Google provided plenty of advanced warning, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt any less when Google discontinued support for its older Nest thermostats. While over a decade of support is pretty good, you still don’t expect something like a smart thermostat to lose its connected functionality during its lifetime.
This is especially the case when things are running smoothly and barely any maintenance is required. However, that’s what 1st and 2nd generation Nest Thermostat users experienced, losing the ability to control their thermostats using the app. Luckily, it looks like someone is taking control here, offering a way to bring devices back online.
A new beginning
Cody Kociemba has posted a project on GitHub with the promise of reviving old Nest Thermostats (via 9to5Google). Of course, this isn’t something that Google is going to recommend and will require some work on your end. But it is a way to get your Nest Thermostats back up and running again if you’ve been looking for a solution.
Naturally, there are tons of disclaimers before even diving into this project, which means that if something goes wrong, you’re pretty much on your own. As far as how it works, you’ll need to load new software into your Nest Thermostats, where all data will now be redirected to a new platform, and give you the ability to control it.
The good news is that, for the most part, it all appears to just work. So if you’re successful in getting through this process, it’ll look and feel just like it did before. Naturally, before taking any steps, you’ll want to carefully read through all the instructions. As we stated before, you’ll be responsible for what happens to your device.
Like any process that updates the firmware, there’s always the chance that it might not work out. While this isn’t going to be for everyone, it’s certainly a way to get older Nest Thermostats working. There is no cost, you’ll just need to do all the heavy lifting yourself.
Of course, if you’re not that brave and want some other solutions, you can always upgrade your thermostats to new ones by Google or other brands. We did review the latest model of Nest Thermostat and liked it quite a bit. Or you might want to check with your local power company to see if they offer any rebates on new smart home products.
- Brand
-
Google Nest
- Integrations
-
Google, Alexa
- C-Wire Required
-
No
- Sensor Support
-
Sold separately
- Heat Pump Compatible
-
Yes, via adapter
Famous for its stark design and user-friendly interfaces, the Nest Thermostat is a real Google hit. Aside from simply adjusting and scheduling heating and cooling levels, it monitors humidity and can automatically switch to energy-saving mode when no one’s around to save you money. For those interested in the new Matter smart ecosystem, it’s one of the few thermostats with support. While it lacks the learning algorithms of its more expensive relative, most people won’t miss them.
