Frequently asked questions

• How is the ZBDongle-P different from the ZBDongle-E?

  Chip and platforms: the P is built on the TI CC2652P with Z-Stack firmware, the E on the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21. The E officially supports openHAB, the P does not yet; the P takes 50 direct devices versus 30 on the E. Both are solid for Zigbee2MQTT.
• What firmware ships from the factory and how do I update it?

  It ships with Z-Stack 3.x.0 coordinator firmware. Updates go through the official SONOFF Dongle Flasher web tool (dongle.sonoff.tech): straight from the browser, about a minute, no Python scripts or programmers.
• How many devices can the ZBDongle-P handle?

  Up to 50 devices join the coordinator directly; with routers (relays, plugs, bulbs that repeat the signal) the network grows to around 200 nodes. The practical ceiling depends on the platform and router density.
• Can I reflash the stick into a Zigbee router?

  Yes, the same Dongle Flasher loads router firmware — the stick becomes a repeater (it shows up in the network as a light bulb). To pair it, hold the Reset button for over 8 seconds until the green LED starts blinking.
• Can I run two dongles on the same machine?

  Yes: one under Zigbee2MQTT and the other under ZHA — two separate networks on different channels (Z2M defaults to 11, ZHA to 15). You cannot add two ZHA instances to one Home Assistant.
• Do I need a USB extension cable?

  The manufacturer explicitly recommends connecting through an extension cable so the antenna gets away from case and USB 3.0 port interference. No cable is included — the box holds the dongle, the antenna and a quick guide.
• Is it controlled from the eWeLink app?

  No — it is a coordinator for self-hosted platforms and never appears in the eWeLink cloud. One special case: plugged into a Sonoff iHost running eWeLink CUBE, its Zigbee devices can be bridged into a Matter network.
• Which devices are compatible?

  In theory any Zigbee 3.0 device: Sonoff, Aqara, IKEA Tradfri, Philips Hue, Tuya, Lidl Silvercrest and more. Check actual support for a specific model in the Zigbee2MQTT database or the ZHA list.