Home Assistant SkyConnect, now called Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1, can be used with Zigbee2MQTT.
This is useful if you want to use the Home Assistant adapter but prefer Zigbee2MQTT instead of ZHA.
However, setup can be a little confusing because Home Assistant may try to set it up with ZHA first.
Fortunately, you can use it with Zigbee2MQTT by choosing the correct setup and adapter settings.
These include using the USB extension cable, avoiding ZHA, choosing Custom setup, and setting the correct serial adapter.
In this guide, you will learn how to use Home Assistant SkyConnect or ZBT-1 with Zigbee2MQTT and what to check if it does not work.
Use Home Assistant SkyConnect Or ZBT-1 With Zigbee2MQTT
1. Plug In The SkyConnect Or ZBT-1
Start by connecting the adapter properly.
Plug the SkyConnect or ZBT-1 into the USB extension cable.
Plug the extension cable into your Home Assistant device.
Keep it away from USB 3.0 ports.
Keep it away from your router if possible.
Wait for Home Assistant to detect it.
2. Do Not Set It Up With ZHA
If you want to use Zigbee2MQTT, do not let ZHA take control of the adapter.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings > Devices & Services.
Look for the discovered ZBT-1 or SkyConnect adapter.
Choose Custom setup if shown.
Do not choose the normal ZHA setup.
Continue only after the adapter is not being used by ZHA.
3. Disable ZHA If It Is Already Enabled
If ZHA is already using the adapter, Zigbee2MQTT may not start.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings > Devices & Services.
Find Zigbee Home Automation.
Open the integration.
Disable or remove it if it uses the SkyConnect or ZBT-1.
Restart Home Assistant.
4. Install Mosquitto Broker
Zigbee2MQTT needs MQTT to work with Home Assistant.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings > Add-ons.
Open the Add-on Store.
Search for Mosquitto broker.
Install it.
Start the add-on.
5. Install Zigbee2MQTT
Now you can install Zigbee2MQTT.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings > Add-ons.
Open the Add-on Store.
Add the Zigbee2MQTT repository if needed.
Install Zigbee2MQTT.
Do not start it yet.
6. Configure The Serial Settings
SkyConnect and ZBT-1 use a Silicon Labs chip, so the adapter setting is important.
Open the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
Go to Configuration.
Find the serial section.
Add your ZBT-1 adapter path.
Set the adapter type to ember.
Add rtscts if needed.
Save the settings.
Example:
serial:
port: /dev/serial/by-id/YOUR_ZBT1_PATH
adapter: ember
rtscts: true7. Start Zigbee2MQTT
After saving the settings, start Zigbee2MQTT.
Open the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
Click Start.
Open Logs.
Check if there are any adapter errors.
Open the Web UI.
Wait for Zigbee2MQTT to load.
8. Pair Your Zigbee Devices
Once Zigbee2MQTT is running, you can add devices.
Open Zigbee2MQTT Web UI.
Click Permit Join.
Put your Zigbee device into pairing mode.
Wait for it to show up.
Rename the device.
Check it in Home Assistant.
Conclusion
You can use Home Assistant SkyConnect or ZBT-1 with Zigbee2MQTT.
The important part is making sure ZHA is not using the adapter.
You should also use the correct serial settings and keep the adapter away from USB interference.
Following these steps should help you use SkyConnect or ZBT-1 with Zigbee2MQTT.
Additional Reading
Zigbee2MQTT Not Starting In Home Assistant: How To Fix It
How To Add Zigbee2MQTT To Home Assistant
Home Assistant ZHA vs Zigbee2MQTT: Which Should You Use?
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
