Can’t connect learning thermostat to Google Home app during setup

[JohnBB]

We recently replaced our HVAC system in our FL condo. The installation included a new Google Nest Learning Thermostat. I’ve been using the Google Home app with our home in NH controlling a Google Nest thermostat (not a learning thermostat) and Nest WiFi. I added a new home to the app for our FL condo for the new thermostat.

I’ve been unable to connect the learning thermostat the Google home app. I’ve tried on 2 iPhones and an iPad. I’ve used two different Google accounts. After scanning the QR code, the app goes back to the Home Screen instead of continuing the setup. Entering the 6 digit code gets me to the connecting screen, but it never connects. I’ve restarted and factory reset the thermostat. It connects to WiFi with no issues. It seems like a Bluetooth issue.

I saw a post that mentioned resetting WWN, so I did that. It then mentioned an entry key which I realized was for the Nest app, not the Google Home app. When I downloaded the Nest app I was able to connect and control the thermostat! I can now see the thermostat in the Google Home app, but the functionality is limited to setting heat vs cold and adjusting and monitoring the temperature.

I thought the Google Nest Learning Thermostat only worked with the Google Home app. How is it working with the Nest app and why doesn’t it connect to the Google Home app? Is there any downside to controlling the thermostat with the Nest app? Obviously I’d rather use the Google Home app for this, but is there any reason not to use the Nest app since it seems to work?

Appreciate and ideas on this.

[CoolingWizard]

I use both the Google home app and the Nest app to control my nest thermostat. For example, I use the Nest app for the home and away feature and you are use it to adjust schedules and things like that. But if I just want to change the temperature I use a Google assistant which leads to the Google Home app to actually make the change to the thermostat. I simply have not found a downside to this approach so I haven’t gone one way or the other. Most of my home is controlled by the Google home app.

AC Cooling Wizard

[Patrick_Caezza]

@JohnBB 

The Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Gen, must be set up using the Nest app, and once that is done, it will sync with the Google Home app so that you can control it from there.

Only the Google Nest Thermostat (mirrored) can be set up using the Google Home app.

[JohnBB]

Thanks for your quick answer. I assumed you had to use the Google Home app for initial setup. Teach me to assume instead of reading the instructions which clearly say to use the Nest app. 

[Jake]

Hi JohnBB,

I wanted to check in and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know, as I would be happy to assist, and answer any questions you may have.

Best regards,
Jake

[EmersonB]

Hello everyone,

@JohnBB, just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need help, we would be happy to keep it open. If there's more we can do, just let us know.

I appreciate the help, Jake, CoolingWizard and Patrick_Caezza.

Regards,
Emerson

[JohnBB]

I appreciate everyone’s help. I’m all set. I’d close this thread myself if I could see how to do that. Can you tell I haven’t posted here before? 😎

[Jenelyn_O]

Hi JohnBB,

I'm glad to hear that everything is all set. We're only allowed to close threads. Please feel free to create a new one if you have any questions or concerns, as I'll be locking this thread after 24 hours. 

Thanks,

Jenelyn

[Jake]

Hey JohnBB,

Thanks for the helpful replies Patrick_Caezza, and CoolingWizard.

I wanted to follow up. Please let me know if you are still having any trouble from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further. 

Best regards,
Jake