Pairing Z-Wave Devices

Use this guide after completing the Z-Wave Protocol Setup . Your Z-Wave controller should be connected and the Z-Wave JS integration should be installed and showing the network as ready.

Before You Start

Confirm the following before including devices:

1. The Z-Wave JS integration is running and shows the controller as online.
2. You have device instructions, DSK codes, and any SmartStart QR codes available.
3. You can access the Z-Wave JS UI from the Home Assistant sidebar.

SmartStart (Recommended)

Many newer Z-Wave devices support SmartStart, which simplifies inclusion by scanning a QR code before the device is even powered on.

1. In the Z-Wave JS UI, go to SmartStart.
2. Select Add Device and scan the SmartStart QR code printed on the device or its packaging.
3. The device is added to the provisioning list. When the device is powered on for the first time, it will automatically join the Z-Wave network and complete S2 security negotiation.

SmartStart is the most reliable inclusion method for supported devices. Whenever a SmartStart QR code is available, use it.

Standard Inclusion

For devices that do not support SmartStart, use standard inclusion:

1. In Home Assistant, go to Settings → Devices & Services → Z-Wave.
2. Select Add Device to put the controller into inclusion mode.
3. Put the Z-Wave device into inclusion mode according to its manual (usually a button press sequence).
4. The device should appear within 30 seconds. If S2 security is supported, follow the prompts to enter the DSK code and complete the security handshake.

Always Exclude First

Always exclude a device before including it, even for brand-new devices. Some devices ship with residual network data from factory testing that can cause inclusion failures.

1. Go to Settings → Devices & Services → Z-Wave.
2. Select Remove Device to put the controller into exclusion mode.
3. Trigger the device’s exclusion sequence (usually the same button press as inclusion).
4. Once excluded, proceed with inclusion.

S2 Security

S2 is the current Z-Wave security standard. During inclusion, Home Assistant will prompt you to grant S2 security keys. Accept the highest level offered:

• S2 Authenticated — for most devices (locks, sensors, switches).
• S2 Unauthenticated — if the device does not support Authenticated.
• S0 — legacy security, used only for older devices that do not support S2.

For locks and other security-critical devices, always use S2 Authenticated when available.

Tips for Reliable Inclusion

• Include one device at a time. The controller can only negotiate with one device during inclusion.
• Bring the device close to the controller during inclusion for devices without SmartStart. Move it to the installed location afterward.
• Battery-powered devices may need to be woken during inclusion (usually a button press). Check the device manual.
• After including all devices, run a network heal from the Z-Wave JS UI (Settings → Heal Network) to optimize routing. Run this at night — it can take 30+ minutes for large networks.

If Inclusion Fails

1. Exclude the device first, then try including again.
2. Move the device closer to the controller.
3. Check that the device is not already included on another Z-Wave network.
4. Factory reset the device according to its manual and attempt inclusion again.
5. Check the Z-Wave JS UI logs for error details.

For detailed inclusion troubleshooting and S2 security tips, see the Z-Wave inclusion timeouts guide .