Is Alexa compatible with Z-Wave? It’s a question that I did to myself when I was visiting my friend’s house and saw his Amazon Echo.
He just began automating his house and we were discussing lots of ideas to take his house to a whole new level. And to make this happen, it is necessary to give Z-Wave protocol an opportunity.
It is not possible to directly connect a Z-Wave device to your Amazon Echo because the Alexa protocol only runs on Wi-Fi. While there is a way to link it through a bridge, it will require further synchronization between both platforms to gain control over Z-Wave using voice commands
It’s cool how we can integrate so many devices and control them within one network!
And for all the people who love the “vibes” that Alexa gives to a house, I’ll share some useful information on how you can create your Echo environment with proper configuration.
Is Alexa compatible with Z-Wave: Z-Wave definition
Before showing you how simple can be to connect z-wave with Alexa, I wanted to share with you what is Z-Wave in a nutshell and understand why it can be a great decision for your smart home.
Z-wave is a smart home network designed to give the ultimate control of any device that runs with it.
As it’s completely focused on automation, it has a 128 encryption code to protect any kind of danger from outsiders.
What I love about Z-Wave is that is a growing network.
Usually, with Wi-Fi, the connection starts to slow down when you keep adding devices to the network. Think about streaming 2 or 3 TVs in 4K and your smartphone as well. The internet is going to fade easily.
Using Z-Wave is the other way around.
As it is a mesh network, every device that you add helps it to gain strength and size.
That’s why most Z-Wave smart houses have so many of them!
You can add up to 232 devices to the same network helping it reach its maximum potential! Meaning faster connection between your devices and strengthening your smart home network to its peak.
There are so many incredible features about Z-Wave that I decided to break it down in this Blog Post for you to digest easily!
The best z-wave hub for Alexa
As you may have noticed, in this market there are a lot of z-wave hubs for all sorts of applications.
Some of them have monthly subscriptions, others are free.
But there’s one little guy that checks all the marks to be the best z-wave hub for Alexa
And in general, it’s best to create a reliable smart home.
The hub that I recommend to you for running with Amazon Alexa is the SmartThings Hub
This beautiful white little brain is responsible to run your house seamlessly and it’s the one I use.
I love that it has so many integrations with so many different types of networks that allow me to automate everything I want.
Now for Alexa, it’s the best choice out there because of numerous reasons:
- Wi-Fi signal strength: Lower-priced hubs lack of enough power to reach most devices throughout a big house. If you don’t position it well, you’re going to face bad connectivity. SmartThings has the strongest Wi-Fi signal receiver.
- Integration: Not all hubs work with your iOS or Android. It doesn’t matter which smartphone you own or your family, this hub covers both platforms.
- Price: Compared to the competency, this hub has an affordable price for all the features that come with it. There are others on the 30 dollar range that requires a monthly subscription, so in my opinion, I’d rather pay 20 more and forget about that.
- SmartThings App: With this app, you are going to control any type of z-wave device and create cool routines and schedules that you are going to love.
There are so many reasons why this is the best smart home hub for Amazon Alexa that I even wrote a blog post describing the SmartThings Hub. In there, I broke down all its features in case you are interested.
Please follow this link to immerse yourself in the SmartThings Technology
Is Alexa compatible with Z-Wave? How to connect it
Now that you have decided to get the best Z-wave hub, it’s time to connect it.
The process overall it’s pretty much like installing an App on your phone.
First, you need to download the SmartThings App and create a free account.
Now that you have it running, you’d need to add the Hub to the App
And How do I do that?
- In the home screen, just tap add device
- Tap Smart Things, Wi-Fi Hub, and the Smart Things Hub. The next step asks you about the internet connection. If you have your Smart Things Hub closer to your router you should choose ethernet connection and use a cable for it. The connection is stronger and you are going to have a better user experience, but if that’s not the case, go ahead with Wi-Fi.
- Next, follow the instructions that the App is showing you.
Pretty simple! Now it’s time for you to add your Amazon Echo to the Hub.
It doesn’t matter which one you own, all of them are covered by this hub.
Now, to add it follow these simple steps below:
- In the home screen of the App, touch (+)
- Now choose: Voice Assistant
- Select Amazon Alexa
- Enable to use for Smart Things
- Authorize it.
- Once it’s done it will start to discover the devices around you.
- Tap “discover devices”
- It takes about a minute or less to discover it. Don’t get too anxious.
- That’s it! Enjoy your smart home
Now that we have made Alexa compatible with Z-wave, it’s time to move on to the next step.
And this is where the fun part begins.
Because it’s time to choose your next Z-Wave device to use with Alexa right?
According to the z-wave alliance, there are 94 million different devices to choose from!
There are thermostats, dimming light devices, locks, door sensors, fan controls, energy meters
It’s incredible! You can automate everything in your house at a very affordable price.
One, in particular, is the Flood sensor. This little fellow is the only sensor you don’t want to use.
Because once it happens, it means that your house is in danger! But at the same time, it is an extremely helpful tool to have at home.
There are smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors which translate into more security to your home.
Feel free to choose the one you love, but down the road, the process to add them to your smart Things Hub is about the same:
- First, Go to the Home screen of the Smart Things App and tap (+)
- Choose the manufacturer of your device. In case it doesn’t appear just choose Other and then Generic Z-wave device.
- Select Start
- Choose a room for the device.
- Now, while you wait you need to proceed with the pairing process according to the device. As there are so many different ones, I suggest you follow the manual to check.
Congratulations! You now have your Amazon Alexa paired with the Hub
And the Z-wave device that you desire.
It’s time to control it with your voice!
If you own a z wave lock you could activate with:
“Alexa, lock the main door”
Ok, are you intrigued about other cool z-wave devices? Check out this post
They have a huge list of devices decoded for you to explore.
Conclusion
The question about if is Alexa compatible with Z-Wave, comes with a big background for all newbies out there.
When you first start in the Smart Homeworld, it can be very overwhelming to find lots of different terms and configurations that from my perspective makes it harder to reach a wider audience
Only the guys and girls who love tech and a house with gadgets are the ones willing to learn this by themselves
That’s why I wrote this post. To help all people who are trying to learn how to start automating z wave devices with Alexa and create the house you want without breaking the bank!
With a couple of hundred dollars, you can design a fully automated house and enjoy the control and technology behind
In case you would like some assistance with your automation, feel free to contact me at nelson.barbosa@MyAutomatedPalace.com I will give you a hand!
