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Is Alexa Compatible With Z-Wave? 5 Genius Features (2023)

Is Alexa Compatible With Z-Wave

Z-Wave is a trusted name in home security.

But did you know that you can pair your Amazon Alexa with Z-Wave?

This collaboration will provide you with even more control over your home system.

Isn’t that amazing?

Continue reading to learn about:

  • 5 amazing features of your Z-Wave with Alexa.
  • Easy to follow steps to pair Alexa with Z-Wave.
  • 3 of the best Z-Wave compatible hubs and controllers for Alexa.
  • And so much more… 

Is Alexa compatible with Z-Wave?

Amazon Alexa is compatible with Z-Wave devices. However, you need to connect the whole system using a primary hub. Pairing Alexa with Z-Wave allows you to control your smart devices. You can access Z-Wave locks, switches, and more using Alexa’s voice command feature. 


5 things you can do with Z-Wave and Alexa


#1: Change light settings

Lights play an important role in setting the ambiance of a room.

And that’s when this device comes in handy…

Having smart lights and switches allows you to control light settings remotely. You can:

  • Dim lights.
  • Brighten a room.
  • Change light colors.
  • Switch lights on and off.
  • Schedule light setting changes.

Plus, you can control the Z-Wave light switches using voice commands when it’s paired with Alexa.

#2: Adjust the temperature

Thermostats are crucial in keeping your home comfortable.

And a Z-Wave thermostat allows you to control temperature settings in your home with ease.

Z-Wave thermostats can:

  • Control thermostat settings remotely.
  • Provide energy-efficient performance.
  • Perform scheduled temperature changes.
  • Automatically adjust settings depending on room occupancy.

Pairing your thermostat with Alexa provides you with extended coverage using voice commands. Some of the commands you can use include:

  • Adjusting the temperature in a room.
  • Changing temp settings by a certain number.
  • Scheduling a temperature change at a specific time.

#3: Improve home security

Improve Home Security

Z-Wave is particularly known as a home security system. It provides home security systems with a more secure and efficient network.

Smart locks are one of the newest developments in the world of home safety.

Gone are the days when keys are reliable.

Looking for security?

Get Smart locks that use keypads or require biometrics to unlock.

If you have Z-Wave Smart locks at home, you can benefit more from Alexa. 

With Alexa, you can control your Z-Wave Smart lock to:

  • Lock and unlock.
  • Notify you when it’s unlocked.
  • Provide access to certain individuals.
  • Send an alarm when unlocked forcefully.

#4: Get remote access

With the hub app and Alexa app on hand, you can get remote access to your home’s smart devices.

To pair Alexa to Z-Wave, the Alexa app needs to recognize and discover these devices first.

When you do this, you also get remote device control.

You can access the settings of the lock, lights, and thermostat on your mobile phone.

Talk about convenience.

#5: Have access even without Wi-FI

Most Smart home devices run on Wi-Fi. This means they need the internet to communicate with one another.

Z-Wave devices don’t run on Wi-Fi.

It has its own wireless technology known as the Z-Wave Protocol. This unique protocol 

low-energy radio waves. 

Moreover, this system is more efficient and effective. This is in comparison to common wireless technology such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Now, the Z-Wave protocol only applies to Z-Wave devices. With that, there’s less signal disruption. 

This provides a stronger and faster connection between Z-Wave devices.

However, the greatest advantage of this unique network is that it doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi.

So, even when the internet is out, you can access its features.

Recommended article: Can You Have a Smart Home With Satellite Internet? 6 Facts

What is the best Z-Wave hub and controller for you?

To use Alexa on Z-Wave devices, you need a compatible hub or controller. This will sync the 2 networks together.

So take a look at some of the best hubs and controllers for Z-Wave devices:

#1: Vivint Security System

The Vivint Security System is already compatible with Alexa. This makes device pairing with Alexa and hub so much easier. 

To pair your Z-Wave devices with Vivint, you need to:

  1. Open the Vivint Security App.
  2. Head to the Settings menu.
  3. Input the Master Code and select the ‘installer box.’
  4. Enter the code asked by the prompt.
  5. Select “Z-Wave” on the list.
  6. Tap ‘Add’ to choose the specific Z-Wave device.
  7. Choose to Activate to finish pairing.

#2: Hubitat Elevation Hub

The Hubitat Elevation Hub is an advanced home security controller. 

It has relatively more features. However, it’s a lot more complex for an amateur to navigate.

The Hubitat Elevation Hub also works locally like Z-Wave devices.

This means that you can still use these Smart devices even without Wi-Fi.

#3: Samsung SmartThings Hub

The Samsung SmartThings Hub is considered 1 of the best. First off, the SmartThings hub is simple and easy to use.

But aside from that, it also has an amazing range. It can pair to devices within 130 feet, making it perfect for big houses. 

This hub provides control over:

  • Lights.
  • Locks.
  • Sensors.
  • Thermostat.
  • Security cameras.

Want to know more about Z-Wave? Check out this video:

How to use Alexa with Z-Wave?

To use Alexa with Z-Wave, you first need to connect them to a separate hub. Alexa and Z-Wave run on two different networks. This makes it impossible to directly pair the two systems together.

Z-Wave is a type of network dedicated to Z-Wave devices. This includes:

  • Locks.
  • Lights.
  • Sensors.
  • Switches.
  • Doorbells.

Now, the purpose of Z-Wave is to boost the connection between these devices. This helps provide a more secure and reliable home system.

On the other hand, Amazon Alexa works primarily on Wi-Fi. 

To be able to use Alexa with Z-Wave, you need to fix this issue. 

And using a smart home hub that is compatible with both Z-Wave and Alexa can help with that.

The hub will serve as a bridge between Alexa and Z-Wave. With this, you can start using Alexa with Z-Wave.

Why is my Alexa not compatible with Z-Wave?

Alexa isn’t directly compatible with Z-Wave devices. This is because Alexa and Z-wave work on two different signals or networks.

Alexa works on Wi-Fi. On the other Z-Wave has the Z-Wave Protocol to communicate with Z-Wave devices.

If you compare them to other networks…

The Z-Wave protocol provides a stronger and more secure connection.

However, this leads to compatibility issues with other networks.

This includes systems such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

When pairing Alexa with Z-Wave, there seems to be a communication barrier.

Luckily, using a third-party hub can help bridge this.

The hub is the device that can connect Alexa and Z-Wave into one system. 

Here’s how to link Alexa with Z-Wave using the SmartThings hub.

  1. Download the SmartThings app and Alexa app.
  2. Open the SmartThings app.
  3. Tap the ‘+’ icon.
  4. Choose Voice Assistant.
  5. Select Amazon Alexa and choose to Enable.
  6. Tap Authorize to finish the setup.
  7. Go back to Home Menu.
  8. Choose to Discover Devices.
  9. Wait until all available Z-Wave devices are discovered.
  10. Test Alexa and Z-Wave pairing using basic commands.