Random disconnections of Aqara door sensors when paired with the Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB dongle usually occur due to compatibility issues, channel interference, or weak mesh routing. Aqara devices are known to be more sensitive than other Zigbee brands, which makes them disconnect if the network is not optimized.
1.Zigbee Channel Interference
If your Wi-Fi router is using channels 1, 6, or 11, it may overlap with Zigbee channels 11–26. Aqara sensors are especially vulnerable to this type of interference.
Fix:
Change Zigbee channel to 20, 21, or 25.
Keep the USB dongle at least 1 meter away from your Wi-Fi router.
2. Weak Mesh or No Router Devices
Battery-powered Aqara sensors do not repeat signals. If there are no Zigbee routers nearby (smart plugs, bulbs), the sensor may lose connection.
Fix:
Add at least one Zigbee router between the
sensor and your dongle.
Avoid placing the sensor behind metal doors or thick walls.
3. USB Dongle Power or Driver Issues
If the Sonoff dongle is connected to a low-power USB port or lacks proper drivers, communication may become unstable.
Fix:
Use a USB extension cable to isolate
interference.
Plug the dongle into a USB 3.0 port or use a
powered USB hub.
Update the dongle’s firmware if available.
4. Aqara’s Proprietary Zigbee Behavior
Some Aqara sensors follow a slightly different Zigbee standard and may disconnect if the network coordinator does not fully support their behavior.
Fix:
Use Zigbee2MQTT instead of ZHA (supports Aqara
better).
Re-pair the device without deleting it from Home Assistant.
Conclusion
Aqara
sensors disconnect mostly due to channel interference or weak mesh. With the
right Zigbee channel, a strong mesh, and proper dongle placement, the sensor
will stay stable in Home Assistant.