The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Google’s October 25, 2025 cutoff has passed. It applies only to the first-generation (2011), second-generation (2012), and second-generation European (2014) Nest Learning Thermostats. Google said those models would lose Nest and Google Home app control, Google Assistant, Home/Away Assist, and software updates, while local controls and existing schedules were expected to continue. The thermostats were not announced as physically disabled, but they no longer function as fully connected smart-home devices.
Google’s announcement is the governing source for the affected models and feature changes: Google’s support announcement.
Is your Nest thermostat affected?
“Old Nest” is too broad a description. The cutoff covers the first two generations of the Nest Learning Thermostat, including the European second-generation model—not every older Nest product.
| Model | Affected? | Google’s announced result |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 1st generation (2011) | Yes | Connected features end; local controls and existing schedules were expected to remain. |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 2nd generation (2012) | Yes | Connected features end; local controls and existing schedules were expected to remain. |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 2nd-generation European version (2014) | Yes | Connected features end; local controls and existing schedules were expected to remain. |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd generation (2015) | No | Unaffected by this announcement. |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd-generation European version | No | Unaffected by this announcement. |
| Nest Thermostat E (2017/2018 versions) | No | Unaffected by this announcement. |
| Nest Thermostat (2020) | No | Unaffected by this announcement. |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 4th generation (2024) | No | Unaffected by this announcement. |
How to identify the generation
- Check the Nest or Google Home app if the thermostat is still listed.
- Inspect the display, trim, base and model markings.
- Use Google’s current model-identification instructions linked from its support announcement.
Color, a rotating ring, the home’s age, purchase year or current app visibility cannot identify the generation reliably. Similar designs span several models, and an app-disconnection problem can have causes unrelated to this cutoff.
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#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
What stopped working?
| Function | Affected first-/second-generation models |
|---|---|
| Adjust temperature on the thermostat | Expected to work locally |
| Change heating/cooling mode on the thermostat | Expected to work locally |
| Existing schedules | Google said they would continue operating and could be edited on the device |
| Nest app control | No |
| Google Home app control | No |
| Google Assistant control | No |
| Home/Away Assist and connected presence behavior | No |
| New software updates | No |
The precise description is “locally usable, but no longer cloud-connected.” Calling the thermostat “dumb” is shorthand for losing networked and adaptive functions, not proof that the heating or cooling hardware was electrically bricked.
Will heating, cooling and schedules still work?
Google said manual temperature changes, mode changes, local settings and existing schedules would remain available on the thermostat. That is the announced behavior, not a guarantee for every unit: unrelated power loss, wiring damage, a factory reset, hardware failure or an HVAC fault can still interrupt operation.
Rank #2
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
Loss of app access does not by itself prove that a furnace or air conditioner has failed. If the system does not heat or cool locally, treat that as a separate thermostat, wiring or HVAC problem and contact a qualified HVAC professional when necessary. Do not bypass thermostat wiring unless you understand the system and its risks.
What to do before resetting or replacing one
- Photograph the wiring and record the model information.
- Write down or photograph every schedule, temperature setting and operating mode.
- Confirm whether the unit is a first- or second-generation Learning Thermostat.
- If local operation still works, leave it installed until a compatible replacement is ready.
- Avoid a factory reset or account removal unless you have documented the settings and a recovery plan; Google’s announcement does not provide a detailed post-cutoff reconfiguration procedure.
- Check HVAC compatibility before purchasing a replacement, especially for heat pumps, dual-fuel systems, boilers, auxiliary heat, humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
Should you keep it or replace it?
Keeping it makes sense when
- Local temperature control and scheduling are reliable.
- You do not need phone access, voice control or presence automation.
- The HVAC system is straightforward and the thermostat is otherwise dependable.
- A replacement would add cost without solving a real problem.
Replacement is the better choice when
- Remote control, alerts or Home/Away behavior are essential.
- The thermostat is already unreliable or has lost local functionality.
- You need current security updates or supported smart-home integration.
- The property is being sold or rented and should have a supported connected thermostat.
Check these specifications first
- HVAC type: conventional furnace/air conditioner, heat pump, dual-fuel, boiler or systems with auxiliary heat.
- Power: common-wire requirements, power-stealing compatibility, transformers and low-voltage versus line-voltage wiring.
- Ecosystem: Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Matter or a manufacturer-specific platform.
- Offline behavior: whether basic control remains available when internet or cloud services are unavailable.
- Installation: DIY suitability, professional requirements, local rules and rebate eligibility.
- Support policy: published support period, cloud dependence and the vendor’s approach to long-term updates.
What replacement offers did Google announce?
Google said eligible owners would receive personalized email offers. These were transition offers, not guaranteed public discounts in 2026; use the official email link and check its terms, expiration date, stock and regional eligibility.
Rank #3
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
| Region | Announced offer | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $130 off Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen); announcement listed a $279.99 MSRP | Eligible owners only; the announced price is not necessarily current. |
| Canada | $160 CAD off Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen); announcement listed a $379.99 CAD MSRP | Eligible owners only; verify current terms. |
| Europe | 50% off a tado Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit | Eligibility, country support and expiration must be confirmed. |
What is different in Europe?
Google said it would not launch new Nest thermostats in Europe because heating systems have more varied hardware and software requirements. It said the third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E would continue to be sold while supplies lasted and would continue receiving security updates and app control under the announcement.
The announced European alternative was tado, a third-party thermostat that can be set up alongside other smart-home devices in Google Home. It is not a Nest-branded replacement, and compatibility depends on the country, boiler controls, wiring, OpenTherm or other standards, and local installation practices. Do not assume that the U.S. fourth-generation Nest is available or suitable throughout Europe.
Rank #4
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Control the temperature with your voice using smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa[3]Nest Renew makes it simple to support clean energy right from home; it works with your Nest Thermostat[5] to help you automatically prioritize your usage[6] to times when energy is cleaner or less expensive.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. You can control your Nest Thermostat manually when there's no internet connection.
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]. | Control the temperature with your voice using smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa[3].
Replacement options
| Option | Best suited to | Important trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 4th gen | U.S. owners who want to remain with Google Home and Nest-style learning. | Verify HVAC compatibility, live price, availability and installation; cloud dependence remains. |
| tado Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit | Eligible European homes supported by tado. | Different interface and ecosystem; country and heating-system compatibility vary; any Google offer may have expired. |
| ecobee smart thermostat | U.S. and Canadian owners open to leaving Google’s thermostat ecosystem. | Different scheduling model; selected models and room sensors add cost; compatibility must be checked. |
| Conventional programmable thermostat | Owners who need dependable local scheduling rather than apps or automation. | No remote control, alerts, presence automation or smart-home integration; installation may require a professional. |
Official product pages: Google Store, tado and ecobee. Choose by HVAC compatibility and support policy first, then by brand or ecosystem.
The practical takeaway
If you own a first- or second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, the October 25, 2025 support cutoff removed its connected features but was not announced as a physical shutdown. Keep it if local control and schedules meet your needs; replace it if you rely on remote access, presence automation, alerts, current updates or dependable smart-home integration. Document settings and wiring before disturbing the old unit, and have the HVAC system checked before selecting a successor.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page.Connectivity Protocol : Wi-Fi.Connectivity Protocol : Wi-Fi
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. Lock feature: No
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home; easily program an energy efficient schedule in the Google home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
- Savings Finder looks for more ways your thermostat can help you save, and suggests tweaks to your schedule in the app; check with your energy provider to learn more about rebates and more ways to save on a Nest thermostat
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
