How to troubleshoot common smart thermostat problems

Is your smart thermostat not working? Maybe your Wi-Fi went down, or the AC isn't kicking in as it should. Whatever the cause, don't worry—we'll walk you through some quick, easy fixes to get your device back up and running again.

At Asurion, we’re here to help with all of your tech care needs—from protection to repair and tech support. Here's our guide to troubleshooting your smart thermostat problems.

Connectivity issues

Ready to troubleshoot thermostat issues? First, you'll want to figure out whether your thermostat is connected to the internet. Here's how.

Check your Wi-Fi connection

Grab your phone or laptop and try connecting it to the internet. If it doesn't work, Wi-Fi is likely your issue, and you should reach out to your internet service provider (ISP) to check the status of service in your area.

Make sure you entered the correct password

If your Wi-Fi is working, make sure you've entered the correct password on your smart thermostat. If you're still using the default password from when you set up the router, look for it on the bottom of the device. Once you have it, follow the instructions on the manufacturer's website to re-enter the password on your thermostat.

While you're at it, take a look at our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi network, which will explain why you should change your default password to a unique one.

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Check your Wi-Fi signal strength near the thermostat

Knowing your Wi-Fi signal strength can help you figure out whether interference is preventing your device from connecting. This information can usually be found in the thermostat's Settings. Go to your manufacturer's support page for detailed steps.

Restart your router and smart thermostat

Restarting your smart thermostat and router will refresh the settings and reset your internet connection. To restart your router, unplug it, count to 30, and then plug it back in. Your network will disappear from your Wi-Fi list for a few minutesand then reappear. (If your router doesn't come back online, contact your ISP.) If you don't know how to restart your smart thermostat, look up step-by-step instructions on your manufacturer's website.

Temperature issues

If your smart thermostat is delivering wonky temperatures, try these steps.

Make sure the thermostat is away from heat sources or direct sunlight

If your home feels too hot or cold, your thermostat could be located in the wrong place, like near direct sunlight, doors, windows, and other sources of heat. Avoid empty hallways and rooms you don't use often, as your thermostat will focus on reading the temperature of rooms you don't spend much time in. The same goes for bathrooms and kitchens, where showers and cooking can cause false readings, forcing the device to cool or heat a room when it isn't necessary.

The best place for your smart thermostat is on an interior wall in the middle of the living room, family room, or other room you frequently use. Check to be sure the device isn't blocked by furniture or doors.

Compare your smart thermostat's reading with another thermometer

If your home isn't as comfortable as it should be, your thermostat could be off by a few degrees. To find out, take a simple thermometer and place it next to your thermostat for at least 15 minutes. If there's a significant difference in the readings, your device needs to be calibrated. For instance, if your thermostat says 75F° but your thermometer reads 69F°, there's a 6° difference.

To fix it, refer to your device manual for next steps, including information on accessing calibration mode. You can also contact a professional who can help you with smart home installation services.

Controls issues

Here are a couple things to try if your thermostat's controls aren't responding.

Make sure your thermostat has power and is properly connected

Your thermostat needs power to do its job. Dead batteries, a blown fuse, and tripped circuit breakers can all cause the device to stop working. You may even see a blank screen. Make sure the power to your HVAC system is turned on at the circuit breaker, system switch, or fuse box. And if it keeps tripping, turn off your thermostat and HVAC system and reach out to an experienced professional immediately.

Restart or factory reset your thermostat

Restarting your smart thermostat can resolve certain issues, like when your device is frozen, stuck, or not connecting to the internet. The process maintains your settings, much like when you restart your phone or laptop.

Factory resetting your device, on the other hand, erases some (or all) of the device's data, returning the thermostat to factory settings. For step-by-step instructions, go to your manufacturer's website.

Check for any software updates for both the thermostat and the app

You'll also want to be sure you're using the latest version of your smart thermostat's app. Go to the Google Play™ store, the Apple® App Store®, or wherever you download your apps, and install an update if one's available. When your Wi-Fi is working, your smart thermostat should automatically install updates when they become available.

Short cycling issues

Short cycling happens when your heat or AC turns on and off in short bursts, leading to wonky temperatures. There are several causes, including incorrect settings, malfunctioning sensors, and even a thermostat that's too big (or small) for your home.

To stop your thermostat from short cycling, make sure your device is the correct size for your home, compatible with your HVAC system, and located in an ideal place (i.e., not in a drafty or sunny area).

Check the battery too—if it's low, it won't be able to send the right signals to your HVAC system which can lead to short cycling.

Dust and debris can also build up over time, sometimes triggering short cycles, so be sure to wipe down your smart thermostat with a soft cloth.

Remote access issues

Make sure that your thermostat's companion app has the necessary permissions for remote control. You can also try restarting the app and logging in again. All these instructions can be found in your device's manual.