Frequently asked Questions
This page contains all the frequently asked questions and our answers regarding the Local SmartHome functionality. If you don't know what this is, please take a look at WHAT IS THE "LOCAL SMARTHOME"?.
General
How do I switch to the local SmartHome?
You don't switch, you activate - the local SmartHome is an additional functionality that you only have to activate. Your previous LIVISI SmartHome via the app and the cloud will not be changed by activating the local SmartHome.
If you mean the connection to a third-party application such as OpenHab, ioBroker or Home Assistant by "switching", then the term is correct - there you can only connect either via the LIVISI Cloud or locally.
My version is correct, but I can't connect to the local SH...
With the latest versions, the local SmartHome is already activated. For older versions, the local SH must be activated first:
- Option 1: To activate the local SH, use the app (LIVISI SMARTHOME IM APP STORE, LIVISI SMARTHOME BEI GOOGLE PLAY, HOME.LIVISI.DE), navigate to "Settings > General Settings > Local SmartHome" and click "Activate"
- Option 2: If the SHC has not yet been set up and registered, the local SmartHome is already active for purely local operation
I'm not offered an update/I don't have the local SmartHome
SHC Classic
Please note the following information for updating your classic control panel to the local SmartHome (version 1.914-3.1.1043.0):
- The SHC must already be updated to version 1.913-3.1.1008.0 - if you are not offered a corresponding update after the last wave in mid-October, or if this fails, please contact our support.
- The update does not change your existing SmartHome functionality.
SHC 2.0
If you want to update your central 2.0 to the local SmartHome (version 8.17-1.2.39.443), then please note the following:
- The SHC must already be updated to version 8.17-1.1.36.426 - if you are not offered a corresponding update, or if this fails, please contact our support.
- The update does not change your existing SmartHome functionality.
What changes to my existing system if I enable local SH?
Nothing! The local SH is an additional way to access your SHC.
Everything you have set up remains as is and your SHC continues to use our LIVISI Cloud for access via the app or Amazon Alexa/Google Home. You don't have to worry about losing the devices or scenarios.
The scenarios, for example, have always been stored and executed on the SHC and nothing changes when you activate the local SH.
Does the local SmartHome work completely offline/without internet?
No! The local SH still needs an internet connection and sometimes a connection to the LIVISI Cloud.
As of today it is an additional way to still be able to access the system in the event of server failures or temporary internet problems.
However, the dependency on the LIVISI Cloud is gradually being reduced.
What's next for the local SH?
My SHC is in the holiday home and I have limited access to it. What do I do after the update?
The update that brings the local SmartHome to your SHC will not change access to your SHC. You still have remote access after the update and nothing will change even after activating the local SmartHome.
However, after the LIVISI SmartHome services have been discontinued on March 1st, 2024, remote access will no longer be possible, see: SERVICE RETIREMENT FAQ
I bought some devices and want to use them locally - how do I do that?
The innogy/RWE devices can only be used together with the SHC. The devices communicate with each other and with the SHC using a special protocol that is not supported by other systems.
Please note that after March 1st, 2024, a local device key will be required to include devices. If this device key is not available, the devices cannot communicate with the SHC. See: Central Units & Devices in the local SmartHome
Local smart home means I can be completely offline, right?
No. The local SmartHome requires an internet connection, for example to synchronize the time of the SHC.
Setup, Registration & Devices
Are there any prerequisites for using local SH?
The local SmartHome is available for all SHCs since September 26th, 2022.
The functionality of the local SH is available in Central Units (SHC) of the 2nd generation from version number 1.2.x (1.1.x is without local SH).
For the classic Central Units (SHC), the version numbers from 3.1.x (3.0.x is without local SH) include the functionality of the local SH.
If you use 3rd party apps (like OpenHab, ioBroker, etc.) and these apps compare the version of the Central Unit, then these apps must also be updated accordingly before they work with the local SH. See also Open Source SmartHome Systems
Please note that after March 1st, 2024, a local device key will be required to include devices. If this device key is not available, the devices cannot communicate with the SHC. See: Central Units & Devices in the local SmartHome
How to enable Local SmartHome?
What is the default password for the Local SH?
Why do I have to accept new Terms and Conditions for local SH?
The local SH can be used without having a LIVISI user account and thus we need to have T&C that are related to and focused on local SH only.
I have to replace some broken device by new ones. Can I include them local-only?
A device key is required for fully local (without LIVISI Cloud) inclusion of devices. If this is not available, the devices cannot communicate with the control center. See: Central Units & Devices in the local SmartHome
I have a brand-new SHC that have never been used before - can I start using it local-only?
Yes. Nevertheless the SHC will require an online connection to initially receive the latest software updates that also contains the Local SH functionality. Once updated, the SHC can be setup and operated offline.
Please note that the SHC can be updated to the required software versions until March 1st 2024 only. All SHCs with versions below 3.1.1111.0 for the classic SHC and below 1.2.44.498 for the SHC 2.0 will not be usable after March 1st 2024: Central Units & Devices in the local SmartHome
I tried to setup a new SHC with local only but it doesn't seem to update to required version
Please note that the SHC can be updated to the required software versions until March 1st 2024 only. All SHCs with versions below 3.1.1111.0 for the classic SHC and below 1.2.44.498 for the SHC 2.0 will not be usable after March 1st 2024: Central Units & Devices in the local SmartHome
I forgot my changed password for the local SmartHome - how can I get a new one?
Yes3, you can reset the local SmartHome password to a new one on the local login page. You must have physical access to your SHC for this.
Alternatively, you can reset the SHC to factory settings:
- Classic: disconnect from the power, press the left button under the display and connect to power at the same time, wait until "Reset" appears in the display
- SHC 2.0: Press and hold the PAIR button for at least 30 seconds and then release it (the LED goes out first and then lights up orange)
I want to completely delete my SHC (and the local SH) in order to sell it.
To do this, you should reset the SHC to factory settings
- Classic: disconnect from the power, press the left button under the display and connect to power at the same time, wait until "Reset" appears in the display
- SHC 2.0: Press and hold the PAIR button for at least 30 seconds and then release it (the LED goes out first and then lights up orange)
Please note that after March 1st, 2024 the SHC can only be used by the buyer if it has been updated to a current version. You should also keep an eye on the topic of device keys when selling: Central Units & Devices in the local SmartHome
Can I operate an account-less SHC with an account afterwards?
No. You need to factory reset the SHC first before you can register the SHC with your account.
Can I switch to account-less with my registered SHC?
You can continue to use the local SH with your registered SHC and user account.
However, if you want to delete your user account and operate your SHC without an account, then you must reset the SHC to the factory settings and then start over without an account.
Why do I need internet when I use local SH without an account?
The SHC requires an internet connection for various services such as NTP (time synchronization), cloud-connected devices such as Netatmo.
Device Key(s)
What are device keys?
The high level of security of LIVISI SmartHome is made possible, among other things, by the use of strong encryption for communication between the innogy/RWE devices.
This encryption requires that the corresponding devices are included using a device key.
This device key is required to set up an individual encryption of the communication between the SHC and the device.
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
Why do I have to care about this?
Previously, the device key for encrypting the communication between the SHC and the device was provided via the LIVISI Cloud.
After March 1st, 2024, this will no longer be possible and the procedure will therefore be changed so that every user takes control of their device keys themselves.
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
What do I need to get the local device keys?
SHCs need a master decryption key to be able to write/read the device keys.
Therefore, your SHC must be updated to at least the following software version:
- Classic SHC: 3.1.1111.0
- SHC 2.0: 1.2.44.498
If the SHC has the correct software version, the key file is written to the USB stick after inserting a FAT-32 formatted USB stick (if possible smaller than 16GB).
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
I would like to receive/buy devices from someone, what do I have to consider?
Regarding innogy/RWE devices:
- If you take over or buy devices from someone else, ask explicitly beforehand whether the device keys are available.
You can simply copy the received device keys as new lines into your existing key file and then include them into the system. - If you take over or buy a SHC from someone else, explicitly ask for the software version of the SHC beforehand (min. software version 3.1.1111.0 for the classic SHC and 1.2.44.498 for the SHC 2.0)
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
What do I have to consider when I pass devices on to someone?
If you pass on or sell innogy/RWE devices to other users after March 1st, 2024, you must provide them with the corresponding device key(s) so that they can also include the devices.
To do this, you must first save the device key and then you can find the line with the associated device key in the key file via the serial number (it is printed on the device).
The entire line can be copied and used to include the device in another SHC.
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
Can I still use any replacement devices?
Before March 1st, 2024, yes.
After this date:
- SHCs must have at least software version 3.1.1111.0 for the classic SHC and 1.2.44.498 for the SHC 2.0 in order to be able to read local device keys. Below this version, only devices that are already connected can be used.
- innogy/RWE replacement devices can only be included into a system with the corresponding local device keys.
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
Can I back up the device keys?
If your SHC is updated to the appropriate software version, you can insert a USB stick formatted in FAT-32 into the SHC.
The SHC then writes a CSV file to the stick, which contains all the device keys known to the SHC.
You can save this file somewhere elseand also edit it, for example to merge different key files into one.
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
How do I use the device keys?
If you want to include a device into your SHC after March 1st, 2023, you must provide the key file (which of course must contain the corresponding key) on a USB stick in FAT-32 format and insert the stick to the SHC.
During the inclusion, the system searches for the USB stick and the key file to secure communication with the device.
More information about the device keys: SHC & Devices in the local SmartHome
The device keys of some devices are not included in the file, why?
Not all devices that can be used together with LIVISI SmartHome use encrypted communication. The device keys are generally only required for RWE/innogy devices.
The first generation smoke detectors (WSD) communicate unencrypted and therefore do not require a device key.
App
Can I use the local app and the conventional LIVISI app at the same time?
Yes. The local app and the LIVISI app both access the same configuration of the central unit - changes made in one app are then also visible in the other app.
Will the mobile app automatically connect via local connection if I'm at home?
No, the mobile app will use the cloud connection only and will not be able to connect to the local SH
Will I be able to connect to my SHC from remote once the local SH has been activated?
Yes, as long as you are connected to you SHC with an account, your SHC is connected to the Internet and the LIVISI Cloud can be reached, you will be able to remote connect
Unfortunately, after March 1st, 2024, remote access will no longer be available by default. Via external systems such as OPENHAB, IOBROKER or Home Assistant you can establish indirect remote access.
In addition, there would be the option of setting up a remote connection to your local network via VPN and using it from on the go or from other locations for remote access. Given the multitude of options, we unfortunately cannot afford to describe the setup.
Why don't you provide a mobile app that connects to the local API only?
At the current stage we don't see any advantages from having another mobile app for local SH only.
Which functionality is not available with the local web app?
The following list provides a brief overview over the functionality that cannot be used from the local web app:
- Evaluations (energy reports)
- Push notifications
- Sending push, SMS notifications from rules
- Add/remove bindings/services
- Multiple user accounts (guest accounts)
- Novoferm devices can not be included via the local web app (control and rules work though)
- The management of device drivers (e.g. adding/deleting Philips Hue support) is currently not possible via the local web app
Does the local web app work with all browsers?
The local web app should be compatible and work with all the usual browsers.
For development and testing, we focus on the following browsers:
- Google Chrome (PC & mobile) - our Recommendation
- Safari (PC & mobile)
- MS Edge (PC & mobile)
- Firefox (PC)
The local web app doesn't display all icons, or the app looks weird
The local web app loads all resources (images, animations, backgrounds) from the central unit. If this connection is disturbed or lost, display errors will occur in the local web app. In this case, please check the following:
- Is the central unit currently not ready for work (reboot, installing update, factory reset)?
- Has the IP address of the central unit changed?
- Has the local SmartHome been disabled?
3rd party apps (Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, etc.)
Will my Amazon Alexa device (e.g. Echo) use local connection to central unit?
No, unfortunately Amazon doesn't offer any local Interfaces and always requires online connection
I currently use IFTTT to connect devices from other vendors to LIVISI SH - can I do this local only?
IFTTT is a cloud service and doesn't work on a local-only SmartHome. You can check-out 3rd party systems like OPENHAB, IOBROKER or HOME ASSISTANT for connecting your devices via local API with your LIVISI SmartHome.
I would like to develop an app that connects locally to the central unit. Do you provide a how-to for that?
You can find a description of the API under developer.livisi.de. Additionally you can apply for the developer group on our Community to get access to the developer forums: Apply for Developer Group
I am currently using ioBroker/OpenHab via the cloud API. Can I also use this locally?
Functionality
Which functionality will be missing if I use the local SH account-less?
If you use the local SmartHome without a LIVISI account, the following functionality will be missing:
- Notifications (SMS, push, mail) - e.g. notification via email/push in the event of a smoke alarm
- Backup/restore of configurations in the backend
- Data storage and evaluations in the backend
- Remote access
- Third party cloud services such as IFTTT, Alexa, Google Home
- Multiple user accounts (guest accounts)
Additionally you have to consider that some bindings like Netatmo are also cloud-depended and wouldn't work if the central unit (SHC) cannot connect to their cloud services.
What will happen to my configuration if I do a factory reset?
If you use the local SmartHome together with a LIVISI user account, your configuration will continue to be saved in the LIVISI cloud until March 1st, 2024 and can be restored from there after a reset until this date.
When using without a LIVISI user account, a backup/restore of your configuration is currently not possible.
Why can't I send emails locally from my SHC by using SMTP servers/accounts e.g. from Google, Microsoft
Such a solution is part of the local smart home.
Why don't you offer an Hue emulation for connecting to Amazon Alexa or Google Home on a local basis (like open source systems do)?
The possibilities were explored and we decided against it for strategic reasons. Such a solution would have to be regularly adapted to new conditions in order to provide the desired effect and there are also unclear legal issues.
Will data also be stored locally and for how long?
If you only work locally only or there is no connection to the LIVISI Cloud, the data is stored locally. The following restrictions apply:
How can I install new devices that require a driver?
When using the local SmartHome without an account, the bindings (the device drivers for additional device types) cannot be installed via the cloud and must therefore be made available via USB stick:
- Download the bindings for your version of the SHC as archive:
- Extract the files from the archive to a folder "/update/binding" on a FAT32 formatted USB stick
- Insert the USB stick into the appropriate port on your SHC
Is the local SmartHome finished, or are there more functions to come?
The development of the local SmartHome has been completed
If you have questions that you think are not answered above, please raise them at our forum CONTACT THE LIVISI EXPERTS - we will publish new questions and refine existing answers accordingly.
1 This functionality will be available at a later stage
2 It is not yet clear whether this is legally and technically possible
3 Release 1.914-3.1.1056.0 (classic) or 8.16/8.17 1.2.41.456 (SHC 2.0) or higher