Most of your Hive devices communicate using a wireless technology called ZigBee. Most connection issues—such as devices going offline—are caused by signal weakness, obstructions, or the way devices are placed in your home. This guide explains how ZigBee works and what you can do to keep your system running smoothly. What Is ZigBee? ZigBee is the wireless network used by many Hive products to communicate with the Hive Hub.  TIP: The Hive Hub is the device that connects directly to your home Wi-Fi and then it connects to your Hive devices.
Key points: - Frequency: 2.4 GHz — the same band used by Wi-Fi, baby monitors, cordless phones, and some doorbells.
- Purpose: Reliable, low‑power, local communication within your home.
Because many household devices use the same frequency, ZigBee signal quality can vary depending on the environment. What Affects Your ZigBee Signal? 1. Distance Hive devices typically communicate reliably within 10 metres of the Hive Hub in open space. 2. Walls and Obstructions Every wall between a device and the Hub reduces the range by around half.
Examples: - Hollow partition wall → small impact
- Solid brick wall → stronger signal reduction
- Simple changes, like closing a door, can cause a device to go offline.
3. Hub Location Where your hub sits has a big effect on performance. Ideal hub placement: - Elevated (not on the floor)
- Centrally located in the home
- Away from large metal objects or electrical equipment
Good placement helps the signal spread evenly throughout your home. TIP: For further support on Hub placement, see Optimal Placement for Your Hive Hub. Common Signal Issues and Their Causes Devices Going Offline This is the most common issue and usually caused by: - Distance being too great
- Too many walls or dense materials between devices
- Hub placed in a poor location
- Devices not receiving enough support from the ZigBee mesh
- Hive Lights (which can act as repeaters) being turned off at the switch
Batteries Draining Quickly A device struggling with poor connection uses more power trying to maintain contact with the hub. TIP: Do not use rechargeable batteries — they supply lower voltage and will drain faster. The ZigBee Mesh Network ZigBee becomes stronger when more mains‑powered devices are used. Repeaters (Signal Boosters) Any mains‑powered ZigBee device acts as a repeater: - Hive Plugs
- Hive Lights
- Receivers (part of Hive Heating)
These devices pass messages between other devices, strengthening the network. Why This Matters? ZigBee works best when each device has multiple possible paths back to the hub.
More paths = more reliable connection. Using Repeaters Hive lights and plugs can help extend your signal, but only if they remain powered on. To purchase a Hive light or plug to help extend your signal, visit Hivehome | Smart Home. Important notes: - If switched off at the wall, they cannot boost the network.
- They may show as “offline” in the app if powered off.
- Keep them powered on 24/7 and control lighting using:
- The Hive app
- Schedules
- Alexa or Google Assistant
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