The smart home world just got a little less welcoming for longtime Nest thermostat users. Google has officially announced that its ending support for the first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats—a big shift for folks who’ve relied on these smart devices for more than a decade. If you’re still using one of these early models, here’s what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for users in both the US and Europe.
The Countdown to Disconnection
Support is ending for the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat (launched in 2011), the second-gen model (2012), and the European second-gen model (2014). From October 25, 2025, these thermostats will no longer be able to pair with the Google Nest or Home apps. That is, you’ll no longer be able to turn them off/on from your phone, get notifications, or use features such as Google Assistant or Home/Away Assist. On top of that, the thermostats will be unlinked from your Google account, and any third-party integrations will stop working.
What’s Still Left on the Table?
Don’t panic just yet—these devices aren’t turning into expensive wall decor. You’ll still be able to control the temperature, switch modes, and adjust schedules right from the thermostat itself. Any pre-set schedules you’ve created will keep running, and all the on-device features will continue to work. But it’s fair to say that losing remote access and smart home integrations is a big deal, especially since those features are what made the Nest “smart” in the first place.
Why Is Google Doing This?
As Google frames it, maintaining these older devices has grown more and more challenging. Their hardware simply isn’t designed to handle app updates, cloud functionality, and the security demands of today. Not only have these thermostats already outlived their initial support windows, the company argues, but they have endured a handful of significant updates over the years as well. And yet, as technology continues to develop further, it is increasingly challenging to keep older devices in the mix.
Europe Receives the Short End of the Stick
Things are even more difficult for European users of Nest. Not only is support for the older devices ceasing, but Google is also pulling out of the smart thermostat business in Europe entirely. Why? According to the company, the sheer diversity of European heating systems complicates things too much to support. In other words, it’s not worth the headache. So if you’re in Europe, the third-generation Nest and Nest Thermostat E are the last ones you’ll be able to purchase. The new fourth-generation Nest—packed with AI-driven features—won’t be coming this way anytime soon.
Upgrade Paths and Consolation Prizes
There is at least some good news for North American consumers. Google will be giving impacted customers a nice discount: $130 off a new fourth-gen Nest in the US, or CA$160 in Canada. European consumers aren’t getting nearly as good a deal. Google is suggesting third-party solutions such as the Tado Smart Thermostat X, and providing a 50 percent discount on that product to those with the older second-gen European Nest.
A Sign of the Times for Smart Home Tech
This move is part of a larger trend we’re seeing across the smart home industry. Even big players like Google aren’t immune to product lifecycles, shifting priorities, and the hard reality of planned obsolescence. The company has also recently ended support for other Nest products, like the Nest Protect smoke alarm and the Nest x Yale Lock. As Google restructures and simplifies its hardware business—during layoffs and a renewed emphasis on fundamental products—it’s systematically eliminating legacy devices.
