In this guide
- Do Nest Thermostats Still Work with Home Assistant?
- Which Nest Thermostat Do You Have?
- Method 1: Google Cloud Integration (All Models)
- Method 2: Matter (Local Control, 2020 Model Only)
- Cloud vs. Matter: Which Should You Pick?
- When to Replace Your Nest Thermostat
- Best Nest Thermostat Alternatives for Home Assistant
- FAQ
If you're reading this, you probably own a Nest thermostat and you're looking at Home Assistant. Maybe Google killing off Assistant pushed you over the edge. Maybe you just want your heating controlled locally instead of through Google's cloud. Either way, good news: your Nest thermostat does work with Home Assistant.
But the setup process is, frankly, more complicated than it should be. Google's API requires a cloud project, OAuth credentials, and some patience. This guide walks you through every step, for every Nest model, so you don't have to piece it together from three different Reddit threads.
Do Nest Thermostats Still Work with Home Assistant?
Yes. All Nest thermostat models can connect to Home Assistant through the Google Nest integration. The newer 2020 model also supports Matter, which gives you local control without any cloud dependency.
Here's the quick version of what works:
| Model | Cloud (Google API) | Matter (Local) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning (Gen 1, 2, 3) | Yes | No | Cloud only. Still works fine. |
| Nest Thermostat E | Yes | No | Cloud only. Budget model, same API. |
| Nest Thermostat (2020) | Yes | Yes | Both options. Matter added via firmware update. |
| Nest Learning (4th Gen) | Yes | Yes | Both options. Matter support built in. |
Which Nest Thermostat Do You Have?
Not sure? Here's how to tell:
- Nest Learning (Gen 1/2/3): Round, stainless steel ring. Rotates to change temperature. The classic one that started it all. Gen 3 has a larger, sharper display.
- Nest Thermostat E: Round with a frosted white display. Cheaper than the Learning models. Polycarbonate body instead of metal.
- Nest Thermostat (2020): Oval/pill shape with a mirror-like finish. Touch strip on the right side instead of the rotating dial. This is the one most people are buying now.
- Nest Learning (4th Gen, 2024): Larger round display, borderless screen. Looks like a premium upgrade of the original. Newest model.
Method 1: Google Cloud Integration (All Models)
This works for every Nest thermostat ever made. The downside: it goes through Google's cloud, so there's a slight delay, and if Google's servers go down, your automations stop. For most people, this is totally fine. The delay is usually under a second.
Before you start: This setup takes about 20-30 minutes. Most of that time is spent in the Google Cloud Console, not in Home Assistant. Don't rush it.
Create a Google Cloud Project
Go to console.cloud.google.com and create a new project. Name it something like "Home Assistant Nest." You'll need a Google account (the same one linked to your Nest).
Enable the Smart Device Management API
In your cloud project, go to APIs & Services, click "Enable APIs," and search for Smart Device Management API. Enable it. This is the API that lets Home Assistant talk to your Nest devices.
Set Up OAuth Consent Screen
Still in the cloud console, go to APIs & Services > OAuth consent screen. Choose "External" as the user type. Fill in the required fields (app name, support email). Add your own Google account as a test user.
Create OAuth Credentials
Go to Credentials > Create Credentials > OAuth Client ID. Choose "Web application." For the redirect URI, enter your Home Assistant URL followed by /auth/external/callback. For example: https://your-ha-instance.duckdns.org/auth/external/callback
Save the Client ID and Client Secret. You'll need these in Home Assistant.
Register for the Device Access Program
Go to console.nest.google.com/device-access and register. Google charges a one-time $5 fee for API access. Yes, really. You already bought their hardware, but they want $5 more to let you control it yourself. Enter your OAuth Client ID when asked.
Add the Integration in Home Assistant
In Home Assistant, go to Settings > Devices & Services > Add Integration > search "Nest." Enter your Project ID (from the Device Access Console), Client ID, and Client Secret. Follow the OAuth flow to authorize access.
Your Nest thermostat should appear as a climate entity. You can now control it, automate it, and include it in dashboards.
Tip: If you see "Access blocked: This app's request is invalid," double-check your redirect URI. It has to match exactly, including the trailing path. This is the most common error.
Method 2: Matter (Local Control, Newer Models Only)
If you have the 2020 Nest Thermostat or the 4th Gen Learning Thermostat, you can use Matter instead. This is the better option because it runs locally. No cloud, no Google dependency, faster response times.
What is Matter?
Matter is an open smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. It lets devices from different brands talk to each other directly over your local network. Think of it as a universal language for smart home devices.
Update Your Nest Thermostat Firmware
Open the Google Home app, find your thermostat, and check for firmware updates. Matter support was added via a software update in late 2024. If your thermostat is connected to Wi-Fi, it should have updated automatically.
Enable Matter in Google Home
In the Google Home app, go to your thermostat's settings and look for "Linked Matter apps & services." This is where you'll add Home Assistant as a Matter controller.
Add to Home Assistant via Matter
In Home Assistant, go to Settings > Devices & Services > Add Integration > "Matter." You'll need the Matter Server add-on running (it comes pre-installed on Home Assistant OS). Commission the device using the sharing code from Google Home.
Heads up: Matter thermostats in Home Assistant currently support basic temperature control and mode switching. Some advanced Nest features (like the schedule learning or Eco temperature ranges) are not exposed through Matter yet. For most automations, basic control is all you need.
Cloud vs. Matter: Which Should You Pick?
| Feature | Cloud (Google API) | Matter (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Works without internet | No | Yes |
| Response time | ~1 second | Near instant |
| Setup difficulty | Moderate (cloud project) | Easy |
| Feature completeness | Full (all Nest features) | Basic (temp + mode) |
| Requires Google account | Yes | Only for initial setup |
| Cost | $5 API fee | Free |
| Compatible models | All Nest thermostats | 2020 model + 4th Gen only |
Our recommendation: If your thermostat supports Matter, use Matter. Local control is always better. If you have an older Learning thermostat, the cloud integration works perfectly well. It's stable, it's been around for years, and it probably won't go anywhere.
When to Replace Your Nest Thermostat
Sometimes the right move is to replace your Nest entirely. Here's when that makes sense:
- You want full local control and you have a Gen 1/2/3 Learning thermostat that can't do Matter
- You're tired of Google's API shenanigans (they've changed the integration path multiple times over the years)
- You want advanced automation features like occupancy-based heating per room, which local Zigbee/Z-Wave thermostats handle better
- Your Nest is getting old. Gen 1 and Gen 2 are 10+ years old at this point. Batteries degrade.
If your Nest is working fine and you're okay with cloud control, there's no rush. But if you're going all-in on Home Assistant and local control, a native Matter or Zigbee thermostat will give you a much cleaner experience.
Best Nest Thermostat Alternatives for Home Assistant
If you do decide to replace your Nest, here are the thermostats that play best with Home Assistant:
For full local control (Zigbee/Z-Wave)
- TuYa / Moes Zigbee Thermostat: Cheap (around $30-50), Zigbee, works great with ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT. No cloud needed. Popular choice in the HA community.
- Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave: Professional-grade, Z-Wave Plus. Reliable, widely supported. Around $100-120.
For Matter (future-proof)
- Eve Thermo (Matter over Thread): Radiator valve, not a central thermostat. Great for room-by-room control in European homes. ~$80.
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: Matter support, built-in occupancy sensors, works with all major platforms. ~$220. The premium option.
For budget builds
- Generic Zigbee TRVs (Sonoff, Moes): Thermostatic radiator valves for $20-30 each. Control individual radiators. Perfect for zone heating in older European homes.
Not sure what's compatible with your setup?
Our free scan checks your specific devices against Home Assistant's compatibility database. Find out which of your smart home devices will work, which need a bridge, and which should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Nest thermostat stop working when Google Assistant shuts down?
No. Your Nest thermostat connects to the Google Home app, not Google Assistant. The hardware and basic app control will continue working. What you lose is voice control through Google speakers and some Assistant-powered routines. Read more about the shutdown.
Does the Nest integration cost money?
The cloud integration requires a one-time $5 fee to Google for Device Access API access. Matter is free.
Can I use both cloud and Matter at the same time?
Yes, but there's no real reason to. Pick one. Matter for local control, cloud if you need features that Matter doesn't expose yet.
Is there any delay with the cloud integration?
About 1 second for commands, and state updates can take a few seconds to reflect. For a thermostat, this is rarely noticeable. You're not toggling it on and off 50 times a minute.
What about Nest Thermostat schedules?
Through the cloud API, you can read and set schedules. Through Matter, schedules aren't exposed yet. But most Home Assistant users build their own schedules using HA automations instead. You get much more flexibility that way (like tying heating to your phone's location, weather forecast, or occupancy sensors).
I have multiple Nest thermostats. Does this work for all of them?
Yes. Every Nest thermostat linked to your Google account will show up in Home Assistant through a single integration setup. You configure the cloud project once, and all devices appear.
Ready to move your whole smart home to Home Assistant?
Your Nest thermostat is just one piece. HomeShift gives you a complete migration plan, covering every device in your home, not just heating.