Wi-Fi networks that are incompatible or aren’t recommended (2024)

Most home Wi-Fi networks are compatible with Nest products. But there’s a short list of network types that we don’t recommend using with Nest products.

Networks types that aren’t recommended

• Mobile hotspots can have issues with bandwidth, availability, data limits and usage fees. Nest products work best with a reliable 24/7 internet connection, so you’d need to keep your mobile hotspot device at home all the time. If your Nest products don’t have a continuous internet connection, you won’t be able to view their status or receive certain notifications to your phone.
• Public or open networks that anyone can connect to are a security risk. For security reasons, never connect your Nest product to a network you know nothing about, and don’t use someone else’s network without their permission.
• Guest networks owned by another person can cause issues, even if you have permission from the owner. For instance, you might not be able to troubleshoot a Wi-Fi or internet issue because you can’t access the router settings.

Incompatible networks

• Captive portal networks Nest products do not work with captive portal networks which are common in airports, hotels, internet cafes, and coffee shops. On these networks, you must sign in on a web page, and sometimes accept terms and conditions before you can connect.
• Enterprise networks in businesses such as 802.1x/RADIUS networks are not compatible with Nest products.
• 5GHz networks are incompatible with some products. Some Nest products, like the 2nd generation Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect, only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.
  Nest products that work with 2.4 or 5GHz Wi-Fi networks