Local Connectivity Protocol Options for Smart Home Devices

You can connect your smart home device to Alexa by using supported local connectivity protocols, such as the Thread wireless-mesh-networking technology. With these protocols, you don't have to build a smart home skill or connect a separate hub. For devices that use smart home skills, you can add another connection to Alexa from your skill-connected devices with local connectivity protocols. This connection allows Alexa to control your device during internet outages.

If you want to connect to Alexa over Wi-Fi with a smart home or video skill, see Understand Smart Home Skills and Understand Video Skills.

If you want to connect to Alexa with Matter over Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread, see Connect Your Device to Alexa with Matter.

In this section

  • Bluetooth Mesh Support – Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) mesh is a wireless many-to-many communication technology designed to enable the control and monitoring of a large number of connected devices.
  • Zigbee Support – Zigbee is a global wireless radio communication standard designed to enable the control and monitoring of connected devices.
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Last updated: Mar 16, 2026