What happens to smart home devices when their maker shuts down?

Smart home devices often depend on manufacturer-run cloud services for app controls and features. If those services are discontinued, hardware that still works physically may become harder to use or lose some of its capabilities.

Neato Robotics stopped operating in May 2023, and parent company Vorwerk began phasing out its cloud services in October 2025, leaving owners without app controls. Belkin also discontinued cloud services for numerous WeMo products in January, disabling the app and features such as Google Assistant integration. Some devices already set up with Apple HomeKit continued to work locally, though owners could not configure them again after the shutdown. Google has also ended support for some original Nest Learning Thermostats as it moved Nest devices to its platform.

Devices that communicate over a home network can retain basic functions without internet access, as long as the local controller and network remain operational. Matter, a standard backed by Apple, Google and Amazon, enables compatible devices to communicate locally for basic functions instead of relying on proprietary cloud services. However, features specific to a manufacturer, firmware updates and remote access may still need an internet connection, and some devices require an app or account for initial setup.

Before buying a smart home product, check whether its essential functions work locally and what happens when the internet is unavailable. For cameras, local recording and access to footage without the manufacturer’s app may be important. It is also worth reviewing the maker’s support commitments and history of ending services, as security-update promises do not necessarily mean cloud features will remain available.

Finally, check whether the device can connect to another ecosystem or controller, and whether it can be reset and reconnected without the manufacturer’s servers. No connected product is guaranteed to remain supported indefinitely, but devices that can retain essential functions without cloud services are less exposed to a company shutting them down.

Sources: Tom's Guide.