Yes. You can repurpose the original SONOFF ZBBridge as a mains-powered Zigbee router by flashing router firmware to its EFR32MG21 radio while keeping Tasmota on the Wi-Fi controller. It then joins an existing Zigbee network and can help extend its mesh; it does not become a second coordinator, and Wi-Fi does not carry Zigbee traffic to distant devices.
What the conversion does—and which ZBBridge it supports
The original ZBBridge contains an EFR32MG21 radio, identified as SM-011 in the hardware documentation. The conversion replaces the radio firmware with a Zigbee router image. Tasmota remains on the Wi-Fi side for management, firmware delivery, and pairing controls. Once joined, the bridge acts as a normal mains-powered router in the existing Zigbee mesh.
This procedure is for the original SONOFF ZBBridge only. Do not assume it applies to the ZBBridge Pro or another hardware generation: the radio and Tasmota module configuration are hardware-specific.
Current Zigbee2MQTT device documentation identifies the converted device as EFR32MG21.Router.1 and describes native support, replacing older instructions that require an external silabs.js converter. That establishes Zigbee2MQTT recognition; the sources do not establish compatibility with every coordinator or specifically confirm support in ZHA.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Supports adding up to 128 sub-devices】Zigbee Bridge Pro supports adding sub-devices increased from 32 to 128.
- 【Smart Home Security】Set up home security modes, such as home mode, away mode, and sleep mode. The bridge can be used as a local alarm.
- 【Local Smart Scene】Timing and scene linkage between Zigbee devices can be executed normally even if the network is disconnected.
- 【Wi-Fi & Zigbee Dual-protocol Support】Make communication between Zigbee devices and WiFi devices.
- 【Strong Connectivity, Limitless Possibility 】The Bridge supports to add ZigBee devices that SONOFF has released, like ZBMINI-L smart switch and S26R2ZB smart plug, making your home smarter.
Firmware files to use
- Wi-Fi-side firmware:
tasmota-zbbridge.bin. In Tasmota, select the Sonoff ZbBridge (75) module. - Zigbee router image:
efr32mg21_zigbee_router_signed-6.7.10.gbl.ota. Zigbee2MQTT identifies 6.7.10 as the only router build published in the referenced locations; this is not a claim that a newer build cannot appear elsewhere.
The router firmware is described in project discussions as unofficial community firmware. Before flashing, verify that you have the intended binary rather than a web page saved as a file, and keep a recovery path, including a copy of the firmware currently on the device if available.
How to flash and join the converted bridge
- Install or update Tasmota: flash
tasmota-zbbridge.binto the original ZBBridge if it is not already running the Tasmota ZBBridge build. - Set the hardware module: in Tasmota, open Configuration → Configure Module, choose Sonoff ZbBridge (75), and save.
- Upload the router image: open Firmware Upgrade in Tasmota and upload
efr32mg21_zigbee_router_signed-6.7.10.gbl.ota. If you download it from GitHub, make sure the downloaded file is the binary, not an HTML page. - Apply the router template: enter this command in the Tasmota console:
backlog template {"NAME":"Sonoff ZigRouter","GPIO":[320,5088,0,5120,257,256,0,0,0,576,0,0,32,0],"FLAG":0,"BASE":18} ; delay1 ; module 0 - Open joining on your coordinator: enable permit-join or joining in the Zigbee coordinator software. Then briefly press the reset button beside the bridge’s USB power socket, wait about 5–6 seconds, and press it again. Zigbee2MQTT also documents Toggle 1 in Tasmota as an equivalent way to initiate the joining sequence.
- Wait for it to join: allow the coordinator to interview the bridge and add it to the network. It should then appear as a router, not as a new coordinator.
Position it and check the mesh
Place the powered bridge between the coordinator and the area with weak Zigbee coverage, rather than at the farthest point where the signal is already unreliable. After it joins, use your coordinator’s network map or route information, where available, and check whether the affected devices actually use the router and remain responsive. Mesh routes and device behavior—not a promised radius—are the practical way to judge whether the placement helps.
Rank #2
- Matter Bridge for Smart Home Integration: Bridge Zigbee, BTHome, and eWeLink devices to Matter platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. Connect different smart home ecosystems and enjoy seamless cross-platform device control.
- Local Web Console, No Cloud Required: Access the local Matter Bridge web interface directly from your LAN without downloading an app or relying on cloud services. Configure and manage device bridging while keeping your data private and secure.
- Smart Home Security Protection: Pair with Zigbee sensors to create a local home security system. When intrusion is detected, the built-in 90 dB alarm and instant mobile notifications help keep you informed and your home protected.
- Support Home Assistant: Easily integrate Zigbee devices with Home Assistant through MQTT or bridge Home Assistant devices to Matter-compatible platforms, enabling greater flexibility across your smart home setup.
- Zigbee Hub with Broad Compatibility: Works as a Zigbee Hub and Zigbee Gateway, supporting SONOFF and a wide range of third-party Zigbee devices. Create local automations and build a reliable, connected smart home experience.
The cited device documentation and conversion guide do not publish an independently measured range increase, throughput figure, device-capacity limit, or packet-loss benchmark for this setup. A particular improvement depends on the building, interference, placement, and the devices in the mesh.
Convert the bridge or buy a Zigbee repeater?
| Consideration | Convert the original ZBBridge | Buy a mains-powered Zigbee router |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront hardware cost | Uses an original ZBBridge you already own; the cited sources do not establish a current purchase price. | Requires buying a device; the cited sources do not establish a universal model or price. |
| Setup and recovery | Requires flashing both the Tasmota-side setup and the signed router image, applying a template, and joining the network. Community firmware makes a recovery plan prudent. | Conversion flashing is not part of the documented ZBBridge procedure; setup and recovery depend on the selected product. |
| Integration evidence | Current Zigbee2MQTT documentation lists native recognition as EFR32MG21.Router.1. ZHA support is not established by the cited sources. | Compatibility depends on the specific router and coordinator; verify the product’s support before buying. |
| Power and placement | Mains-powered; needs a useful outlet location between the coordinator and weak-signal area. | A mains-powered Zigbee 3.0 router also needs a suitable outlet; placement remains important. |
| Tasmota management | Tasmota remains on the Wi-Fi controller for management and pairing controls. | Management and reboot options depend on the product; they are not established for a universal model. |
| Hardware compatibility | Documented for the original ZBBridge with EFR32MG21/SM-011, not interchangeable with the Pro by assumption. | Depends on the exact model and its published compatibility. |
The conversion is most attractive if you already have the original bridge and are comfortable with firmware flashing. If you want to avoid that work, a properly documented Zigbee router may be simpler—but confirm its support for your coordinator rather than relying on the word “repeater” alone.
Recommended Free Tools
Why Wi-Fi is not the Zigbee extension
Wi-Fi connects to Tasmota for administration and flashing; the converted bridge extends coverage by joining the Zigbee mesh over Zigbee radio. This differs from using a Wi-Fi serial-to-IP bridge as a remote Zigbee adapter. Zigbee2MQTT cautions that Wi-Fi-based serial bridges can suffer packet loss and latency because the serial protocol is not sufficiently fault-tolerant for those delays.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powerful EFR32MG24 chip. Powered by the advanced EFR32MG24 chip, offering richer resources and higher performance to deliver faster automation processing and stable sub-device control.
- Enhanced Antenna Gain. Default 3dBi antenna gain, optimized up to 4.5dBi for stronger signal strength and wider coverage, ensures a reliable device connection.
- Wide platform compatibility. Zigbee Dongle works with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB and supports Zigbee 3.0 devices such as Philips Hue, Aqara, IKEA Tradfri and SONOFF.
- Flexible firmware flashing. Firmware can be easily flashed via the SONOFF dongle flasher or Add-on to switch between Zigbee coordinator, router or Thread RCP mode.
- Compact design with USB extension cable. Smaller enclosure with USB extension cable allows flexible placement and reduces electromagnetic interference for stable communication.
Rank #4
- Compatible with Popular Zigbee Hubs: Works with Zigbee hubs, Home Assistant(ZHA/Z2M), SmartThings 2015/2018, SmartThings Station, Aeotec, Homey Bridge, Homey Pro, Hubitat, Third Reality Hub, and Third Reality Smart Bridge. Zigbee Hub Required
- Dual Outlets with Individual Smart Control: Features two horizontally aligned outlets that can be controlled and monitored separately. Perfect for standard wall sockets—use two Smart Dual Plugs to expand your panel into four smart, metered outlets without blocking nearby outlets. Note: Do not plug in multiple high-power devices
- Energy Monitoring for Each Plug: Track real-time energy usage of both outlets independently via compatible Zigbee platforms. Helps you better understand device consumption and manage your smart home's power use. Home Assistant (ZHA/Z2M), SmartThings, Homey, and THIRDREALITY Smart Bridge support monitoring functionality
- Zigbee Repeater Functionality: The Smart Dual Plug can act as a Zigbee signal repeater, helping to improve device connectivity and stability in your Zigbee mesh network. Zigbee Repeater Functionality: The Smart Dual Plug can act as a Zigbee signal repeater, helping to improve device connectivity and stability in your Zigbee mesh network. Delivers identical RF and chip performance to the Smart Plug Gen3
- Easy Integration and Safety-Certified Design: Simple to pair and set up through supported Zigbee platforms. Designed with safety in mind, the Smart Dual Plug features zero-cross detection for safer switching and is ETL certified to meet recognized electrical safety standards—reliable for long-term smart home use. Note: Power Rating: 1800W Max (120V, 15A total across both outlets)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
