This guide shows you how to use the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 as a dedicated Thread adapter when you have previously used it for Zigbee. The Thread adapter allows you to connect Thread-based devices, such as Matter-over-Thread devices, to your network.
Prerequisites
- Connected Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1.
- Home Assistant Operating System installation.
- You are currently using Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 as a Zigbee adapter, but want to use it as a Thread adapter from now on.
- You don't have Multiprotocol enabled. If you do, disable it by following the steps in the procedure on disabling multiprotocol support.
- Important: This guide installs firmware that supports only Thread! You will no longer be able to control your Zigbee devices with this adapter after installing the Thread firmware. Depending on whether you want to keep your Zigbee network (on an other device) or not, follow the steps in one of the following scenarios:
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Scenario 1: You want to keep the Zigbee network: If you use your existing Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 to run a Zigbee network, migrate your Zigbee network to another controller. Otherwise, if you delete the Zigbee network, even if you set it up again, all of your entity customizations will be gone.
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Scenario 2: You no longer need the Zigbee network: If you use your existing Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 to run a Zigbee network, and you no longer need a Zigbee network, follow these steps to remove ZHA from the integration list:
- Go to Settings > Devices & services.
- Select the Zigbee Home Assistant integration card.
- Select the three dots menu behind Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 and choose Delete.
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To switch from Zigbee to Thread support
- Go to Settings > Devices & services.
- Select the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 integration card.
- Select the cog wheel behind Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1.
- Select Use as Thread adapter.
- Result: This installs the OpenThread Border Router add-on which allows you to connect Matter-over-Thread devices.
- When prompted, add the adapter to an area.
- Then, select Finish.
- Go to Settings > Devices & services.
- You should now see the OpenThread Border Router and the Thread integrations.
- Select the Thread integration, then select the cogwheel.
- You will now see a Home Assistant OpenThread Border Router.
- You might also see other Thread networks from other border router devices in your home.
- Refer to the Thread documentation to learn more about different Thread networks, or about Thread border routers.
- You can now add your Thread-based devices to Home Assistant.