> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nolongerevil.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Device Compatibility

> Check if your Nest Thermostat is compatible with No Longer Evil

## Supported Devices

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Generation 1" icon="circle-check" color="#07C983">
    **Fully Supported**

    Requires device teardown
  </Card>

  <Card title="Generation 2" icon="circle-check" color="#07C983">
    **Fully Supported**

    Simple USB connection
  </Card>

  <Card title="Generation 3" icon="circle-xmark" color="#FFA500">
    **In Development**

    Not currently supported
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **Both Generation 1 and Generation 2 thermostats are fully supported.**

  Gen 2 devices are easier to flash (simple USB connection), while Gen 1 requires device disassembly and contact bridging to enter DFU mode.
</Info>

## How to Identify Your Nest Thermostat

Not sure which generation you have? Use this guide to identify your Nest Thermostat model.

### Visual Identification

Here's what each generation looks like:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Generation 1" icon="1">
    **Key Features:**

    * Rotating ring with metallic finish
    * 8 wire connectors on backplate
    * Yellow/Green level bubble
  </Card>

  <Card title="Generation 2" icon="2">
    **Key Features:**

    * Similar rotating ring design
    * 8-10 wire connectors on backplate
    * Yellow/Green level bubble
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Generation 1 Thermostat

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/hackhouse/Y6AdjCyReOExmcyh/public/nest-gen1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Y6AdjCyReOExmcyh&q=85&s=3ca024a5631ac40636cbad57f70e6e02" alt="Nest Generation 1 Thermostat" width="1024" height="514" data-path="public/nest-gen1.png" />
</Frame>

### Generation 2 Thermostat

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/hackhouse/Y6AdjCyReOExmcyh/public/nest-gen2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Y6AdjCyReOExmcyh&q=85&s=845cecba66f0949877b202f7084a0d36" alt="Nest Generation 2 Thermostat" width="1024" height="514" data-path="public/nest-gen2.png" />
</Frame>

### Method 1: Check the Backplate

Remove your Nest from the wall mount and look at the backplate for these identifying features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Level Bubble Color" icon="droplet">
    **Yellow/Green** → Gen 1 or Gen 2 ✅

    **Blue** → Gen 3 ❌
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wire Connectors" icon="plug">
    **8 connectors** → Gen 1 ✅

    **8-10 connectors** → Gen 2 ✅

    **10 connectors** → Gen 3 ❌
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Method 2: Check Settings Menu

This is the most reliable method:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Press on your Nest display and navigate to **Settings**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Technical Info">
    Navigate to **Settings → Technical Info**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Display Model">
    Look for the "Display model" field. The first digit tells you the generation:

    * **1x** (e.g., 1.12) → Generation 1 ✅
    * **2x** (e.g., 2.8) → Generation 2 ✅
    * **3x** (e.g., 3.7) → Generation 3 ❌
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  **Wondering why No Longer Evil exists?** Learn about [how Google is intentionally blocking older Nest devices](/why-google-blocks) even though they're fully functional.
</Info>

## Generation-Specific Installation Requirements

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Generation 1 - Requires Teardown" icon="1">
    **Gen 1 thermostats are fully supported** but require device disassembly to enter DFU mode.

    You'll need:

    * Phillips screwdriver or similar tool
    * Metal tweezers or similar conductive object
    * Patience for careful disassembly

    Gen 1 installation involves opening the device, removing the battery, bridging specific contacts, and reconnecting while the firmware loader runs. Full teardown instructions are provided in the installation guide.

    <Warning>
      Gen 1 installation is more complex and requires physical device modification. Only proceed if you're comfortable with electronics teardown.
    </Warning>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Generation 2 - Simple USB Connection" icon="2">
    **Gen 2 thermostats are the easiest to flash** - just connect via USB and run the installer.

    You'll need:

    * Micro USB cable
    * No disassembly required

    Gen 2 is the recommended option for beginners due to its simple plug-and-play installation process.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Generation 3 - Not Yet Supported" icon="3">
    **Support is in development.** Generation 3 uses different hardware architecture and will require more extensive development.

    If you have Gen 3 hardware and want to help with development, please reach out via [GitHub](https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat) or [Discord](https://discord.gg/AffeGaJ5XS).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Additional Requirements

Beyond having a Generation 1 or Generation 2 thermostat, you'll need:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Computer" icon="laptop">
    **Operating System**: Linux (recommended) or macOS

    **Purpose**: To run the firmware installer

    ⚠️ Windows is NOT supported (including WSL)
  </Card>

  <Card title="USB Cable" icon="usb">
    **Type**: Mini USB (Gen 1) or Micro USB (Gen 2)

    **Purpose**: Connect thermostat to computer for firmware flashing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Charged Battery" icon="battery-full">
    **Level**: At least 50% charge

    **Purpose**: Ensure device stays powered during flashing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Internet Connection" icon="wifi">
    **Speed**: Standard broadband

    **Purpose**: Download firmware & access dashboard
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Choose Your Path" icon="code-fork" href="/choose-your-path">
    Decide between hosted service (easy) or self-hosted (advanced)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Get Started" icon="rocket" href="/hosted/overview">
    Jump straight to the recommended hosted setup guide
  </Card>
</CardGroup>