How to Reset Nest Thermostat, Step by Step Guide for Beginners

Introduction, why this guide matters

If your Nest thermostat is frozen, refusing to change temperatures, losing Wi Fi, or showing a blank display, a reset often fixes the problem fast. I see these issues all the time, for example the thermostat stuck on heat after a power outage, or schedules vanishing after a firmware update. A reset clears temporary firmware bugs, restores network connections, and gets your HVAC responding again.

This guide walks you through practical steps for how to reset Nest thermostat, from a quick reboot that keeps your settings, to a full factory reset when nothing else works. You will also learn simple checks for wiring and Wi Fi so the fix actually sticks.

Quick overview, three reset types explained

When people search how to reset Nest thermostat, three options come up: a soft restart, a network reset, and a factory reset.

A soft restart reboots the unit without erasing settings. Use it for a frozen screen, an unresponsive ring, or schedule glitches. It is fast, and keeps your Wi Fi and schedules intact.

A network reset clears Wi Fi and the Google Home link. Use it when the thermostat drops off your network, you change routers, or the app cannot find the device.

A factory reset wipes everything and removes the device from your account. Reserve it for selling, giving away, or when other resets fail.

When you should reset your Nest thermostat

If you ask how to reset nest thermostat, start with quick fixes before a full reset. Restart the thermostat, confirm Wi Fi and app firmware are current, and check wiring or C wire power. Reset the Nest thermostat when the display is frozen, the device ignores schedule changes, or the app repeatedly shows a different temperature after toggling settings. A factory reset removes schedules and connections, so use it only after troubleshooting saves time and preserves your settings.

What to back up and what you will lose

Before following a how to reset nest thermostat walkthrough, back up anything not synced to your Google account. You will likely lose local schedules, custom temperature presets, HVAC configuration, and fan cycles stored on the device. Google Home or Nest app usually preserves your account linked schedules, Home/Away preferences, and energy history, but you may need to re link the device. Quick prep: take screenshots of schedules, photograph wiring labels, note equipment and fan settings.

Safety checks and tools to have ready

Before you start how to reset Nest thermostat, shut off HVAC power at the circuit breaker and flip furnace switch. Have your Wi Fi name and password ready, and Home app on your phone. Bring a Phillips screwdriver, tape and pen to label wires, plus a camera to photo wiring.

Soft restart, how to reboot your Nest thermostat

If you searched how to reset Nest thermostat and want to avoid losing settings, a soft restart is the fastest fix. It clears minor glitches while keeping schedules and preferences intact.

Steps for common models:

1. Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E, press and hold the center of the display or metal ring for about 10 seconds.
2. New Nest Thermostat (2020), press and hold the face of the thermostat for about 10 seconds.
3. Release when the screen goes dark and the Google or Nest logo appears.

What to expect: the screen will go black, show the logo, then return to your home screen. Reboot time is typically 30 to 60 seconds. If the device still freezes, try a full power cycle at the breaker or a factory reset.

Factory reset, how to reset a Nest Learning Thermostat

Before you factory reset, take a photo of the wiring and note your Wi Fi password and schedule. That saves time when you set up again. For a Nest Learning Thermostat do this exact sequence.

1. Press the thermostat ring to wake it.
2. Turn the ring to Settings, press to select.
3. Scroll to Reset, press to open.
4. Choose All Settings or Factory Reset, press to confirm.
5. Wait while the unit erases and reboots to the Welcome screen.

After the reset remove the device from your Google account so it does not remain linked. Open the Google Home or Nest app, tap the thermostat card, go to Settings or Device information, choose Remove device or Remove product, confirm. If the thermostat already shows Welcome, removal still matters for account security. Remember factory resets are permanent, they delete your schedule and saved settings.

Factory reset, how to reset Nest Thermostat and Thermostat E

Before you factory reset, back up schedules, take screenshots, and try a restart first. Here is how to reset Nest Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E, step by step.

Nest Thermostat (newer model)

1. Press the thermostat ring to open Quick View, select Settings.
2. Scroll to Reset, choose Factory Reset, confirm.
3. The unit will erase schedules, Wi Fi, and account pairing.

Nest Thermostat E

1. Press the frosted ring button to open Settings.
2. Go to Reset, pick Factory Reset, confirm.
3. The interface is simpler than the Learning Thermostat, so options are fewer but the result is the same.

Difference from Learning Thermostat: the Learning Thermostat uses a spinning metal ring and may store learning data tied to your Nest account, so remove the device from the Google Home or Nest app after reset.

Reset network settings, reconnect to Wi Fi and Google Home

Start by clearing the thermostat network, this is the cleanest way to fix connection glitches. On the Nest, go to Settings, choose Reset, then select Network or Forget Wi Fi. Confirm, the thermostat will drop its saved networks.

To reconnect, open Settings, choose Network, pick your Wi Fi network, and enter the password exactly. If the Nest prompts, scan the QR code or follow the Google Home setup link. Then open the Google Home app, tap Add, Set up device, New devices, choose your home, and follow the on screen steps to re add the thermostat.

If it fails, try these troubleshooting tips:
Move the router closer or temporarily use a phone hotspot to test connection.
Ensure you use the correct band, some older Nest models prefer 2.4 GHz.
Reboot the router, disable MAC filtering, and confirm the Google account matches the Home app.

Common problems after a reset, and how to fix them

After a reset you may run into three common headaches: no heat or cool, your schedule vanished, or the thermostat shows offline. Here are quick, practical fixes that actually work.

If there is no heat or cool, first confirm the thermostat is set to the correct mode, and raise or lower the target temperature a few degrees above current room temp. Check the HVAC power switch and the circuit breaker. If the Nest screen shows a low battery, press the thermostat onto the base for 30 minutes to charge, then try again. Inspect wiring at the base for a loose C wire, which can cause power problems.

If your schedule disappeared, open the Nest or Google Home app and recreate a simple schedule, or enable Auto Schedule so Nest relearns patterns automatically.

If the thermostat is offline, reboot your router, verify Wi Fi credentials, move the router closer or use a 2.4 GHz network, then reconnect through the app. If problems persist, restart the thermostat from Settings and try connecting again.

Quick FAQ, concise answers to common questions

If you need to know how to reset Nest thermostat, quick answers below.

Does a reset erase energy history?
A factory reset clears the thermostat’s local settings, schedules, and the device stored usage data. If you keep it in your Google account, some cloud records may remain; take screenshots of any reports you want to keep before you reset.

How long does setup take after a reset?
Plan 5 to 15 minutes if you have Wi Fi name and password ready. Allow extra time for firmware updates, about 10 to 20 minutes in some cases.

When should I contact support?
Contact Google Nest support or an HVAC pro if the thermostat won’t power on, wiring labels look wrong, repeated errors show, or multiple resets fail to fix behavior.

Conclusion, final tips and prevention

Recap: knowing how to reset Nest thermostat includes soft resets, factory resets, and account restores. Prevent future resets by updating firmware and the Nest app, keeping Wi Fi stable, checking battery and wiring, and saving your schedule with screenshots. Next steps, try a guided reset, contact Google Nest support, or hire an HVAC technician for wiring issues.