Convincing End Devices to choose a closer router?

Configuration Zigbee
1

I added a couple of new end devices today, a Sonoff SNZB-03P and a SNZB-02D. I had the 03P in it’s “final destination” before I ever powered it up, paired it there, but it still inexplicably picked up a router much farther away than two others between. Then the 02D had some battery contact issues that I was sorting while trying to get it to pair, it finally paired direct to my controller but again several repeater/routers are closer.

I tried removing the 02D from the HA network, removing its battery, waiting, then reconnecting it in-situ but close to a nearby repeater, but it still seems to remember its preference for the controller and went back to it.

I’ll try to be patient overnight and hope they re-route to better connections - is this likely to happen with Sonoff end devices? I know the Aqara devices are reputed to stick to their mate once they have chosen it - but they also seem to re-route more easily when repairing.

2

Best you can do is initially pair via the desired router (ZHA’s “Add Device via This Device” from the router’s device page, or Z2M’s permit join drop down menu), and hope it sticks. There’s no way to control what the device thinks is best.

3

If it’s convinced that another solution is better (and it’s constantly re-evaluating), I’m cool with it changing.

ZHA’s “Add Device via This Device” is buried nice and deep, but thanks for telling me it exists, I found it now.

And, when I went to check a device it has already reconnected like I wanted it to, LQI is up dramatically (70->150).

The other device is still stubbornly connected to a far point, I’ll give it until morning to change its mind and try a manual suggestion if it doesn’t.