Nest thermostat is very slow to respond or the ring is hard to turn

Safety note: You can perform these steps with power on, but avoid touching wiring.

• Remove display: Gently pull the Nest display straight off the base.
• Clean contact surfaces: Use a dry, soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from the back of the display and the front of the base. Do not use liquids.
• Inspect ring movement: Rotate the ring while holding the display in your hand. It should turn smoothly without grinding or sticking.
• Reattach and test: Snap the display back onto the base and test ring responsiveness.

If the ring remains stiff or unresponsive, the display's mechanical encoder is likely worn and the display module should be replaced.