How to set nest thermostat to hold temperature without app

To GG1968:

If I understand your question, the Nest Learning model does have almost the equivalent of what a regular not-smart thermostat calls a Permanent Hold.  It's Eco Temperature.  If you set your Eco temperature to 62, and turn on Eco mode, then the Nest will tell your heating system to heat to 62, all the time.  (That's if you're running heat, but it's the same principle if you're cooling.  I don't know how Eco temperature(s) work if you're asking the Nest to switch automatically between heating and cooling to maintain the same temperature at all times.)  It's only "almost" equivalent because your Eco temperatures for heating are restricted to the range of 40 to 70, at least on our model.  If you want to hold at 72, for example, you do have to reprogram the Nest manually as davidking writes.

It can be very frustrating when your thermostat settings keep changing from your settings, or you can’t seem to maintain a temperature that you like. But it’s very easily fixed.

There are three types of Google Nest Thermostats, and which method you need to use is very dependent on which Nest Thermostat you own:

1. Nest Thermostat
2. Nest Learning Thermostat
3. Nest Thermostat E

The Nest Learning Thermostat is the most expensive because it learns what you like. The Nest Thermostat E is cheaper but also does the same thing.

We’ll start with setting the original Nest Thermostat to hold the temperature you desire. It’s pretty straightforward, and you can do it either in the home app or on the Nest Thermostat itself.

Set through the Google Home app

First, you must navigate your Nest app on your phone or tablet. Then select your Thermostat on the opening screen.

Make sure that your Thermostat is set to “Heat,” “Cold,” or “Heat • Cool.” If it’s not on one of these settings, this won’t work. Then select the “Hold Temperature” feature.

Set the desired temperature that you want it to hold. Then you must select what time you want the temperature hold to end.

Note that with the “Eco Mode,” you can select “none,” and the Thermostat will hold the desired temperature until you change it again.

You should be able to set your Nest Thermostat to hold temperature for up to 24 hours. Press start, and your temperature hold should begin.

Set through the Nest Thermostat

Setting a specific temperature is even easier on the Nest Thermostat itself.

First, you’ll need to go to the menu view on your Thermostat and select the “Hold” option. Select “Eco Mode” to hold the temperature indefinitely, or use the “Current Temp” settings to pick how many hours you’d like the hold to last.

Choose “Confirm,” which will activate your hold.

With either option, if you wish to change the set temperature, you’ll have to end the hold first. It’s straightforward: select the “Hold Temperature” icon and choose “Stop.” Then you’ll be free to set a new hold or change the temperature.

How to Set Nest Thermostat to Hold Temperature (Learning and E)

The Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat work a little differently and will need you to take different steps to get the desired results.

Your Nest Learning Thermostat will have one scheduling option: “Auto-Schedule.” Your Nest Thermostat E will have two scheduling options: “Auto-Schedule” and “Basic Schedule.”

These models of Nest Thermostat are designed to learn about your daily routine and temperature preferences and then automatically create a schedule around that. This is the “Auto-Schedule” feature.

Disabling auto-schedule

It’s necessary to start by disabling the “Auto-Schedule” because this is how the Nest Thermostat learns what temperatures and times you prefer them. This function will override any manual scheduling unless disabled.

When you disable this setting, the Nest Thermostat will keep its existing schedule, but it will stop learning from any changes made until you re-enable the feature.

From Nest App – First, find your Nest app on your phone or tablet. Then select your Thermostat on the opening screen.

Choose “Settings” and then select “Auto-Schedule” from there; you just have to press “Off,” and then it’s done.

From Thermostat – First, you’ll need to go to the menu view on your Thermostat and select “Settings.” Then select “Nest Sense” next; you have to select “Auto-Schedule,” and press “Off” to complete the process.

Disabling Eco temperatures

Nest Thermostats have an “Eco Temperatures” feature that automatically adjusts the temperature when it ascertains that no one is home. The point of this feature is to conserve energy and save you money on your electric bill.

A green leaf icon on your Nest app or Thermostat means that “Eco Mode” is enabled. It’s important to disable this feature because it can override any hold you set if it senses that no one is home.

From Nest App – First, you need to navigate to your Nest app on your phone or tablet. After that, scroll to “Home/Away Assist” and select “Stop Using.” Then choose the “Stop” option.

From Thermostat – First, you’ll need to go to the menu view on your Thermostat and select “Settings.” After that, scroll to “Home/Away Assist” and choose “Stop Using.“

NOTE: While the “Eco Temperatures” feature should be disabled now, as a backup option, it’s recommended that you turn the setting to “Off” on your Thermostat or Nest app by adjusting the temperature range. Here’s how:

First, you’ll need to go to the menu view on your Thermostat or app and select “Settings.” Then select “Eco” and set “Heat To” to the “Off” setting by lowering the temperature down to the lowest setting.

Set “Cool To” to the “Off” setting by increasing the temperature up to the highest setting. Then select “Done” to save your new settings.

Resetting schedules

You’ll have to do this part from your Nest Thermostat instead of the app.

Go to your Thermostat, pull up the main menu, and then go to “Settings” and navigate to “Reset.” Then select “Schedule” or “Auto-Schedule” and click on “Reset” or “Clear.” Confirm that you want to reset the schedule by turning the ring. The Thermostat will do a 10-second countdown, and then you’re done.

FAQs

How do I lock the temperature on my Nest Thermostat?

Now that you know how to set your Thermostat to hold temperature, you may want to ensure that nobody can mess with your settings while you’re away or when guests visit.

You can easily lock it so nobody else can change the settings unless they have a pin.

On the Thermostat – Go to the quick view menu, navigate to “Settings,” and then turn the ring until you find “Lock.” Press the ring to confirm that you wish to lock your Thermostat. Enter a four-digit pin, press the ring again, and choose “Done.” A lock icon should appear.

On the app – First, navigate to your Nest app on your phone or tablet. Go to “Settings” and scroll to “Lock.” Enter a four-digit pin – you may have to enter it again for confirmation.

The lock icon should immediately appear if you lock your Thermostat while it’s on “Heat • Cool” mode. If you lock the Thermostat while on “Heat” or “Cool” mode, you’ll need to set the temperature ranges before successfully locking it.

Note that if anyone has access to your Nest app, they will be able to unlock your Thermostat. So don’t share your pin unnecessarily.

Do I have to set a new schedule?

This step is optional; you can set up a manual schedule after you’ve reset it, but it shouldn’t be necessary. The Thermostat should maintain your preferred temperature after you set it.

For more troubleshooting tips on Nest thermostats, see:

• How to turn off a Nest fan that is always on
• How to fix a Nest thermostat that won’t turn on the A/C
• How to fix a Nest thermostat that won’t charge

Final Thoughts

It’s not too complicated to adjust the settings of your Nest Thermostat, as long as you know which model you have.

It’s also convenient because you can do it on the app or the Thermostat itself — whatever you prefer.

How do I use my Nest thermostat manually?

Can you operate Nest thermostat without app?

Can a Nest thermostat be run manually?

Can you lock the temperature on a Nest thermostat?