Both Nest thermostats covered here support Matter, according to reports read: the Nest Thermostat (2020) received Matter support in 2023, letting it be controlled from the Apple Home app and Siri, and the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) supports Matter as well. To add the 4th gen to Apple Home, put it in pairing mode from its settings under Matter, which shows a QR code you scan with the Home app, and then it pairs like another Home accessory.
The checks in more detail
You need an Apple Home hub such as an Apple TV or HomePod for remote control, and the 4th gen is not a Thread border router itself according to the same reports. Google's Matter article explains preparing your smart home for Matter, including that your home network must have IPv6 enabled or control eventually fails. Matter control covers the thermostat's basic functions such as temperature and mode, while Nest-specific features such as learning and Home/Away Assist stay in the Google Home app.
If pairing fails, keep the phone close, use a fresh QR code, check the thermostat is online and try again after a restart. Update the thermostat and the Home app. Note which controller is the main one for the thermostat, since two controllers can send conflicting commands. A new pairing code is needed each time, so do not reuse an old screenshot. Read the thermostat's Matter menu before starting.
Keep the Google Home app for the learning and presence features and use Apple Home for simple control, so you get the benefit of both without duplicating automations. Matter pairing is usually done once and then forgotten, so record the date and the controller that holds it, which saves a confusing hunt when you later add a second controller. Matter control is a convenience layer, so if your Apple Home controls work but learning and Eco features seem missing, they are simply not exposed through Matter and remain in the Google Home app.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nest thermostats will not connect through Matter, HomeKit or another platform”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An old model or software
What separates it The Matter option is missing because the thermostat is an old model or has old software
How to confirm Update the thermostat, and then look for the Matter option in its settings again
- 2
No home hub
What separates it You cannot control it remotely because there is no home hub for Apple Home
How to confirm Add an Apple TV or a HomePod as a home hub, so that remote control works
- 3
IPv6 off
What separates it Control fails after a while because IPv6 is switched off on the router
How to confirm Enable IPv6 on the router, since Matter devices need it to talk to each other
- 4
An old QR code
What separates it Pairing fails because the QR code you are using is old
How to confirm Generate a new QR code in the thermostat's settings, and scan the new one
- 5
A wifi problem
What separates it The thermostat cannot pair because its wifi connection has a problem
How to confirm Fix the wifi connection first, and check that the thermostat shows online
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the Matter menu appears in the thermostat's settings
- Which home hub you have, if any
- Whether IPv6 is switched on for your router
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedUpdate the thermostat
ReversibleUpdate the thermostat and the Google Home app first, so that both support Matter properly.
Check IPv6
ReversibleCheck IPv6 on the router, since Matter needs it for devices to find and talk to each other.
Open Matter in settings
ReversibleOpen Matter in the thermostat's settings, and get a QR code for pairing with another controller.
Scan in the Apple Home app
ReversibleScan the QR code in the Apple Home app, or in another controller that supports Matter.
Add a home hub
ReversibleAdd a home hub if you want remote control, such as an Apple TV or a HomePod.
Keep learning features in Google Home
ReversibleKeep the learning features in Google Home, since they are specific to Nest and not in Apple Home.
Contact Google
ReversibleContact Google if it fails, and tell them the model and the message that you see.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- 2020 model
- Got Matter in 2023.
- 4th gen
- Has Matter built in.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If pairing fails after several tries, contact Google Nest support
- !If control works but features are missing, use Google Home
- !If remote control is needed, add a hub
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Matter.
4th gen Matter and Apple Home.
Nest Thermostat 2020 Matter.
Offline steps by model.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the Nest Thermostat support Matter?+
Yes, the Nest Thermostat received Matter support in 2023, so it can work in Apple Home.
Does the Learning Thermostat 4th gen?+
Yes, the Learning Thermostat 4th generation supports Matter as well.
Is IPv6 needed?+
Yes, IPv6 is needed for Matter, so check that it is switched on for your router.
Are learning features in Apple Home?+
No, the learning features stay in Google Home, and Apple Home gives only basic control.
Where is the QR code?+
The QR code is in the thermostat's settings, under Matter, when you choose to share it.