Yes—but not every older Nest thermostat is supported. Google Home now offers substantially more day-to-day control for supported Nest thermostats released from 2015 onward, including schedules and, for compatible UK and European systems, hot-water controls. However, the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd generation and Nest Thermostat E may still require the Nest app for initial setup. The 1st- and 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostats are excluded: Google ended their app and connected-service support on October 25, 2025.
What Google changed
Google has expanded the redesigned Google Home app so it can act as the main control center for supported Nest thermostats and other smart-home devices. Google says Nest thermostat models launched in 2015 or later can use features including:
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- Temperature and setpoint adjustment
- Heating, cooling, and off-mode controls
- Schedule creation and editing
- Climate-device management alongside sensors and other Google Home products
- Hot-water controls on compatible UK and European installations
Google’s announcement describes the change as broader support for older Nest thermostats. For UK and European owners, the most significant addition is hot-water functionality for the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd generation and Nest Thermostat E. Availability still depends on the thermostat model, country, and heating installation.
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Google’s announcement about the Google Home redesign and its Nest Community explanation of expanded thermostat controls provide the relevant feature details.
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- 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]
Which Nest thermostats are supported?
| Thermostat | Google Home status | Initial setup | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd gen | Supported for major day-to-day controls | May still require the Nest app | UK/EU versions can receive hot-water controls where the installation supports them |
| Nest Thermostat E | Supported for major day-to-day controls | May still require the Nest app | UK/EU hot-water availability depends on the system |
| Nest Thermostat | Supported in Google Home | Google Home | Features vary by region and installation |
| Nest Learning Thermostat 4th gen | Supported in Google Home and Matter-compatible apps | Google Home | It is newer hardware, not merely a software update to older models |
| Nest Learning Thermostat 1st or 2nd gen | Not supported | No app setup | Google ended app and connected-service support on October 25, 2025 |
Google’s current setup guidance still separates older models from newer ones. The 3rd-generation Learning Thermostat and Thermostat E are generally set up through the Nest app first, after which they may link automatically to Google Home.
Does this mean the Nest app is obsolete?
No. Google Home can now provide most of the everyday controls owners want, but the Nest app may still be needed to set up a 3rd-generation Learning Thermostat or Nest Thermostat E.
That makes “full support” a potentially misleading phrase. It is more accurate to say that Google Home now has complete or nearly complete day-to-day control for supported models. It does not mean every legacy setup step has moved to Google Home, and it does not mean every feature is identical in every country.
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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
How to check your thermostat
1. Identify the exact model
Do not rely on the word “old.” A 3rd-generation Learning Thermostat may still be supported, while a 1st- or 2nd-generation model is no longer connected to Google’s apps. Use Google’s Nest thermostat identification and setup guidance to confirm the model and generation.
2. Look in Google Home
Open Google Home, select the correct home, and find the thermostat under your climate or home devices. If it is listed, test the functions you use:
- Current temperature and target-temperature adjustment
- Heating, cooling, and off modes
- Schedule access and editing
- Temperature-sensor selection, where supported
- Hot-water controls, if you have a compatible UK or European installation
Not every control will appear for every model, region, or heating system.
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
3. Use the Nest app when required
If you own a 3rd-generation Learning Thermostat or Thermostat E and it is not set up yet, begin with the Nest app as directed by Google. After setup, check Google Home for the linked device.
4. Check the account and home
If the thermostat appears in Nest but not Google Home, confirm that:
- Both apps use the same Google account.
- You are viewing the correct Google Home home.
- The thermostat is not associated with another account.
- The thermostat is online.
- Both apps are updated.
Close and reopen the apps, then check Google Home again. Avoid removing the thermostat or performing a factory reset until you have confirmed the model, account, home, and connection. A reset can erase configuration and create unnecessary HVAC setup work.
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].
What happens to 1st- and 2nd-generation thermostats?
Google ended support for the following models on October 25, 2025:
- 1st-generation Nest Learning Thermostat
- 2nd-generation Nest Learning Thermostat
- 2nd-generation European Nest Learning Thermostat
These thermostats no longer connect to the Nest app or Google Home. Owners cannot use remote control, app notifications, phone-based settings changes, Google Assistant control, Home/Away Assist, or multi-device Eco controls.
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The thermostat can still be operated at the wall. Google says local controls, including existing on-device schedules, continue to work. No troubleshooting step will restore app or cloud support to these models. See Google’s end-of-support notice for the complete list of affected functions.
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- 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
What the update does not provide
The Google Home expansion does not:
- Bring unsupported 1st- or 2nd-generation thermostats back online
- Make every older thermostat installable directly through Google Home
- Give older hardware Matter certification
- Change HVAC wiring requirements or system compatibility
- Guarantee identical features in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe
- Promise a longer future support life for discontinued hardware
The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th generation is Matter-enabled, but that capability is not added to older models by moving them into Google Home. Temperature-sensor support also varies by thermostat and sensor combination; support for a 4th-generation thermostat should not be assumed to apply identically to every older device.
Should you keep your thermostat or upgrade?
Keeping a 3rd-generation or E model makes sense when:
- The thermostat operates the HVAC system reliably.
- It appears in Google Home with the controls you need.
- You do not require Matter or broad third-party-platform support.
- You accept that initial setup may still involve the Nest app.
Consider replacing it when:
- You own a 1st- or 2nd-generation Learning Thermostat and need remote control.
- You need app notifications, voice control, or cloud-based scheduling.
- The thermostat has persistent connectivity or power problems.
- You want Matter compatibility or broader smart-home integration.
- Your HVAC system needs capabilities unavailable on the existing model.
The 4th-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is configured through Google Home and supports Matter-compatible apps. Google’s US Store listed it at $279.99 on August 18, 2026, including one Nest Temperature Sensor; prices can change. Check the current product page and compatibility specifications before buying. Some systems may require a C wire or Nest Power Connector.
For readers who want a different ecosystem, ecobee offers models with room-sensor options and compatibility with platforms including Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings; see the ecobee thermostat lineup. The Honeywell Home T9 is another sensor-focused alternative; consult its official product page. Any replacement still requires a model-specific HVAC compatibility check.
The practical verdict
Google Home has become a much more useful control surface for older supported Nest thermostats. Owners of the 3rd-generation Learning Thermostat and Thermostat E can generally keep their hardware and use Google Home for major daily functions, although the Nest app may remain necessary for initial setup.
The key exception is the 1st- and 2nd-generation Learning Thermostat: those models lost app and connected-service support in 2025 and cannot be restored through Google Home. Identify the generation first, then decide whether the existing thermostat provides enough functionality before spending money on a replacement.
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