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Second Nest Thermostat Won’t Connect to App: 5 Quick Fixes

Second Nest Thermostat Won't Connect To App

A Nest Thermostat is a convenient way to digitally control the HVAC system in your home.

Having more than one in your home can be a great way to regulate temperatures differently in different areas of the house, but it isn’t always easy to get it working properly.

If you’re having some issues getting your second Nest Thermostat connected, we have some fixes for you. 

If a second Nest Thermostat won’t connect to the app, it’s likely due to a poor WiFi connection, thermostat issues, an out-of-date Nest app, router settings, or improper setup. Fixes include checking the WiFi, restarting the thermostat, updating the app, adjusting router settings, or redoing set up.

Let’s take a closer look at these problems to help you determine why you can’t connect your Nest thermostat to the app—and how to fix it.


Why Can’t I Connect The Nest Thermostat To The App?


If you’re new to the world of home automation, you may not be familiar with setting up smart home devices or connecting them to their designated apps.

You’re likely unable to connect the Nest Thermostat to the app due to a poor or non-existent WiFi connection, a defective thermostat, an out-of-date Nest app, improper router settings, or skipped steps during initial setup.

While home automation is exciting, it’s frustrating when you run into problems.

Before discussing common fixes, let’s talk more in-depth about the problems with connecting a second Nest Thermostat to the app.

Poor or Non-Existent WiFi Connection

Smart home devices require WiFi to operate. They use WiFi to transmit signals so that the device works alongside hubs such as Google Home.

If your WiFi connection is poor or the connection has failed, the Nest Thermostat won’t connect to the app.

This is one of the most common problems with Nest Thermostats that refuse to connect.

You may also wonder: Will Nest Thermostat work without power?

The Nest Thermostat Needs Rebooting

The first course of action when dealing with technology is usually to reboot. This is a simple fix, but one that works a lot of the time.

Sometimes smart home devices like the Nest Thermostat end up freezing or glitching.

There are many benefits to restarting a device—it may clear out any bugs or errors and help connection issues.

The Nest App Is Out-Of-Date

Sometimes connection errors can develop if your app isn’t up to date.

When developers release an update to an app, they often fix bugs that can interfere with your use of the app. 

If you ignore those updates, then the Nest app won’t run to its full capabilities.

This means that you may run into more bugs and glitches the longer you keep the old version.

One of those problems include being unable to connect to your smart home devices.

Check out: Nest Sensor Not Connecting: 8 Causes & Fixes

WiFi Router Settings Are Blocking The Nest

Sometimes, a Nest app ends up blocked by a firewall or parental controls set on the router. 

Parents often set parental controls on their WiFi to ensure children aren’t messing with the thermostat.

Unfortunately, if the settings aren’t properly configured, it could prevent the Nest Thermostat from operating at all. 

Improper Nest Thermostat Set Up

Setting up your second Nest Thermostat to the app isn’t difficult, but it can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with the process.

If you miss any steps in the setup process, it could prevent the device from properly connecting to the app.

To ensure that the Nest Thermostat connects, you’ll need to follow all instructions included with the device and within the app.


5 Fixes For Connecting a Second Nest Thermostat To the App


If your Nest Thermostat refuses to connect to the Nest App, don’t stress! There are a few things that you can do to ensure the device properly connects.

1. Check Your WiFi Connection

Check Your WiFi Connection

This may seem like a simple fix, but it’s important to ensure that your WiFi is working properly. You can’t connect to your Nest Thermostat without it. 

So, test your WiFi connection before you attempt to connect your thermostat.

Ensure that your smartphone or other device connects to WiFi before opening the Nest app.

Another common issue is that your Nest app may not be working. Just like other apps, sometimes the Nest app goes down for a little while.

This is expected with any app, whether it’s an error or purposely done to correct issues.

It can be difficult to tell if the app isn’t working or if there’s a different issue. 

Thankfully, Google created this tool which keeps a live update regarding any issues within the Nest products. 

Check there first if you’re having any issues with connecting to the app.

2. Restart the Nest Thermostat 

This is a simple fix, but sometimes it’s necessary. 

Restarting the Nest device can fix issues when attempting to get your second thermostat connected.

If you haven’t already tried it, consider resetting your device with these easy steps: 

  1. Tap the right side of the Thermostat to open the menu. 
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Restart, then Yes. 

These steps will restart your device, allowing it to clear out any progress made and start from the beginning of the installation process.

From here, try connecting it to the app again. 

3. Ensure Your Nest App Is Up to Date 

You can easily check if you have the most up-to-date version of the Nest app by visiting the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on your device.

While there, you’ll be able to update the app if needed. 

If your apps do not automatically update, you can change that in your settings.

This allows your apps to update when you’re on Wifi without making you do it manually. 

There are also ways to have your device automatically update certain apps.

This is much nicer for those who don’t want to worry about updates going through at inconvenient times. 

Check out these resources for how to set up automatic updates with Google Play Store and the Apple App Store

After completing the update, make sure that you have completely closed the app and reopened it for the update to take effect. 

4. Reset WiFi Router and Check Settings

Sometimes if your WiFi connection isn’t strong enough, you can have issues getting your Nest Thermostat connected to the app. 

The best way to combat this is to reset your WiFi router. Unplug it completely for about 30 seconds.

Plug your router back in and give it a little while to reset. Once it’s back up and running, go ahead and try to connect to the app again. 

In addition, remove any parental controls before attempting to add a second Nest Thermostat.

The Nest app can also trigger issues with your WiFi firewall. This means that it may be flagged as spam or a security risk, even though it isn’t.

If you visit your WiFi provider’s website, you should be able to correct this. 

If you can’t do it online, then try calling your provider and see if they can make an exception.

You don’t want to completely get rid of your firewall protection. Just make sure you allow your Nest Thermometer app to bypass any restrictions. 

5. Follow All Connection Steps Carefully 

Follow these simple steps to set up your second Nest Thermostat: 

  1. On the Nest app, select the menu at the top left. 
  2. Select your home.
  3. Look for the Settings option on the right. 
  4. Select Add Product.

Following these steps carefully should allow you to successfully connect your second Nest thermostat to your home.

Make sure that you’re selecting your home in the menu tab. Otherwise, you may run into issues with connecting. 

Next, you need to sync your thermostat to the app. 

During this step, you will need the entry key. This will be displayed on your Nest Thermostat during the set-up process.

Make sure you enter that key carefully, as any errors will not allow you to properly set up your new device. 

If any of these steps are not working or you’re unable to follow them, then you may need to reach out to customer support for further help.

Here is the forum for posting Nest Thermostat-related inquiries. 

Be as detailed as possible during the description of the issue because the next step provides you with resources that may be able to help to troubleshoot. 

If that doesn’t work, then the next step is to call customer support.

Final Thoughts

Home automation makes our lives more convenient, especially when it comes to the Nest Thermostat.

Sometimes, however, setting up the device can seem like a hassle.

Issues like a poor WiFi connection, problems with the Nest Thermostat, an out-of-date app, blocked router settings, or improper setup can lead to frustration.

Fortunately, there are easy fixes.

Just check the WiFi connection, restart the Nest Thermostat, update the Nest app, adjust your router settings, or start setup from the beginning.

If all else fails, customer support is available for help with troubleshooting.

Read also: Nest Not Cooling To Set Temperature: 7 Causes & Fixes