> ## 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.

# Frequently Asked Questions

> Common questions about No Longer Evil

## General Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is this legal?" icon="gavel">
    **Yes.** You own your thermostat and have the right to modify its software under right-to-repair principles.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will this void my warranty?" icon="file-contract">
    **Possibly.** Flashing custom firmware may void Google/Nest's warranty.

    However, if your device is out of warranty or Google has discontinued support, this doesn't matter.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I go back to Google's servers?" icon="rotate-left">
    **Yes.** You can reflash the original Nest firmware to restore factory functionality.

    Note: We don't provide Google's firmware. You'd need to obtain it separately or contact Nest support.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Which Nest generations are supported?" icon="question">
    **Generation 1 and Generation 2** are fully supported.

    * **Gen 2**: Simple USB connection (15-30 minutes)
    * **Gen 1**: Requires device teardown and contact bridging (30-45 minutes)
    * **Gen 3**: Not yet supported - under development

    Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/AffeGaJ5XS) for Gen 3 updates.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What operating systems are supported?" icon="laptop">
    **Linux (recommended) or macOS only.**

    **Windows is NOT supported**, including WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux).

    The firmware flashing tools require native Linux or macOS USB drivers that don't work properly in Windows environments.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my data safe?" icon="shield-check">
    **Yes.** All communication uses SSL/TLS encryption.

    For the hosted service, we don't sell or share your data.

    For complete data ownership, consider [self-hosting](/self-hosted/overview).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Technical Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What if No Longer Evil shuts down?" icon="power-off">
    **Hosted service users**: Your thermostat will lose remote access but continue working locally.

    **Self-hosted users**: No impact - you're completely independent.

    We're committed to open-sourcing everything so the community can continue the project indefinitely.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use this without internet?" icon="wifi-slash">
    **With self-hosting**: Yes! Run the API server on your local network and your thermostat works without internet.

    **With hosted service**: No. The thermostat needs internet to reach No Longer Evil servers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens during flashing if something goes wrong?" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Worst case**: Device might be bricked (unresponsive).

    **Recovery options**:

    * Try reflashing (often works)
    * Contact community for help

    **Prevention**: Ensure battery is charged, use good USB cable, don't disconnect during flashing.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting FAQs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My thermostat shows offline in the dashboard" icon="plug-circle-xmark">
    **Check**:

    1. Device is connected to WiFi (Settings → Network)
    2. Internet connection is working
    3. Firewall isn't blocking port 443
    4. Try different network (phone hotspot) to isolate issue

    See [Network Troubleshooting](/hosted/troubleshooting#network-issues)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Entry code doesn't work" icon="key">
    **Common causes**:

    * Code expired (>1 hour old) - generate new one
    * Typo (check 0/O, 1/I/L confusion)
    * Code already used - generate new one
    * Device not online - check WiFi

    See [Entry Code Troubleshooting](/hosted/troubleshooting#entry-code-issues)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't enter DFU mode (Gen 2)" icon="usb">
    **Try these steps in order**:

    1. **Boot device on backplate first** - Connect to wall mount and let it fully boot to home screen
    2. **Remove from wall** - Once booted, remove from backplate
    3. **Start installer** - Run `./install.sh` and wait for "Waiting for device..."
    4. **Connect USB** - Use data-capable cable (not charge-only)
    5. **Charge battery** - Ensure >50% battery
    6. **Reboot** - Hold display for 10-15 seconds

    See [DFU Mode Troubleshooting](/hosted/troubleshooting#dfu-mode-issues)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Gen 1 teardown seems difficult" icon="screwdriver-wrench">
    **Gen 1 requires device disassembly** which is more complex than Gen 2.

    **What you need**:

    * Phillips screwdriver or prying tool
    * Metal tweezers (to bridge contacts)
    * Patience and steady hands

    If you're not comfortable with electronics teardown, consider:

    * Getting a Gen 2 device instead (easier to flash)
    * Asking for help in our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/AffeGaJ5XS)

    Full instructions with images: [Gen 1 Installation Guide](/hosted/installation#generation-1-advanced)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Still Have Questions?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Join Discord" icon="discord" href="https://discord.gg/AffeGaJ5XS">
    Ask the community
  </Card>

  <Card title="GitHub Discussions" icon="github" href="https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat/discussions">
    Browse existing Q\&A
  </Card>
</CardGroup>