, schedules, and other custom preferences.
- If you are selling or transferring the thermostat, arrange for the previous owner to remove or disconnect it from their account.
A factory reset cannot be undone. It erases thermostat settings, but it does not physically uninstall the thermostat, change HVAC wiring, or repair a hardware, transformer, Heat Link, or network fault.
#1 Best Overall
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
Factory-reset a 4th-generation Nest Learning Thermostat
- On the thermostat, open Settings.
- Select Factory Reset.
- Confirm the reset.
- Wait while the thermostat returns to its initial setup state.
Google’s current instructions group the 4th-generation Learning Thermostat with the current Nest Thermostat for this on-device reset path. Afterward, complete setup and add the thermostat to the Google Home app. You will need to reconnect Wi-Fi, select the correct home, confirm equipment information, and restore schedules and preferences.
To disconnect a 4th-generation thermostat from an account, Google lists a separate Settings > Account > Disconnect path. Disconnecting is an account action; it is not a replacement for the on-device factory reset when you want to erase the thermostat’s configuration.
Factory-reset a 3rd-generation-or-earlier Learning Thermostat
- If the thermostat is still linked, remove it from your account in the Nest app.
- On the thermostat, open Settings.
- Select Reset.
- Choose All Settings.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the thermostat to return to setup.
Google specifically instructs owners of older Learning Thermostats to remove the product from the account before choosing All Settings. Set the thermostat up again in the Nest app, then reconnect Wi-Fi, verify the HVAC configuration, and recreate your schedules.
Rank #2
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
Nest Thermostat E
The Nest Thermostat E is not a Learning Thermostat, but it belongs to the older Nest-app setup family. Use Google’s model-specific instructions rather than assuming the 4th-generation menu applies. Its reset and setup workflow is associated with the Nest app.
Factory reset, restart, and partial resets compared
| Goal | Correct action |
|---|---|
| Frozen or sluggish display | Restart the thermostat; settings are preserved. |
| Changed Wi-Fi credentials | Use the network or Wi-Fi change procedure rather than erasing everything. |
| Incorrect schedule | Reset the schedule only on an older model, if that is all that needs changing. |
| Moving to another home | Factory-reset the thermostat and complete setup in the new home. |
| Selling or giving away the thermostat | Remove or disconnect the account, then factory-reset the device. |
| Previous owner’s configuration remains | Have the previous owner remove it from their account, then reset and pair it again. |
On older Learning Thermostats, the Reset menu includes more than one option:
- Schedule: Deletes learned and manually configured temperature schedules.
- Home/Away: Erases learned occupancy behavior.
- Account connection: Unlinks the account, although the thermostat may remain visible as offline in the app.
- Network: Deletes Wi-Fi information.
- All Settings: Performs the full factory reset.
How to restart an older Learning Thermostat
If an older thermostat is frozen, try a restart before erasing its settings:
Rank #3
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
- Press the thermostat down until the screen turns off. Google says this takes about 10 seconds.
- Press and release the ring to turn the screen back on.
This reboots the thermostat without performing a factory reset.
What happens after the reset?
The thermostat should return to an initial setup state. Follow the prompts to:
- Choose language and basic preferences.
- Select the correct home and account.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Confirm the system and equipment configuration.
- Test heating, cooling, and fan operation.
- Recreate schedules, safety settings, and personal preferences.
The 4th-generation Learning Thermostat must be added through Google Home. Older Learning Thermostats and the Thermostat E use the Nest app. After setup, the thermostat may need time to relearn aspects of the home and usage patterns, so personalized schedules and energy-saving behavior will not immediately match the previous configuration.
Rank #4
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
If the reset does not solve the problem
A factory reset will not fix every offline, HVAC, or hardware problem. If the thermostat still cannot connect or operate correctly:
- Confirm that the Google Home or Nest app is current.
- Check that your phone and thermostat have internet access.
- Restart the modem and router.
- Check router firewall, parental-control, or other restrictive network settings.
- Compare the setup information with the wiring photograph and equipment labels.
- Use Google’s thermostat connection troubleshooting guidance.
If heating or cooling behaves abnormally after setup, stop and verify the equipment answers and wiring diagram. Do not experiment with HVAC terminals while power is on. For high-voltage systems, unclear wiring, incompatible equipment, or physical relocation, use a qualified professional; Google’s installation guidance provides a starting point.
Google’s current reset instructions are available at support.google.com. Menu labels can change with firmware, so use the model-specific path shown on the thermostat and Google’s latest support page.
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