Nest and Third-Party Apps: Fixing Integration Issues

Fixing Nest Third-Party App Integration Issues

For years, users enjoyed connecting their Nest devices to a wide range of third-party apps and services through a program called "Works with Nest" (WWN). This allowed for creative automations, like having your Philips Hue lights flash when your Nest Protect detected smoke. However, if you've found that these connections have stopped working or you're unable to set up new ones, you're not alone.

This guide explains why you're experiencing Nest third-party app issues, what has changed, and how to get your devices connected using the modern, more secure system.

## The End of "Works with Nest" (WWN)

The primary reason for most third-party app issues is that Google officially shut down the Works with Nest program. This was done to improve security and privacy by moving all connections to a more controlled and robust platform.

When the program was discontinued, all existing WWN connections were broken. This meant that integrations with services like IFTTT, Lutron, and many others stopped functioning overnight unless the developer rebuilt their integration on the new platform.

## The New System: Works with Google Assistant (WWGA)

The replacement for WWN is the "Works with Google Assistant" platform (also referred to as Works with Google Home). This new system is more secure because it doesn't give third-party apps direct access to your Nest devices. Instead, it uses Google Assistant as a secure intermediary.

## How to Fix Your Third-Party Integrations

If you're trying to make a service work with your Nest device, here is the modern approach.

### 1. Migrating Your Nest Account to a Google Account

First and foremost, you must be using a Google Account to log in to the Nest or Google Home app. The old, separate Nest accounts are not compatible with the new integration system. If you haven't already, the app will prompt you to migrate your account. This is a mandatory step for any new connections.

### 2. Re-establishing Connections with Approved Partners

You need to connect your Nest devices through the official, approved channels.

• For Amazon Alexa: The old "Nest" skill no longer works. You must disable the old skill in the Alexa app. Then, search for and enable the official "Google Nest" skill. During the setup, you will be prompted to log in with your Google Account to authorise the connection. This should restore your ability to control your Nest Thermostat or view your Nest Cams on Echo devices.
• For IFTTT and Others: Services like IFTTT have had to completely rebuild their integrations. You will need to disconnect your old Nest service within IFTTT and connect the new "Google Assistant" service. The available actions and triggers may be different from what was possible under the old WWN system.
• Finding Compatible Apps: The best way to find services that work with the new system is to open the Google Home app, tap the + icon, select Set up device, and then choose Works with Google. This will show you a list of all the companies and services that have an approved integration.

### 3. Managing Your Connections

You can see and manage all the third-party apps that have access to your Google/Nest data in one central place.

• Go to Your Google Account: Log in to your Google Account at myaccount.google.com.
• Navigate to Security: In the navigation panel, select Security.
• Find Partner Connections: Scroll down to the "Third-party apps with account access" or "Partner Connections" section.
• Review and Remove: Here you can see every service that is linked to your account. You can (and should) remove any old, defunct Nest connections that are no longer in use.

While the transition from Works with Nest was disruptive for many users, the new Works with Google Assistant platform provides a more secure and stable foundation for the future of smart home integration. By relinking your services through the proper channels, you can get your connected home running smoothly again.