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To make a compatible Google Nest thermostat call for air conditioning, open the thermostat in the Google Home app, tap its temperature mode control, and choose Cool. Then set the target temperature below the current indoor temperature. You can also select Cool from the thermostat’s Quick View menu. Available modes depend on your thermostat model and the heating and cooling equipment connected to it.
Choose Cool in the Google Home app
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Open the Google Home app and select your thermostat.
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Tap the temperature mode control and choose Cool. Google’s app-control instructions explain how to select a mode; the available choices depend on the connected system.
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Set the target temperature lower than the current indoor temperature to create a call for cooling. Google’s installation guidance describes lowering the target to activate central air conditioning.
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Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Snow- 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
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Give the system time to respond. Google advises waiting at least five minutes when checking activation because many systems have a built-in delay. This is troubleshooting guidance, not a guarantee that every system will start within that time.
For model-specific mode details, see Google’s temperature modes guide.
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- 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]
Switch to Cool on the thermostat display
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Open Quick View on the thermostat.
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Select the mode icon, then choose Cool.
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Lower the target below the room temperature if you want cooling to start.
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The exact display controls and available modes vary by Nest model and installed equipment. Google’s thermostat display instructions describe the supported controls. Google’s mode guidance says the Nest app is compatible with Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation or earlier); app options can vary with the system.
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- 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].
Cool or Heat • Cool: which should you use?
| Mode | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | Runs cooling to meet the schedule or selected target. It does not call for heating, except for Safety Temperatures. | You want air conditioning only. |
| Heat • Cool | Can switch between heating and cooling to keep the temperature within a set range. | Your system supports both and you want the thermostat to manage a range, such as when the home needs heating and cooling on the same day. |
Heat • Cool is not necessary just to turn on air conditioning. Heat, Cool, and Heat • Cool each have their own temperature schedule, so select the intended mode before changing its schedule.
If Cool is missing or the air conditioner does not start
Cool is not an available mode
Mode choices depend on the connected HVAC equipment. If your home has only heating equipment, Cool and Heat • Cool may not appear. Selecting a software mode cannot add cooling capability to a system that does not have it.
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- 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 is in Off mode
Off disables normal scheduled heating and cooling, although Safety Temperatures can still activate the system. Select an operating mode before trying to change the target temperature. See Google’s Off mode guidance.
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Confirm that Cool is selected and the target is below the current indoor temperature, then allow for the equipment’s startup delay. Google recommends waiting at least five minutes during an activation check; slower systems may take longer.
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- 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
Cool mode produces warm air, or Heat mode produces cool air
If your system uses a heat pump, check its O/B orientation setting. Google’s guidance for reversed heating and cooling says to change the O/B setting when the selected orientation is opposite the system’s expected configuration, then test again. The correct orientation depends on the equipment, so do not change it simply as a guess.
A system test reports a cooling error
Google identifies help code T02 with a single-stage cooling problem and T03 with a two-stage cooling problem. Use Google’s help-code troubleshooting for next steps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Run a cooling test if needed
Google’s system test instructions say to choose Cool and lower the target until the thermostat indicates cooling, then check the system after about five minutes. A slower system may need longer. Testing may be blocked when weather conditions could put equipment at risk.
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