In short: Keep your hub's firmware up to date. For the devices themselves, update only when the update fixes a problem you have or adds a feature you need. Device updates are sent over the air by your hub, and how easy that is depends on the hub and on whether the manufacturer publishes the firmware.
Who this guide is for
- You've been told a device needs a firmware update to fix a problem.
- Your hub is offering updates and you're not sure whether to accept them.
- You want to know what your controller can and cannot update.
Hub firmware and device firmware are different things
Firmware is the software built into a piece of hardware. A smart home has two kinds, and they are updated in different ways.
Hub firmware
- The software your controller runs.
- Downloaded from the manufacturer over the internet.
- Released often. Brings new device support, fixes and security patches.
- Usually one tap, and easy to schedule.
Device firmware
- The software inside each plug, module or sensor.
- Sent to the device by your hub, over the radio. This is called an over-the-air (OTA) update.
- Released rarely. Many devices never get one.
- Slower, and depends on your hub and the device brand.
Updating the hub does not update your devices. If a manufacturer says "this is fixed in firmware 1.5", check whether they mean the hub or the device.
Should I update?
The hub: yes, with a little patience
Hub updates fix security problems and add support for new devices, so stay reasonably current. You don't have to install each one on the day it appears. Unless a release fixes something you need, waiting a week or two lets others find any early faults.
Beta and day-one releases
Manufacturers release updates more often than they used to, and many offer beta versions to anyone who wants them. A beta is unfinished software that you are helping to test. On the hub that runs your heating and your locks, leave betas alone unless you need a specific fix and can live with new faults. The same goes for the first day of a major new version.
Devices: only when there is a reason
A device that works does not need new firmware. Update a device when the release notes describe a fault you actually have, when the manufacturer's support team tells you to, or when the update adds a feature you will use. Otherwise leave it.
How over-the-air updates work
The hub sends the new firmware to the device in small pieces. When the device has all of them it checks the file, restarts and reports its new version. The detail differs for each technology.
| Z-Wave | Zigbee | Matter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which devices | Z-Wave Plus and newer | Most Zigbee 3.0 devices | All Matter devices can support it |
| Where the file comes from | The manufacturer. You often have to download it yourself | The hub, for brands that supply their firmware to it | A central register that manufacturers publish to |
| How long | A few minutes to half an hour | Ten minutes to over an hour | A few minutes |
| Battery devices | Must be woken with the button | May need a button press to start. Slow | Depends on the device |
Two things follow from this. First, a hub can only offer an update if it can get the file. Brands differ a great deal here: some publish every release, some give files only through their support team, and some update devices only through their own hub. Second, the update is delivered by radio, so a weak connection makes it slow or makes it fail. Background on each technology is in our Z-Wave guide and our Zigbee guide.
How each controller handles device updates
This is the part that changes most often. The table reflects what each platform documented in November 2026. Check your controller's own help pages before relying on it.
Hubitat ElevationBuilt-in updater app for Z-Wave
Homey ProStarted by you in the Homey app
Home AssistantUpdates through its Z-Wave and Zigbee sticks
Aeotec Smart Home HubAutomatic for some Zigbee and Matter devices
Fibaro Home CenterZ-Wave updates, including from a file you upload
| Controller | Z-Wave devices | Zigbee devices | Matter devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hubitat Elevation | Yes. The built-in Device Firmware Updater sends a file you get from the manufacturer. On hubs running Z-Wave JS it can also check for an update itself, for devices whose makers have published firmware. Many devices will show nothing | For some brands, started from the device's page | Check Hubitat's release notes |
| Homey Pro | Yes, where the brand's Homey app supplies the firmware | Yes, where the brand's Homey app supplies the firmware | Yes, from the central Matter register |
| Home Assistant | Yes. Upload a file from the manufacturer. Some brands' updates are found for you | Yes, in both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT, for brands that publish firmware | Yes, shown as an update when one is published |
| Aeotec Smart Home Hub (SmartThings) | Not offered at the time of writing. Check SmartThings support for changes | Yes, for brands that supply firmware to SmartThings | Yes, for eligible devices |
| Fibaro Home Center | Yes. Fibaro's own devices are offered updates, and a firmware file from the manufacturer can be uploaded in the Z-Wave settings. Check Fibaro's current instructions, as this is changing | Check with Fibaro | Check with Fibaro |
On Homey Pro, device updates need recent Homey software. On every platform, update the hub first. Support for device updates is still being added and improved.
If your controller cannot update a device, the options are to ask the manufacturer's support team, to borrow or keep a second controller that can, or to leave the device as it is. A Z-Wave USB stick and a computer make a useful updating tool, but the device has to be excluded from your hub and included on the stick, then moved back afterwards. See Adding and removing devices.
How to update smart home device firmware safely
A failed update can leave a device unusable, and with an in-wall module that means taking it out of the wall. The risk is small if you prepare.
- Read the release notesConfirm the update is for your exact model, hardware version and region, and that it fixes what you need. Note the version you have now.
- Back up the hubTake a backup before you start, so names, settings and automations can be restored.
- Check power and signalFit fresh batteries in battery devices. Many refuse to update on a low battery. If the device is at the edge of the network, bring it nearer the hub if you can.
- Start it and leave itUpdate one device at a time, at a quiet time of day. Do not unplug the device, restart the hub or use the device until it reports the new version.
Afterwards, check that the device still responds and that its settings are as you left them. Some updates return settings to their defaults. If the device behaves oddly, your controller may need to interview it again. A few need excluding and including again.
Only use firmware from the manufacturer or from your controller's own update system. A file made for a different model, hardware version or region can permanently damage a device. A UK or European Z-Wave device needs the EU (868 MHz) file.
When not to update
- The device works and the update fixes nothing you have noticed.
- The release is a beta, or came out in the last few days.
- You are about to go away, or the device does something you rely on daily, such as heating or a lock.
- The battery is low or the device has a weak signal.
- The file did not come from the manufacturer or your controller.
- You can't find out how to go back. Most devices cannot be returned to older firmware.
Common questions
My device needs a firmware update to fix a problem. What should I do?
First check whether your controller offers the update. If it doesn't, contact the device manufacturer's support team with the model and your current firmware version, and ask how they supply it. If neither route works, tell us what the fault is and we'll advise.
Will a new or replacement device have the latest firmware?
Not always. New firmware takes time to reach devices on the shelf, and the version is rarely printed on the box.
How do I find a device's current firmware version?
Your controller shows it on the device's details page.
Do I need to add the device again after an update?
Usually not. It keeps its place on the network.
Does Wi-Fi equipment work the same way?
No. Most Wi-Fi devices update through the manufacturer's own app.
If you're choosing a controller and device updates matter to you, compare the platforms in Choosing a smart home controller. A strong mesh makes updates faster and more reliable: see Building a reliable network.
What you'll need
- Smart home controllers
- Z-Wave controllers and USB sticks
- Accessories, including batteries and power supplies
