Nest stopped making smoke detectors in 2024
Google discontinued the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector in March 2024. If you own one, it will continue to work, but Google is no longer manufacturing new units or taking orders. The company cited a shift in focus toward other home safety products as the reason for the discontinuation.
This means you cannot buy a new Nest Protect directly from Google or through most major retailers. If your Nest Protect fails or you need additional detectors, you will need to choose a different brand. The good news is that other smart smoke detectors with similar features are available, and traditional hardwired or battery-powered detectors remain reliable and affordable options.
Key Takeaways
- Google discontinued Nest Protect in March 2024, so new units are no longer manufactured or sold through official channels.
- Existing Nest Protect units will continue to function normally, though Google may eventually end software support.
- If you need a replacement, you can choose from other smart detectors like First Alert Onelink or Eve Smoke, or return to standard hardwired or battery-powered models.
- Used Nest Protect units may still be available through third-party sellers, but buying from unknown sources carries warranty and authenticity risks.
What happens to Nest Protect units already installed
If you already have a Nest Protect detector in your home, it will keep working. Google has not announced a shutdown date for the app or the device itself. You can still receive alerts on your phone, check the status of your detectors, and use the hush feature to silence false alarms.
However, Google may eventually end software updates or cloud support for the device. This could happen months or years from now, but it is something to keep in mind if you are deciding whether to replace your Nest Protect now or wait. Once support ends, the detector will likely still function as a basic smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, but you may lose remote notifications and app features.
Why Google discontinued Nest Protect
Google has not released a detailed public statement explaining the discontinuation, but the company indicated it wanted to focus on other home safety and security products. Nest Protect faced some competition from other smart home brands, and the market for connected smoke detectors is smaller than the market for cameras, doorbells, and thermostats.
The discontinuation does not mean smart smoke detectors are a bad idea—it straightforward means Google decided to allocate resources elsewhere. Other manufacturers continue to develop and sell smart detectors with similar capabilities, so the technology itself remains viable and useful.
Smart smoke detector alternatives to Nest Protect
If you want to replace your Nest Protect with another smart detector, First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound is one of the closest alternatives. It combines a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and speaker in one unit, and it sends alerts to your phone. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Eve Smoke is another option if you use Apple HomeKit. It detects smoke and carbon monoxide, sends notifications to your iPhone or iPad, and integrates with HomeKit automations. Both of these detectors cost between $100 and $150 per unit.
If you prefer a simpler approach, standard hardwired smoke detectors with battery backup remain the most reliable and affordable choice. They do not require WiFi, do not depend on app support, and cost $15 to $40 per unit. Many building codes and insurance companies still recommend hardwired detectors as the primary protection in your home.
Where to find Nest Protect if you still want one
New Nest Protect units are no longer sold through Google, Amazon, Best Buy, or most major retailers. However, used or refurbished units may still be available through third-party sellers on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Before buying from a third-party seller, check the device's age and whether it comes with a warranty.
Buying used Nest Protect carries some risk. You cannot verify the device's history, and you may not have recourse if it fails shortly after purchase. If you do buy used, test it when ready after installation to make sure it powers on and connects to your WiFi. Refurbished units sold by authorized retailers are a safer option than private sales, though they are harder to find now.
Should you replace your Nest Protect now or later
If your Nest Protect is working well, there is no urgent reason to replace it right now. The device will continue to protect your home, and you will keep receiving app notifications as long as Google maintains the service. Replacing a working detector is an unnecessary expense.
Replace your Nest Protect if it fails, if you move to a new home and want fresh detectors, or if you are concerned about future software support. If you are buying detectors for a new installation or renovation, choose a different brand now rather than trying to find a used Nest Protect. That way you will have a manufacturer's warranty and access to current software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Nest Protect stop working after Google discontinues it?
Not when ready. Your detector will continue to function as long as Google maintains the cloud service and app. However, Google may eventually end support, at which point the device will work as a basic hardwired or battery-powered alarm but without remote notifications or app features.
Can I still buy Nest Protect from Google or Amazon?
No. Google discontinued Nest Protect in March 2024, and it is no longer available through official channels. You may find used or refurbished units through third-party sellers, but buying from unknown sources carries warranty and authenticity risks.
Is First Alert Onelink a good replacement for Nest Protect?
Yes. First Alert Onelink combines smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection, and a speaker in one unit, similar to Nest Protect. It sends phone alerts and works with Alexa and Google Home. It costs more than a basic detector but less than some other smart options.
Do I need a smart smoke detector, or is a regular one enough?
A regular hardwired or battery-powered smoke detector meets all building codes and provides reliable protection. Smart detectors add convenience—you can check status remotely and receive alerts on your phone—but they are not necessary for safety. Choose based on your budget and whether you want app notifications.
What should I do with my old Nest Protect if I replace it?
Nest Protect contains a lithium battery and electronic components, so do not throw it in the trash. Take it to an electronics recycling center or a retailer that accepts e-waste. Some fire departments also accept old smoke detectors for proper disposal.