Communication Protocol Setup

Use this guide when your devices connect through Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, and/or Thread instead of through only a standard Home Assistant integration.

What This Setup Covers

This guide focuses on preparing the communication protocol side of your system before you start pairing devices.

It covers:

• Zigbee coordinator setup.
• Z-Wave controller setup.
• Matter and Thread setup.
• Basic checks before pairing devices.

Before You Start

Before setting up communication protocols, confirm:

1. Your Home Assistant system is installed and running.
2. The correct dongles or radio hardware are connected.
3. You know which protocols your devices require.
4. You have any QR codes, setup codes, or device instructions available before pairing begins.

Zigbee Setup

Use Zigbee when your setup includes local mesh devices such as sensors, plugs, switches, locks, or lights that are assigned to a Zigbee coordinator.

General Zigbee Setup

1. Confirm the Zigbee coordinator is connected to your Home Assistant system.
2. In Home Assistant, go to Settings > Devices & Services.
3. Add the Zigbee Home Automation integration at the top where it says Discovered.
4. If the Zigbee coordinator has not already been discovered, select + Add Integration and search for Zigbee Home Automation.
5. On the setup page, select the USB port the Zigbee coordinator is plugged into.
6. Once the configuration is done, confirm the new Zigbee Home Automation integration is running correctly before trying to pair any Zigbee devices.

Zigbee Setup Notes

• Build the Zigbee mesh outward when possible.
• Start with powered routing devices before battery devices when your setup allows it.
• Make sure each device is in pairing mode before attempting setup.

Z-Wave Setup

Use Z-Wave when your setup includes local Z-Wave devices such as locks, switches, sensors, or other residential automation hardware.

General Z-Wave Setup

1. Confirm the Z-Wave adapter is connected to your Home Assistant system.
2. In Home Assistant, go to Settings > Devices & Services.
3. Add the Z-Wave JS integration at the top where it says Discovered.
4. If the Z-Wave coordinator has not already been discovered, select + Add Integration and search for Z-Wave.
5. Confirm the controller is detected correctly.
6. Confirm the Z-Wave network is ready before attempting to include devices.

Z-Wave Setup Notes

• Battery-powered devices may need to be woken during setup.
• Some newer devices include a SmartStart QR code. Capture it before installation finishes.

Matter and Thread Setup

Use Matter and Thread when your setup includes newer devices that rely on Matter commissioning and Thread network support.

Use the following steps to set up Matter and Thread:

1. Confirm the dongle is running Thread or OpenThread firmware, not Zigbee firmware.
2. Confirm that the OpenThread Border Router app is installed and running. If it is not, follow the directions on Install OpenThread Border Router .
3. Confirm that a Matter integration exists under Settings > Devices & Services. If it does not, follow the directions on Install and Configure Integrations .
4. Confirm that a Thread network exists. If one does not, follow the directions on Thread Integration Setup .
5. If an existing Apple or Google Thread network is already in use for the home, import those credentials first and make that network preferred before pairing Matter devices.
6. Make sure the customer’s phone has the Home Assistant Companion App installed, signed in, and has Bluetooth enabled.
7. Sync the Thread credentials from Home Assistant to the customer’s phone before commissioning any Matter over Thread devices. If needed, follow the directions on Home Assistant Companion App Matter over Thread Setup . Android:
   • Open the Home Assistant Companion App.
   • Go to Settings > Companion app > Troubleshooting.
   • Select Sync Thread credentials.
   • Follow the prompts until the phone confirms that Thread credentials from Home Assistant were added to the device. iPhone:
   • In Home Assistant, go to Settings > Devices & Services and open the Thread integration.
   • Select Configure under Services.
   • At the bottom of the preferred network section, select Send credentials to phone.
   • Confirm the iPhone receives the credentials before continuing.
8. When Home Assistant asks for the connection method, select the standard Home Assistant OS setup so the official Matter Server app is installed.
9. Wait for the Matter Server app to finish installing.
10. Capture and save each Matter QR code or numeric setup code before device installation begins.
11. Leave Matter ready so devices can be commissioned from the Home Assistant Companion App and then managed from Settings > Matter during setup.

Before Pairing Devices

Before pairing devices, confirm:

• The correct protocol is active for the current device.
• The correct radio hardware is connected and recognized.
• The device is installed and powered safely.
• Any QR codes, setup codes, or labels have been captured.
• Any required mobile app, account login, or approval steps are ready.