Google Retires Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock, Introduces Third-Party Replacements

Google has announced the discontinuation of two of its long-standing smart home products: the Nest Protect smoke detector and the Nest x Yale smart lock. Despite their retirement, both products will continue to function, and they remain available for purchase at discounted prices while supplies last. This move marks Google’s exit from the smoke alarm and smart lock markets, signaling a shift in its smart home strategy.

Google Introduces Third-Party Alternatives for Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock

To ensure continuity for Google Home users, the company is introducing third-party replacements for these devices. First, the SC5 Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm from First Alert, owned by Resideo, will take over the role of Nest Protect.

This device maintains key features such as mobile alerts, voice notifications, early warnings for emerging fire situations, and integration with other compatible alarms. Additionally, it supports Google Home and existing Nest Protect alarms, making it easy for users to integrate into their smart home systems.

The SC5 will be available in battery-powered and hardwired versions, with a retail price of $129.99 and a release expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Yale Smart Lock with Matter will replace the Nest x Yale lock. Designed to blend with Google’s Nest Doorbell, this smart lock supports the Matter protocol, allowing seamless integration with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Home. It connects via Thread and offers up to 12 months of battery life, ensuring reliability for users.

Google Phases Out Aging Nest Devices, Shifts to Third-Party Smart Home Solutions

The Yale Smart Lock with Matter features multiple access options, including an app, entry code, and traditional key access. It is expected to launch in the summer, providing a modernized alternative to the aging Nest x Yale lock. While the existing Nest Protect and Nest x Yale lock will continue receiving security updates, users with older Nest Protect units should consider upgrading due to the limited lifespan of carbon monoxide sensors.

These discontinuations mark the end of two of Google’s oldest smart home products, both of which had shown signs of aging. The second-generation Nest Protect was only recently integrated into the Google Home app, highlighting its outdated status. Similarly, the Nest x Yale lock faced issues when the Nest Hub Max lost its ability to connect the lock to Wi-Fi, requiring Google to distribute free Nest Connect hubs to affected users. This shift suggests Google is streamlining its smart home offerings while relying more on third-party manufacturers for certain device categories.