Support

Table of contents

How to add (include) Shelly Z-Wave devices

Shelly Z-Wave devices don’t use Wi-Fi or the Shelly Cloud. Instead, they join a Z-Wave network managed by a compatible Z-Wave controller (hub or software) such as Home Assistant, SmartThings or Homey Pro.

What you will need…

    • A Shelly Z-Wave device (powered and wired correctly)

    • A Z-Wave controller (hub or software) that supports the Z-Wave protocol

    • Physical access to the Shelly Z-Wave device (either the on-board pairing button or attached wall switch)

Place your Z-Wave controller into Inclusion (Pairing) Mode

The process for placing your Z-Wave Controller into pairing mode will differ between hubs / software, however the basic concept remains the same…

    1. Open your Z-Wave controller’s app or web interface

    2. Go to Add Device or Z-Wave Inclusion

    3. Select Add / Include Z-Wave Device

    4. Leave the controller in pairing mode

Important notes:

    • Detailed instructions: If required, please consult your Z-Wave controllers user guide for exact instructions on how to place it into Z-Wave pairing mode.

    • Timeout: Most Z-Wave controllers will wait at least 60 seconds for a device to join before “timing-out” and moving out of pairing mode.

    • Alternate pairing method: Some Z-Wave controller may support a Z-Wave pairing method called “SmartStart” – this is beyond the scope of this support doc, but may be worth looking into.

Pairing Method 1: Z-Wave inclusion via attached wall switch

This pairing method can use the attached wall switch (if available) to add the Shelly Z-Wave device to your Z-Wave controller. This is the safest and easiest method as it does not require physical access to the Shelly Z-Wave module itself…

    1. Pairing Mode: Make sure your Z-Wave controller is in Z-Wave pairing mode

    2. Toggle the Switch: Power cycle (on/off) the wall switch connected to your Shelly Z-Wave device 3 times (for a total of 6 toggles if using a rocker switch or 3 press-and-release if using a momentary switch button)

    3. Confirm inclusion: Your Z-Wave controllers app or web interface should confirm a successful pairing. Follow any instructions provided to finalise the pairing process (i.e naming the device, placing it in a room, setting parameters, etc)

shelly-wave-include-switch

Important notes:

    • Switching: Shelly Z-Wave modules tend to be very strict when it comes to placing the module into pairing mode via the attached switch – do not flick/press the switch more times than instructed above.

    • Failed pairing: If the pairing process fails, you may need to factory reset your Shelly Z-Wave device before attempting to pair again.

    • Alternate method: If you are not having any luck including via this method, please have your electrician try method 2 below.

Pairing Method 2: Z-Wave inclusion via the 'S' button

This pairing method involves pressing a physical button (‘S’ button) on the Shelly Z-Wave device itself – in a particular sequence to enter pairing mode. As you require physical access to the Shelly Z-Wave device for this method, it MUST only be performed by a licensed electrician in Australia…

    1. Pairing Mode: Make sure your Z-Wave controller is in Z-Wave pairing mode

    2. Press and hold: Press and hold the ‘S’ button on the device until the LED turns solid blue – then release

    3. Press and hold again: Press and hold (> 2s) the ‘S’ button on the device again until the blue LED starts blinking faster. Now immediately release the ‘S’ button to start the inclusion process.

    4. Confirm inclusion: Your Z-Wave controllers app or web interface should confirm a successful pairing. Follow any instructions provided to finalise the pairing process (i.e naming the device, placing it in a room, setting parameters, etc)

shelly-wave-include-s-button

Important notes:

    • Warning: This inclusion method must only be performed by a licensed electrician – DO NOT ATTEMPT this method if you are not an electrician, use Method 1 above instead.

    • Failed pairing: If the pairing process fails, you may need to factory reset your Shelly Z-Wave device before attempting to pair again.

Related Shelly blogs & guides

Updated on January 28, 2026