Frequently asked questions

Does the system work without Internet access?

Yes, however, internet connection is required to update the software, access it from outside your local network via VPN and install updates. The system does not require any Internet access to function within your local network — a temporary loss of internet connection won't stop it from working.

Which communication protocols are supported?

The system supports MQTT to connect with your devices, via Zigbee2MQTT.

How is my data protected against unauthorized access?

Sparrow Home does not store any data in the cloud. All data is stored locally on your server, and you have full control over it. The system uses JWT for authentication and supports secure communication protocols. A VPN is recommended for remote access.

What happens to the system in case of a power outage?

The system will temporarily lose power and become non-operational, then automatically restart once power is restored — without any data loss, since everything is stored locally. A UPS is recommended to mitigate short outages.

Can I integrate devices from different manufacturers?

Yes, the system supports a wide range of Zigbee devices from various manufacturers. Compatibility depends on your Zigbee adapter and the devices you want to integrate.

How do I add a new device to an existing network?

Adding a new device is simple — follow the pairing guide in the documentation to connect it to your existing network.

Is voice control available (e.g., via Google Assistant or Alexa)?

At the moment, the system does not support voice control.

Where are logs and sensor data stored?

All data is stored locally on your server. You can access the logs through the docker container's logs, e.g. docker logs docker-backend-1.

How is the system updated?

To ensure stability, the system does not auto-update. To update it, pull the latest docker images and restart the containers.

Does the system allow creating advanced scenarios (automation) without programming skills?

Yes — the no-code automation editor lets you build advanced scenarios without any programming knowledge.