Other Local Connectivity Protocol Options for Smart Home Devices
Smart home skills are now called smart home add-ons. No action is needed, and your existing integration will continue to operate normally.
You can connect your smart home device to Alexa by using supported local connectivity protocols, such as the Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) wireless-mesh-networking technology. With these protocols, you don't have to build a smart home add-on or connect a separate hub. For devices that use smart home add-ons, you can add another connection to Alexa from your cloud-connected devices with local connectivity protocols. This connection allows Alexa to control your device during internet outages.
You can also connect to Alexa with the following local connection options:
- To connect to Alexa with Matter over Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread, see Connect Your Device to Alexa with Matter.
- If you're looking for a managed connectivity solution, see What is the Alexa Connect Kit (ACK)? You can use ACK to connect devices to Alexa over Wi-Fi with built-in Matter support, managed cloud services, and streamlined certification. Amazon handles connectivity, security, and Over-the-Air updates so you can focus on your device application.
- If you want to connect to Alexa over Wi-Fi with a smart home add-on or video skill, see Connect Your Device Cloud with Smart Home Add-ons and Understand Video Skills.
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
