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Google’s Nest Secure alarm systems were deactivated on April 8, 2024. Here’s what that means for Nest users.
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Dalia Ramirez Lead Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home security for NerdWallet. She has previously written on topics including estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and personal finance. Dalia has a B.A. in science and technology studies and a certificate in critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in Los Angeles.
Claire Tsosie is an assigning editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She started her career on the credit cards team as a writer. Her work was featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press.
On April 8, 2024, Google stopped supporting Nest Secure, an install-it-yourself home security system that hit the market in 2017, effectively making it non-functional.
Former Nest Secure users can no longer control their equipment, including Nest’s keypad hub, sensors and key fobs, through the Nest app, and the products can no longer connect to the internet or send alerts.
Google stopped selling Nest Secure products in October 2020, shortly after announcing the brand’s partnership with home security provider ADT.
Google offered ADT credit or Google Store credit to former Nest Secure customers, though a few users say they were able to receive a full refund for their equipment. Also, ADT isn’t our top pick for a home security system; customers may prefer a different provider as a replacement.
In April 2023, Google announced that existing Nest Secure users would receive an email from Google with a coupon code to purchase a Self-Setup System from ADT at up to a $485 value. ADT packages start at $269 for a hub and one sensor. ADT’s monthly monitoring costs start at $29.99, though you can downgrade after the first month and self-monitor your system with limited features for free.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$269.00
Base kit comes with 1 ADT Smart Home Hub and 1 ADT Door/Window Sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99 and up
$44.99 with cameras and $34.99 with other smart home devices. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase (1 month minimum for self setup and a several-year contract with professional installation), but you can arm and disarm a self-setup system for free after the first month.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is the most established home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns 6 U.S.-based professional monitoring centers.
Integrates with Google Nest cameras.
Has been operating for over 150 years.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fees for all plans, ranging from one month to 3-5 years. Monitoring fees are high compared to other providers.
If you chose not to replace your Nest Secure system with an ADT alarm system, Google’s email included an option to receive a $200 credit on the Google Store instead of the ADT credit.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Google offers a recycling service through Reverse Logistics Group Americas for U.S. users to dispose of defunct Nest Secure products. You can fill out a form to receive a prepaid shipping label and receive a box to ship your defunct products to be recycled.
Another system
If you plan to move to a different system completely, here are NerdWallet’s top home security system picks.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor and one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get a free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$21.99
Self monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
No record of security breaches.
Can be self-monitored for free.
Cons
Only integrates with Alexa, Google and Apple Watch, while other providers have more extensive smart home integration.
Smart home automation and scheduled arming require a paid monthly plan.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes alarm base station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, alarm range extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. Pro starter kit comes with a Wifi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$19.99
Other features/self monitoring available with plans starting at $4.99 per month. You'll need at least the basic plan to arm and disarm your system remotely.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option with rich video features.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Can only integrate with Alexa, not Google, unless you use a third-party app.
Requires a paid monthly subscription starting at $4.99 if you want to arm and disarm the alarm system from your phone.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$159.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can also use basic features for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No actual smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
Can be self-monitored for free.
No record of security breaches.
The alarm system can be connected directly to an ethernet cable or work wirelessly with your Wi-Fi network.
Cons
Smart detection requires a paid subscription starting at $6.99 per month.
Doesn’t offer an actual smoke alarm, just a smoke alarm monitor.
Nest Secure products (Guard, Detect and Tag) stopped connecting to the internet and are no longer functional or controllable through the Nest app.
Dropcam, an earlier version of Google’s smart camera, stopped working as well. Users would have had to download videos before this date to save them. Former Dropcam owners received either an indoor Nest camera as a replacement (if they had a Nest Aware subscription) or 50% off a Nest camera.
Nest x Yale Lock no longer connects to Wi-Fi through the Nest Guard hub, so you won’t be able to lock and unlock your door through the Nest app (you’ll still be able to use the keypad). The lock will only connect to Wi-Fi with a Nest Connect device, which Google sent to eligible users for free as a replacement.
Nest cameras, video doorbells and life safety alert products available for purchase on the Google store still function normally and connect to the Nest app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund on my Nest Secure system?
Officially, Google only offered $485 ADT credit or $200 Google store credit for Nest Secure customers whose systems were deactivated. However, a couple of users on the Google Nest Community help website have reported that successfully requested a full refund.
Can I still purchase Nest Secure home security equipment?
Google Nest still offers high-quality cameras, doorbells and life safety alert equipment but does not offer alarm sensors. Nest Secure products haven’t been available for purchase since 2020; they’re not an option for new customers.
Is there a way to purchase an alarm system with Nest products?
To purchase a comprehensive alarm system that includes Nest products, you’ll need to choose an ADT alarm system package with Nest cameras. If you want your individual Nest cameras professionally monitored, you’ll need to call ADT to set up the service.
Can I get a refund on my Nest Secure system?
Officially, Google only offered $485 ADT credit or $200 Google store credit for Nest Secure customers whose systems were deactivated. However, a couple of users on the Google Nest Community help website have reported that successfully requested a full refund.
Can I still purchase Nest Secure home security equipment?
Google Nest still offers high-quality cameras, doorbells and life safety alert equipment but does not offer alarm sensors. Nest Secure products haven’t been available for purchase since 2020; they’re not an option for new customers.
Is there a way to purchase an alarm system with Nest products?
To purchase a comprehensive alarm system that includes Nest products, you’ll need to choose an ADT alarm system package with Nest cameras. If you want your individual Nest cameras professionally monitored, you’ll need to call ADT to set up the service.
