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How to pair (add) Sonoff Zigbee devices

Sonoff Zigbee devices need to be “paired” (added) with a Zigbee hub or controller before they can be used in your smart home system. This may be a Home Assistant Zigbee controller, Homey, SmartThings or another compatible Zigbee gateway.

Before you start…

Make sure you have…

    • A powered Zigbee hub or controller already set up
    • The Sonoff Zigbee device close to the hub during pairing
    • The correct app or smart home platform open
    • A fresh battery installed, if the device is battery powered
    • Access to the device’s reset or pairing button

Tip: For best results, (if possible) pair the Sonoff Zigbee device within 1–2 metres of your Zigbee hub first. Once paired, you can move the device to its final location.

Step 1: Put your Zigbee hub or controller into pairing mode

The process for placing your Zigbee hub / controller into pairing mode will differ between hubs / software, however the basic concept remains the same. Depending on your system, this may be called:

    • Add Device
    • Pair Device
    • Permit Join
    • Add Zigbee Device
    • Search for New Devices
    • Include Device

Common platforms…

Home Assistant ZHA
Go to Settings > Devices & services > ZHA > Configure > Add device.

Home Assistant Zigbee2MQTT
Open Zigbee2MQTT and enable Permit Join.

Homey
Open the Homey app, go to Devices > + Add device, then search for SONOFF or Zigbee.

SmartThings
Open the SmartThings app, tap +, then choose Add device.

Important notes:

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

    • Timeout: Most Zigbee controllers will wait at least 1-3 minutes for a device to join before “timing-out” and moving out of pairing mode (this can vary between controllers).

Step 2: Put the Sonoff Zigbee device into pairing mode

Most Sonoff Zigbee devices enter pairing mode by holding the reset / pairing button for around 5 seconds.

The device should then show a flashing LED to confirm it is ready to pair.

Typical pairing process…

    1. Press and hold the reset / pairing button for about 5 seconds.
    2. Release the button when the LED starts flashing.
    3. Wait for your hub or controller to detect the device.
    4. Follow the prompts in your app to finish adding the device.

The LED behaviour may vary slightly between Sonoff models, but a fast flashing LED usually means the device is in pairing mode.

Step 3: Wait for the device to be discovered

Once the device is in pairing mode, your hub should detect it within 30–60 seconds.

When it appears, select the device and complete setup.

You may then be able to:

    • Rename the device
    • Assign it to a room
    • Choose an icon
    • Add it to automations

Step 4: Move the device to its final location

After pairing, move the device to where it will be used.

For battery-powered sensors, avoid placing them too far from the Zigbee network. Zigbee range can be affected by walls, metal objects, appliances, switchboards and other wireless interference.

If the device becomes unreliable after moving it, you may need a stronger Zigbee mesh by adding powered Zigbee devices near “dead-spots” to help bridge the Zigbee signal.

Tips for reliable Zigbee pairing

Pair close to the hub first

Always pair the device near your hub or coordinator. After pairing is complete, move it to the final location.

Use powered Zigbee devices to strengthen the mesh network

Battery-powered sensors usually do not repeat Zigbee signals.

Powered Zigbee devices, such as smart plugs, in-wall modules, or wired switches, often act as Zigbee repeaters and help extend the network.

Avoid pairing too many devices at once

Add one device at a time. This makes setup easier and helps you identify each device correctly.

Check battery tabs

Many Sonoff battery devices include a plastic battery isolation tab. Make sure this has been removed before pairing.

Keep devices awake during pairing

Some battery sensors may go to sleep quickly. If the device is not found, press the pairing button briefly during the search process to keep it awake.

Troubleshooting

The device is not found

Try the following:

    • Move the device closer to the Zigbee hub
    • Reset the device and try again
    • Make sure your hub is in pairing mode
    • Remove and reinsert the battery
    • Check that the battery is installed correctly
    • Try holding the pairing button for slightly longer
    • Restart your Zigbee hub or controller
    • Make sure the device has not already paired to another hub

The device was found but does not work correctly

This can happen if the device only partially paired.

Try removing the device from your hub, resetting it, and pairing it again.

The device goes offline after moving it

This usually means the device is too far from the Zigbee network or the signal is weak.

Try:

    • Moving the device closer to the hub
    • Adding a powered Zigbee repeater between the hub and the device
    • Avoiding metal enclosures, switchboards, thick walls, or appliances
    • Checking your Zigbee channel if you are using Home Assistant or Zigbee2MQTT

The device was previously paired to another hub

Zigbee devices usually need to be reset before they can join a new hub.

Hold the reset / pairing button for around 5 seconds until the LED flashes, then try pairing again.

Updated on May 29, 2026