Google Pulls Plug on Early Nest Thermostats: End of Support Looms in 2025

Google has dropped a bombshell for owners of its earliest Nest Learning Thermostats, announcing that software support for the first- and second-generation models will cease on October 25, 2025. This move not only marks the end of an era for these pioneering smart home devices but also signals Google’s complete withdrawal from the European thermostat market. Here’s what you need to know about the end-of-life plan, the generous support lifespan, and the compensation offered to affected users in the US and Europe.

A Long Run for Nest’s First Smart Thermostats

Launched in 2011, the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostat revolutionized the smart home industry with its sleek design and intelligent temperature control. Its second-generation successor followed in 2012, and a European-specific model arrived in 2014, just before Google acquired Nest for $3.2 billion. These devices have enjoyed an impressive 14-year run of software updates, far surpassing Google’s standard five-year support commitment.

However, all good things must end. As of October 2025, these thermostats will lose cloud connectivity, rendering them unable to sync with the Google Home app or respond to voice commands via Google Assistant (or likely Gemini by then). While they’ll still function as basic “dumb” thermostats—allowing manual temperature adjustments and local scheduling via the device’s screen—the loss of smart features will sting for users accustomed to remote control and automation.

Google’s decision comes amid a broader streamlining of its Nest division, with recent cuts to its Platform and Devices team and the discontinuation of other products like the Nest Protect smoke alarm and Nest x Yale Lock. The company cites the aging hardware’s limitations and the need to focus on newer technologies as reasons for pulling the plug.

Compensation for US and Canadian Users

For users in the US and Canada, Google is softening the blow with significant discounts on the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, released in 2024 for $280. US owners of the first- or second-gen models can snag a $130 discount, while Canadian users are eligible for a CA$160 price cut. Google will reach out via email with details on how to claim these offers, making the upgrade to a modern, fully supported thermostat more affordable.

The fourth-gen Nest boasts enhanced features like a sharper display, improved energy-saving algorithms, and deeper integration with Google’s smart home ecosystem. For users still rocking a 2011 or 2012 model, this discount could be a compelling reason to upgrade before the smart features vanish.

European Users Left in the Cold

The situation is bleaker for European owners of the 2014 second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat. Google has confirmed it will not release any new Nest thermostats in Europe, citing the region’s “unique” heating and cooling systems, which pose hardware and software challenges. This marks the end of Nest’s thermostat presence in Europe, with existing stock of the third-gen (2015) and Nest Thermostat E (2018) models being sold until supplies run out.

Without a direct Nest upgrade path, European users face a tougher transition. Google is offering a 50 percent discount on the Tado Smart Thermostat X, a third-party device compatible with European heating systems and the Google Home app. While this gesture provides some relief, it’s a clear pivot away from Nest-branded hardware, leaving European smart home enthusiasts to explore alternatives like Tado or other Google Home-compatible brands.

What’s Next for Nest Owners?

The end of support for these early Nest thermostats underscores a harsh reality of smart home tech: devices reliant on cloud services are only as durable as the company’s commitment to maintaining them. While 14 years is an admirable lifespan, the loss of remote control and app integration will diminish the appeal of these once-cutting-edge devices. Google’s refusal to open-source the hardware further limits options for tech-savvy users hoping to keep their thermostats smart.

For US and Canadian users, the discount on the fourth-gen Nest is a solid incentive to stay within Google’s ecosystem. European users, however, may feel abandoned as Google exits the region’s thermostat market entirely. If you own one of these aging Nest devices, check your email for Google’s compensation offers and weigh your options before October 2025, when the smart features go dark.

As Google continues to reshape its Nest lineup, this move raises questions about the longevity of other smart home devices. Will newer Nest models face a similar fate in a decade? For now, users must decide whether to upgrade, switch to third-party alternatives, or embrace the simplicity of a “dumb” thermostat.