Abode integrates with a wide range of popular Z-Wave and Zigbee smart home devices, letting you control your security system and smart home together through a single app. With an Iota Kit or Smart Security Kit, your Hub acts as a Z-Wave and Zigbee controller, opening up powerful automation possibilities when paired with a Standard or Pro plan.
This guide covers how to pair any Z-Wave or Zigbee device with your Abode Hub, and how to exclude a Z-Wave device that has previously been paired to another Hub.
Before you start
Requirement | Detail |
Compatible Hub | Iota Kit or Smart Security Kit (Security Kit does not support Z-Wave or Zigbee) |
Plan | Standard or Pro plan required to use CUE automations with third-party devices |
Compatible device | Check the full list of verified Abode-compatible third-party devices at goabode.com/compatible-devices |
Device manual | Have the manual for your Z-Wave or Zigbee device ready. Each device has its own process for entering pairing mode. |
! | NOTE The Security Kit Hub does not support Z-Wave or Zigbee. You need an Iota Kit or Smart Security Kit to pair third-party devices. Check which Hub you have in the Abode app under Menu, then Hub Settings. |
What are Z-Wave and Zigbee?
Z-Wave and Zigbee are wireless communication protocols used by smart home devices. They operate on different frequencies to standard Wi-Fi, which means they are more energy efficient and better suited for battery-powered devices like sensors and locks.
Protocol | Common device types |
Z-Wave | Smart locks, thermostats, light switches, door sensors, smoke detectors, water shut-off valves |
Zigbee | Smart bulbs, motion sensors, door sensors, smart plugs, temperature sensors |
✓ | TIP For detailed setup guides for specific brands and products, see the Integrations section of the Abode help center. Guides are available for Philips Hue, Z-Wave locks, First Alert smoke detectors, Dome water shut-off, and more. |
Pairing a Z-Wave or Zigbee device
The pairing process is the same for both Z-Wave and Zigbee devices. Before starting, power up the device you want to pair and have its manual ready so you know how to put it into pairing mode.
1. Open the Abode app and tap the Menu icon.
2. Tap "Add Device".
3. Under Other, tap "Third Party Devices". Your Hub will enter pairing mode.
4. Put your device into pairing mode. Each device has a specific process for this. Most require pressing a button a set number of times. Refer to the device manual for the exact steps.
5. When your Hub detects the device, it will appear on the pairing screen in the Abode app.
6. Give the device a name and tap Done to complete the process.
✓ | TIP If your device does not appear on the pairing screen after following its pairing instructions, try moving it closer to your Hub and repeat the pairing steps. Z-Wave and Zigbee signals can be affected by distance and thick walls. |
Excluding a Z-Wave device
If a Z-Wave device has previously been paired with a different Hub, it may not pair with your Abode Hub until it has been excluded. Exclusion resets the device's network memory so it is ready to join a new Hub.
! | NOTE Exclusion only applies to Z-Wave devices. Zigbee devices use a different reset process. Refer to the Zigbee device's manual for factory reset instructions if it will not pair. |
How to exclude a Z-Wave device
1. Power up the Z-Wave device you want to exclude.
2. Open the Abode app and tap the Menu icon.
3. Tap "Add Device".
4. Under Other, tap "Third Party Devices".
5. Tap "Z-Wave Exclusion Tool" and follow the in-app guide to put your Hub into exclusion mode.
6. Once the device appears in the exclusion list, follow the in-app guide to complete the exclusion.
7. Once excluded, follow the pairing steps above to add the device to your Abode system.
✓ | TIP Exclusion can also be used to remove a Z-Wave device from your Abode system if you are giving it away or resetting it for use with a different platform. Put your Hub into exclusion mode and then trigger the device's exclusion sequence. |
Using your Z-Wave or Zigbee device with Abode
Once paired, your third-party device will appear in the Devices tab of the Abode app alongside your Abode sensors and cameras. Depending on the device type, you can:
• Control it manually from the Devices tab or your Dashboard
• Use it as a trigger or action in CUE automations (Standard or Pro plan required)
• Include it in Quick Actions for one-tap control from your Dashboard or phone widget
• Control it via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands
For example, you could create a CUE automation that unlocks a Z-Wave smart lock when your system disarms, or turns on Zigbee lights when a motion sensor is triggered.
Compatible devices
Abode maintains a full list of verified and tested compatible third-party devices. Visit goabode.com/compatible-devices for the complete list, including confirmed compatibility with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices by brand and model.
Dedicated setup guides are also available in the help center for the following integrations:
• Philips Hue
• Smart Locks (various Z-Wave)
• First Alert Z-Wave Smoke/CO Detector
• Dome Water Main Shut-Off
• Ecobee Thermostat
• LIFX