Nest 4th Gen Thermostat - Error Code N416

[beyercj]

My thermostat display is showing a System issue with website (g.co/nest/n416).  The website is not valid and the error code n416 doesn't exist on the support page (https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9240096?hl=en#zippy=%2Cn-help-codes).  When I look at the wiring menu on the thermostat, it says N416: Electrical issue on W1 wire.  

This thermostat is connected to a gas boiler with 3 zones.  The boiler is working and the house is heating including the zone that this thermostat is connected to.

Anyone have any thoughts on what the issue is? 

[beyercj]

3 weeks after I restarted thermostat and the error code is back.  Another soft reset and the code has cleared for now

[MikeRN]

Its appearing almost daily for me now

[anagram_rice]

I would like to warn anyone who has yet updated their Nest from the Gen 1&2 offer... DO NOT UPGRADE TO A GOOGLE PRODUCT!! I made the mistake of trusting Google yet again, go with ecobee.  I have had Nest gen 1 for 14 years and no issues, installed the gen4 because of the forced update as they will no longer support App control and was a HUGE mistake. N416 error each time i start my heater, have to reset each time, the error provides a qr code that goes to nowhere as well as a url that does not resolve to any webpage. Google track record is terrible, no support I have had so much faith in them and in a decade I learned they leave you high and dry with no support. Chomebook, chrome web store, Nest secure, fitbit, stadia, chormecast, G-chats (hangouts), Google podcasts.....all of the products i've lost data and money, Google products have over a 50% discontinue rate..... It is a huge mistake to trust them with something that you want a long lasting product and support like thermostat control......

[MikeRN]

So I followed the advice above and chatted with support.  They had me change the Rh wire to the Rc terminal.  This did essentially nothing for the n416 error.  I asked repeatedly about a software patch and got nowhere.  Two levels of tech and they finally created a “consultation” with the engineering team.   I have 48 hours for a reply window.  Meanwhile, I’ll see if the n416 error returns tomorrow morning. 

[dabri85]

My thermostat also started showing this error after the update. I have a new (9 month) old system that was professionally installed, including the thermostat. No humidifier. It’s worked fine and still works fine even with the error. It’s an annoyance for me but clearly not a hardware /setup issue. 

[burntyeti]

I still recommend getting your system checked. I had to have hardware replaced in my air handler (under warranty) that was damaged by the Nest 4th gen. No issues with the 2nd gen previously and it worked for a week just fine before the latest update. You could smell the burnt electronic components. Don’t think your unit is running “ok” with the error. It’s not. Save yourself from a bigger issue and don’t dismiss having a pro check it out. Mine “worked fine” but wasn’t blowing hot air with the heater on. Once I got up there and could smell the damaged hardware after personal inspection I got a local tech I trust out right away. He showed me what happened and explained that this has been an ongoing service call for folks installing the new Nests. Typical of Google to cover up this issue. If they don’t refund me for these Nests for the $650 service charge to have my unit repaired I recommend we all begin our class action.

[beyercj]

What was the issue and was it caused by the Nest thermostats?   

[burntyeti]

One of the contact boards was zapped inside the air handler. The tech said he smelled it right away like it had been fried and then took the voltimer to it and it was producing sub 2 ohms when those units are supposed to produce (if I remember correctly) around 16 ohms. It was bad and it wasn't the first one he replaced that day with the exact same issue.

Customer installed or had a pro install their new 4th gen Nest thermostat replacing the old, some had worked a week or so since they got the replacement - just like mine, but  as soon as that update hit boom! We started seeing the error, but we were running the AC and not thinking anything of it...until it got cold for a few days and we wanted to run the heat. The tech replaced the bad part and put the power back on. We tested the heat again. Voila! Fixed.

Haven't had the error message again. The downstairs system did not suffer the same fate, but tech was specific to mention he had seen it amongst several brands. Trane and Carrier were the ones he services the most with the issue.

[MikeRN]

there appears to be a software update to 2.3-2 that has illicited an error message in many users after the system has worked flawlessly for many months.  I wake up to a System Error with a QR code and a URL that lead nowhere.  If you reset the thermostat, it goes back to the normal function until it seems to sit idle (thing lower temperature while you're sleeping).  When the thermostats kicks the furnace back on, the error message appears.  It greets me almost every morning at this point.  I'm waiting for a newer version of the software that fixes this glitch.

[MikeRN]

Morning Update, after spending 2 hours on the chat last night, the n416 error was back this morning.  The heat was working, but system issue was detected and displayed despite the Rh wire being on the Rc terminal at the advice of the tech.  I'm certain they are just following a script when they see an error code.  

It's also annoying that the URL on the thermostat leads nowhere, and the installation doesn't go according to the instructions and you had to basically figure it out on your own.  My 1st generation was working perfectly before they decided to sunset the support.

I think I'm gonna switch is back to the Rh spot and await the engineering update.  I'm willing to beta test the software update for them and told them that.  

[Yarrokon]

N416 Error continues even after resetting... I guess I need to go buy something else. 🤬

[MikeRN]

I've reset mine a couple times, I had a ticket opened and elevated to engineering.  Waiting for a response

I told them I'd be willing to beta test any software

[Yarrokon]

So for me, I fully pulled mine a part. Pulled the wires, blew air into each old and inserted the wires back in fully. I've not gotten the error again in the past two days. I hope this fixes it but not sure as others here have done the same thing and it starts to fail again after a few days. We'll see!

[Brighton036]

I'm also getting the N416 system error and have to reset my thermostat almost daily. If nothing else, Google should rectify the URL/QR code so it leads to a valid site, as it does not instill a lot of confidence that they are aware of the issue or are able to help troubleshoot the problem. 

[burntyeti]

Basically it’s telling you there’s a hardware failure in your previously working system caused by their bad software update. Even if you are getting heat/cold air now, a component in your system is damaged. Get a tech out there and send Google the bill. I did.

[odie213]

where exactly did you send it? I'm trying to figure out how to send them my bill..

[burntyeti]

To file a claim for property damage caused by a Google Nest device and submit your bills for restitution, you must

contact Google Nest customer support directly through their official help channels. Google's official support process is the primary way to initiate such a claim; there is no specific mailing address for general bill submissions. 

Steps to File Your Claim

1. Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant information before contacting support:
   • Your name and contact information.
   • The serial number of the Google Nest device (found on the device or original packaging).
   • Proof of purchase (receipt or order details).
   • Detailed description of the damage and circumstances.
   • Photos or videos of the damage.
   • Copies of all damage bills and repair estimates for which you seek restitution.
2. Contact Google Nest Support Online: This is the most effective initial contact method.
   • Go to the Google Nest Help "Contact Us" page.
   • Select the relevant product or category and briefly describe your issue (e.g., "property damage claim", "device caused fire/water damage").
   • Follow the prompts, selecting options that lead to a support specialist (you may need to select "Other" or skip suggested resources).
   • Choose your preferred contact method (phone call, chat, or email) based on availability.
3. Explain the Situation and Provide Documentation: When you connect with a support specialist, clearly explain that the device caused property damage and that you are seeking restitution. They will provide instructions on how to formally submit your documentation (bills, photos, etc.).
4. Follow Up: If the initial process does not lead to a resolution, you may need to pursue other options, such as sending a formal demand letter via certified mail to Google's corporate address if legal action (like small claims court) is being considered. The support team will guide you through their specific claims process. 

[NateZ88]

Installed 4th gen thermostat last night. Came back from work just now and it shows this error. Link doesn’t work. Only boiler is connected to the thermostat through W1 and RC wires. Heat is working (not sure if correctly though - radiators are barely warm) but error doesn’t go away. It was and will be around 20F this week in NYC and I don’t want to go popsicle overnight if this thing blows my boiler or something like that. When is the fix?

[dabri85]

While my system is running, I am not convinced that there isn’t an underlying issue with a board. Repair place is coming Monday to check everything out for my peace of mind. Manufactures warranty is still active. Will update here with the results. 
It would be wonderful if Google team could post definitively what the deal with this error is.

It’s  clearly new with the last software update.

The link for the error doesn’t even work.

Does Google believe the error is correct and the thermostats are picking up on issues existing with the system which weren’t previously watched for?

Is the conditions for reporting this error faulty and giving a false positive?

Or is the error correct and the thermostat update is somehow responsible for causing the issue?

Without clear guidance on this, users are going to spend money trying to get answers or waste time waiting for a software update that may never come because there is an actual issue.

Minimum communication on this should at least let us know Google team is aware, looking into the issue, and when we can expect an update. 

[dabri85]

Repair place came and checked the health of the system. Everything is working as expected. Boards look good and voltage checks out. There was one slightly loose wire connection which they redid but they didn’t think it was related. They suspect it’s software issue and offered a different brand thermostat. Opting to stick with Google as I have a nest upstairs and don’t want to hear from my wife about the annoyances of using two separate apps for two different thermostats. Will keep an eye on the system to see if the error comes back or anything changes.

[MikeRN]

My replacement thermostat is coming tomorrow for my upstairs.  The downstairs thermostat is working flawlessly.  I’m hoping there was just a bad batch and this resolved the issue. 

[Yarrokon]

I pulled all the wires on mine, blew all the connectors out, reseated them until the wire would not go any further into the base unit and I've not had an error in about a week so far. 🤞

[EduardoN · Accepted solution]

Hey everyone,

We wanted to clarify that N help codes on your Nest Thermostat’s display are intended to be informational notes, whereas E help codes represent critical errors that should be fixed as soon as possible. Help codes N416 - N423, in particular, refer to your thermostat encountering an overvoltage or overcurrent event. You can review what other codes mean for your device in our Help Center article.

Your thermostat cannot induce or affect events that trigger a N help code. The thermostat hardware is monitoring the current and voltage levels on each circuit, and one of these help codes is surfaced if a threshold is crossed over a period of time. Resetting the thermostat will clear the event count and code, but the N help code will reappear if that event threshold is crossed again.

If you’re observing unusual behavior with your HVAC equipment, these notes can help an HVAC professional diagnose the issue. If your HVAC equipment is behaving as expected, you can ignore these notes, as intermittent overvoltage or overcurrent events are normal on some systems.

But we hear you. These notes can be confusing, and the team is currently exploring a software update to the 4th Gen Nest Thermostats to address the frequent visibility of these messages.

Thank you for the feedback.

Best regards,

Eduardo

[jaythmp]

I was forced to upgrade two 2nd generation Nest thermostats to 4th generation models that control separate forced hot air HVAC systems (both installed within the past 5 years). Both thermostats reported N420 codes within 24 hours of each other in the first week of December. It's either an incredible coincidence that both HVACs' electrical systems failed in the same way at the same time, or a Nest software update caused the error.

I have reinstalled the 2nd generation Nest thermostats, losing remote control capabilities, and the thermostats and HVAC systems are operating normally.

During troubleshooting, I experienced most of the issues that others have reported in this thread.

1. Stage 2 heating would work during the system test but fail to start during normal operation

2. Restarting the Nest would clear the issue for a few minutes to a few hours

3. The error would not clear itself without restarting the Nest or running a system test

4. The system would run the HVAC fan (no heat) without issue

At this point, what is Google's recommendation for next steps? Refund the 4th gen Nest thermostats that may not be compatible with common HVAC systems (as compared to working 2nd gen Nests)? Wait for a system update?

[burntyeti]

I forced Google’s hand and had them refund me. It was a process, but they gave me all my money back.

[dabri85]

thanks Google for the information as it’s very useful in understanding the message. 
however….
Industry Standard system messages are generally

information - i

warning - w

error - error

an n prefixed code is not intuitively read as an informational message.

An informational message with a cryptic format code that is prominently displayed with a broken link, ! Image, and text indicating a “System Issue” is not communicating the right message. It communicates a system issue. 
A system issue communicates to most that a tech needs to be brought out which costs $$$$.

Unless Google wants to start covering these costs, I advise adjusting the threshold so that this isn’t popping up on systems that are working fine. I would also strongly urge the team to reassess the format of the informational messages being shared so they are clearly informational. And please fix the dead links. 

[xforce11]

I agree I had a 2nd gen Nest from 2012 - 2025 with 2 different HVAC units and never had issues until I installed my 4th gen (bought through Nest when I got the letter from them about the 2nd gen being sunset). Since I switched to head (gas) I've been getting the N416. I'm trimmed wires and checked connections. I know when the error occurs b/c the system is blowing cool air not head. I reset the Nest and it is back to heat. Nest needs to fix this!