Nest – Add and Manage 2-Step Verification

Category: Nest → Account & Login → Security

Overview

2-Step Verification adds an extra layer of protection to your Nest account. In addition to your password, Nest requires a temporary verification code sent to your phone or email before allowing access to your account.

Note: This article applies only to legacy Nest accounts that have not been migrated to a Google Account.

How 2-Step Verification Works

2-Step Verification uses:

1. Your Nest account email and password.
2. A temporary verification code sent to your phone or email.

A verification code is required when you:

• Sign in to the Nest app
• Change your password
• Reset a forgotten password
• Remove a phone number from your account

Turn On 2-Step Verification

1. Open the Nest app.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Select Account.
4. Tap Manage Account.
5. Select Account Security.
6. Tap 2-Step Verification.
7. Turn the feature on.
8. Enter your password.
9. Enter your phone number.
10. Enter the verification code sent to your phone.

Important: Turning on 2-Step Verification signs you out of other devices. You'll need to sign back in using the verification code.

Change Your Verification Phone Number

Before disconnecting your old phone number:

1. Open the Nest app.
2. Go to Settings → Account → Manage Account → Account Security.
3. Select Phone Number.
4. Tap Remove.
5. Verify using the code sent to your existing phone number.
6. Complete removal.
7. Re-enable 2-Step Verification using your new phone number.

Switch from SMS Verification to Email Verification

1. Open the Nest app.
2. Go to Settings → Account → Manage Account → Account Security.
3. Select 2-Step Verification.
4. Turn the feature off.
5. Enter your password.
6. Verify using the code sent to your phone.
7. Confirm the change.

Future verification codes will be sent by email.

Troubleshooting Missing Verification Codes

SMS Code Not Received

• Confirm the phone number is correct.
• Verify cellular service is available.
• Wait several minutes.
• Request a new code.

Email Code Not Received

• Check the correct email account.
• Search for messages from account@nest.com.
• Review spam and junk folders.
• Request a new code.

Lost Access to Phone or Email

If you cannot access the phone number or email address receiving verification codes:

1. Contact your mobile carrier or email provider.
2. Attempt to recover access to the account.
3. If recovery is not possible, factory reset your Nest devices.
4. Create a new Nest account.
5. Re-add all devices and re-invite household members.

Important: Creating a new account may result in loss of device settings, home sharing settings, and video history.

Security Recommendations

• Use a unique Nest account password.
• Do not share account credentials.
• Give family members their own account access instead of sharing a login.
• Keep your phone number and email address up to date.
• Enable 2-Step Verification whenever possible.