(Solved) Wi-Fi error nest.com/w5
Recently, some Nest thermostat users have taken to online forums complaining about the thermostats not connecting to Wi-Fi. If you are one of the Nest thermostat users that have been experiencing the W5 error, then before replacing it, try troubleshooting using the solutions in this article.
Nest thermostat Wi-Fi error, also known as w5 is caused by an issue with the Wi-Fi chip. You can resolve this by resetting the Nest thermostat, updating the Nest thermostat system software, restarting your home Wi-Fi network, or get a free replacement from Google.
The w5 error is very annoying despite one being able to adjust the dial on the thermostat. However, you can’t control it remotely via Google Assistant or the Nest app. The good news is that you aren’t alone and that the issue can be fixed. If worse comes to worst then you can get a free replacement from Google.
Table of Contents
How to fix the w5 error on Nest Thermostat
Solution One: Reset Nest thermostat
The first solution to try out is by resetting the thermostat. This works on a Nest thermostat running on a 6.0 software version or later. To find out your thermostat’s software version, open Settings on Nest Thermostat and rotate until you see the ‘Software Card’. You should be able to see the software version there and you can press it again to view more details like the last updated date.
To reset the thermostat’s network settings, go to Settings and select ‘Reset’ then tap on ‘Network’. After the reset, you should restart the thermostat by selecting Settings, Reset, and finally select ‘Restart’. Wait for the thermostat to fully restart and then try to reconnect it to the Wi-Fi network by navigating to Settings and selecting ‘Network’. If this didn’t work for you, then try all system restart.
Solution Two: Update system software
Another solution to give a try is updating the Nest Thermostat’s software version which works especially if the thermostat has 5.1.9 or 6.0 software version. Before attempting this solution, ensure that you see the w5 error with an exclamation point in the Settings gear icon on the thermostat display. To enter the Settings menu, select the gear icon, and select ‘Software’. Finally, select ‘Update’ and then press the display again. The software update should go ahead and install itself if there’s a new update. Once the update is done, navigate to Settings and select ‘Network’, and confirm if you are able to connect t your Wi-Fi network. If you get an ‘Unable to check for a software update’ error, then highlight ‘Connect’ and then try again while ensuring that you’re connected to the network.
Solution Three: Restart your Wi-Fi network
Restarting your Wi-Fi network is the last solution which means that all devices connected to the network will be disrupted for a while. Before restarting the network, make sure that the Wi-Fi connection working and the rest of your home devices can connect to the network. Plug your Wi-Fi router from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in and then try connecting the Nest Thermostat to the network. Check and see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue still persists, then check the nest solution.
Solution Three: Get a free replacement
If the issue still persists, then don’t worry because Google has taken note of the issue and is doing a free replacement for all its users affected by this error. To get the free replacement, go to Google’s Nest support page and select your country to launch an online chat. The customer representative might go through the troubleshooting steps with you first before offering a free replacement. The replacement should arrive in a few days.
Issue |
Cause |
How to Fix |
Wi-Fi error/w5 on Nest Thermostat |
An issue with the Wi-Fi chip |
Check your Nest Thermostat software version and reset the thermostat.
Update the Nest Thermostat system software
Restart your Wi-Fi network
Get a free Nest Thermostat from Google by visiting the Google Nest support page and talk to a representative. |
FAQs
What does w5 help code mean exactly?
A w5 help code means that your Nest Thermostat can’t connect to Wi-Fi because of an issue with the Wi-Fi chip.
What happens to my Nest Thermostat if the Wi-Fi network goes down?
When the Wi-Fi network goes down, the Nest Thermostat goes offline but continues to function as usual. However, you won’t be able to adjust the settings with your phone or PC but you can still adjust them manually on the Nest Thermostat itself.