Nest 1st to 4th Gen Upgrade

[RAB77]

I have several 1st Gen Nests that are installed with trimplates. I now need to upgrade to the 4th Gen. Are there any instructions available for this upgrade? Is it as simple as removing and replacing the old with the new 4th Gen trim plate? Do the holes for the two base plates line up the same?

[jenniffert · Accepted solution]

Hi RAB77,

Thanks for posting in the community! I understand that you’re upgrading your Nest Learning Thermostats (1st gen) with trim plates to the newest Nest Learning Thermostats (4th gen). You’re wondering if there are specific instructions for the trim plate installation, and if the new trim plate will use the same mounting holes as the old one. I can definitely help you with this!

Addressing your concerns, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) has a new design for the base and trim plates, so the screw holes may not line up exactly. The upgrade requires a full installation, and both the Google Home app and the included quick start guide provide step-by-step instructions. You can also find more information in this article: Install your Nest thermostat.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Best regards,

Jenniffer

[NXR]

I replaced a 2nd generation thermostat that has a rectangular trim plate with a 4th generation thermostat today and did not want that new oval trim plate. Once I took the old base off I saw that there are four small "tabs" where the new base sets. I busted those off and the new 4th generation base sits flat, fits fine, the screw holes lined up, and it looks great when the 4th generation thermostat is installed on the base.

[jenniffert]

Hi NXR,

Thanks for posting in the community! I really appreciate you sharing this step-by-step breakdown of how you were able to reuse the existing rectangular trim plate by removing the four small tabs on the new base. This is a great tip that will definitely help others in the community.

Keep me posted.

Best regards,

Jenniffer

[NXR]

Thanks! The four little tabs actually are on the 2nd Generation trim plate, not the 4th Generation base. Those tabs kept the base from sitting flat until I cut them off with side cutters.

[jenniffert]

Hi @NXR,

Thanks for the important correction! My apologies for misunderstanding where those tabs were located.

Knowing that the four small tabs are on the Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd gen) trim plate instead of the 4th generation model is a great detail, and I really appreciate you clarifying this. It makes your excellent workaround much clearer and more accurate for everyone in the community.

Keep me posted.

Best regards,

Jenniffer