Google Home Update Gives New Life to Google Nest

With the 2nd Gen. Nest Thermostat nearing its end of life in the UK and EU read here, Google is breathing new life into the 3rd Gen. and ‘E’ models.

In version 3.40 of the Google Home App (released 19th September 2025) the company added support for older Nest Thermostats, including hot water controls and schedules for UK or EU models. The update also introduces easier Eco controls, and reporting of both outdoor temperature and air quality.

Google Nest Thermostat UK & EU

The 3.40 highlight is every Nest Thermostat model released since 2015 can now be fully managed directly in the Google Home app. Until now, older Nest models relied partly on the Nest app. This update brings them into the same streamlined experience.

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Just last month, Google added scheduling support for older thermostats, and with this release, users gain even more control, including adjustments to sensors and fan schedules all from one place.

Full credit to Google, the scheduling via Google Home is incredibly straight forward, especially if you are moving from the Nest App. See top screenshots, click for a larger view.

Google Nest Hot Water Control

For European customers, there’s even bigger news. The Home app now includes full hot water control for the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen UK/EU / Amazon Ad) and the Nest Thermostat E. 

As many thermostats in Europe are used to manage both heating and hot water, this change closes a key feature gap that previously forced users to rely on the Nest app.

Beyond thermostat support, Google is highlighting the broader benefits of the Home app. Users can manage their entire home climate setup in one dashboard. The update places Nest devices right alongside temperature sensors, air conditioners, fans, humidifiers etc. ‘Favourites’ and custom automations make it easier than ever to personalise comfort and efficiency.

Google has also confirmed that a hot water boost option is rolling out soon for Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen UK/EU models. Note: Our system has already received this update.

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Google Nest Silver Lining

Google is finally showing some love to Nest 3rd Gen users in the UK and Europe. I bought my Nest system back in 2018, and while it worked, the Nest app always felt underwhelming. I expected a quick transition to the Google Home app. Progress has been slow and with the latest UK/EU announcement many UK/EU users have already started eyeing alternative solutions.

That’s what makes this update feel a little bittersweet. The Google Home app is finally becoming the true hub for climate control. Version 3.40 unites everything from the newest Nest Thermostats to models that have installed for nearly a decade. The silver lining? It seems there’s still some life left in the 3rd Gen. and Nest E after all.

This update offers time to investigate UK/EU alternatives such as: Tado (Amazon Ad).

Links:

Getting Started with the Home Assistant Energy Dashboard
Getting Started with the Starling Home Hub for Google Nest
Google Nest. The end of the road in Europe
Starling Home Hub for Google Nest Discontinued
Home Assistant the smarter thermostat solution

Hot Water Automations?

If anyone has worked out a way of creating a hot water shortcut, automation or scene please post in the comments. I would love an easy way for family members to be able to boost the hot water without digging into the deeper settings.

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We would love if you could follow our social accounts (Instagram X Facebook Bluesky). You can also follow us via our RSS Feed or even receive our new posts (no spam) via this subscribe form.

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