Recommended Free Tools
Google’s support cutoff for three early Nest Learning Thermostats took effect on October 25, 2025. The affected thermostats were not physically disabled, but they lost their connection to Google’s cloud services. Owners can still adjust temperature and settings at the wall, and schedules already stored on the thermostat can continue running. What is gone is app control, Google Assistant control, remote status, notifications, Home/Away features, and future software and security updates.
Google’s support cutoff for three early Nest Learning Thermostats took effect on October 25, 2025. The affected thermostats were not physically disabled, but they lost their connection to Google’s cloud services. Owners can still adjust temperature and settings at the wall, and schedules already stored on the thermostat can continue running. What is gone is the functionality that made these devices “smart”: app control, Google Assistant control, remote status, notifications, Home/Away features, and future software and security updates.
The affected models are the 1st-generation Nest Learning Thermostat from 2011, the 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostat from 2012, and the European version of the 2nd-generation model from 2014. If you own one, you can keep using it locally, replace it, or—only if you are technically experienced—consider an unofficial firmware project with substantial risks.
What Google ended on October 25, 2025
Google announced in April 2025 that the three earliest Nest Learning Thermostat models would stop receiving software updates and would no longer be supported in the Nest and Google Home apps beginning October 25, 2025. The cutoff is now in effect.
#1 Best Overall
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Google’s help documentation says affected thermostats are unpaired and removed from the Nest or Home app. As a result, owners can no longer:
- Change the temperature or operating mode from a phone or tablet
- Check the thermostat’s status remotely
- Control the thermostat with Google Assistant
- Receive thermostat notifications
- Use Home/Away Assist and related presence-based behavior
- Use certain multi-device Eco controls
- Connect the thermostat to Nest Protect for the associated emergency-shutoff behavior
- Receive new software or security updates
Google says the devices can still report logs for issue diagnostics, but that does not restore app control or other cloud features.
The thermostat is not necessarily bricked
The most important distinction is that Google did not turn every affected thermostat into a useless piece of hardware. The heating and cooling equipment may continue to operate normally. You can still use the thermostat at the wall to adjust the temperature, change modes, manage available settings, and work with schedules already stored on the device.
In practical terms, however, an affected Nest has become largely a locally operated thermostat. The cloud features that made it convenient are gone. That matters particularly if you:
- Manage a vacation home or rental property remotely
- Rely on notifications about temperature or system conditions
- Use Home/Away behavior to reduce energy use
- Need to change the temperature without walking to the thermostat
- Help manage heating and cooling for an older adult or someone with limited mobility
If local operation is acceptable and the thermostat is maintaining a safe, comfortable temperature, replacement is not an emergency solely because support ended. The loss of security updates and connected features should still be part of your longer-term replacement decision.
Which Nest thermostats are affected?
| Model | Result of this cutoff |
|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 1st generation, 2011 | Affected |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 2nd generation, 2012 | Affected |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 2nd-generation European version, 2014 | Affected |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd generation | Not included in this specific cutoff announcement |
| Nest Thermostat E | Not included in this specific cutoff announcement |
| Nest Thermostat, 2020 model | Not included in this specific cutoff announcement |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 4th generation | Not included in this specific cutoff announcement |
Do not identify an affected thermostat by age alone. “Older Nest” is too broad: a third-generation model is not part of the same cutoff described by Google.
How to identify your model
Check the model information on the thermostat display or base, or look at the device information in the Nest or Google Home account if the thermostat is still listed there. The exact generation matters. If the device has already disappeared from the app, use the physical thermostat and base information rather than assuming that every round Nest is affected.
Replacement option: the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
For owners in the United States and Canada who want to remain with Google, the direct replacement to compare is the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen). Google describes it as its newest and most advanced Nest Learning Thermostat, with Google Home app control, learning schedules, a larger high-resolution borderless display, an included trim kit, and support for the Nest Temperature Sensor.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
Google offered eligible owners a special upgrade price after announcing the cutoff. That offer was time-limited and expired on December 31, 2025. It should not be treated as a current discount or assumed to be available when you shop.
If you are comparing replacement models, the 4th-generation thermostat is the clearest Google-to-Google upgrade path. It is not automatically a drop-in replacement, though. The old thermostat’s wiring and base do not by themselves prove that the new model will work with your HVAC system.
Compare the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) only after checking HVAC compatibility. The product may be a sensible replacement for a compatible 24-volt system, but Google does not claim that it works with every heating and cooling configuration.
Check HVAC compatibility before buying
Nest thermostats are designed for many common 24-volt systems using natural gas, oil, or electricity. Compatibility is not universal, and the thermostat should be matched to the actual equipment—not just to the number of wires visible at the wall.
Before ordering a replacement, identify whether your home uses:
- A conventional furnace and air conditioner
- A heat pump
- A dual-fuel system
- Multiple heating or cooling stages
- Zoned HVAC with separate controls
- More than one transformer
- A humidifier or dehumidifier controlled by the thermostat
- A proprietary communicating control system
- A millivolt heater, such as some gas fireplaces or wall heaters
- A high-voltage system, such as certain electric baseboard systems
Proprietary systems, millivolt equipment, high-voltage systems, systems with insufficient thermostat power, and some complex staged or dual-fuel arrangements may be incompatible or require special handling. Use Google’s compatibility checker and follow the replacement thermostat’s installation requirements before purchasing.
Do you need a C wire?
A C wire, or common wire, supplies continuous power to a thermostat. Many Nest installations work without one, but some HVAC systems cannot provide enough power through the existing wiring. In those cases, the replacement thermostat may need a C wire or another approved power solution.
Do not assume that every home needs a C wire, and do not assume that the presence of an unused wire automatically makes installation straightforward. The wiring must be identified correctly, and the HVAC system must be compatible with the thermostat.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
When the Nest Power Connector may help
For a compatible installation, the Nest Power Connector may provide an alternative when a C wire is unavailable. Google specifies that it is intended for compatible Nest thermostats and 24 VAC systems only. It is not a universal adapter and is not compatible with millivolt or high-voltage systems.
Consider the Nest Power Connector only after confirming that both your HVAC system and replacement thermostat support it. Many homes will not need this accessory, and buying it before checking compatibility can create another installation problem rather than solve one.
When professional installation is the safer choice
A straightforward 24-volt replacement may be manageable for someone who can safely identify thermostat wiring and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Professional help is the better choice for dual-fuel systems, multiple transformers, humidifier or dehumidifier controls, complex zoning, proprietary equipment, or uncertainty about the existing wiring.
High-voltage thermostats require particular caution. Google warns that high-voltage thermostats should only be installed or removed by a professional. Do not treat a high-voltage system like a standard low-voltage Nest installation.
For complex systems, a professional Nest thermostat installation or HVAC compatibility check can help determine whether the 4th-generation model—or another thermostat—is appropriate before wiring changes are made. A qualified technician can also identify transformer, staging, heat-pump, and accessory-control issues that are easy to miss from a photograph of the wall plate.
What about European owners?
The cutoff also covers the European version of the 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostat from 2014. Google said it would no longer launch new Nest thermostats in Europe and named the Tado Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit as a historical transition option for eligible European owners.
That transition offer should not be presented as current. Availability, compatibility, pricing, and retailer support can vary by country, so European owners should check the current product and installation information for their location before choosing an alternative. Google said the 3rd-generation European Nest Learning Thermostat and European Nest Thermostat E would continue receiving support at the time of its announcement.
Another product to investigate is the Tado Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit, but treat Google’s announcement as historical information, not a current discount or availability guarantee.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #4
- 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
Can unofficial firmware restore remote control?
An unofficial project called NoLongerEvil Thermostat has attempted to restore remote control for first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats by redirecting the thermostat away from Google’s servers to an independent service. It is not a Google-supported solution and is not a normal consumer replacement.
Using such a project requires technical flashing work and carries meaningful risks:
- An error during the process could brick the thermostat.
- The independent service could introduce security or privacy concerns.
- Reliability and long-term availability are uncertain.
- Future changes could break the workaround.
- There is no Google support path if something goes wrong.
For those reasons, unofficial firmware belongs in the “advanced users only” category. It should not be the default recommendation for a household that needs dependable heating or cooling control.
A practical decision tree for affected owners
- Identify the generation. If it is the 1st generation, 2nd generation, or 2nd-generation European model, treat it as affected. A 3rd-generation model, Thermostat E, 2020 Nest Thermostat, or 4th-generation model is not included in this specific cutoff announcement.
- Decide whether local-only operation is acceptable. If wall controls and the stored schedule are sufficient, you can continue using the thermostat, while remembering that it no longer receives software or security updates.
- Replace it if remote access matters. The 4th-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is Google’s direct replacement path in the United States and Canada.
- Check the HVAC system before buying. Confirm the system type, voltage, wiring, staging, heat-pump or dual-fuel configuration, zoning, and accessory controls.
- Resolve the power question. Determine whether the installation needs a C wire or whether a Nest Power Connector is appropriate for the compatible 24 VAC system.
- Use a professional for complex or high-voltage equipment. The cost and inconvenience of a compatibility mistake are usually greater than the cost of a proper inspection.
- Keep unofficial firmware experimental. Do not depend on it for critical heating or cooling without understanding the technical, security, privacy, and reliability risks.
What affected owners should do now
- Test the thermostat locally and confirm that heating, cooling, fan, modes, and schedules behave as expected.
- Write down your preferred schedule and settings before changing hardware.
- Identify the exact thermostat generation.
- Decide whether you need remote control, notifications, or Home/Away automation.
- Photograph the existing wiring only as a reference; do not rely on color alone when identifying terminals.
- Run the manufacturer’s compatibility check before purchasing a replacement.
- Ask an HVAC professional to evaluate complex, proprietary, millivolt, or high-voltage systems.
- Do not budget around Google’s expired December 31, 2025 upgrade offer.
The simplest answer is therefore not “your Nest is dead.” It is that Google has ended the cloud support that provided remote and connected control. If local operation is enough, the thermostat may continue serving as a basic programmable thermostat. If remote management or current security support is important, plan a compatible replacement rather than waiting for the old cloud features to return.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Google completely disable the older Nest thermostats?
No. The first- and second-generation affected Nest Learning Thermostats were not completely bricked. They can still be adjusted at the wall, and schedules already stored on the device can continue operating. They no longer support app control, Google Assistant, notifications, Home/Away Assist, Nest Protect integration, or software and security updates.
Which Nest thermostat models lost support?
The cutoff specifically affects the 1st-generation Nest Learning Thermostat from 2011, the 2nd-generation model from 2012, and the European 2nd-generation model from 2014. It does not include the 3rd-generation Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, 2020 Nest Thermostat, or 4th-generation Learning Thermostat in Google’s announcement.
Does every replacement Nest thermostat need a C wire?
No. Many Nest installations work without a C wire, but some systems need one to provide sufficient power. A Nest Power Connector may be an option for a compatible 24 VAC system, but it does not work with millivolt or high-voltage systems.
What should I replace an affected Nest thermostat with?
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is Google’s direct replacement path in the United States and Canada. It still requires an HVAC compatibility check and may not be a drop-in replacement for every existing system.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What is the European replacement option?
Google named the Tado Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit as a historical transition option for eligible European owners. The offer should not be assumed to remain active, and current availability and compatibility vary by country.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Google’s October 25, 2025 cutoff affects only the 2011 1st-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, the 2012 2nd-generation model, and the 2014 European 2nd-generation model. They can still work at the wall and run stored schedules, but app control, Google Assistant, notifications, Home/Away features, Nest Protect integration, and updates are gone. Replace the thermostat if remote control matters, but verify HVAC compatibility—including voltage and C-wire requirements—before buying or installing a new model.
Quick Recap
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.
