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The Shelly BLU Door/Window (SBDW-002C) is a compact, battery-powered contact sensor that uses Bluetooth Low Energy and the BTHome protocol—not Wi-Fi or Zigbee. It detects open and closed states, and also reports tilt angle, illuminance, battery level, and button events.
It is a particularly good fit for Shelly installations and Home Assistant systems that already have reliable Bluetooth coverage. However, it is not completely infrastructure-free: Shelly Smart Control requires a compatible Bluetooth gateway, while Home Assistant needs a Bluetooth adapter or proxy and the BTHome integration. Buyers should also distinguish it from the newer Shelly BLU Door/Window ZB, which adds Zigbee 3.0 and uses different hardware.
What is the Shelly BLU Door/Window?
The original Shelly BLU Door/Window, model SBDW-002C, is a wireless reed-switch sensor for doors, windows, cabinets, gates and similar openings. A magnet is mounted beside the sensor; separating them causes the device to broadcast a state change.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUnlike a Wi-Fi sensor, the battery-powered unit does not connect directly to the Shelly cloud or your home network. It sends encrypted BTHome data over Bluetooth Low Energy to a nearby receiver. Shelly Smart Control therefore needs a compatible Shelly Bluetooth gateway, while Home Assistant can receive the advertisements through its own Bluetooth hardware or a supported Bluetooth proxy.
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- Shelly Wave Door/Window LR is Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) sensor that detects and reports opening or closing of doors/windows, measures tilt angle and features light sensor to trigger smart home automations even over large distances. *A gateway (smart hub) is not included. A gateway (smart hub) is required for the configuration of the device.
- Compatible with any Z-Wave gateway - ZWLR delivers extended range with communication distances up to 1.5 miles at full power, and supports scalable networks with up to 4,000 devices - far surpassing the 232-device limit of earlier Z-Wave versions. Works on 912MHz (ZWLR) and 908.4MHz (Z-Wave Plus)
- Protect your home - even when you’re away. Easily install the sensor on doors, windows, or garages to get instant alerts whenever they’re opened. Integrate it with your security system to trigger automated responses to unusual activity. With Z-Wave Long Range support, you can extend reliable protection across larger properties, keeping every corner connected and secure.
- A Warm Welcome Home - Imagine coming home late in the evening, your front door opens, and the lights automatically turn on, creating a cozy and safe atmosphere. With the Shelly Wave Door/Window Sensor, this convenience becomes part of your daily routine. Once installed, it detects when the door opens and triggers your connected smart lights according to your pre-set scenario.
- Shelly Customer Service - Shelly is one of the fastest-growing Smart Home brands in the world with devices, providing solutions for the automation of private homes, buildings and businesses. We provide our customers with professional support and a 3 years device warranty.
Shelly documents AES encryption using CCM mode for the device. That protects the radio communication, but it does not turn the sensor into a certified or professionally monitored alarm system.
Original BLE model versus Shelly BLU Door/Window ZB
| Model | Wireless protocols | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Shelly BLU Door/Window, SBDW-002C | Bluetooth 4.2 LE with BTHome | Original BLE-only model |
| Shelly BLU Door/Window ZB | Bluetooth 5 LE and Zigbee 3.0 | Newer dual-protocol product with different radio hardware |
The ZB version is not simply a firmware upgrade for the SBDW-002C. Check the model number and wireless requirements before buying. Claims that the original sensor “works with Zigbee” apply only to the ZB model.
See Shelly’s technical documentation for the original BLU Door/Window and the official ZB product page.
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Specifications
| Specification | Shelly BLU Door/Window SBDW-002C |
|---|---|
| Primary function | Door and window open/closed detection |
| Protocol | BTHome over Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| Battery | One 3 V CR2032, included |
| Claimed battery life | Up to five years, depending on usage |
| Sensor unit | 35 × 35 × 7 mm |
| Magnet | 35 × 12 × 7 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 10 g sensor and 8 g magnet |
| Sensors | Reed switch, G-sensor, tilt, illuminance and button |
| Range | Up to 10 m indoors and 30 m outdoors, depending on conditions |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to 40 °C |
| Humidity | 30%–70% RH |
| Colours | White, black and brown |
The five-year battery figure is Shelly’s estimate, not a guarantee. Frequent activity, beacon mode, weak radio conditions, cold temperatures and repeated tilt reporting can shorten battery life. Similarly, the quoted range is not a guaranteed installation distance; walls, steel frames, reinforced concrete and appliances can substantially reduce Bluetooth reliability.
What BTHome means
BTHome is the data protocol carried in Bluetooth advertisements. It is not Bluetooth pairing in the same sense as pairing headphones or a keyboard. The sensor broadcasts structured readings that a compatible receiver parses.
The original device’s documented BTHome data includes:
- Window: open or closed state.
- Battery: a percentage from 0 to 100.
- Illuminance: local light level in lux.
- Rotation: angle from the closed position, expressed in 0.1-degree units.
- Button: button-press events, including single press and hold.
- Packet ID: a rolling packet counter useful to receivers for identifying repeated or missed packets.
Home Assistant directs users to its BTHome integration rather than the regular Shelly integration for Shelly BLU devices.
Open, closed, tilt and light reporting
The reed switch handles the basic contact function. When the magnet moves away, the sensor broadcasts an open event; when it returns, it broadcasts a closed event.
Rank #2
- Only works with ADT Blu system: pair with your ADT Blu Base for integrated whole-home security. Requires purchase of a compatible ADT Blu Base and a paid subscription plan. Not compatible with other ADT systems.
- Protect 4 more entry points instantly: expand your ADT Blu system with 4 wireless door/window alarm sensors. Get real-time alerts on the ADT+ app whenever a door or window is opened or tampered with.
- Tamper-proof with built-in alerts: each entry sensor notifies you through the ADT+ app if it has been tampered with, so you always know your home security is intact and working as expected.
- Convenience mode for drawers and cabinets: set any sensor to convenience mode to monitor medicine cabinets, liquor cabinets, safes, or drawers without alerting monitoring center. App notifications only.
- Easy DIY installation with no tools required: mount with screws or double-sided adhesive tape (included). LED pairing indicator guides setup. Battery operated for wireless, clean placement on any surface.
Tilt-and-turn windows are more interesting. The sensor reports the opening event first, then reports the angle approximately two seconds later. It continues checking the angle approximately every eight seconds and broadcasts a new value when the angle changes. This can help distinguish a fully closed window from one opened inward or left in a ventilation position.
However, the sensor does not automatically label every mechanical position in every platform. Your automation may need angle thresholds or templates to turn a numeric rotation value into labels such as “closed,” “open” or “tilted.” Tilt data is also not instantaneous, so an automation that reacts immediately to the first open event should not assume that the final angle is already available.
The lux reading describes light at the sensor itself, not the average brightness of the room. It can still be useful for turning on a hallway light only when a door opens in darkness, or for detecting whether a cupboard, refrigerator or storage area has been exposed to light.
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Does it need a hub?
| Use case | Required infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Shelly Smart Control | A Shelly BLU Gateway or compatible Shelly device capable of receiving Bluetooth data |
| Home Assistant | Bluetooth adapter, Bluetooth proxy or another supported receiver, plus the BTHome integration |
| Direct BLE experimentation | A compatible Bluetooth scanner and BTHome parser |
| Zigbee-only installation | Use the Shelly BLU Door/Window ZB or another Zigbee contact sensor |
“No hub required” is therefore platform-dependent. The sensor itself does not need Wi-Fi, but it still needs a Bluetooth receiver for useful networked automations. A compatible Shelly Plus, Pro, Gen3 or Gen4 device may provide Bluetooth gateway functionality, but confirm the exact model, firmware and integration support before purchasing. Shelly’s documentation should be treated as the authority for current compatibility.
Installation and setup
1. Test the physical position
- Insert the CR2032 battery with the correct polarity.
- Place the sensor and magnet on the frame and moving section of the door or window.
- Align them so the contact is closed when the opening is closed.
- Open and close the door repeatedly to confirm reliable transitions.
- Test the Bluetooth signal from the final position before applying permanent adhesive.
Keep the two parts close enough for the reed switch to operate throughout the movement. Steel frames, metal doors, refrigerators and locking hardware can affect both magnet operation and radio propagation. Clean and dry dusty, damp, cold or textured surfaces before mounting, and allow for seasonal movement or door flex.
2. Pairing and reset controls
According to Shelly’s documentation:
- Hold the device button for 10 seconds to pair it with another Bluetooth device.
- Hold the button for 30 seconds to factory-reset it. The reset is available only shortly after inserting the battery.
The physical button is also available for automations after setup, including single-press and hold events.
3. Shelly Smart Control
- Open or install Shelly Smart Control.
- Confirm that a compatible Bluetooth gateway is online.
- Use the app’s current device-add flow to discover the BLU Door/Window.
- Wake or pair the sensor when prompted.
- Confirm open and closed transitions beside the gateway.
- Configure scenes or notifications.
- Test again from the final mounting position.
App labels can change between releases, so use the current on-screen prompts rather than relying on an old fixed menu path.
4. Home Assistant and BTHome
- Ensure Home Assistant has Bluetooth coverage at the sensor location.
- Install or enable the official BTHome integration.
- Put the sensor into discovery or pairing mode if requested.
- Add or approve the discovered device.
- Check for entities representing contact state, battery, illuminance, rotation and button events.
- Create automations from the binary contact entity, adding tilt thresholds where needed.
- Configure a low-battery notification.
- Test both opening and closing, including rapid open-close cycles.
The exact entities exposed can vary with Home Assistant releases and integration support. Do not assume that tilt will appear in exactly the same form as the open/closed contact.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Home Assistant via ZigBee2MQTT ZigBee hub required. Supports Home Assistant via ZigBee2MQTT Ideal for your smart home with reliable ZigBee 3.0 connectivity.
- SMART NOTIFICATIONS & ALARMS - 24/7 Security: ZigBee door and window sensors send real-time notifications when doors and windows are opened, and reliably alert when the battery is low.
- Battery Operated - High performance, long life, easy battery replacement.
- Smart Home Monitoring - Flexible, secure and always available: ZigBee window controls allow intelligent monitoring of doors and windows.
- Easy installation - Compact ZigBee window sensor, quick installation with the included tape, no drilling required. Ideal for door and window mounting in rented apartments, private homes or offices.
Range and reliability
Shelly lists up to 10 m indoors and up to 30 m outdoors depending on conditions, while its BLE documentation describes approximately 30 m with direct visibility. These figures are best treated as optimistic environmental limits rather than installation guarantees.
For an interior door near a receiver, direct Bluetooth may be sufficient. Plan more carefully for:
- Garages and basements.
- Detached buildings and exterior gates.
- Steel doors and metal-framed windows.
- Reinforced-concrete walls.
- Locations where the receiver is hidden behind appliances or inside metal cabinets.
A Bluetooth proxy or gateway should be positioned near the sensor rather than assumed to cover the entire property. Test the complete chain: physical movement, Bluetooth reception, BTHome parsing, automation trigger and notification delivery.
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Regular mode versus Beacon mode
In regular mode, the sensor broadcasts contact changes and relevant readings. Tilt-and-turn activity creates additional angle reports.
In Beacon mode, it broadcasts its latest state, illuminance and battery information every 30 seconds. This may help a passive receiver obtain periodic status packets, but Shelly warns that beacon mode can substantially reduce battery life. It is not automatically the better setting. Use it only when periodic advertisements solve a real receiver or state-recovery problem.
Useful automation ideas
- Heating and cooling: pause heating or cooling when a window opens, then restore it after the window closes.
- Darkness-triggered lighting: open a door and turn on a light only when the local lux reading is below a chosen threshold.
- Ventilation monitoring: notify if a tilt-and-turn window remains in a ventilation position for too long.
- Security notifications: alert when a door opens while the home is marked away. This is an automation alert, not professional alarm monitoring.
- Cabinet or refrigerator monitoring: use the contact state and local light reading to detect unexpected exposure.
- Button scenes: use a single press or hold to trigger a Shelly scene or Home Assistant automation.
- Battery maintenance: notify when the reported battery percentage falls below a selected threshold.
Common problems and recovery
The device is not discovered
- Move it within a few feet of the Bluetooth receiver.
- Check battery polarity and try a fresh CR2032.
- Wake it by opening or closing the door or pressing the button.
- Remove stale or duplicate entries from the receiving platform.
- Reload or restart the BTHome integration.
- Confirm that the selected adapter or proxy is actually scanning Bluetooth advertisements.
- Reset the sensor shortly after inserting the battery, using the documented 30-second procedure, then add it again.
If it works in Shelly Smart Control but not Home Assistant, investigate the Home Assistant integration, receiver and Bluetooth coverage before assuming the sensor is defective.
Open and closed events are missed
Check receiver distance, metal obstructions, proxy load, stale discovery data and the timing of rapid open-close movements. Test the automation at the final installation point rather than beside the receiver.
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Remember that contact state and angle are separate reports. The open event comes first; the angle follows after roughly two seconds, with later checks approximately every eight seconds when the angle changes. Adjust automation delays or thresholds accordingly.
Rank #4
- Real-Time App Alerts for Safety - Monitor your home from anywhere via the Tuya/Smart Life App. Perfect for child safety and dementia care—receive instant push notifications the moment a door or window is opened.
- Loud Chime for Business & Home - Never miss a customer with 5 volume levels (up to 110dB). Assign unique ringtones to different sensors so you know exactly which door triggered the alert without checking your phone.
- 100% Wire-Free DIY Installation Plug and Play in Minutes - Simply plug the receiver into an outlet and stick the sensor using the included adhesive. Fully expandable to support up to 20 sensors for complete coverage.
- Family Sharing & Auto-Memory - Share device access via the App so multiple family members receive alerts simultaneously. The smart memory function retains your melody and volume settings even after a power outage.
- Free Notifications No Monthly Fees - Enjoy Free App Push Notifications without subscription costs. Optional paid SMS or phone call alerts are available for users who need offline security reminders.
The sensor reports incorrectly after mounting
Recheck magnet spacing and alignment. Adhesive movement, door flex, seasonal frame changes or mounting the sensor on the wrong moving surface can cause unreliable contact readings.
How it compares with alternatives
| Product | Protocol | Infrastructure | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly BLU Door/Window | BLE/BTHome | Bluetooth gateway, proxy or Home Assistant Bluetooth | Shelly and BTHome users wanting tilt and lux |
| Shelly BLU Door/Window ZB | Bluetooth 5 LE and Zigbee 3.0 | Compatible Bluetooth or Zigbee infrastructure | Buyers wanting Shelly branding and dual-protocol flexibility |
| Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 | Thread/Matter | Matter controller and Thread Border Router | Households prioritising Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings interoperability |
| SONOFF SNZB-04P | Zigbee 3.0 | Zigbee hub or coordinator | Budget-conscious Zigbee installations |
Prices are region- and date-specific. Shelly’s US store showed the original BLU Door/Window at $19.99 excluding VAT and the BLU Door/Window ZB at $22.99 when accessed on August 18, 2026. Aqara’s US store showed the P2 at $29.99, while SONOFF showed the SNZB-04P at a $15.11 sale price versus $15.90 regular price at that time. Confirm current availability and pricing before purchase.
The system cost matters more than the sensor price alone. A Bluetooth gateway, Zigbee coordinator or Thread Border Router may be required, and the most reliable ecosystem is usually the one already present in the building.
Who should buy it?
Choose the original Shelly BLU Door/Window if you already have Shelly Bluetooth-capable hardware or Home Assistant Bluetooth coverage, want BTHome support, and can use its tilt and lux measurements. Its small size and common CR2032 battery are additional advantages.
Choose the ZB model if Zigbee is your preferred network or you want Bluetooth and Zigbee options in one newer device. Confirm that your chosen Zigbee coordinator and software support that specific product.
Choose a conventional Zigbee sensor if you already operate a Zigbee mesh and mainly need simple contact detection with local, mesh-based communication.
Choose a Thread/Matter sensor if broad smart-home ecosystem interoperability matters more than BTHome, and you already have—or plan to install—the required Matter controller and Thread Border Router.
The original Shelly model is a weaker fit for detached buildings, long outdoor runs, heavily obstructed metal installations, professional alarm systems or anyone who wants a sensor that connects directly over Wi-Fi.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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