From Devolo Home Control to Home Assistant: local, flexible, future-proof with Home Assistant Green & ZWA-2

Summary: Devolo is shutting down its Home Control servers on December 31, 2025. Remote access via the app/web will no longer be available, and the system will only function in a limited offline capacity. Those looking to operate their smart home locally and without the cloud in the long term can switch to Home Assistant Green as a hub and the Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 for Z-Wave.

1) What is changing at Devolo?

• Shutdown on Dec 31, 2025: The Devolo Home Control servers will go offline. The app and web portal will no longer be available from that date.
• Can still be used offline – with limitations: Without the cloud, features such as remote access and changes to rules/scenes will no longer be possible.
• Z-Wave remains Z-Wave: Devolo actuators and sensors are Z-Wave devices and can be reused on other Z-Wave gateways.

2) Why choose Home Assistant Green as your new hub?

• Local & independent: Home Assistant runs entirely locally. Automations, dashboards, notifications – without any cloud compulsion.
• Plug-and-Play: Green comes with Home Assistant pre-installed. Simply plug it in, connect to the network, and set it up in your browser.
• Broad ecosystem: A huge number of integrations for lighting, heating, energy, media, and much more.
• Expandable: Can be upgraded with Zigbee/Thread/Matter later if needed (e.g., via ZBT-1).

More about Home Assistant Green

And available here in the shop: Home Assistant Green

3) Z-Wave with the Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2

• Latest 800-Series: ZWA-2 uses the latest Z-Wave chip (Z-Wave Plus v2), supporting S2 security, SmartStart, and OTA/OTW updates.
• Optimized wireless performance: Excellent range and network stability, especially for widely distributed sensors/actuators.
• Z-Wave Long Range (LR): LR enables significantly greater distances and larger network sizes. Standard Z-Wave continues to work as usual.
• Seamlessly integrated into Home Assistant: Connected via Z-Wave JS with convenient operation, parameterization, and diagnostics.

More about Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2

And available here in the shop: Z-Wave Antenna ZWA-2

4) Compatibility: Continuing to use Devolo devices

Most Devolo actuators/sensors can be paired with Home Assistant as standard Z-Wave devices. The functional scope and device configuration may vary depending on the model. Basic functions (switching, dimming, readings, alarms) can generally be used without issues; special convenience features may require some fine-tuning.

5) Migration in practice – proven approach

1. Inventory & Backup: Document device list, rooms, and rules/scenes. Back up the Devolo hub if possible.
2. Set up Home Assistant Green: Power on, open in browser, run through the assistant, and install updates.
3. Connect ZWA-2 & set region: Connect ZWA-2 to Green, install/activate Z-Wave JS, and select the EU region.
4. Exclusion & Inclusion: Use generic exclusion to remove Devolo devices from the old gateway, then include them in Home Assistant using the ZWA-2. For stubborn devices: Perform a factory reset according to the manual.
5. Implement automations: Recreate rules/scenes in Home Assistant – often with more possibilities (states, time logic, presence, energy).

6. 6) Advantages of the “Home Assistant Green + ZWA-2” setup

   • Local & robust: No external service required, full data sovereignty.
   • Continued use of existing hardware: Existing Z-Wave devices remain usable.
   • Good wireless coverage: 800-Series radio + option for Z-Wave LR for large properties, outbuildings, or basements.
   • Long-term perspective: Active development and community support around Home Assistant and Z-Wave JS.
   • Expandable: Add Zigbee/Thread/Matter later if needed, without touching the Z-Wave installation.

   7) Managing limits & expectations

   • Re-pairing required: For security reasons, Z-Wave devices usually must be re-included.
   • Device specifics: Individual parameters (e.g., wake-up intervals, sensor thresholds) should be checked and adjusted after the move.
   • Z-Wave LR: Support is growing, but not every device model offers LR. Classic Z-Wave mesh remains the solid foundation.

   8) Comparison: Devolo Home Control vs. Home Assistant Green + ZWA-2

   Aspect	Devolo Home Control (from 01/01/2026)	Home Assistant Green + ZWA-2
   Operation	Offline possible, but without app/web and without changes	Entirely local, full configuration in browser/app
   Device support	Devolo ecosystem	Broad Z-Wave spectrum; Zigbee/Thread/Matter possible later
   Wireless range	Mesh, range depends on placement	800-Series + option for Z-Wave LR for large distances
   Automations	Existing rules remain, new rules cannot be created	Powerful automation editor, scenes, scripts
   Remote access	Discontinued	Optionally possible via secure services

   9) FAQs

   Can I continue to use all Devolo devices?

   Generally yes, as they are Z-Wave devices. Functional scope may vary depending on the model. A quick test after pairing is recommended.

   Do I really have to re-pair them?

   Yes, usually exclusion from the old gateway and inclusion into the new controller is required. This is a Z-Wave security feature.

   Do I need Z-Wave Long Range?

   Not necessarily. Standard Z-Wave covers many scenarios. LR is helpful for very large distances or challenging buildings.

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   Tip: If you want to use Zigbee/Thread in addition to Z-Wave, you can add corresponding wireless modules to Home Assistant Green later – without changing the Z-Wave installation.

   Further information:
   • Home Assistant Green
   • Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2
   • Z-Wave JS in Home Assistant