FAQ
TL;DR: Zigbee runs at 250 kbps on 2.4 GHz and is a "wireless mesh"; connect your hub, build Smart Life automations, and remember Wi‑Fi devices don’t join Zigbee hubs. [What Is Zigbee?]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Smart Life/Tuya users fix pairing issues, choose the right devices, and create reliable automations for homes with Zigbee and Wi‑Fi.
Quick Facts
- Pair on 2.4 GHz; using the same SSID for 2.4/5 GHz can block onboarding. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19463551]
- Only Zigbee sub‑devices join a Zigbee gateway; Wi‑Fi devices join your router directly. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19813455]
- Toggling Wi‑Fi security (WPA mode) enabled a 20‑second hub pairing, then it stayed fine on WPA2. [Elektroda, samedi, post #19463728]
- Mains‑powered Zigbee devices extend the mesh; battery sensors typically don’t route traffic. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19813809]
- No‑neutral wall switches exist—choose “no neutral” models if your box lacks an N wire. [Elektroda, samedi, post #19463540]
How do I add devices and build automations in Smart Life?
Add devices using each product’s pairing mode, then open Automation and tap +. Pick a trigger (time, sensor, switch), add actions, and set conditions or delays. Use Tap‑to‑Run for one‑tap scenes that control many devices. “The wizard is very intuitive.” [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19421678]
My Tuya/Moes Zigbee Gateway won’t connect to Wi‑Fi. How do I fix pairing?
Ensure your phone and hub use 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz. Give 2.4 and 5 GHz different SSIDs to avoid confusion. Confirm you’re entering the correct password and disable band steering during onboarding. Reboot the router and try again. Some routers struggle to add devices when both bands share one name. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19463551]
Pairing only worked on a neighbor’s router. What finally fixed it?
A user solved this by temporarily changing the Wi‑Fi security mode (e.g., toggling WPA setting), pairing the hub in about 20 seconds, then switching back to WPA2. After that, the gateway operated normally on WPA2. This quick change often clears onboarding blocks on some routers. [Elektroda, samedi, post #19463728]
Why doesn’t my LED controller show under my Zigbee gateway?
It’s a Wi‑Fi device. Only Zigbee sub‑devices join a Zigbee hub. Add Wi‑Fi controllers with the app’s + button (not via the gateway’s “Add sub‑device”). The gateway will only list devices that speak Zigbee and joined its network. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19813455]
How do I avoid buying Wi‑Fi when I want Zigbee?
Read the listing carefully. Look for “Zigbee 3.0,” “Tuya Zigbee,” or “Zigbee hub required.” If the title or specs say “WiFi,” it’s not Zigbee. When in doubt, check the “Protocol” or “Wireless” field, and the app compatibility notes. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19813809]
Will a Tuya water leak sensor and valve work without Internet?
Yes, if both are Zigbee and bound to your Zigbee hub, the sensor can command the valve locally. Zigbee is a local 2.4 GHz mesh, so device‑to‑hub control does not require the cloud. You’ll still need Internet for remote phone notifications outside your LAN. Choose Zigbee versions of both devices. [What Is Zigbee?]
Can using the same SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz break onboarding?
Yes. Some gateways and phones fail to complete pairing when both bands share one SSID. Give 2.4 and 5 GHz unique names, connect your phone to 2.4 GHz during onboarding, then pair the hub again. This avoids band‑steering traps. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19463551]
What frequency and data rate does Zigbee use, and can Wi‑Fi interfere?
Zigbee operates in the 2.4 GHz band at 250 kbps, the same spectrum Wi‑Fi often uses. Keep your Zigbee hub some distance from the router, avoid co‑located antennas, and minimize overlap by moving the hub away from dense Wi‑Fi areas. This reduces packet loss and latency. [What Is Zigbee?]
How do I create a scene so the light switch also turns the bathroom fan off?
Use Smart Life Automation. 1) Automation > + > select the light switch’s Off as trigger. 2) Add action: set the fan controller to Off. 3) Optionally add a delay or extra conditions. You can mirror this for On if needed. “The wizard is very intuitive.” [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19421678]
Why doesn’t my fan‑off scene trigger when the controller loses power?
If the controller loses power, it can’t report an Off event, so the automation won’t run. Automations need a live trigger to fire. Keep the controller powered, use hardware wiring that keeps its supply independent, or use a module that senses mains presence and reports state. [What Is Zigbee?]
Do Zigbee mains‑powered devices extend network range?
Yes. Most mains‑powered Zigbee devices act as routers that relay messages, expanding coverage and improving reliability. Battery devices usually don’t route traffic. Strategically place powered nodes between your hub and remote sensors to strengthen the mesh. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19813809]
Do I need a Wi‑Fi or LAN Zigbee gateway?
Both versions exist. A Wi‑Fi gateway joins your 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, while a LAN gateway uses Ethernet. Choose based on where you can place the hub for best coverage and stability. Match the version you bought when following pairing steps. [Elektroda, sk1977, post #19463543]
I don’t have a neutral wire. Which Tuya switch should I use?
Pick a “no‑neutral” model. These switches are designed for installations without an N conductor and can still control lighting. Confirm compatibility with your bulb type and follow the manufacturer’s wiring guide. If needed, add the recommended bypass to prevent flicker. [Elektroda, samedi, post #19463540]
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