We have solved hundreds of smart home mysteries in our long and complicated history of home automation tech support. But there are a few cases which keep coming back due to poor documentation and lack of resources online. So here you go Google, we’ve put together a series of short articles to help you troubleshoot our most popular Z-Wave products.
Let’s start from the basics - the gateway home controller. You got your Vera (either the classic VeraLite or the new VeraEdge) and you’re ready to start building your smart home emporium. Only, when you try registering the hub, you keep getting the following error message: "Unit not available for assign".
Right before the message popped out, you had probably seen this screen:
If the set-up client asks you to enter the serial number and mac address manually, it means something has already gone wrong. The unit is to be detected by your network automatically and you should never come across that screen.
The most common mistake is not updating the firmware when the set-up client asks you to. If you’ve missed that step you can always go back and perform the firmware update or use this link: firmware.getvera.com
Another reason for the screen to pop up might be that your Vera is not properly connected to the router. Make sure all indicators on the hub are lit up in green.
Now, there is an urban legend out there that if you get the said error message, your Vera had already been assigned to a different account and therefore used by someone else before you. It’s very unlikely that an authorized dealer would sell a used unit as a new one. Even if you bought a refurbished Vera, it must have already gone through complete reset.
But when in doubt, you may always contact Vera Control - they have access to all account information ever associated with a given unit by its unique serial number.
If you’re not sure about the source of your product, it’s easy to check the list of unauthorized dealers compiled on the manufacturer’s website.
Are you having other issues with Vera? Ask us in the comments below, we'll try to help!
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.
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.
Smart home tech isn’t just for indoors anymore—it’s transforming yard care too. While we’re used to voice assistants and smart thermostats, outdoor tools like sprinkler systems are catching up. Instead of wasting water on rigid schedules, smart systems adapt to the weather, skip rainy days, and keep your lawn healthy with minimal effort.
Smart sprinkler control makes it easy to upgrade your existing irrigation system with a device like the Zooz ZEN17 Universal Relay. Compatible with SmartThings, Hubitat, Z-Box, Home Assistant, and HomeSeer, it fits into most smart home setups without locking you into one platform. This post covers the benefits of automating your sprinklers, how to set up the ZEN17, control options, and real user tips to help you get the most from your system.
Jan (The Smartest House)
August 27, 2015
Manouel,
In this case, we recommend contacting Vera Support directly and they will be able to assist you with resetting your account information: http://getvera.com/support/
Let us know if you have any other questions!