March 04, 2015 51 Comments

Sometimes you just can’t pair a sensor or a switch with your Z-Wave hub, no matter what you try. You’ve done your research and installed similar devices without any problems. You’re positive this unit is compatible with your hub and yet it will not include.
We have found a solution that will work most of the time if everything else has failed. As strange as it may sound, the trick is to exclude the item from your network.
How to unpair a Z-Wave device that has not been paired with your controller yet?
Simply send the appropriate command to put the controller in “exclusion mode”. Keep in mind that every hub is a little different when it comes to executing this process and you’ll want to have your device manual around to perform the device-specific exclusion confirmation (e.g., a physical button press) which is unique for every device.
Here are the step-by-step exclusion instructions for the most popular Z-Wave systems:
Once exclusion is completed, please try adding the device again by clicking the "+" icon on the home screen, selecting "Add device" from the drop-down menu, and clicking on Scan Nearby or Scan QR Code if your device supports SmartStart.
While the app is looking for new devices, perform the device-specific inclusion confirmation (e.g., a physical button press).
After the exclusion process, try including the device again. And don't forget to check if the product is supported by Wink here.
NOTE: Sometimes, you will have to repeat the above process a few times before the unit is excluded. Always look for the appropriate indicator that the device is ready to be paired, like a flashing LED light.
May 05, 2018
Hi Barry,
The trick is to actually exclude the devices which are not showing up so you need to make sure you’re using the SmartThings Classic app and follow the steps for general exclusion for EACH of the switches and other z-wave devices you want to add to your network. If you’re running into problems, feel free to reach out to our support or contact SmartThings for assistance.
May 05, 2018
I had a successfully working Samsung Hub with 4 various GE Z Wave switches. Because of a rogue command that switched my bedroom light on unasked for, I reset the hub to factory settings, deleted the SmartThings app and started over. Now, while the hub works, I cannot get any devices to pair. I am trying to exclude the hub (it is the only device showing up) but it seems to be in a permanent loop. The Samsung hub is V.2. Can you help?
April 06, 2018
Hi Brent, it’s hard to say what’s going on since we don’t have any details on the platform (Z-Wave hub) you’re working with. But if you contact the support for your system, they should be able to answer any questions about connectivity.
April 03, 2018
Hi. I have 2 Leviton dimmers that the icon shows a cloud with an ‘x’ on it. The message at the bottom says ’ 2 lights offline’. However, I am able to turn these lights on and off with the app as if all is ok. Any idea what’s up? I have done the Zwave network rediscovery a few times but that doesn’t seem to have any affect.
December 12, 2017
No problem! We’re happy we can help ;)
December 10, 2017
I could not get 2 Z-wave smart outlets to work. This page helped me figure it out. I can’t thank you enough for having this out here for us to find !!
November 25, 2017
A friend talked to me about smart house ones, had no idea what this was about it no with this info I like to learn more about it, I’m very interested so i hope i can get some emails from you in order to learn more about this smart home and later on try to get some of this items at home, good work thanks for post such a good info.
October 04, 2017
Thank you for this! I was trying to setup a hub for the first time and about 6 THINGS would not connect. I see this was written in 2015 and now it 2017 it is still relevant.
July 29, 2017
I answered my own question on controlling one device with Nexia bridge and SmartThings hub… no.
June 24, 2026

You've probably heard the term Z-Wave thrown around if you've been shopping for smart home devices, especially anything related to security systems, door locks, or home automation hubs. But what actually is Z-Wave, and why do so many serious smart home setups rely on it? Here's everything you need to know to get started!
The most important thing to understand about Z-Wave is that it's completely separate from your home's Wi-Fi. Z-Wave devices communicate on their own low-power radio frequency, which means your smart home traffic isn't competing with your streaming, video calls, or anything else on your internet network.
June 04, 2026
If you’ve ever tried shopping for smart switches, you already know how quickly things can spiral. What starts as “I just want a smart dimmer for my kitchen” somehow turns into reading about 3-way wiring, traveler wires, load ratings, relay switches, neutral wires, smart bulb mode, and whether your exhaust fan will explode if you accidentally install the wrong dimmer.
And honestly, we get it. Once you open up a switch box and start Googling terms like “single pole vs multi-way” or “line and load,” things can feel overwhelming fast. Instead of forcing you to compare every switch model and decipher electrical terminology on your own, our new guide walks you through the decision process step by step so you can narrow down the right switch for your setup without second guessing yourself.
December 26, 2025
If you love a good DIY project and a touch of smart home magic, you’ll be blown away by what YouTuber DIY With Vinny pulled off. His YouTube tutorial transforms a simple closet into a fully automated, jaw-droppingly smart space, from leak detection to mood lighting and robot-friendly automation.
The best part? It’s powered by some seriously smart Zooz Z-Wave gear that makes everything run seamlessly behind the scenes. All of the Zooz devices featured here support the new Z-Wave Long Range protocol, so your smart home stays connected and responsive, even across floors, garages, or detached spaces.
Let’s take a tour of this build and peek at how you can recreate it in your own home.
Dave Hardin
June 01, 2018
Best advice ever for Z-Wave problems !!! Worked like a charm on two Kwikset Locks.