How to Reset the Entry Key on a Nest Thermostat Without any Hassle

If you’re facing the dreaded “This Thermostat is connected to an account” error when trying to access your Nest Thermostat’s entry key, you came to the right place.

The Nest Thermostat is a life-changing smart gadget, but it can be finicky to set up.

Thankfully, we have the solution you’re looking for.

Here are a few ways to reset or fix the entry key on your Nest Thermostat:

1. Check the Nest server status.
2. Change the firewall settings on your WiFi router.
3. Restart the Nest Thermostat.
4. Perform a complete factory reset on the Nest Thermostat.
5. Contact the previous owner to unpair the Thermostat.
6. Check the WiFi router for compatibility.
7. Contact Nest support to replace your Nest Thermostat.

This article will cover the solutions mentioned above to fix your Nest Thermostat entry key so that you can pair it with the rest of your smart home network.

1. Check the Nest Server Status

Before you spend the next couple of hours figuring out why you can’t get an entry key, you should check the Nest server status first. You can do this by clicking the following link: status.nest.com

The Setup & Pairing and the Nest Thermostat systems must show OK.

You can’t retrieve an entry key if the servers are down.

This is because the Nest Thermostat relies on the cloud for authentication.

Even though the Nest Thermostat is connected to your home network, it needs a stable Internet connection.

If the Nest servers are online, check your WiFi router.

You can’t get an entry key in the middle of an Internet outage.

Restarting your WiFi router should fix your Internet connection.

2. Change the Firewall Settings on Your WiFi Router

Google explains that high-security firewall settings on your network can block the Nest Thermostat.

Firewalls are set in place to protect your network from attackers.

However, an overactive firewall can block your devices from retrieving data from servers.

If you’re tapping on the Nest Account option on your Thermostat, but the entry key isn’t showing up, it’s probably the firewall.

The solution for this is to disable or lower the firewall security settings or, even better, to whitelist your Nest Thermostat.

You can do this in your router’s settings. Here’s how:

1. Connect to your router through Ethernet on a computer or WiFi on a smartphone or tablet.
2. Open your web browser and type “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. One of these should be the default gateway for your router. If neither are, check your router’s manual.
3. Log in to your router. The default username and password are “admin” and “password” respectively. Sometimes, the password can be blank. If neither works, check the router’s user manual.
4. Open the Firewall Settings.
5. Open the Firewall’s whitelist and type in your Nest Thermostat’s MAC address. You can find it by opening the Nest app > Settings > Select Nest Thermostat > Technical Info > MAC address.
6. If you can’t whitelist the Nest Thermostat, change the Firewall security level from High/Medium to Low.

I strongly discourage you from completely disabling the firewall.

That’s just asking for trouble.

You’ll give hackers free access to your WiFi if you disable it.

Try accessing your Nest Thermostat entry key now.

3. Restart the Nest Thermostat

If you don’t want to perform a reset because you’ll lose all the preferences your Nest Thermostat learned, restart the device instead.

A restart can fix most issues with entry keys, connectivity, bugs, freezes, etc.

Restarting your Nest Thermostat won’t delete any of your settings.

It’s just like your computer or smartphone.

The Nest Thermostat will turn off and back on to clear any bugs in its memory.

Here’s how to restart your Nest Thermostat:

1. Press the Thermostat ring.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Use the Thermostat ring to select Reset.
4. Select the Restart option.

Once the device has restarted, open the Nest Account setting to see your entry key.

4. Perform a Complete Factory Reset on the Nest Thermostat

If all else fails, there’s always the factory reset option.

Unfortunately, a complete reset entails losing all your personalized data and settings.

Nonetheless, a reset is a quick and effective solution that resets the entry key for your Nest Thermostat.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the Nest Thermostat:

1. Press the Thermostat ring.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Use the Thermostat ring to select Reset.
4. Select All Settings.

If your Nest Thermostat is frozen, remove the batteries from the device and replace them. 

On the Nest Thermostat E and Learning Thermostat, pressing and holding the Thermostat for 10 seconds resets all settings.

5. Contact the Previous Owner to Unpair the Thermostat

If you bought a used Nest Thermostat or the device came with your new house, it’s probably connected to the previous owner’s Google account.

If that’s the case, you’ll get a message saying the device is already linked when you try to see the entry key.

The easiest solution is to contact the previous owner.

Kindly ask them to remove the Nest Thermostat from their Google account on the Nest or Home app.

6. Check the WiFi Router for Compatibility

Google states that not all WiFi routers work with the Nest Thermostat.

If your router is incompatible with the Thermostat, you won’t see the entry key.

Since there are thousands of different routers on the market, the easiest way to troubleshoot this is to test another router. 

Borrow a WiFi router from a relative or friend and test the Nest Thermostat with it. If you can see the entry key, you’ll have to replace your WiFi router.

7. Contact Nest Support to Replace Your Nest Thermostat

If you just got the Nest Thermostat and can’t see the entry key, you should contact Nest Support.

Electronic devices can be dead on arrival (DOA). 

Your Nest Thermostat might seem like it’s working correctly, but it isn’t.

Besides, what’s the purpose of a smart thermostat if you can’t use its “smart” features.

Final Thoughts

A restart or complete factory reset on your Nest Thermostat will reset your entry key. 

You should also check your WiFi router’s firewall and your Internet connection.

If the Nest Thermostat doesn’t have Internet access, you can’t pair your smartphone to the Thermostat.