Hive · Switching to Hive
Switching to Hive From Nest, Honeywell or Drayton
Updated
Most Hive installations replace something: a plain programmer, a wireless thermostat from another brand, or an older smart thermostat. The old receiver or programmer comes out, Hive's receiver goes in its place on the same wiring, and any old thermostat is taken out of the circuit. This guide covers the common swaps.
In short
Switching to Hive means removing the old controls completely, as Hive's guide says, and wiring Hive's receiver in their place on the existing wiring, then taking any old wired thermostat out of the circuit. That applies to plain programmers, Honeywell and Drayton wireless receivers, and Nest's boiler-side unit. Google ended support for first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats on 25 October 2025.
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From an old programmer or timer
The most common swap, and the simplest:
- A single-channel timer is replaced by Hive's single channel receiver; a two-channel programmer (heating and hot water) by the dual channel receiver
- Hive's guide says the old unit is removed completely, with a decoration plate if it was larger than the receiver
- Any wired room thermostat on the same system is taken out of the circuit, because Hive's thermostat replaces it
From another wireless thermostat (Honeywell, Drayton and others)
Wireless thermostats from other brands have their own receiver by the boiler. Switching means:
- The old receiver removed and Hive's receiver wired in its place, on the same wiring
- The old wireless thermostat's batteries taken out so it stops transmitting, as Hive's guide describes
- Honeywell SmartFit is a special case: Hive says the SmartFit controls, including all their electrically operated valves, have to be removed before Hive goes in, and changing valves is plumbing work booked separately
From Nest
Nest Learning Thermostats in the UK use a boiler-side unit wired where the old programmer or receiver was. Swapping to Hive:
- The Nest boiler-side unit removed and Hive's receiver wired in its place, where it sits on the existing controls wiring
- If the Nest was connected to the boiler by OpenTherm, the boiler end has to be rewired for Hive in either mode, which needs a Gas Safe engineer; the JACK pro does the wall side
- The Nest thermostat and its stand or wall plate removed and the wall made good
Google stopped supporting first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats on 25 October 2025.
How Hive installation is priced
A vetted pro prices your job from photos of the boiler, your existing controls and the Hive kit, and the JACK app shows you that fixed price before you book.
Where the wiring already is matters more than the device. A receiver that goes where an old programmer was, on the same wiring, is the simplest job. Hot water on a cylinder, an old wired thermostat to take out of the circuit, a receiver that has to move, or several zones each add time. A photo of the boiler, the old controls and anything labelled near the hot water cylinder lets the pro price what is really there.
Several devices go on one booking for one price: the thermostat, the hub, and Hive Radiator Valves for each room. Other jobs, such as a smart doorbell, can go on the same visit. Where parking has to be paid for, it is added at cost and agreed before you book.
Prefer to pay for the pro's time? Hourly hire works too: as a guide, smart home installation is typically £45–£95 per hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my old thermostat and add Hive?
No. Hive's guide says Hive should replace the existing timer or receiver, and an old wired room thermostat is taken out of the circuit. Two thermostats controlling one zone fight each other.
What happens to my old controls?
They are removed and handed to you, which is useful if you rent and need to refit them later. Taking old controls away for disposal is not part of the booking.
Hive devices by type
Hive thermostat installation
The Hive Thermostat, the Thermostat Mini and older Hive thermostats: fitted, placed well and paired.
Hive receiver and hub installation
Single channel, dual channel and OpenTherm receivers, and the Hive Hub that runs the app.
Hive radiator valve fitting
Smart radiator heads for room-by-room control: adaptors matched, paired and scheduled.
Hive multizone installation
A Hive thermostat and receiver for each existing heating zone, wired, paired and labelled.
More guides
Who can install Hive?
Gas Safe engineer, electrician or DIY: what the rules in England say for each Hive job.
Does Hive work with my boiler?
Which boilers and heating systems Hive works with, and what each installation involves.
Where to put Hive
Hive's placement rules for the thermostat, receiver and hub, and moving them when the spot is wrong.
Hive receiver lights explained
What each light on a Hive receiver and hub means, and when to book a visit.
Hive vs tado°
How Hive and tado° compare to install: receivers, hubs, hot water, OpenTherm and radiator heads.
Hive installation cost
What moves the price of a Hive installation, and how the fixed price is worked out.
Hive in flats and rentals
Landlord permission, boiler cupboards, communal heating and range: Hive in flats and rentals.
Related services in London
Sources
The device facts and rules on this page come from these pages, checked on 31 October 2026.
Jack All Trades (JACK) is an independent London service. It is not part of, affiliated with or endorsed by Hive, Centrica or British Gas. Hive product names are used only to describe the devices JACK pros install, and prices are set by JACK pros, not by Hive. JACK pros do not work inside boilers or claim Gas Safe registration.
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