Google Nest Protect
By Ethan Halfhide · Updated
Google has discontinued Nest Protect. As of October 2026 the Google Store tech specs page lists it as "No longer available" with no price, so there is no maker price to quote. Google's help center says existing alarms are still supported, and that a 2nd gen Nest Protect must be replaced 10 years after its manufacture date. Google points owners to the First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm (SC5) as the compatible replacement in the Google Home app, and that First Alert alarm can interconnect with Nest Protect units already on your ceiling. This page stays up as a reference for current owners. The 2nd gen Nest Protect combines a Split-Spectrum smoke sensor that uses two kinds of light to catch both fast-flaming and slow-smoldering fires, a 10-year electrochemical CO sensor, and heat, humidity, occupancy and ambient light sensors. It connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, uses Bluetooth Low Energy for setup, and links alarms to each other over an 802.15.4 wireless interconnect at 2.4 GHz. Google listed a two-year limited warranty.
Discontinued by Google in the US store; still supported, with First Alert SC5 named as the replacement
Google Nest Protect
Specs and price last verified October 21, 2026
About
Google Nest Protect (2nd gen) is a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with a Split-Spectrum smoke sensor, a 10-year electrochemical CO sensor, heat, humidity, occupancy and ambient light sensors, and a horn rated at 85 dB at 10 feet. It came in a battery model (6 Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries) and a 120V wired model with 3 lithium AA backup batteries.
Google no longer sells it. The Google Store tech specs page for Nest Protect reads "No longer available," the old Google Store product page now redirects to the store home page, and Google's help center says Nest Protect "is no longer available for sale, but is still supported." Google names the First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm (SC5) as the compatible replacement when used with the Google Home app.
Setup and compatibility notes
- If you already own one: Google says Nest Protect is still supported. You can check status and silence a 2nd gen alarm from either the Nest app or the Google Home app; Google lists video capture from a Nest camera during an alarm, What to Do and Alarm options as Nest app only.
- Check the expiry date: Google says a 2nd gen Nest Protect must be replaced 10 years after the date of manufacture to meet certification standards.
- Replacing an expired unit: Google's guidance is to choose a replacement, uninstall the Nest Protect, then set up the new alarm by its manual. For a wired unit, Google says to turn off power at the breaker box before touching any wiring.
- Google's named replacement: the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (SC5). Google's setup steps: migrate a Nest account to a Google Account, install the latest Google Home app and First Alert app, set the alarm up in the First Alert app (QR code, location, names, Wi-Fi) and tap Link if you have a Nest Protect, then add it in the Google Home app. Keep your Nest Protect within range; once linked, each alarm can relay a smoke or CO event to the other compatible alarms.
- Mounting: Google recommends ceiling mounting for the First Alert replacement; on a wall, Google says to place it within 12 inches of the ceiling.
- Network: Nest Protect uses 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz only and Bluetooth Low Energy for setup from an iOS or Android phone or tablet.
- Operating range: Google lists 40 to 100°F (4.4 to 38.8°C), up to 90% relative humidity and up to 10,000 ft altitude.
Pros
- +Still supported by Google for existing owners
- +Split-Spectrum smoke sensor plus 10-year CO sensor in one unit
- +Heat, humidity (Steam Check) and occupancy sensors built in
- +Pathlight lights your way at night when you walk under the alarm
- +Battery and 120V wired versions exist
- +Google names a compatible replacement that interconnects with it
Cons
- −Discontinued: the Google Store says Nest Protect is no longer available
- −No new units from Google, so you cannot add matching alarms
- −Must be replaced 10 years after its manufacture date
- −Some features (alarm video capture, What to Do, Alarm options) are Nest app only
- −Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only
- −No Matter support listed
How it compares
| Device | Price | Ecosystems | Matter | Hub required | Local control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Protect | Not listed | Google Home | No | No | Not published |
| First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & CO Alarm | $129.99 | Google Home | No | No | Not published |
| Kidde Smart Smoke + CO Alarm (30CUAR-W) | Not listed | Alexa, Google Home | No | No | Not published |
| SimpliSafe Smoke Detector | $35 | Alexa, Google Home | No | Yes | No |
FAQ
- Is Google Nest Protect discontinued?
- Yes. As of October 2026 the Google Store tech specs page says "No longer available." Google's help center says it is no longer available for sale but is still supported.
- What does Google recommend instead of Nest Protect?
- Google names the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (SC5) as a compatible replacement when used with the Google Home app, and US customers can buy it in the Google Home app. It can link to existing Nest Protect alarms so a smoke or CO event on one is relayed to the others.
- When does a Nest Protect need replacing?
- Google says a 2nd gen Nest Protect must be replaced 10 years after its date of manufacture to meet certification standards. The CO sensor is rated for 10 years from the manufacture date.
- Can I still control Nest Protect in the Google Home app?
- Partly. Google says you can check status and silence a 2nd gen alarm in the Nest app or the Google Home app, but video capture from a Nest camera during an alarm, What to Do and Alarm options are only in the Nest app.
- Does Nest Protect support Matter?
- Google does not list Matter for Nest Protect. Its connectivity specs are 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, an 802.15.4 wireless interconnect and Bluetooth Low Energy for setup.
Sources
- Google Store: Nest Protect tech specs and warranty
- Google Help: Nest Protect technical specifications
- Google Help: 2nd gen Nest Protect sensors
- Google Help: Nest Protect in the Nest app and Google Home app
- Google Help: Replace your Nest Protect after expiration
- Google Help: Set up the First Alert Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
You might also like
First Alert SC5 Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Wi-Fi smoke and CO alarm that interconnects with and replaces Nest Protect
Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener
Makes existing alarms send phone alerts
Kidde Smart Smoke + CO Alarm (30CUAR-W)
Hardwired Wi-Fi smoke and CO alarm with app alerts, voice alerts and Alexa and Google Home support
About the author
Ethan Halfhide: Ethan Halfhide is a smart home enthusiast and AI technologist who follows the connected home market closely, from smart locks and security cameras to robot vacuums, lighting, sensors and hubs. He curates HomeGearLab's device directory, comparing products on published specs, compatibility, setup requirements and price so readers can pick gear that fits their home and works together.