This guide assumes the Nest device is already installed and functioning manually. This can be checked by using the Nest device UI to control the HVAC system, and verifying that equipment turns on and off as expected. If this is not the case, check the Google Nest installation instructions, or contact an HVAC professional for assistance.

Getting Started

To link a Google Nest Thermostat to LatchOS, you will need an Android phone with an active internet connection, and a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail address, you can create one for free, or follow Google's instructions to link external email addresses to Gmail.

Downloading the Provisioning app

The Google Device Provisioning app is not publicly available, so your Gmail address will need to be added to an allow-list. Contact support@latch.com for assistance with this. This Gmail address must be the same address that is used to log into the Latch Manager app. Latch Support will ensure that your account has the correct permissions when adding it to the allow-list.

Once this has been completed, the Google Device Provisioning app should be visible in the Google Play Store on your Android device.

Download the app and log in using your Gmail credentials. You should see a list of properties, including the property you will be installing Nest devices in.

Setting Up Units

Smart devices in LatchOS need to be added to Units. Prior to arriving onsite, it is recommended that you or the property manager create units for the spaces the thermostats will be added to. These units will show up in the Google Device Provisioning app.

Linking a Nest Thermostat

When adding a new device, you will be prompted to allow the Google Device Provisioning app permission to use Location and the Camera. These features allow for faster installs by reducing manual data entry.

For devices in a retrofit, ensure that the thermostat has been removed from any previous account, and reset to factory settings before attempting to link the device to LatchOS. 

The Google Device Provisioning app will ask you to scan a QR code. This can be found on the back of the Nest thermostat. The Google Device Provisioning app will use the information in the QR code to connect to the Nest thermostat. Both the Google Device Provisioning app and the Nest thermostat will have prompts to continue setup. The Google Device Provisioning app will provide the option to add a WiFi network to the Nest thermostat. This should be the network that the device will be on during normal operation, whether it be a building wide network, or one created by a Latch Hub in the same unit. Latch Hub WiFi credentials can be found in the Latch Manager app. If you are adding multiple thermostats to the same space, ensure that the Google Device Provisioning app and any existing thermostats in a space are on the same network when adding additional thermostats.

Once complete, you should see a screen similar to the one below.

Common Errors

• If you receive an error in the Google Device Provisioning app that says that the Nest device cannot be found and recommending that you move closer, the Nest device may not be available for a connection. To fix this issue, first try resetting network settings from the Nest device UI, and attempt to connect again. If this does not work, factory reset the Nest device from the Nest device UI, and configure it without a network. This should allow the device to connect to the Google Device Provisioning app.
• If you receive an error indicating that the Google Device Provisioning app cannot connect to an assisting device, ensure that any thermostats already added to a space, and the Google Device Provisioning app are on the same WiFi network.