SONOFF Zigbee Dongle is a compact USB device that acts as a Zigbee coordinator for your smart home ecosystem. By plugging it into a computer, Raspberry Pi, or smart home hub, it enables you to connect and control a wide variety of Zigbee devices—such as smart bulbs, plugs, switches, and sensors—under a unified automation system.
There are two main variants:
- SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (ZBDongle-P) – based on CC2652P chip, known for stability and large device support.
- SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-E (ZBDongle-E) – based on EFR32MG21 chip, offering better compatibility and strong signal range.
Setup Guide
1. Hardware Requirements
- SONOFF Zigbee Dongle (P or E model)
- Host device (Raspberry Pi, PC, or NAS)
- Smart home platform (Home Assistant, OpenHAB, Zigbee2MQTT, or ioBroker)
- Zigbee end devices (bulbs, plugs, sensors, switches)
2. Installation Steps
- Plug in the Dongle
- Connect the SONOFF dongle into your device via USB.
- For Raspberry Pi, use a USB extension cable to reduce RF interference.
- Install Coordinator Software
- Home Assistant: Install ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) integration or Zigbee2MQTT add-on.
- Zigbee2MQTT: Configure the dongle in
configuration.yaml(set the serial port, e.g.,/dev/ttyUSB0).
- Pair Zigbee Devices
- Put your end devices (e.g., a smart bulb) in pairing mode.
- In your smart home app, select Add Device → it will appear in your network.
- Automations & Control
- Once paired, you can create automations, control devices via mobile apps, or link them to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
Use Cases of SONOFF Zigbee Dongle in Smart Homes
- Smart Lighting Control
- Connect Zigbee bulbs (Philips Hue, IKEA Tradfri, SONOFF) → control brightness, color, and schedules.
- Energy Monitoring
- Use Zigbee smart plugs to monitor and optimize energy consumption.
- Security & Safety
- Integrate Zigbee door/window sensors, motion detectors, and sirens for intrusion alerts.
- Pair smoke/gas leak sensors to get instant mobile notifications.
- Climate & Comfort
- Connect Zigbee temperature, humidity, and air-quality sensors to automate fans, HVAC, and humidifiers.
- Appliance Automation
- Use smart switches to control legacy appliances (e.g., coffee makers, heaters).
- Voice Assistant Integration
- Control Zigbee devices hands-free via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit (via Home Assistant bridge).
- Mesh Network Expansion
- Zigbee devices act as routers, extending coverage throughout your house without relying on Wi-Fi.
Key Benefits
- Wide Compatibility – Works with thousands of Zigbee devices.
- Strong Signal & Range – Covers large homes with Zigbee mesh.
- Local Control – No reliance on cloud, improving privacy and reliability.
- Future-Proof – Supports Zigbee 3.0, ensuring device interoperability.
- Flexible Setup – Works with multiple smart home platforms.
🔎 How to add zigbee devices with Home Assistant using ZHA integration