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Yes—if you own a first- or second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, a community project called No Longer Evil may restore meaningful remote and smart-home control. It is not an official Google repair: using it means flashing experimental firmware and replacing Google’s cloud connection with either the project’s hosted service or a server you run yourself. The process can fail or brick the thermostat, so do not try it on the only device keeping a home safely heated or cooled.
What Google ended—and which thermostats it affects
On October 25, 2025, Google ended support for the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, the second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, and the European second-generation model. Those specific devices were removed from the Nest and Google Home apps and lost app-based remote control, Google Assistant control, and other cloud-dependent functions. Google also says Home/Away Assist, multi-device Eco control, Nest Protect integration—including emergency shutoff—and software updates are no longer available for them. Google’s end-of-support notice lists the affected models and changes.
This was a loss of cloud service, not a statement that every thermostat was physically disabled. An affected unit may still control heating and cooling from its wall-mounted interface, but it is no longer an officially supported, app-controlled smart thermostat. Google’s replacement offer associated with the shutdown expired on December 31, 2025; do not assume it is still available.
The cutoff does not apply to every older-looking Nest. The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E are separate models; the current fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is separate as well. Google maintains distinct software tracks for these products. Check Google’s model and software information rather than identifying a thermostat by appearance or age alone.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 No Longer Evil changes
No Longer Evil is a community-developed firmware and server project for Nest Learning Thermostats generations 1 and 2. Its approach is to flash custom firmware that redirects thermostat communications away from Google/Nest servers to replacement infrastructure. Depending on the route you choose, that infrastructure is operated by the project or by you. The project describes its design and experimental status in its introduction.
The project is intended to bring back functions such as web-dashboard control and API access, and to support Home Assistant through MQTT. It reuses the thermostat hardware and existing HVAC connection. This is a community replacement system, not Google firmware, an authorized repair, or a promise of permanent service. Do not assume it restores every Nest feature, learning behavior, integration, safety function, or app experience. In particular, the project should not be treated as a way to restore Google Assistant or Nest Protect emergency shutoff.
Rank #2
- 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]
Current project documentation identifies Gen 1 and Gen 2 as supported targets. Gen 1 requires opening the thermostat and a more involved flashing procedure; Gen 2 has a simpler DFU-mode procedure. Gen 3 work should be considered development, not generally available support. Check the project’s current compatibility page before taking any hardware apart.
Choose a service model before you flash
The firmware is only part of the change. You also need to decide where the replacement service will run. The project documents three practical paths:
Rank #3
- 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].
| Path | Best fit | What you gain | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted No Longer Evil | Someone who wants the least server administration | A project-hosted service and web dashboard after setup | This replaces Google’s cloud with a new third-party cloud. The project’s documentation says thermostat data, including temperatures, settings, and schedules, is stored on its servers. Review current privacy, availability, account, and pricing terms before relying on it. |
| Home Assistant add-on | Someone already running Home Assistant OS | A route to MQTT-based discovery and automations within a Home Assistant setup | The documented add-on requires Home Assistant OS, not a bare Home Assistant Container installation. MQTT climate discovery also requires the Mosquitto broker add-on, and the server’s LAN address must be configured so the thermostat can reach it reliably. |
| Standalone self-hosted server | A technically comfortable user who wants to operate the backend | Control over the server and the option to use MQTT or the API directly | You must run and maintain an always-on server, manage networking and updates, and secure the service. Self-hosting is not automatically private or safe if exposed carelessly to the internet. |
See the project’s deployment comparison and its self-hosted overview before choosing. For the Home Assistant route, follow the current installation guide; it gives the add-on repository and setup details. The repository to add is https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-HomeAssistant, using Home Assistant’s Settings → Add-ons → Add-on Store → three-dot menu → Repositories path.
Check the practical requirements and risks first
- Supported computer: The project documents flashing on macOS or Linux. Windows is not supported; the project also says WSL2 and virtual-machine workarounds are unsupported because the process depends on USB and a brief bootloader window.
- Correct data cable: Gen 1 uses mini USB; Gen 2 uses micro USB. A charge-only cable is not enough.
- Battery: The installation guide recommends at least 50% charge before flashing.
- Tools and access: Gen 1 requires opening the device and additional steps to enter its flashing state. Gen 2 uses a less involved DFU procedure. Follow the project’s live instructions for the exact procedure and tools.
- Fallback climate control: Have a backup thermostat or another dependable way to heat or cool the home while testing. This matters especially in a property at risk of frozen pipes, a home with vulnerable occupants, a rental, or any building where HVAC interruption would be serious.
The project labels the software experimental and warns that flashing can brick a thermostat or cause unexpected behavior. Selecting the wrong generation can lead to a failed or damaging flash, and a low battery can interrupt the process. Verify the model carefully, charge it, and do not treat a successful-looking flash as proof that the HVAC system is ready for unattended operation. Read the current hosted installation guide for the latest supported installer and steps.
Rank #4
- 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
Installation at a high level
Use the project’s live guide rather than relying on a copied set of keystrokes or an old video. DFU timing, installer packages, and supported builds can change. The broad sequence is:
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Identify the thermostat generation using reliable model information, not appearance alone.
- Confirm your HVAC arrangement and prepare an alternative way to heat or cool the home.
- Charge the thermostat to at least the project’s recommended 50% and obtain the correct data-capable USB cable.
- On a supported macOS or Linux computer, use the project’s recommended installer and follow its generation-specific instructions to enter DFU/flashing mode.
- Select the exact generation and flash the corresponding firmware. Do not guess or continue if the model is uncertain.
- Choose hosted, Home Assistant, or standalone self-hosted service, then complete its registration or server configuration.
- Reconnect the thermostat to its HVAC backplate and verify local operation before depending on remote controls.
- Test heating and cooling modes, setpoints, schedules, and any Home Assistant entities or automations you intend to use.
The project repository includes source-build instructions for advanced users, but building firmware is not the recommended ordinary installation route. The repository lists Node.js 18 or later, npm, and Docker among build prerequisites; Docker is needed when rebuilding firmware from source. For the current installer and project releases, use the official repository and release page, not an unverified download.
Best Value
- 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
When to try it—and when to replace the thermostat
| Your situation | More sensible path |
|---|---|
| You have a confirmed Gen 1 or Gen 2, a supported Mac or Linux computer, a backup climate-control option, and you are comfortable with firmware and hardware risk. | No Longer Evil may be worth trying if reuse and community control matter to you. |
| This is the home’s only dependable thermostat, you cannot risk downtime, or you are not comfortable opening electronics or recovering a failed flash. | Choose a supported replacement or a conventional programmable thermostat instead. |
| You only have a Windows computer and no practical access to macOS or Linux. | The documented flashing route is not supported on your setup; replacement is the lower-risk choice. |
| You have a Gen 3 Learning Thermostat or Thermostat E. | This project is not currently a generally supported fix for your model. Confirm the exact device and its separate support status. |
| You want Home Assistant control and already run Home Assistant OS. | Consider the add-on path, but account for Mosquitto and network-address configuration requirements. |
| You want independence from vendor cloud services and can maintain a server. | Consider self-hosting, with proper authentication, network controls, TLS where appropriate, backups, and updates. |
| You want minimal maintenance and warranty-backed support. | A currently supported commercial thermostat is a better fit, but verify HVAC compatibility and understand its cloud and account dependencies. |
For any replacement—not just a Nest—check the actual HVAC system before buying: heating and cooling stages, heat-pump and auxiliary-heat requirements, power or C-wire needs, millivolt or proprietary controls, and accessory terminals for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ventilators. European wiring and equipment can differ from North American systems. A thermostat that fits a backplate is not necessarily a safe or feature-equivalent match for the equipment.
A conventional non-cloud programmable thermostat is also a valid alternative. It generally gives up remote control, smart-home automation, and online history, but it avoids replacing one vendor cloud with another and is less vulnerable to account-service changes. Commercial smart thermostats can offer a more supported consumer experience, but check each model’s HVAC compatibility, local-control options, and reliance on vendor services rather than assuming every model works the same way.
How to test safely after flashing
Keep the backup control available until the replacement setup has proved dependable. First verify that the thermostat boots and responds at the wall. Then test each relevant heating and cooling mode, change a setpoint, confirm that the equipment responds as expected, and inspect schedules. If using Home Assistant, confirm MQTT discovery and test automations manually before allowing them to run unattended. Watch the system through a normal operating cycle. If the thermostat behaves unpredictably or cannot reliably call for heat or cooling, stop relying on it and restore a known-good thermostat or other safe control method.
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If a flash fails, do not repeatedly improvise with generation choices, cables, or undocumented recovery steps. Consult the project’s current troubleshooting and installation documentation, and use its documented recovery process only when it applies to the exact hardware state. A project installer may be rerunnable, but that is not a guarantee that every failed flash is recoverable.
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