Product Overview
Introduction
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Product Name |
SONOFF iHost Smart Home Hub |
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Product Model |
iHost is a local smart home hub that controls the devices in the centre admin console through the LAN, enabling device adding, control and smart scene setting without connecting to the cloud, allowing to set smart security or set alarms for various smart scenes, and checking the Logs of devices or smart scenes.
Highlights
- New in V2.5.1: HA Over iHost
A feature that enables you to install and run Home Assistant on your iHost device using a dedicated SD card — no disassembly and no soldering.
- Local Control Center
The iHost Smart Home Hub acts as your local control hub, delivering a faster, more secure, and highly reliable home automation experience—no cloud dependency required. - Local Automation
Support setting up local security modes and smart scenes. Future firmware updates will unlock even more flexible and customizable automation features. - Local Data Storage & Management
Enjoy a private and responsive smart home system with all automation data stored and managed locally—ensuring enhanced security and data privacy. - Broad Compatibility
Fully compatible with Zigbee protocol devices and Wi-Fi LAN devices. Support up to 128 Zigbee sub-devices, and can extend coverage using Zigbee routers. Integrates SONOFF LAN-compatible Wi-Fi devices via the eWeLink Smart Home add-on. - Expandable Add-ons
Unlock extended functionality through various software add-ons, ensuring your smart home evolves with your needs.
Applications
- Central hub for local control: Manage up to 128 Zigbee and Wi‑Fi devices with low latency and enhanced privacy.
- Automation server: Run local logic, scenes, and voice assistants (e.g., via Node‑RED) without internet.
- Smart home developer platform: Build custom dashboards, include RTSP cameras, or integrate with Homebridge/Matter via Docker.
- Zigbee network extender: Acts as coordinator and router to expand mesh coverage throughout your home.
Specification
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Model |
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Input |
DC 5V 2A |
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Power interface |
Type-C |
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Antenne interface |
RJ45 |
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Ethernet |
Supports 10/100M Ethernet interface |
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Storage expansion method |
USB 2.0 and TF card (TF card supports up to 256GB) |
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CPU |
AIBridge-26: RV1126 Quad-Core 1.5GHz |
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NPU |
AIBridge-26: 2.0Tops INT8/ INT16 |
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RAM |
AIBridge-26: DDR4 4GB |
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Storage |
AIBridge-26: eMMC 8GB |
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Color |
White |
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Product dimension |
120x135.5x41mm |
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Package dimension |
162x158x48mm |
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Net weight |
209g |
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Wi-Fi |
IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz |
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Antenna |
Built-in FPC antenna |
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Security mode |
WPA/WPA2 |
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Encryption type |
AES-128 |
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Applicable place |
Indoor |
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Working temperature |
-10℃~60℃ |
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Working humidity |
5%-95%RH, non-condensing |
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Working height |
Less than 2000m |
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Certification |
CE/FCC/ISED/RoHS |
Centre Admin Console Features
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Notice: To access or configure the following features, please open your browser and visit: http://ihost.local/ |
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Web Console Functions |
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Page Name |
Feature |
Feature Description |
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Home |
Device List |
Manage and control devices that have been added or synced to iHost. |
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Zigbee Map |
View the Zigbee network topology associated with iHost. |
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Add Device |
Support adding Zigbee devices, Matter devices, RTSP cameras/ESP32-CAM. Click "Start Setup" to add within 180 seconds. |
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Add eWeLink-Remote Sub-devices |
Supports adding up to 50 eWeLink-Remote sub-devices, such as R5, S-Mate, etc. |
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Add Group |
Create a group for similar devices to control them together. |
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Add Room |
Group added or synced devices into rooms. Room names and order can be edited. |
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Custom Tiles |
Set custom widgets such as weather components. |
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Scene |
Scene List |
Manage existing automation scenes, including Manual and Smart Scenes. |
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Operation Log |
View scene trigger logs. Logs are kept for the past 90 days, up to 2,000 entries per scene. |
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Add Scene |
Create local automation scenes. |
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Smart Security |
Home mode |
Customize 3 modes by setting different arming devices. After arming, once the sensor is triggered, iHost will alarm, and you will receive a notification alert on the Web console.
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Away mode |
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Sleep mode |
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Security Log |
View smart security trigger logs, up to 2,000 entries. |
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Cast |
Add Cast |
Create Cast panels to access the device management page from phones or tablets in the same LAN. While creating, you can preview and configure:
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Cast List |
Manage or edit existing Cast. |
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Docker |
TF Card Info |
View TF card storage usage. |
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Add-on List |
Extend iHost functionalities by installing various add-ons. |
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Matter (Matter bridge) |
Paring |
Sync iHost-added or synced devices to other Matter-supported platforms via Matter Bridge. |
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Device List |
Sync iHost-added or synced devices to other Matter-supported platforms via Matter Bridge. |
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Pilot Features |
Turbo Mode |
Enhance the Zigbee signal by maximizing the transmit power of the iHost Zigbee module.
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eWeLink-Remote Control |
Add an entry for adding eWeLink-Remote sub-devices on the home page.
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Bluetooth Speaker |
Add an entry to connect Bluetooth speakers on the settings page and play iHost audio through the connected one.
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Wi-Fi |
Enable Wi-Fi access to the iHost web interface.
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Device Settings Page |
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Settings Name |
Settings Description |
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Device Name |
Edit the device name. |
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Password |
Change the device password (used to unlock the device during login). |
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Language |
Switch between English and Chinese. To use other languages, you can upload a custom language pack. |
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Time Zone |
Set the device time zone to align with local time and daylight saving time. |
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Location |
Modify the current location information. |
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Volume |
Adjust the device volume:
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Bluetooth |
Search for and connect to Bluetooth speakers to play device audio externally. |
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Wi-Fi |
Scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks to connect the device wirelessly to the LAN. |
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Network Indicator |
Toggle the device's bar-style network status indicator light. |
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Backup & Restore |
Create or restore backup data for the device. |
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Device Info |
View device information, including:
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Feedback |
Submit feedback or suggestions. |
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Log Out |
Log out of the current session. |
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Reboot |
Reboot the device. |
Installation and Configuration Guide
LED indicator
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LED indicator |
Description |
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Flashes red |
Powering on |
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Solid red |
Powered on, no network connection |
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Solid blue |
Network connection successfully |
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Breathing yellow |
Sub-device in pairing status |
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Flashes red quickly |
Powering off |
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Double flashes blue (Twice) |
Entered password reset status |
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Flashed yellow quickly |
Upgrading |
LED indicator
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LED indicator |
Description |
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On |
Enable |
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Off |
Disable |
Feature Button
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LED indicator |
Description |
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Switch button |
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Zigbee device pairing button |
Press to enter the device pairing status, the button indicator is on and the LED indicator is breathing yellow. *In pairing status, press again to exit the pairing status and the button indicator will be off. |
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Mute button |
When turned on, iHost will be muted. |
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Security button |
*Set the Arm and Disarm can be set in the centre admin console. |
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Reset button |
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Power On the Device
Plug in the Type-C charger cable and network cable, you will hear the beep and see the solid blue LED indicator when the iHost is powered on and connected to the network successfully.
Log in to the Centre Admin Console
Enter the URL http://ihost.local/ on the PC end, and set the password when you first log in.
- iHost and the PC end are required to use the same LAN.
- If the URL http://ihost.local/ cannot be accessed, please check the iHost IP address by visiting the backend of the router and then accessing the corresponding IP address on your browser.
Add Zigbee Device
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Method 1: Add Zigbee sub-devices through iHost centre admin console |
Method 2: Add Zigbee devices quickly through the local button |
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Add Matter Device
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Method 1: Scanning automatic discovery |
Method 2: Manually enter the Matter setup code |
Add Cameras
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RTSP Camera |
ESP32-CAM |
ONVIF |
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Enter the corresponding parameters to add the RTSP camera in the same LAN:
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Enter the corresponding parameters to add the ESP32-CAM in the same LAN:
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Automatically discover ONVIF cameras by scanning. |
Expandable Feature Tutorial
Part of Core Feature
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Name |
Tutorial |
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Open API |
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Matter Bridge |
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Customize Language |
https://sonoff.tech/product-review/tutorial/how-to-customize-the-language-for-your-ihost/ |
Add-on Feature
By downloading different Add-ons in Docker, you can enable iHost to gain more capabilities and become more comprehensive and reliable.
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Add-on Name |
Feature Description |
Tutorial |
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eWeLink Smart Home |
Sync eWeLink supported devices to CUBE and control them. |
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Node-RED |
Low-code programming for event-driven applications. |
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Homebridge |
Allows you to integrate with smart home devices that do not natively support HomeKit. |
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Tailscale |
Remote access to CUBE powered device. |
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Paral-Sync |
Sync your NSPanel Pro’s sub-devices to eWeLink CUBE. |
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MQTT2CUBE-Tasmota |
Tasmota add-on allows you to sync tasmota devices to iHost for control. |
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Tile2CUBE |
Display the weather in iHost and CAST. |
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TTS2CUBE |
Transfer text to speech, allow CUBE powered device to play custom audio. |
iHost Open Source Project
To better meet user needs and expand ecosystem possibilities, we launched the iHost Open Source Project. The goal is to open up the uboot, kernel, and operating system, creating a truly open hardware platform that allows users to freely install any Linux-based system — similar to the experience offered by the Raspberry Pi.
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Name |
Tutorial |
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How to Run Home Assistant over SONOFF iHost |
https://sonoff.tech/product-review/tutorial/how-to-run-home-assistant-over-sonoff-ihost/ |
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How to Use iHost on-board Zigbee Chip to Add Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA in Home Assistant |
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Defining Button & Light Feature in iHost Hardware Control Add-on |
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Matter Bridge for HA over iHost |
FAQ
- iHost cannot support my Zigbee device?
For a Zigbee device, especially a NON-Zigbee 3.0 standard device, to be compatible with and correctly displayed on the iHost web portal, they must meet the following requirements:
- The model reported by the Zigbee device must be supported by Zigbee2CUBE.
- The capabilities (exposed) reported by the Zigbee device must be supported by Zigbee2CUBE.
- eWeLink CUBE's frontend must have pre-built UI capability to list the device properly, for now, switch classes, lighting classes, and some sensor classes are supported.
- If your Zigbee devices won't display as expected in CUBE, please first check to see if it is included in the supported list provided.
- If it is not listed, kindly await periodic updates as we will keep expanding the list.
- If the device is listed but is not displaying or functioning correctly within CUBE, please inform us by submitting a ticket through feedback. Our team will reach out to you promptly.
- How to reset the iHost?
Long press the Reset button by the reset pin until the indicator turns red marquee. - How to reset password?
Click the 'Forgot Password' on the login page, and press the reset button on the device 2 times in 5 seconds until the indicator light blinks twice quickly, that is, you can reset your password within 5 minutes. In addition, you can change the password in the settings of the Web center admin console. - How to submit feedback?
Click the button, fill in your name, Email address, and the problem detail (including firmware version and device ID), and maybe provide the related uploading pictures, videos, or log files. - How many Zigbee sub-device does the Hub support?
Can add up to 128 sub-devices, the max number of direct children is 32. - How many cameras does the Hub support?
No restrictions. - How many rooms, groups or scenes can be added in the iHost Web center admin console?
Can add up to 100 rooms, 50 groups and 300 scenes. - How many trigger conditions and actions does the scene support?
The upper limit number of the "If" conditions and the "then" actions is all 10. - Failed to access the URL after switching the network?
Find out the iHost IP address by visiting the backend of the router, and then enter the corresponding IP address on your browser to access it. ( iHost and the PC side are required to connect to the same LAN. ) - How to access the Web center admin console when the router connects with several iHost?
Find out the iHost IP address by visiting the backend of the router, and then enter the corresponding IP address on your browser to access it. ( iHost and the PC side are required to connect to the same LAN. ) - If I reboot the device, does the setting will be cleaned?
Rebooting the device on the Web center admin console won't clean the settings while resetting the device with the Reset button will clear all settings.
Troubleshooting
- Failed to access the URL after switching the network?
Find out the iHost IP address by visiting the backend of the router, and then enter the corresponding IP address on your browser to access it. ( iHost and the PC side are required to connect to the same LAN. ) - TF card not working properly?
If the TF card still cannot be used after multiple attempts, please check whether it has been formatted.
We recommend using the following TF card formats:
iHost supports TF cards formatted as ext2, ext3, ext4, fat, msdos, and vfat (fat32). - Unable to log in to eWeLink Smart Home Add-on on two iHost devices simultaneously?
Currently, a single account cannot log in to two instances of the eWeLink Smart Home Add-on at the same time. - Having issues using HA over iHost?
You can view more FAQs about HA over iHost at the link below, or leave a comment describing the issue you’re experiencing.
Know more
For a detailed guide and review of the SONOFF iHost, visit our free course at the SONOFF Academy.