Yes—some first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats can be brought back to life with the community-built No Longer Evil project. It replaces Google’s discontinued cloud-dependent functionality with custom firmware and a new control system. The trade-off is significant: this is unofficial software, the flashing process can brick the thermostat, and the hosted version introduces a new cloud dependency.
The short answer
If you own a Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 1 or Gen 2, No Longer Evil may restore remote control, temperature adjustment, mode switching and status reporting. It is not an official Google repair, and it does not restore Google’s original service. Instead, it repurposes the thermostat with custom firmware and connects it to either the project’s hosted platform, Home Assistant or a self-hosted No Longer Evil server.
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The project was covered by Hackaday on November 11, 2025. Check the project’s repository and documentation immediately before starting, because firmware, instructions and support can change.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhy old Nest thermostats lost their smart features
The thermostat itself and Google’s online services are separate things. The hardware can still measure temperature and control heating, cooling and the fan, while cloud services provide features such as remote app access, online schedules, learning functions and integrations.
#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]
Hackaday reported that Google’s backend shutdown affected the connected functionality of first- and second-generation Learning Thermostats. That does not necessarily mean every affected device is physically broken. Some may still operate as conventional, locally adjusted thermostats even though their cloud features no longer work.
What No Longer Evil installs
No Longer Evil is a custom-firmware and software project designed specifically for Nest Learning Thermostats Gen 1 and Gen 2. Its stated features include:
- Temperature adjustment
- Heating, cooling and other mode changes
- Real-time status
- A web or progressive-web-app-style control interface
- Cloud-hosted and self-hosted operating modes
“Open source” should be understood carefully. The project presents itself as free and open source, but its repository uses future-oriented language about releasing some firmware images and backend API code. That is not the same as saying that every component of the deployed system has already received an independent security audit.
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The documented support scope is:
| Hardware | Status |
|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 1 | Supported by the project |
| Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 2 | Supported by the project |
| Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 3 | Not documented as supported |
| Nest Thermostat E | Not documented as supported |
| Current Google Nest Learning Thermostat | Not documented as supported |
| Nest Temperature Sensors, Protect and other Nest products | Not documented as supported |
Do not flash a device simply because it carries the Nest name. Confirm the exact generation first using the project’s current documentation. Using firmware intended for another model can result in a failed installation or a bricked device.
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 installation works
The recommended route: the GUI installer
The project’s repository describes a graphical installer that:
- Flashes the appropriate firmware.
- Guides you through initial setup.
- Lets you select cloud hosting, Home Assistant or a standalone self-hosted server.
Follow the live instructions at docs.nolongerevil.com rather than relying on copied screenshots or old interface labels. The installer and firmware are project-specific, and the supported process may be updated.
Building from source
Advanced users can build the project from source. The repository currently lists macOS or Linux, Node.js 18 or newer and npm as requirements. Docker is needed when rebuilding firmware. Windows is not supported for building or flashing according to the README.
Recommended Free Tools
The repository’s current commands include:
git clone https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat.git
cd NoLongerEvil-ThermostatTo rebuild firmware for both generations:
cd firmware/builder
./docker-build.sh --generation both --enable-root-access --yesThen copy the generated firmware and run the installer:
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
cp firmware/builder/firmware/* firmware/installer/resources/firmware/
cd firmware/installer
npm install
npm run electron:devPackaging commands listed by the project are:
npm run package:mac
npm run package:linuxThese are the repository’s current instructions, not a guarantee that every release, hardware revision or computer configuration will behave identically.
What is happening technically?
The project uses low-level firmware-loading capabilities in the original hardware. The Hackaday report and project documentation describe a USB-connected DFU-enabled OMAP loader and a narrow bootloader window that the device must catch during reboot. The project credits earlier work including Nest DFU Attack research and the OMAP loader.
Hackaday also showed this image-inspection example:
dumpimage -T kernel -p 0 -o kernel uImageThat command is an inspection or debugging example, not a complete installation procedure. It should not be treated as a universal command for every project release.
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].
Cloud hosting versus self-hosting
| Option | Advantages | Responsibilities and risks |
|---|---|---|
| No Longer Evil cloud | Simplest setup; no server administration | You trust a third-party endpoint and remain dependent on its uptime and maintenance |
| Home Assistant | Useful for local smart-home control and existing automations | Requires an always-on system, updates, network security and Home Assistant maintenance |
| Standalone self-hosted server | More control over data and service location | You must operate the server, secure it, maintain remote access and keep it available |
Self-hosting reduces reliance on the project’s hosted endpoint; it does not automatically make the installation secure. Weak credentials, exposed ports, unpatched systems or unsafe remote-access configurations can still create problems. A properly configured local deployment may keep data within the home, but that should not be assumed for cloud-hosted operation.
Before you flash: a construction and HVAC safety checklist
- Confirm that the thermostat is a Gen 1 or Gen 2 Learning Thermostat.
- Make sure you own the device and have access to its wiring and mounting hardware.
- Use a supported macOS or Linux computer if building or flashing manually.
- Prepare a reliable USB connection and stable power.
- Choose cloud hosting, Home Assistant or a standalone server before installation.
- Do not experiment during extreme heat or cold when loss of HVAC control could endanger occupants, pipes, equipment or materials.
- Keep a working fallback thermostat or another heating and cooling plan.
- Do not change HVAC wiring while carrying out a software installation.
- Record the existing wiring and settings before beginning.
What can go wrong?
The model is unsupported
Flashing firmware intended for Gen 1 or Gen 2 onto a different Nest product can fail. Stop at model identification if you cannot establish the exact generation.
The flash fails
The project warns that improper firmware can brick the thermostat. Possible results include a failed installation, loss of normal control or a device that appears dead. Recovery may require USB and bootloader procedures; permanent failure is also possible.
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The replacement cloud service goes offline
Cloud mode substitutes a community-operated backend for Google’s backend. It does not remove the dependency. Self-hosting avoids that particular hosted-service dependency but creates your own uptime and maintenance obligations.
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
The HVAC system behaves unexpectedly
A successful firmware flash does not prove compatibility with every HVAC configuration. Stop using the device if heating, cooling, fan or mode control behaves unpredictably. For complex systems, arrange professional HVAC advice before making the thermostat your only control.
Post-installation test plan
After installation, test the system when you can safely observe it:
- Check the thermostat’s local interface.
- Change the target temperature in heating mode and confirm a heating call.
- Change the target temperature in cooling mode and confirm a cooling call.
- Test fan-only operation if your system supports it.
- Switch between available modes.
- Confirm that temperature readings and status updates appear in the selected interface.
- Test manual control on the thermostat itself.
- Restart the thermostat and verify that it reconnects.
- Temporarily check behavior when the selected server is unavailable.
- Observe the HVAC equipment long enough to confirm that it starts and stops normally.
Should you revive it or replace it?
| Revival is a reasonable choice when… | Replacement is the safer choice when… |
|---|---|
| You have confirmed Gen 1 or Gen 2 hardware. | You cannot identify the generation. |
| You accept unofficial firmware and possible bricking. | You need a supported product, warranty and predictable recovery. |
| You already use Linux, macOS, Home Assistant or a local server. | You do not want to flash firmware or maintain infrastructure. |
| Avoiding e-waste and preserving existing hardware matter to you. | Downtime would threaten occupants, property, pipes or sensitive equipment. |
| The thermostat has no unrelated battery, display, relay or HVAC-compatibility problems. | The hardware is already unreliable or unsuitable for the HVAC system. |
If you already operate Home Assistant, self-hosting may offer the strongest local-control and privacy case. If simplicity matters most, cloud hosting is easier but requires trust in another service. If formal support and low technical risk are more important than reusing the old hardware, replacement remains the conservative choice. The project also links to Sett as a possible drop-in PCB replacement option, but that is a hardware project rather than a conventional supported thermostat purchase.
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Is it really “100% less evil”?
As a slogan, the title is fair: the project gives obsolete hardware another use, reduces dependence on Google and offers a self-hosted route. As a security or reliability certification, it is not. Firmware flashing carries real risk, the project is evolving, cloud hosting remains a dependency, and the repository’s description of forthcoming source releases means complete independent auditability should not be assumed.
The practical verdict is simple: revive a confirmed Gen 1 or Gen 2 only if you are comfortable treating it as an enthusiast project and have a fallback HVAC plan. Otherwise, install a currently supported thermostat that matches your system and risk tolerance.
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