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In the Google Home app, go to Home → Climate → your thermostat → Temperature mode, then choose Cool or Heat. Set a target temperature that calls for that system: lower than the room temperature for cooling, higher for heating. Available modes depend on your Nest model and the HVAC equipment it controls.
Switch between Heat and Cool in the Google Home app
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap Home, then Climate.
- Select the thermostat you want to change.
- Tap its current mode or the Temperature mode control.
- Choose Cool to use air conditioning, or Heat to use heating.
- Adjust the target temperature if you want the system to start: set it below the current room temperature for cooling or above it for heating.
For example, switching to Cool while leaving the target above the room temperature may not start the air conditioner. A mode change determines which equipment Nest may call; the target temperature determines whether there is a reason to call it. When Nest shows a heating or cooling indicator (often orange for heat and blue for cooling), it means the thermostat is requesting that system—not that it has verified the equipment is working.
Allow about five minutes before deciding the system has not responded. HVAC equipment may impose a minimum off-time or compressor-protection delay. In-floor radiant heating and other slow systems can take 30 minutes or longer to produce a noticeable temperature change.
Change the mode at the thermostat
The controls differ by model. Google’s mode instructions cover these common interfaces:
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
- Press the display toward the wall to open the menu.
- Turn the dial to Mode and press the display.
- Choose Heat, Cool, Heat • Cool, or Off, if available, then press to confirm.
- For Heat or Cool, turn the dial to set the target temperature.
Nest Thermostat with a touch bar
- Tap the touch bar to open the menu.
- Slide to Temperature mode and tap it.
- Slide to the mode you want and tap to confirm.
Nest Thermostat E and older Nest Learning Thermostats
- Press the thermostat ring to open the menu.
- Turn to Mode and press the ring.
- Select Heat, Cool, Heat • Cool, or Off, if available, and press to confirm.
Can you use the Nest app?
The Nest app remains an option for the Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen or earlier). Select the thermostat, tap Mode, choose the mode, and adjust the temperature with the dial. Newer models—including the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)—use Google Home for these controls. Exact labels and options can vary with model and installation. See Google’s guide to controlling a Nest thermostat with an app.
What the Nest modes mean
| Mode | What it does | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Calls for heating to reach the selected or scheduled temperature. | It does not normally call for cooling. |
| Cool | Calls for cooling to reach the selected or scheduled temperature. | It does not normally call for heating. |
| Heat • Cool | Can automatically call for heating or cooling to keep the home within a temperature range you set. | Set both the lower and upper boundaries. It has a separate schedule from Heat and Cool. |
| Eco | Uses energy-saving temperature limits on supported models. | It is not the same as Off. Some older models let Eco override scheduled temperatures; on the 2020 Nest Thermostat, Eco is handled as a preset. |
| Off | Disables normal heating and cooling operation. | Configured Safety Temperatures may still trigger the system in extreme conditions. |
Heat • Cool can be useful when a home needs heating overnight and cooling during a warm afternoon, such as in some desert climates. It does not mean the thermostat will switch automatically while set to ordinary Heat or Cool. Check the temperature range and schedule for the mode you select: Heat, Cool, and Heat • Cool can each have a different schedule, so a change can appear to reset the temperature you expected.
Rank #2
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
On supported models, Safety Temperatures are under Home → Climate → thermostat → Settings → Temperature preferences → Safety Temperatures. If you need to prevent even those calls, you may be able to turn the relevant safety limits off. That can expose a home to freezing or excessive heat, so consider the risk—especially before an extended absence. See Google’s explanation of Off mode and Safety Temperatures.
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Heat or Cool is not listed
Nest only displays modes supported by the system as configured. A heating-only system will not offer Cool or Heat • Cool; a cooling-only system will not offer Heat. A missing option can also point to equipment that was not detected during setup, an incorrect configuration, or an incompatibility. Do not buy a replacement thermostat or change wires based only on a missing menu option. Check the equipment and Nest’s compatibility guidance; ask an HVAC professional to assess uncertain wiring or system types.
Rank #3
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
The thermostat changes back or uses the wrong temperature
- Confirm the selected thermostat and its name, particularly in a home with multiple zones.
- Check the current mode’s schedule. Heat, Cool, and Heat • Cool can have separate schedules.
- Look for an active Eco setting or preset, a temperature hold that expired, or a Home/Away or presence-based automation.
Changing one thermostat in a zoned home does not necessarily change the others; each may control its own zone. See Google’s guidance on Nest thermostats and zoned systems.
The mode is right, but heating or cooling does not start
- Check that the target temperature is actually calling for the chosen system.
- Wait at least five minutes for equipment delays. Allow longer for radiant heat.
- Check that the HVAC system has power. Some homes have separate breakers or service switches for heating and cooling.
- Run the thermostat’s built-in system test, if available: open the thermostat in Google Home or the Nest app, select the mode or test control, choose Heat, Cool, or Fan, and follow the prompts. Check the air at vents or the output at radiators. Extreme outdoor conditions can prevent some tests.
- If an error appears, follow Google’s Nest help-code troubleshooting.
Google’s instructions for testing heating, cooling, and fan operation provide model-specific details. A fan setting is separate from the Heat/Cool choice; changing modes does not necessarily make the fan run continuously.
Rank #4
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Control the temperature with your voice using smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa[3]Nest Renew makes it simple to support clean energy right from home; it works with your Nest Thermostat[5] to help you automatically prioritize your usage[6] to times when energy is cleaner or less expensive.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. You can control your Nest Thermostat manually when there's no internet connection.
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]. | Control the temperature with your voice using smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa[3].
The thermostat is offline or missing from the app
If it is missing, it may not have been added to the account or fully set up. If it is offline, app controls may not work; use the thermostat itself if it remains operable locally, then restore connectivity before relying on app instructions.
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A heat pump uses the same outdoor equipment for heating and cooling, so its configuration matters. Do not change wiring or the reversing-valve setting as a guess. Nest compatibility depends on voltage, wiring, equipment type, stages, and accessories; some systems need a C wire or Nest Power Connector, while proprietary, high-voltage, millivolt, or complex systems may not be compatible. Google says a C wire or Power Connector may be needed in limited cases for the 4th-gen Learning Thermostat; do not assume it is or is not required for your installation.
Best Value
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page.Connectivity Protocol : ‎Wi-Fi.Connectivity Protocol : ‎Wi-Fi
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. Lock feature: No
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home; easily program an energy efficient schedule in the Google home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
- Savings Finder looks for more ways your thermostat can help you save, and suggests tweaks to your schedule in the app; check with your energy provider to learn more about rebates and more ways to save on a Nest thermostat
This is a mode-change guide, not a wiring procedure. If wiring needs inspection, switch HVAC power off at the breaker or fuse box first. Use the compatibility checker and get professional help for a heat-pump configuration, suspected wiring problem, repeated equipment or power errors, or a system that still fails after basic checks. If the thermostat is set correctly but the equipment does not run, a technician can distinguish a thermostat issue from an HVAC fault.
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