Sonoff Temp Sensors (multiple) - wont find/add - help!

OK, I am reasonably new to HA , so far I have successfully configured lights, thermostats(nest), cameras(ring), switches, a SPA pool, irrigation, electric gates, speakers, and an EV car, amongst others. All working well.

The one device that I thought would be very simple - and I researched - is the SONOFF Temp Sensor (firmware now supports without flashing) and Sonoff Zigbee USB Dongle combination. After many many nights, videos, blogs etc. I’m putting up the white flag.

Summary - I have successfully installed the Zigbee Dongle (was auto discovered and up and running in minutes). When I try and pair the Sonoff Sensors (in pairing mode) nothing is found.

Setup

  • HA :- Home Assistant Green
  • Zigbee Gateway :- Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB ZBDongle-E EFR32MG21 (also tried ZBT-1)
  • Sensors :- Sonoff Temp Sensors (SNZB-02D), Sonoff Temp Sensor (SNZB-02P)
  • all purchased in the last 2 weeks (new)

I have tried the straight pairing (hold and flash in pairing mode) - but never finds anything, unlike this guide (which is what I had already tried first) - e.g.
SONOFF usb zigbee hub and devices in Home Assistant

I have successfully installed ZHA - which is approach being used
I have installed the Sonoff Custom Config.
I have installed the eWeLink integration. I have setup an eWeLink account - but the Sonoff Sensors cannot be added within the Android App - requires a gateway AND the ZBDongle USB cannot be added to eWeLink. So therefore cannot also check firmware versions without being able to get them into eWeLink (note - all hardware purchased new over the last couple weeks).
Also tried with the ZBT-1 coordinator/gateway - same result.

Can someone please put me out of my misery, and provide some simple steps on how to add a SONOFF Zigbee Sensor WITH a ZBDongle (which is already successfully installed on HA)?

Do I need eWeLink, or can I connect direct without (preference)? If eWeLink is mandatory - do I then need to purchase ANOTHER zigbee gateway that is compatible with eWeLink??? Also, prefer not to need to open-up and custom flash the devices (are supposed to now connect without needing to)

Hey @DiamondDog, did you get the Sonoff devices working? I’m about to go down this path with a few SNZB-02P TH sensors. Just waiting for my ZBT-1 dongle to arrive. The vids all indicate a very quick process :crossed_fingers:
Thx,
-D

First things first - in case you haven’t done so already, stick the Dongle on a USB extension cable to avoid USB interference. Make sure your zigbee channel is not conflicting with any Wifi channels. Read here for more info

Secondly, make sure you’re actually putting the sensor in paring mode:

Long press reset button for 5s until the LED indicator flashes three times, which means the device has entered pairing mode

Third, battery devices love to go to sleep to conserve battery, even during the pairing process. Whenever this has happened to me, I find that short pressing the reset button at 1-2s intervals during the pairing process helps keep the device awake.

Finally, don’t assume that the battery has enough voltage just because the device is “new”. It could have been sitting in a warehouse for a few years and the battery simply doesn’t have enough juice to complete the pairing process.
If the previous 3 steps fail to get it paired, replacing the battery with a fresh one is a pretty simple troubleshooting step.

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