Reviving Legacy Nest Thermostats: A New Project Offers Continued Remote Control
In October 2025, Google ceased software support for its first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats, effectively disabling remote control capabilities and other connected features. This decision rendered these devices functional only as basic, manual thermostats, stripping away the smart functionalities that initially attracted users.
In response to this development, developer Cody Kociemba introduced the NoLongerEvil Thermostat project, aiming to restore remote control capabilities to these older Nest models. This initiative involves installing custom firmware on the thermostat, redirecting its network traffic from Google’s servers to a dedicated server that emulates the original Nest API. This redirection allows users to manage their thermostats remotely through the nolongerevil.com platform, offering functionalities such as temperature adjustments, mode changes, and real-time status updates.
To implement this solution, users must install the custom firmware using the OMAP DFU (Device Firmware Update) interface. It’s important to note that this process carries inherent risks, including the potential to render the device inoperable if not executed correctly. Therefore, users are advised to proceed with caution and ensure they follow the provided instructions meticulously.
The NoLongerEvil Thermostat project is currently available, with plans to release its source code to the public in the near future. This initiative offers a promising alternative for owners of first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats who wish to retain remote control capabilities without upgrading to newer models.
