Zigbee2MQTT lets you connect Zigbee devices to Home Assistant without using many different brand hubs.
This is useful if you have Zigbee lights, plugs, sensors, switches, buttons, or other smart home devices.
Sometimes, setting it up can look confusing because you need a Zigbee coordinator, MQTT broker, and the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
Fortunately, you can set it up with simple steps.
These include installing the MQTT broker, installing Zigbee2MQTT, choosing the correct adapter, and pairing your Zigbee devices.
In this guide, you will learn how to set up Zigbee2MQTT with Home Assistant, how to add devices, and what to check if something does not work.
Zigbee2MQTT With Home Assistant: Complete Setup Guide
1. Check What You Need
Before setting up Zigbee2MQTT, you need a few things ready.
Make sure Home Assistant is installed.
Get a supported Zigbee coordinator.
Plug the coordinator into your Home Assistant device.
Use a USB extension cable if it is a USB dongle.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Do not pair your Zigbee devices yet.
2. Install The MQTT Broker
Zigbee2MQTT needs MQTT to talk with Home Assistant.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings.
Select Add-ons.
Open the Add-on Store.
Search for Mosquitto broker.
Click Install.
Start the add-on after installation.
3. Start The MQTT Broker
After installing Mosquitto, you need to start it.
Open the Mosquitto broker add-on.
Click Start.
Turn on Start on boot.
Turn on Watchdog if you want it to restart automatically.
Go to Logs and check if there are no errors.
4. Install Zigbee2MQTT
Once MQTT is ready, you can install Zigbee2MQTT.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings > Add-ons.
Open the Add-on Store.
Add the Zigbee2MQTT add-on repository if needed.
Search for Zigbee2MQTT.
Click Install.
Wait for the installation to finish.
5. Configure The Zigbee Adapter
Zigbee2MQTT needs to know which Zigbee coordinator to use.
Open the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
Go to Configuration.
Find the serial section.
Add the correct adapter port.
Choose the correct adapter type if needed.
Save the configuration.
Restart the add-on.
6. Start Zigbee2MQTT
After the adapter is configured, start Zigbee2MQTT.
Open the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
Click Start.
Open Logs.
Check if Zigbee2MQTT starts without errors.
Open the Web UI.
Wait for the dashboard to load.
7. Pair Your Zigbee Devices
Once Zigbee2MQTT is running, you can add devices.
Open the Zigbee2MQTT Web UI.
Click Permit Join.
Put your Zigbee device into pairing mode.
Wait for the device to appear.
Rename the device.
Add it to the correct room in Home Assistant.
8. Test Your Devices In Home Assistant
After pairing, check if the devices work inside Home Assistant.
Open Home Assistant.
Go to Settings > Devices & Services.
Find the MQTT integration.
Open your Zigbee device.
Test the switch, light, sensor, or button.
Create an automation if needed.
Conclusion
Setting up Zigbee2MQTT with Home Assistant may look hard at first, but it becomes easier when you do it step by step.
You need a Zigbee coordinator, MQTT broker, and the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
After that, you can pair your Zigbee devices and control them inside Home Assistant.
Following these steps should help you set up Zigbee2MQTT with Home Assistant without too much stress.
Additional Reading
How To Add Zigbee2MQTT To Home Assistant
Zigbee2MQTT Not Starting In Home Assistant: How To Fix It
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.
