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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes—but only for certain models, and it is not a simple app update. No Longer Evil Thermostat is a real community-built firmware and backend project that aims to restore remote access to first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats after Google ended their cloud support. The process requires flashing experimental software over USB, so it is best treated as a technical rescue project—not a guaranteed repair.
For a technically confident homeowner with a supported thermostat, a Linux or macOS computer, and a backup plan, it may postpone replacement. If reliable heating or cooling is essential, or if you are uncomfortable with firmware flashing, replacing the thermostat is the safer choice.
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What Google actually discontinued
Google ended Nest and Google Home app and cloud support for specific older thermostats on October 25, 2025. The affected products are the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat introduced in 2011, the second-generation model introduced in 2012, and the European second-generation model introduced in 2014. Google’s support notice explains the affected models and remaining functions.
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This did not necessarily make the thermostat unusable as an HVAC controller. On-device functions such as changing the temperature, changing modes, managing certain settings, and using existing schedules can continue to work. What disappeared includes phone and tablet control, app-based status checks, remote notifications, third-party assistant access, Home/Away Assist, multi-device Eco control, and Nest Protect emergency-shutoff integration.
#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]
Google also says these affected thermostats no longer receive software or security updates. In other words, the wall-mounted hardware may still control your furnace or air conditioner, but its Google-connected features have been removed.
What No Longer Evil Thermostat does
No Longer Evil replaces the thermostat’s software and redirects its communications away from Google’s infrastructure. Its documentation describes a system intended to make the thermostat communicate with the No Longer Evil platform rather than the original Nest service.
The project includes custom firmware, flashing tools, a managed hosted service, and a self-hosted option. Its source code is publicly available on GitHub, while the project’s documentation explains the supported paths.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe documented goal is to restore useful connected functions such as:
- Viewing thermostat status remotely.
- Changing the temperature remotely.
- Changing thermostat modes remotely.
- Accessing the thermostat through the No Longer Evil web or phone-based platform.
That does not mean every original Nest feature returns. Do not assume that Google Assistant, Home/Away Assist, Nest Protect integration, historical automations, or complete Nest-app feature parity will work. This is a replacement service with its own capabilities, not a way to restore Google’s discontinued backend.
Check the thermostat model before doing anything
The project’s current compatibility documentation identifies first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats as supported targets. The Gen 3 model is listed as in development, not as a supported end-user installation path.
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
| Thermostat | Current position |
|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat, first generation | Supported by the project |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, second generation | Supported by the project |
| European second-generation model | Included in Google’s affected group; verify the project’s current compatibility notes before proceeding |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, third generation | In development; not a supported installation path |
| Nest Thermostat E | Not identified as supported in the current compatibility documentation |
| 2020 Nest Thermostat | Not identified as supported |
| Nest Learning Thermostat, fourth generation | Not part of this rescue project and remains an official current Google product |
Do not identify the model by appearance alone. Use Google’s support information and the project’s live compatibility page. The physical USB connector is also different: Gen 1 uses Mini USB, while Gen 2 uses Micro USB.
What you need before starting
This is not a normal smart-home setup. Before attempting it, have the following in place:
- A confirmed first- or second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat.
- Physical access to the thermostat.
- The correct, data-capable USB cable: Mini USB for Gen 1 or Micro USB for Gen 2.
- A Linux or macOS computer. The current project documentation says Windows is unsupported.
- Enough command-line familiarity to install and run flashing tools.
- A backup thermostat or a recovery plan if the flash fails.
- Time to troubleshoot USB detection, DFU mode, account setup, and activation.
- Acceptance that the firmware is experimental and may introduce service, privacy, or reliability risks.
Do not begin immediately before extreme weather or when losing thermostat control would put occupants, pipes, equipment, or animals at risk. If your HVAC system is already unreliable, the firmware project is not a substitute for diagnosing that problem.
Hosted or self-hosted?
The project offers two broad operating paths.
| Path | Best for | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted No Longer Evil | Most users who want the quickest route | No server administration; simpler setup | Thermostat data, including settings and schedules, is stored on project infrastructure |
| Self-hosted | Homelab, privacy-focused, and technically experienced users | More control over the backend and data | Work in progress; requires a server, maintenance, security, uptime, backups, and updates |
The hosted option is easier, but open-source software does not automatically mean that the hosted service is private or independent. Read the project’s hosted-versus-self-hosted guidance before choosing. The documentation says hosted operation stores thermostat information on No Longer Evil’s servers.
Do not describe the hosted service as free forever. The project software may be available without a conventional purchase price, but the reviewed information does not establish a permanent price, service-level guarantee, or indefinite availability commitment.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The installation path
Follow the project’s current release-specific guide rather than relying on a frozen third-party procedure. The practical sequence is:
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
- Confirm the exact thermostat generation and connector.
- Read the current compatibility documentation and select hosted or self-hosted operation.
- Use a Linux or macOS computer and a known-good data cable.
- Install or download the current flashing tools.
- Connect the thermostat over USB.
- Put the thermostat into DFU mode—or catch it during the short DFU window after USB connection.
- Flash the No Longer Evil firmware.
- Complete the account, entry-key, and backend configuration for the selected service.
- Test on-device HVAC control.
- Test remote status, temperature changes, and mode changes before treating the installation as complete.
The hosted guide currently shows this repository command as part of its process:
git clone https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat.git NoLongerEvil-ThermostatCommands and release steps can change, so copy them from the live hosted installation guide or the self-hosted installation guide.
The most unusual practical obstacle is timing. The project warns that the thermostat remains in DFU mode for only a few seconds after USB connection. A computer may therefore fail to detect the device simply because the connection or flashing command was not ready in time.
What can go wrong?
The computer does not detect the thermostat
Check the cable first. A charge-only cable will not work. Then verify that you are using the connector appropriate for the thermostat generation and that the device actually entered DFU mode.
On Linux, USB permissions may also need configuration. The current guide includes this example:
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="0451", MODE="0666"' | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/99-omap.rulesDo not treat that command as a universal, permanent fix. Copy the current rule from the project’s live guide because device states and project instructions may change.
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 flash succeeds but activation fails
A successful firmware flash does not guarantee that the thermostat will connect to the service. Possible causes include an unsupported model, incorrect account setup, a network or backend problem, an invalid or expired entry key, incomplete firmware, or a project-side regression.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe project’s public issue tracker includes a reported Gen 2 activation problem involving an “Invalid or expired entry key.” That is evidence of a documented failure mode, not proof that every installation will encounter it.
The thermostat appears bricked
Experimental firmware carries a real brick risk. Independent coverage from Tom’s Hardware also warns that flashing can brick the device.
If the thermostat behaves unexpectedly:
- Stop repeatedly flashing it.
- Check current releases, documentation, and GitHub issues.
- Try a known-good data cable and the documented DFU procedure.
- Use the project’s community support channels.
- Keep a conventional thermostat available if loss of HVAC control would be unsafe.
Do not open or electrically modify HVAC equipment unless you are qualified to do so.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Firmware rescue does not fix HVAC compatibility
No Longer Evil changes thermostat software. It does not make an incompatible heating or cooling system compatible.
Google notes that Nest thermostats are generally intended for common 24-volt systems, but there are exceptions, including high-voltage wiring, stranded-wire systems, proprietary systems, solid-fuel systems, insufficient-power situations, and some complex staged systems. Review Google’s compatibility and wiring guidance before changing equipment.
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
A firmware rescue also does not resolve a missing C-wire or other power issue, incorrect wiring, failing HVAC equipment, or an unsafe installation. If the HVAC system has never operated correctly with the thermostat, address that separately with a qualified HVAC professional.
Is it really free and open source?
The project presents its firmware and tooling as open source, and the code is publicly available on GitHub. But “free” has limits:
- You may need a USB cable, compatible computer, and possibly replacement hardware.
- Self-hosting requires a server and ongoing maintenance.
- Hosted infrastructure has operating costs and could change policies or availability.
- Third-party firmware is not covered by Google’s support or security-update commitments.
- Open-source code and hosted-service privacy are separate issues.
Review the project’s current license, hosted-service terms, and privacy information before connecting a thermostat to the managed service.
Should you revive the Nest or replace it?
Try No Longer Evil if you:
- Own a confirmed Gen 1 or Gen 2 Learning Thermostat.
- Have access to Linux or macOS.
- Are comfortable with command-line tools and troubleshooting.
- Accept the possibility of a failed flash or future project-maintenance problem.
- Have a spare thermostat or can tolerate downtime.
- Value repairability and avoiding unnecessary replacement.
Replace the thermostat if you:
- Own a Gen 3, Nest E, 2020 Nest Thermostat, or another model not documented as supported.
- Need dependable heating or cooling with minimal downtime.
- Use Windows exclusively and cannot access a supported Linux or macOS system.
- Have no backup thermostat.
- Want official support and a polished mobile experience.
- Do not want thermostat data stored on a third-party hosted service.
- Have separate display, battery, wiring, HVAC, or hardware problems.
Replacement cost context
If you choose replacement, compare current prices and compatibility rather than assuming the newest Nest is the only option. Google’s fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is the official current Google-aligned path and is listed as Matter-certified and controllable through Google Home or a compatible Matter app. Check the Google Store listing for the live price and availability.
For a lower-cost supported smart thermostat, ecobee’s US product page showed the Smart Thermostat Essential at $139.99, Enhanced at $199.99, and Premium at $259.99 on August 16, 2026. Prices and availability change; verify them at ecobee’s official page. A conventional non-smart thermostat may be the better choice where simplicity and independence from cloud services matter more than remote access.
Decision checklist
- Is the unit definitely a first- or second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat?
- Do you have the correct Mini USB or Micro USB data cable?
- Do you have access to Linux or macOS?
- Can you tolerate a failed flash or temporary loss of thermostat service?
- Have you decided whether the hosted service’s data handling is acceptable?
- If self-hosting, can you maintain the server and secure it?
- Do you have a backup thermostat?
- Is your HVAC system otherwise compatible and operating safely?
If the answers are mostly yes, No Longer Evil is a legitimate option worth investigating. If not, a supported replacement is likely the more responsible choice—particularly where a failed experiment could leave a home without safe heating or cooling.
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