I’ve been on a journey to integrate my Niko Friends of Hue Green Power Switches into my Home Assistant setup without relying on Hue bridges. After some research and experimentation, I wanted to share my successful setup process, especially for those struggling with similar devices.
The Challenge
Green power switches are a fantastic way to control lighting without batteries, but integrating them into a Zigbee network can be tricky. I tried using a ZBT-1 dongle, but it didn’t support these devices. Switching to the Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus was the next logical step, but pairing was a hurdle.
The Solution
Here’s how I successfully paired my switches with Zigbee2MQTT:
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Pairing Mode:
- Press the right bottom button for 10 seconds to enter pairing mode.
- Immediately after, press the left bottom and right top buttons together.
- The LED will flash to indicate pairing mode is active.
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Zigbee2MQTT Configuration:
- Ensure your Zigbee2MQTT setup is stable.
- Restart the Zigbee2MQTT service after entering pairing mode on the switches.
- The switches should appear in your Zigbee2MQTT interface within a few minutes.
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Integration with Home Assistant:
- Once paired, the switches will automatically appear as entities in Home Assistant.
- I configured them to control my LED strips, creating a seamless wireless lighting system.
Tips for Success
- Patience is Key: Pairing can take a few attempts, especially if the dongle is new.
- Check Logs: If devices don’t show up, review the Zigbee2MQTT logs for any errors.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure your Zigbee2MQTT firmware is up to date.
The Outcome
I’m thrilled to say that my green power switches are now fully integrated into my smart home setup. This integration has eliminated the need for multiple Hue bridges, simplifying my system and reducing costs. Plus, the wireless control is a huge convenience!
If anyone else is struggling with similar devices, I hope this guide helps. Happy integrating! 