General troubleshooting guide for Z-Wave devices that won't include or become unresponsive.
Device Won't Include
Inclusion problems:
- Exclude first: Always exclude before including, even new devices
- Close proximity: Include within 3 feet of hub/stick
- Wake up: Battery devices need to be woken (button press)
- S2 prompts: Accept S2 security prompts if offered
- DSK: Some devices require entering DSK code
Ghost Nodes
Failed devices leaving ghost nodes:
- Identify: Nodes that show failed or no route
- Remove: Use hub interface to remove failed nodes
- Exclude: Try excluding the ghost node
- Heal: Run network heal after removing ghosts
- Z-Wave JS: Use Z-Wave JS UI to manage problem nodes
Device Unresponsive
When device stops responding:
- Power cycle: Turn off/on at breaker for wired devices
- Wake up: Press button to wake battery devices
- Refresh: Refresh node in hub interface
- Re-interview: Re-interview the device for fresh info
- Network heal: Run Z-Wave network repair/heal
Range and Mesh
Network coverage issues:
- Mesh network: Z-Wave devices repeat for each other
- Add repeaters: Plug-in Z-Wave devices extend range
- Battery devices: Don't repeat - need routers nearby
- Optimal routes: Heal network to optimize routing
Firmware and Updates
Keeping devices current:
- OTA updates: Some devices support over-the-air updates
- Hub updates: Keep Z-Wave hub/stick firmware updated
- 700/800 series: Newer chips have better features
- Backwards compatible: All Z-Wave generations work together
Common Parameters
Configuration to check:
- LED settings: Many devices can configure LED behavior
- Reporting: Adjust report intervals for battery life
- Associations: Direct associations for instant response
- Lifeline: Group 1 usually reports to hub