Google Phases Out Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock, But Replacements Are on the Way
Google is making a major shift in its smart home strategy, announcing the discontinuation of two long-running Nest products—the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector and the Nest x Yale smart lock. This marks the company’s exit from both the smoke alarm and smart lock markets, shifting responsibility for these categories to third-party manufacturers.
Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock Discontinued, But Still Functioning
Both the 10-year-old Nest Protect and the 7-year-old Nest x Yale lock are being phased out, but they will continue to function and receive security updates. Google is still selling the remaining stock of both devices at discounted prices on the Google Store until supplies run out. However, while these products have been staples of Google’s smart home ecosystem, they were beginning to show their age.
For instance, the Nest Protect only recently gained Google Home app support, years after most other Nest devices made the transition from the legacy Nest app. Similarly, Nest x Yale users faced connectivity issues when Google removed support for Nest Hub Max as a Wi-Fi bridge—forcing the company to provide free Nest Connect hubs to affected users.
First Alert and Yale Introduce Google Home-Compatible Replacements
Though Google is exiting these categories, it’s ensuring that Google Home users still have compatible alternatives. Two new devices from established brands will take the place of Nest Protect and Nest x Yale.
1. First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- Developed by Resideo-owned First Alert, the SC5 serves as a direct replacement for Nest Protect.
- It offers mobile alerts for smoke and CO events, voice alerts, and early warning “heads-up” notifications.
- Like the Nest Protect, it can trigger other connected alarms throughout the home in an emergency.
- The Wi-Fi-enabled SC5 integrates with both Google Home and existing Nest Protect alarms, making it easy to add to an existing smart home setup.
- It will be available in battery-powered and hardwired versions for $129.99, launching in the coming months.
2. Yale Smart Lock with Matter
- This new smart lock from Yale is designed to complement Google’s Nest Doorbell.
- Featuring Thread connectivity and Matter support, it offers seamless integration with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home.
- The lock supports multiple unlocking methods, including mobile app control, entry codes, and traditional keys.
- The battery lasts up to 12 months, and it functions with Thread border routers for improved reliability.
- Yale has confirmed that it will launch this summer.
Should You Replace Your Nest Protect?
Even though Nest Protect will continue to function, those who purchased the second-generation model in 2015 should consider replacing it soon. Carbon monoxide detectors have a typical lifespan of about 10 years, meaning many early Nest Protect units are nearing the end of their effectiveness.
Google’s decision to step away from these smart home categories reflects its broader strategy of focusing on software and partnerships rather than hardware for every category. While this marks the end of an era for Nest Protect and Nest x Yale, Google Home users still have viable replacements to maintain their smart home setups.
