A Guide for Installing a Nest Thermostat and HVAC System in the Google Home App using the 2020 Smart Home Connectivity Layer (Google Home)

Developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, Matter is an open-sourced, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It can work over a variety of networks and supports a wide range of device types. These include lighting, plugs and switches, thermostats, locks, security and environment sensors, refrigerators, dishwashers, smoke alarms, air quality monitors, and more.

This guide only applies to the 2020 version of the Nest Thermostat. Currently, no one works with Matter. We have a guide for installing a Nest Thermostat, if you don’t already have one.

Back in the Google Home app, you’ll configure your HVAC system to work with the thermostat. The app will ask for details about your system, such as whether it’s electric or gas, forced air or radiant, and whether you want it to heat or cool when it starts to operate. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, make sure to check with an HVAC professional before proceeding. Configuring it incorrectly could cause your system to malfunction.