In a surprising move, Google discontinues Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Smart Lock, marking a significant change in its smart home product lineup. This decision reflects Google’s evolving strategy to prioritize Matter-supported devices and more seamless integrations in the Google Home ecosystem.
Goodbye, Nest Protect: The End of a Smart Safety Era
Originally launched in 2013 with a second-gen model in 2015, the Nest Protect Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm gained popularity for its sleek design, voice alerts, motion sensors, and mobile notifications. But after years of loyal service in many homes, Google has officially pulled the plug.
The move wasn’t entirely unexpected — supply issues and the age of the product hinted at its eventual phase-out.
What to use instead? Google recommends switching to the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, which is designed to work well within the Google Home app and supports the Weave/Thread protocol for compatibility with existing Nest Protect devices. While it lacks some of Nest Protect’s personality, it fills the safety gap for loyal Google Home users.
Nest x Yale Lock Also Gets the Boot
The Nest x Yale Smart Lock, launched in 2018, was one of the few options on the market that combined Google’s ecosystem with Yale’s locking tech. Despite a decent run and wide adoption, Google has discontinued it as well — but not without a replacement plan.
Enter the new Yale Smart Lock with Matter support. This next-gen lock is built to work with any Matter-compatible platform, including Google Home, and syncs nicely with Google Nest doorbells for a unified entry system. It’s not just a rebrand — this lock is designed for future-forward smart home setups.
Google says the old Nest x Yale Smart Lock will still receive software updates and support, so existing users don’t have to panic. You won’t be forced to uninstall your current setup overnight.
Why Google Is Making These Changes
Let’s be real — smart home tech moves fast, and even fan-favorite gadgets eventually fall behind. Google is clearly aiming to streamline its ecosystem and lean into Matter, the new universal smart home standard that aims to make devices more compatible across brands like Apple, Amazon, and Samsung.
By discontinuing Nest Protect and the Nest x Yale Lock, Google is making room for more scalable, flexible, and standardized smart devices.
What This Means for You
If you’re using these now:
- You don’t need to replace them immediately. Existing devices will still work for the time being.
- Consider future-proofing. If you’re planning upgrades or new installations, look at Matter-compatible devices.
- Keep the Google Home app updated. New features, integrations, and updates will keep your system running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
When Google discontinues Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Smart Lock, it may feel like the end of an era, but in reality, it’s the beginning of a smarter, more universal smart home future. Whether you’re upgrading or just staying in the loop, knowing where things are headed will keep your setup one step ahead.
