Google did not discontinue every Nest thermostat. On October 25, 2025, it ended app, cloud, and security support for the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat (2011), second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat (2012), and second-generation European model (2014). Those units still control heating and cooling from the wall and continue running saved schedules, but Google Home, Nest apps, remote control, notifications, Assistant commands, and other cloud features no longer work.
A community project called No Longer Evil Thermostat replaces the retired software with custom firmware, a web dashboard, and optional Home Assistant integration. It is a third-party replacement—not restored Google support—and the practical difficulty ranges from a relatively straightforward Gen 2 USB flash to a risky Gen 1 teardown.
Which Nest thermostats were actually affected?
Google’s cutoff applied to only the earliest Learning Thermostats. It did not shut down the entire Nest thermostat line.
| Model | After October 25, 2025 | No Longer Evil target? |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 1st gen (2011) | Google app and cloud support ended | Yes |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 2nd gen (2012) | Google app and cloud support ended | Yes |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 2nd-gen European version (2014) | Google app and cloud support ended | Verify compatibility first |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd gen (2015) | No change announced in the cutoff | No |
| Nest Thermostat E | No change announced in the cutoff | No |
| Nest Thermostat (2020) | No change announced in the cutoff | No |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, 4th gen (2024) | Current model with Matter support | No need |
Google’s explanation and device details are in its support notice and community announcement. Photograph the thermostat and verify its generation before attempting any firmware work; selecting the wrong generation can install incompatible firmware.
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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]
What stopped working—and what did not?
Cloud features that ended
- Google Home and Nest app access
- Phone and tablet remote control
- Notifications
- Google Assistant and dependent third-party assistant controls
- Home/Away Assist and some cloud-managed Eco behavior
- Nest Protect emergency shutoff interaction
- Future software and security updates
Controls that remain on the thermostat
- Manual temperature changes
- Heating, cooling, and available operating modes
- Saved schedules and auto-schedule behavior
- Other functions exposed through the local thermostat interface
That distinction matters: the thermostat was not necessarily electrically “bricked.” It remained an HVAC controller, but lost its Google-connected layer.
What No Longer Evil actually restores
No Longer Evil is open-source custom firmware and server software for eligible first- and second-generation Learning Thermostats. It can provide:
- A local thermostat firmware replacement
- A web dashboard for temperature, schedules, and settings
- Entry-code linking for multiple devices
- Optional MQTT and Home Assistant integration
- Either a hosted deployment or software you run yourself
It does not bring back Google Home, Google Assistant, Google’s original servers, Google’s security-update pipeline, or guaranteed support for every Nest generation. Your thermostat instead communicates with No Longer Evil’s hosted service or your own server.
Hosted or self-hosted: which path fits?
| Choice | Difficulty | Data and dependency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted | Lowest; no server required | Schedules and settings use No Longer Evil’s cloud; remote control depends on that service | Owners who want the quickest revival and remote access |
| Self-hosted | Higher; Docker or Home Assistant, networking, and maintenance required | Can remain on your infrastructure and local network | Home Assistant users, privacy-focused owners, and technically capable readers |
The project describes the hosted route as the normal choice for most people. Self-hosting avoids replacing Google with another required cloud, but you become responsible for uptime, backups, updates, security, and remote-access design. A hosted-service outage stops remote access temporarily; the documentation says local thermostat operation can continue.
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- 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
Gen 2 hosted installation
The project describes the hosted process as generally taking about 15–30 minutes, although timing varies. You need an eligible Gen 2 thermostat, a computer with USB, a compatible micro-USB cable, and the installer. Remove the thermostat from its wall backplate during flashing.
- Confirm the generation. Select Gen 1 or Gen 2 accurately in the installer. If the model is uncertain, stop.
- Launch the installer. Use the supplied application; Linux users can use the AppImage. macOS may require right-clicking the app and choosing Open, or approving it under Security & Privacy.
- Prepare USB access. If Linux cannot detect the thermostat, install the documented dependencies and permissions shown below.
- Enter Gen 2 DFU mode. Attach the Nest to its backplate for 2–3 seconds, remove it, connect USB immediately, keep the installer on its flashing screen, and hold the display for 10–15 seconds until it reboots.
- Flash without interruption. Do not disconnect USB power or interrupt the installer.
- Link the device. On the thermostat open Settings → Nest App → Get Entry Code, then enter that code in the No Longer Evil dashboard.
- Reinstall it. Align the thermostat with the wall plate and press it into place so it reconnects to HVAC power.
Follow the project’s current hosted installation instructions; labels and installer behavior can change.
Advanced Linux USB troubleshooting
The project documents these commands for Linux dependency and USB setup:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y unzip curl build-essential libusb-1.0-0-dev libudev-dev gcc pkg-config
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejsIf USB permissions remain blocked, its optional udev rule is:
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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
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="0451", MODE="0666"' | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/99-omap.rules
sudo udevadm control --reload-rulesThe prebuilt installer is preferable for most readers. Building from source is an advanced troubleshooting route.
Why Gen 1 is a different risk level
Gen 1 requires opening or disassembling the thermostat rather than using the documented Gen 2 reboot-and-USB sequence. That creates real risks of damaging the enclosure, connectors, or board and losing the ability to return to the original state. If you are not comfortable with electronics teardown, replacement or experienced help is the safer choice.
Secondary reporting has described the firmware as still being tested and warned that experimental flashing could brick a device. Treat that as a project-risk warning, not a guarantee of failure.
Self-hosting with Home Assistant
The documented Home Assistant route requires Home Assistant OS, the Mosquitto broker add-on for MQTT discovery, and an api_origin set to the Home Assistant machine’s actual LAN IP. The documentation warns that homeassistant.local may not resolve reliably from the Nest.
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].
The project’s add-on repository is https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-HomeAssistant. A configuration might look like http://192.168.1.100:9543, but substitute your own address. Do not expose an administrative dashboard directly to the public internet without authentication and additional controls.
Common failure modes
Wrong-generation selection
The project says rerunning the installer with the correct generation may recover from a wrong selection, but that is a recovery possibility, not a guarantee. Verify the model before flashing.
USB permission or detection errors
“Permission denied,” libusb errors, or an invisible thermostat usually point to missing Linux dependencies or udev permissions. On macOS, approve the application through Gatekeeper and the relevant privacy prompts.
Gen 2 will not enter DFU mode
Repeat the exact timing: backplate for 2–3 seconds, remove, connect USB immediately, leave the installer waiting, then hold the display for 10–15 seconds.
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
Hosted service outage
Expect remote access to be unavailable until service returns. Local operation is documented as continuing.
HVAC wiring concerns
Flashing does not change the existing HVAC wiring, but do not disturb those wires casually. Google notes that Nest installations generally target common 24-volt systems; some setups require a C wire, power accessory, or professional installation. See Google’s compatibility guidance.
Revive or replace?
- Revive Gen 2 if you like the hardware, it controls HVAC reliably, and you accept community-firmware risk.
- Self-host if privacy and local control matter and you already maintain Home Assistant, Docker, a NAS, Raspberry Pi, or server.
- Use hosted No Longer Evil if easy setup and remote access matter more than avoiding a third-party cloud.
- Replace Gen 1 if teardown is outside your comfort zone, the hardware is unreliable, or household dependability outweighs preserving it.
- Choose a current product if you need a vendor-backed warranty and official support.
Current replacement options
Google Nest Thermostat and fourth-generation Learning Thermostat
Google’s current products are the simplest route for continued Google Home integration. The newer Nest Thermostat supports Matter, and the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is Matter-certified. See the Nest Thermostat specifications and Google’s fourth-generation announcement. The old-user offer associated with the 2025 cutoff expired December 31, 2025.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
ecobee’s U.S. page listed the Smart Thermostat Essential at $139.99, Enhanced at $199.99, and Premium at $259.99 on August 18, 2026; prices can change. See ecobee’s current product page. ecobee offers supported app control and broader smart-home compatibility on applicable models, but it is not a purely local system. Home Assistant’s ecobee integration does not make every feature local.
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Home Assistant is an optional control layer, not a thermostat. Its core platform has no subscription according to its pricing FAQ, but it still requires compatible hardware, setup, updates, and maintenance.
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