Nest Thermostat Suddenly can't find ANY wifi network. Are replacements still sent out?

[rgaila]

Disclaimer: This thread was migrated from our previous version of the Google Nest Community. You can continue to receive updates on your thread issue here or simply ask, browse or more in the new Google Nest Community.

Original Poster: Brittin Fontenot 

I woke up today and my Nest Learning Thermostate can no longer detect or connect to a WIFI network. The device has been working fine with the same router and network for 2.5 years. The display says "Your WiFi network could not be found" and when I go to WiFi settings it says "Searching. No Networks found yet." Does Nest still send out replacements for the bad wifi problems these devices have had since 2020?

It looks like I'm having the same issues shown here: https://support.google.com/googlenest/thread/19997505/w5-error-problem-have-tried-all-the-troublesho...

I've tried all the troubleshooting steps here:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9249211?hl=en&ref_topic=9362023#zippy=%2Creset-your-the...

I've checked that my settings are all correct:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9240155?hl=en-GB#zippy=%2Ccheck-that-your-router-and-ne...

Model: NEST_THERMOSTATE_DISPLAY_3.4

Software Version: 6.1-9

[dgalis]

Im having the same problem.

[DAB]

Same issue here; mine quit Christmas Day. Thankfully it kept the furnace running so the house didn’t freeze up in this -37 C polar vortex. Not impressed with googles response to all who have approached for support.

[Mantas91]

Mine is doing the same thing, just started a couple days ago. Bought from Costco a year ago hopefully I still have warranty. 

[Jordy2]

I also had the problem in oktober 2021, got a replacement thermostat and this one also has the problem. It worked fine for 1 or two months but now it does also not search for networks. It just says it cant find them directly.

[tpurk]

Same issue here. Google support determined that my thermostat is "broken" and now I'll have to buy a new one. Pretty ridiculous that they won't stand behind their products or offer any type of replacement discount due to their products failing.

Now I regret spending all that money on google cams, etc. Hopefully they last more than a few years...

[Docklander]

And another one bites the dust!

From support - "I see, given the status of the warranty for this Nest Learning Thermostat and the issue we are only able to consider a possible replacement if the device was still within its warranty period"

[Docklander]

[cheman2608]

This totally sucks.  MIne lasted exactly 25 months!!  Crapped out 2 days before Christmas and we were away, so I couldn't deal with it until a week later.  Now it looks like all is lost and I will have to use this piece of crap as a manual thermostat?  Not what I signed up and paid $250 for !!  Nest sucks!

[Docklander]

If your Nest Thermostat loses wifi connection and is out of warranty, there is no point contacting customer services. These cost around £200 and seem to last a maximum of two years. Are they worth £8 a month?!

[Kipp61]

Same issue. All troubleshooting steps attempted, no change. Still cannot see ANY wifi networks. Was working fine. 

[ilemming]

Has anyone ever tried or perhaps heard of someone attempting to start a class-action lawsuit on this issue? I'm not a lawyer, but if hundreds (or maybe even thousands) of consumers are affected by it, then maybe this issue fits well for a case against Google?

[Mike-KC]

I'll be glad to sign on, if someone initiated the class-action.  It seems to be really common, and the answer is always the same to all of us.

[moto1]

why can't they fix the issue that everyone is having... a software update perhaps?  Should be too difficult.  Wouldn't this be a possibility if we could download something on the App?  It just seems sketchy that it flat out dies right when the warranty expires... 

[Scott1971]

It appears whoever Google is using to build their products and or components is having a terrible qa/qc.  After a bunch of nonsense trouble shooting, it was returned and replaced with a new one.  Connected perfectly right out of the box.

Bought the new pixel 6 pro...we know what disaster that has been and again it is qa/qc related.

Maybe they just don't care enough long term.  All their eggs going into the quantum computing basket.  The hell with the rest?

[nwloop]

Hey, add me to the list. Mine crapped out yesterday and after an hour with Nest Support, I was told that nothing could be done since it was past the warranty period. Then the CSR had the gall to try to sell me the cheaper version for only $129 or a replacement for $249! I replied, "why would I throw good money after bad reinvesting money into an obviously failed tech gadget?" No good answer. He proceeded to tell me that this worked perfectly fine as a manual thermostat. To which I replied, "Seriously? A $249 paperweight of a "smart" thermostat that only performs the functions of a $30 dumb one?" They really need to update their speaking points for their CSRs a bit better. I know that they are only the messengers, these CSRs, but when they start parroting the stupidity from upstream then really . . . At any rate, a $249 thermostat should not only have built-in obsolescence of less than 5 years. 

[Mike-KC]

I've now posted reviews to 6 different seller sites, and commented on another 5 "professional" reviews.

Hopefully we can warn people to avoid this thermostat like the plague (or at least COVID? 🙂 )

[cheman2608]

Mine crapped out after just over 2 years of working perfectly.  I am very disappointed with Google and its customer service.  Add me to the list for any class action!!

[TheFoozlesnorf]

Add mine to the list as well.
Mine was "purchased" 14Aug2019 along with the solar panels for my house, but probably didn't get to me for another week or 2 and then another few weeks for me to get around to actually installing it. And now that's winter(ish) and the gf wants the heat on I can't even access it (around Nov2021). Only thing I was able to find was the google troubleshooting steps and ZERO way of actually contacting Google Support until recently.  Btw (google support #(650) 2############).  And of course Now I'm out of warranty.
Sounds more like a scam to me, they push an update out to their product just around warranty timeline on the device, fry it, and expect people to give up and just buy another one without making much fuss.
You hear me google??  This will be getting posted on ALL the social media networks!!

[JoeCon79]

Looks like I’m joining the crowd 😕 As of Friday evening mine suddenly can’t find the wifi network.. even though two nest cams and 4 nest protects can. I’ll start my annoying support call battles first thing Monday morning.. what a waste of money. 

[cheman2608]

Yeah, it sucks that they would not support this product.  If this is a problem with the product they should change vendors for the problem component  Their QC sucks.  They are fat and happy making a killing in the market and losing track of why they exist.  This is what happened back when the telephone company conglomerates were broken up.  Come on, let's be fair, Google.  Very disappointed.

[NewBlacksmurf]

Im having the same issue with one Thermostat. Reading the comments I don’t feel great. 

I’ll go down the path and see what outcome I get. 

[wilsontang]

Im having same issue multiple reset and still having issue

[Rico3546]

Mine Just went offline.  Tried to reset and unable to connect it back to the app.  Keep getting trouble finding a Wifi network TD004 (3.65).

Phone, TV and laptop are fine.

[CaptCrunch71]

Having the same problem...did Nest get hit with a cyber attack on the thermostat's. Seems odd so many are 'suddenly' not working the same month? Mine also has worked just fine over the last 2.5 years...just too curious. There seems to be a multitude of failed units, with different longevity..failing at the same time...too odd.

[clicastri]

I've had 2 of these fail. I think I've had it with Nest. Each failure was about 1 week after the warranty expired.

[TheFoozlesnorf]

@CaptCrunch71, exactly. Cause they are running a huge expensive scam. Push an update right after warranty ends and say "so sorry you've got to just buy another $250 product". Funny it was working fine for 2 years, then BAM no works RIGHT after the warranty ends....

[CaptCrunch71]

I had the same problem...discovered it was my router firewall was on...turned firewall off..thermostat now connects

[NewBlacksmurf]

Specific to your comment, did you have only one Thermostat or two?
I don’t think this makes sense as I’ve had no issues for a full year in our new home and 0 issues with a prior unit that I sold for 2+ years in our first home. 

Asking because my home has two using the same WiFi (Google WiFi at that) with plenty of coverage (4 wired pucks).   

[tpurk]

I only have one thermostat. I also have 3 nest IQ Cams, a doorbell, and Google speaker hooked up to my wifi (no issues with those.)

[CustomerX]

i have one thermostat ( gen 2 )..and lots of smart lights, switches, alexa etc…but when i enabled my router firewall..i lost connection to the Nest.

[clicastri]

Interesting...  I have 2 thermostats and 1 remote sensor

[Kipp61]

I’m beginning to suspect it’s not physical hardware related. My gut tells me based on all of us experiencing the issues starting around December, it feels like a soft or firmware update that was pushed out over wifi that basically corrupted the wifi chip or software. And, since we can’t reconnect to wifi they can’t push out a correction. Nice job Google!

[cheman2608]

Thanks, Kipp61.  What you suggest makes sense.  I have tried all of the suggested fixes with no success.  WiFi connectivity is central to the reason I and probably most others buy this thermostat.  I am not sure where to go next.

[moto1]

Yet, why doesn't anyone get a response from technical support or software push to fix?  No one from Google jumps on this forum to resolve.

[cheman2608]

I have 2 thermostats.  It is the learning one that I have a problem with.  The other, that only controls heat is still connected to WiFi.  I have an Eero mesh WiFi and the thermostats were not having a problem for a little over 2 years, then the learning one lost connection right before Christmas.   I tried multiple resets and other FAQ suggestions.  NADA   Someone suggested that I turn off my Eero 5G temporarily and try to connect.  This did not work for me.

[TheFoozlesnorf]

Nice, I wish mine was just a firewall issue. Nope just getting the W5 error now and it can't even find ANY wifi and doesn't even try anymore.

The dial spins real nice though and it looks purdy. So there's that I guess.

[tpurk]

same here

[Natveals]

I am having the same problem. How do I get a replacement?

[Mike-KC]

If your thermostat is under warranty, just contact support.  If, like the rest of us, it fails right aftre the warranty expired, then you must purchase a new one.
Of course, based on my experience with the device and with support, I wouldn't recommend replacing it with another Nest - Better off with one of the more reliable competitors.

[blargg]

My unit's WiFi was dead on a unit fresh out of sealed packaging, never even used yet. It was bought a few years ago so I'm probably out of luck. Fool me once...