If you’re using the Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle-E with Zigbee2MQTT, you may have noticed that the old EZSP firmware is no longer officially supported. To keep your smart home running smoothly, upgrading to Ember firmware is now essential.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to upgrade your Sonoff Dongle-E to Ember firmware without losing any of your connected devices.
⭐⭐⭐ NOTE: ⭐⭐⭐
This article belongs to a YouTube video. I wrote it before recording the video. You can help me continue doing this by checking out the video, commenting on it, giving it a thumbs up, and subscribing to my YouTube channel. This will ensure that the video is offered more frequently to new visitors, allowing them to stay informed about the latest Home Assistant tutorials and smart home-related product reviews.
I appreciate your support!
Ed
⭐ Buy the NEW Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus ZBDongle-E with a 15% discount here: https://itead.cc/product/zigbee-3-0-usb-dongle/ref/36/
⭐ Use code JUNKIE15 at checkout to get a discount!
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3eeLJ2v
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/4bKPAfY
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.de: https://amzn.to/3WP5WzW
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.nl: https://amzn.to/3wNnx0x
Why Upgrade to Ember Firmware?
Zigbee2MQTT has officially switched its focus to Ember-based coordinators. While EZSP used to work fine, it’s now deprecated. Staying on the old firmware may lead to instability, pairing issues, or failed updates.
By switching to Ember, you ensure:
- Better compatibility
- Long-term support
- Improved stability
- Fewer startup issues
What You Need
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A Sonoff ZBDongle-E
- A PC or laptop
- Internet access
- Your Home Assistant system
Step 1: Download the Ember Firmware
Visit the official firmware repository (https://github.com/darkxst/silabs-firmware-builder/tree/main/firmware_builds/zbdonglee) and download the latest version.
At the time of recording, version 7.4.2.0 is recommended.
Download this file:
ncp-uart-hw-v7.4.2.0-zbdonglee-115200.gbl
Make sure to download the raw file.
Step 2: Flash the Firmware
- Remove the dongle from your Home Assistant server
- Connect it to your PC
- Open the flashing webpage (https://darkxst.github.io/silabs-firmware-builder/)
- Scroll to ZBDongle-E
- Click Connect
- Select your dongle
- Click Change Firmware
- Choose Upload your own firmware
- Upload the downloaded file
- Click Install
After completion, click Continue and safely remove the dongle.
Step 3: Reconnect to Home Assistant
Plug the dongle back into your Home Assistant server and open the interface.
Go to:
Settings → Add-ons → Zigbee2MQTT → Configuration
In the Serial section, change:
adapter: ember
If it still says adapter: ezsp, update it manually.
Save and restart Zigbee2MQTT.
Step 4: Verify Everything Works
Open the Log tab and check for:
✅ Zigbee2MQTT started!
If you see errors, reboot your entire host system, not just Home Assistant.
Your existing devices should now appear automatically.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your Sonoff Dongle-E to Ember firmware is a quick process that ensures long-term stability and compatibility with Zigbee2MQTT.
It’s highly recommended for anyone running Home Assistant with Zigbee devices.
If you want a reliable and future-proof Zigbee setup, this upgrade is a must.
⭐ Buy the NEW Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus ZBDongle-E with a 15% discount here: https://itead.cc/product/zigbee-3-0-usb-dongle/ref/36/
⭐ Use code JUNKIE15 at checkout to get a discount!
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3eeLJ2v
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/4bKPAfY
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.de: https://amzn.to/3WP5WzW
⭐ Buy it on Amazon.nl: https://amzn.to/3wNnx0x
