Google Nest Occupancy Detection / Presence Sensing Issue

Nest thermostat randomly switches to Eco mode when people are home

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Nest installed in low-traffic area, Motion sensor blocked, Home/Away Assist misconfigured in app, Phone location services disabled

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Note: This is typically a configuration or placement issue, not a hardware failure.

  • Check thermostat location: Ensure the Nest has a clear view of the room and is not hidden behind objects or in a hallway with little movement.
  • Review Home/Away Assist: In the Google Home or Nest app, verify that Home/Away Assist is set up correctly and that your phone is listed as a presence device.
  • Enable location services: On your phone, allow the app to access location always, not just while in use.
  • Adjust Eco settings: You can disable automatic switching to Eco or widen the Eco temperature range to reduce discomfort.

If presence sensing remains unreliable, consider using additional Nest devices (cameras, speakers) to improve occupancy detection.

Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5
Advertisements