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Reviewed / Rachel Murphy
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Farewell, Nest Secure—you deserved better. Despite loyal users and a solid reputation, Google officially pulled the plug on the Nest Secure ecosystem on April 8, 2024. If you were still using the home security product, you’ve likely already noticed that the devices no longer work with the Nest app, and the system is now effectively defunct.
For many, this wasn’t just a smart home product—it was a trusted part of their daily routine. Losing support for a security system you relied on can feel like a real gut punch. Thankfully, Google didn’t leave everyone out in the cold. Some users were offered free alternatives or Google Store credit to help make the transition less painful. Here’s what to know about what happened, and what you can still do if you’re affected.
What was Nest Secure?
The Google Home app will soon be replacing the Nest app but will still be compatible with Nest security devices.
Nest Secure was an alarm system built around the Nest Guard hub and associated devices like the Nest Detect, which tracked door and window activity, and the Nest Tag, which allowed users to quickly arm and disarm the system. All of these devices ran through the Nest app—the same app Google had been slowly winding down over the past few years. With the shift toward the revamped Google Home app, Nest Secure became one of the casualties.
You could get a new system for free
You may be able to beef up your home's security with the ADT Self Setup System that Google is offering to eligible Nest Secure customers.
If you were a Nest Secure user, you might be able to get a new security system for free, with a few caveats. Google recently partnered with ADT for home security systems, which will ultimately work with the new Google Home app. Google will have already contacted eligible Nest Secure users with an offer for a free ADT security system, or, as an alternative, $200 to use on the Google Store.
The new ADT system that Google is offering is the ADT Self Setup System, which Google says is valued at up to $450. This system, as the name suggests, allows you to set up your devices on your own, and like Nest Secure, has an option for professional monitoring.
Speaking of professional monitoring, as part of the transition, Google is also offering a year of professional monitoring with the ADT Self Setup System for free—after which self-monitoring will cost $19.99 per month. Users can cancel and switch to self-monitoring at any time, which is free.
Previous Nest Secure users who haven’t yet received an email regarding your ADT Self Setup System can contact Google support.
What about Nest x Yale?
If you have a Nest Secure system and a Nest x Yale lock, you may have relied on the Nest Guard hub to connect your lock to Wi-Fi. As of April 8, 2024, that functionality is gone. The solution? Google offered a free Nest Connect—an alternative device that bridges the lock to your Wi-Fi router. Customers who had both the Nest x Yale lock and Nest Secure system were sent emails in January 2024 with redemption instructions. If you fall into that category and missed the memo, check your inbox.
Dropcam is gone too
Nest Secure wasn’t the only product to get the axe—Dropcam ended, too. This one’s a little messy. Dropcam was acquired by Nest, which was then acquired by Google. After that, Nest was spun out of Google into parent company, Alphabet, and then reabsorbed into Google. Yeah, Dropcam has had a lot of bosses.
Dropcam devices were discontinued on the same date as Nest Secure—April 8. Dropcam users who have a Nest Aware subscription can get a free wired Nest Cam, however, those who don’t have Nest Aware will only get a 50% off coupon.
What to do with your old Nest Secure and Dropcam devices
It's important to note that Nest Secure and Nest cameras are separate. Google's line of Nest cameras are not impacted by the change.
While it’s not very convenient to deal with electronic waste that a company has deemed unsupported, we don’t want these devices to end up in landfills. Thankfully, Google thought of that, too, and created a recycling program for the devices. To take part in it, head to this support page and request a shipping label, which will be provided to you at no cost.
Google Home is taking over
Google Home has been taking over from Nest for some time now, and to say that the transition is messy is an understatement. The process of winding down Nest has taken years, and for a long time, many devices were available in both the Google Home and Nest app.
We’re now at the point where the Nest app doesn’t serve a purpose. Even Nest thermostats can now be controlled through the Home app, but none of the recent Nest-branded products can be controlled in the Nest app. For better or worse, the Google Home app is now the command center for the entire Google smart home experience.
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