Z-Wave

Z-Wave is a low-power wireless standard for smart home devices such as locks, switches and sensors, which connect through a Z-Wave hub.

What it means for you

It needs a hub or adapter with a Z-Wave radio, so confirm that yours has one. Home Assistant users add a Z-Wave USB adapter, and some brand hubs include one.

Guides on this topic

• Do Smart Plugs Need a Hub?

  When a plug needs a hub: Wi-Fi vs Matter, Thread border routers, Zigbee and Z-Wave.

• Home Assistant Starter Guide

  What Home Assistant is, Green vs a mini PC, and which Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave adapters to add.

• Samsung SmartThings Hub and Matter Setup and Troubleshooting

  SmartThings hub and Station setup, adding and sharing Matter devices over Wi-Fi or Thread, and fixes for onboarding, offline and discovery problems, from Samsung's guides.

Related terms

• Zigbee
• Smart home hub
• Thread
• Home Assistant

← All glossary terms · Search all guides for “Z-Wave”

Definitions are short and general. For model-specific details, check your device maker’s own documentation.