Google Nest – Manually Switch Between Home and Away Mode

Category: Google Nest → Home/Away Assist

Overview

Google Nest can automatically switch your home between Home and Away modes using Presence Sensing or Home/Away Assist. However, you can also manually change your home's status whenever needed.

Manual mode changes can be useful when:

• Leaving unexpectedly
• Returning home early
• Troubleshooting Presence Sensing issues
• Testing automations
• Adjusting thermostat behavior

Important

Home and Away modes normally switch automatically based on household activity and phone location settings.

What Home and Away Mode Does

Home and Away mode affects how supported Nest devices behave.

Home Mode

When your home is set to Home:

✓ Thermostats follow normal schedules

✓ Cameras may follow Home settings

✓ Presence-based automations run normally

✓ Smart home devices operate using Home preferences

Away Mode

When your home is set to Away:

✓ Thermostats may switch to Eco Temperatures

✓ Cameras may increase monitoring activity

✓ Presence-based automations may activate

✓ Energy-saving settings may be applied

Home Status Flow

Home
↓
Normal Operation

Away
↓
Energy Saving
↓
Security Monitoring

Manually Switch Modes in the Nest App

On a Phone, Tablet, or Computer

1. Open the Nest app.
2. Select the home you want to manage.
3. Tap Home.
4. Select Home or Away.

The change takes effect immediately.

Nest App Flow

Open Nest App
↓
Select Home
↓
Choose Home Or Away
↓
Status Updated

Manually Switch Modes in the Google Home App

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Locate the Home or Away status at the top of the screen.
3. Tap the current status.
4. Select the desired mode.

Google Home Flow

Open Google Home
↓
Tap Home/Away Status
↓
Select Mode
↓
Status Updated

What Happens After a Manual Away Switch

If you manually set your home to Away while still inside the home:

1. The system temporarily allows the change.
2. You have approximately five minutes to leave.
3. If supported devices detect activity after that period, the home may automatically return to Home mode.

Example

Set Away Mode
↓
Remain Home
↓
Activity Detected
↓
Returns To Home Mode

Use Manual Switching for Troubleshooting

Manual mode changes can help determine whether Presence Sensing is working correctly.

Example

Switch To Away
↓
Thermostat Changes To Eco
↓
System Responds Correctly

If devices respond properly to manual changes but not automatic changes, Presence Sensing settings may need review.

Thermostat Note

Important

Nest thermostats cannot directly change Home or Away status.

However, you can manually place the thermostat into Eco Temperatures mode when desired.

Best Practices

✓ Allow Presence Sensing to manage Home and Away modes whenever possible.

✓ Use manual switching for testing and troubleshooting.

✓ Verify Presence Sensing is enabled for all household members.

✓ Check phone location permissions if automatic switching is inconsistent.

Quick Reference

Open App
↓
Select Home/Away
↓
Choose Desired Mode
↓
Status Updated
↓
Devices Adjust Automatically