What dealers need to know about Somfy Zigbee 3.0
TaHoma Switch
Traditional network
Mesh network
What is Zigbee 3.0?
Zigbee 3.0 is a wireless protocol that allows smart devices in the home to communicate with each other. It’s a shared language that ensures devices understand one another, even if they come from different brands.
How does it work?
Zigbee uses a mesh network. This means that every device connected to mains power (230V) repeats and relays the signal to other devices. The result is a reliable and powerful network with wide coverage. Even if one device fails, the system automatically finds another path. This way, messages always reach their destination. Even over long distances. Zigbee is a smart alternative to older technologies like RTS or IO.
To activate the Zigbee network, you need a central hub (such as the TaHoma Switch). It acts as the network coordinator and ensures the Zigbee signal takes the most efficient route.
Zigbee alone doesn’t make a device “smart.” That only happens when you connect it to a TaHoma Switch. The TaHoma Switch adds smart features like smartphone control, voice control, and automations.
In short:
• Zigbee is a wireless language that lets devices communicate.
• The hub coordinates the Zigbee mesh network.
• 230V-powered devices strengthen the network by acting as repeaters.
• Battery-powered devices use the network but don’t extend it.
• To access smart features, a TaHoma Switch is required.
Good to know:
Zigbee ensures that devices speak the same language, but that doesn’t mean they automatically work together in one app. Most brands use their own app, although there are exceptions. Philips Hue, for example, can be controlled via the TaHoma app.
Technical specifications:
• Radio frequency open protocol
• 2.4 GHz (a universal frequency used worldwide)
• Mesh network: all powered devices act as repeaters
• Self-healing: if one device fails, the signal is rerouted automatically
Adjusting a Zigbee device
All motors are preprogrammed for you in our workshop. If the end positions still need to be adjusted, you can easily do this using the TaHoma Pro app. The app is intuitive and guides you step by step through the process.
Please note : the TaHoma Pro app is required to adjust a Zigbee device. To use the app, a one-time registration is necessary. You can register via the “Log in” button on somfypro.com . After registering, you’ll receive an email that is valid for 48 hours with further instructions.
As a dealer, you can always use the TaHoma Pro app to adjust a system, even if there is no TaHoma Switch installed.
To link your product with the app, simply scan the included QR code using the app. You’ll find this QR code either on the enclosed A4 document or directly on the product:
• Glydea : on the motor
• Glybeau : on the motor
• Finesse : on the motor and on the system
• Wood blinds : on the motor, on the system, and on the inside of the cover cap (motor side)
• Maxi : on the motor, on the system, and on the inside of the cover cap (motor side)
• Solido : on the motor, on the roller tube, and on the inside of one of the separate cover caps included
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between RTS, IO, Zigbee, and Thread & Matter?
RTS stands for Radio Technology Somfy and is a simple, long-established protocol. It uses the unsecured 433 MHz frequency, which is also commonly used by toys or security cameras making it more prone to interference. Communication is one-way only: the motor receives commands but doesn’t send anything back. So while you can tell your curtain to open or close, you won’t be able to check remotely via the app whether the action was actually completed.
IO stands for Input/Output. This protocol is similar to RTS but operates on the secure 868 MHz frequency, which significantly reduces the chance of interference.The biggest difference is that IO supports two-way communication: the motor not only listens but also responds. This means you can check in the app whether your curtain is open or closed, and the motor also reports errors or battery status.
Zigbee , like IO, is an open radio frequency protocol. It uses the universal 2.4 GHz frequency, which is supported worldwide. Zigbee builds a mesh network, where every device (except battery-powered ones) helps relay the signal allowing coverage over a large distance. The more devices are connected, the stronger and more reliable the network becomes. It’s also self-healing, meaning the signal automatically reroutes if one device fails. To start the Zigbee network, you need a hub such as the TaHoma Switch, which acts as a smart home coordinator and unlocks a wide range of benefits for both dealer and customer. More on this in the overview on page 5.
Thread , like Zigbee, also uses a mesh network on the 2.4 GHz frequency. However, unlike Zigbee, Thread doesn’t create a separate network. It uses the home’s existing internet infrastructure. You don’t need a dedicated hub to use Thread, but you do need a Thread border router, such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or Google Nest.
Matter isn’t a network itself but a universal language that lets smart devices from different brands work together. Matter currently runs on Thread. Every Matter-compatible device has a unique QR code. When you scan this code using your customer’s border router app (Apple, Google, Amazon...), the motor is quickly added and ready to use. However, adjustments like setting limits must still be done with a remote. One exception: Eve motors can be configured using the Eve app if you’re working within the Apple ecosystem
Can I use Zigbee without a hub?
You can, but the possibilities are much more limited. Without a hub, the mesh network won’t initialize, meaning devices can’t communicate with each other. In that case, you can still control the motor using a Zigbee remote, but the range will be limited to the same room. With a hub, however, you can create a much stronger and wider-reaching network.
We recommend using the TaHoma Switch as a hub, since it adds a range of smart features like smartphone control, voice commands, and automations. TaHoma also offers advantages for remote servicing: when combined with Zigbee, it allows you — with the customer’s permission — to remotely access and manage the system.
Can I build a mesh network using battery-powered devices?
A mesh network is built using devices that are powered by 230V. To preserve battery life, battery-powered devices are not part of the mesh. These battery products can communicate with other devices in the mesh network, but they do not repeat or extend the signal. Are you working only with battery-powered devices? In that case, you can add a few smart Zigbee plugs to help establish a functional mesh network.
Should my customer choose Somfy Zigbee 3.0 with TaHoma
or Eve MotionBlinds?
That depends on the smart home ecosystem your customer already has in place, and on their personal preferences. We’re happy to help you and your customer find the right solution:
Choose Eve MotionBlinds if...
Choose Somfy Zigbee if...
your customer already uses Apple, Google, or Amazon devices that support Thread & Matter your customer already has Somfy products or a TaHoma system at home (version 2023 or later).
your customer prefers a bridge-free system (note: a Thread border router is still required). your customer is willing to use a bridge (TaHoma) to unlock smart features.
your customer wants to control smart devices from different brands through a single platform. your customer wants automations with Somfy systems, such as alarms, shutters, etc.
your customer (or you as the dealer) doesn’t mind adjusting and configuring everything via the remote.
your customer (or you as the dealer) prefers to adjust and configure everything through the app.
you as the dealer don’t mind that remote servicing isn’t possible. you as the dealer want the ability to take over the system remotely for service purposes.
Which brands are compatible with Somfy Zigbee?
The TaHoma Switch works with nearly 300 smart devices from Somfy and other brands. However, keep in mind: just because a brand uses Zigbee doesn’t automatically mean the device can be controlled through the TaHoma app. Many brands use their own app to control their products.
Examples of brands that use Zigbee:
• Philips Hue
• Sonos
• Niko
• Homey
• Velux
• Daikin
• Simu
• Schneider Electric
• Sauter
• Atlantic
• Legrand
• Ikea
• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Samsung SmartThings
A device with the Zigbee 3.0 logo can help strengthen the mesh network, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can be controlled through the TaHoma app. Some of the brands above are compatible with Somfy, others are not. If you want to be sure a device works with TaHoma, it must be supported by Somfy and use the same Zigbee cluster (for example, “window covering” for curtain or roller shutter motors).
Is Somfy Zigbee 3.0 compatible with Apple, Google, or Amazon?
Yes, it’s possible but a Zigbee device doesn’t automatically work with Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. You’ll need a workaround: a hub like the TaHoma Switch to connect and control the motor. Once the motor is linked to the hub, you can then connect TaHoma with Apple, Google, or Amazon. This allows you to open and close your curtains using voice control through the Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa app.
