SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 - USB Adapter Zigbee/Thread

General Overview

The SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 is a next-generation universal USB adapter designed for open-source home automation enthusiasts. Powered by Silicon Labs' high-performance EFR32MG24 chip, this dual-protocol coordinator revolutionizes the management of Zigbee 3.0 and Thread networks by offering significantly increased resources compared to previous generations: 100% more Flash and 300% more RAM compared to the MG21.

Natively compatible with the main open-source home automation platforms on the market (Home Assistant ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB, ioBroker, Domoticz, Jeedom), the Dongle Plus MG24 allows centralized and local control of all your Zigbee and Thread devices, regardless of their brand: SONOFF, Aqara, Philips Hue, IKEA Trådfri, Tuya, Xiaomi, and many others. This multi-brand approach frees the user from proprietary ecosystems and guarantees complete control over their home automation installation.

The Dongle Plus MG24 stands out for its exceptional versatility thanks to its interchangeable firmware system via the SONOFF Dongle Flasher tool. In just a few minutes, you can switch between different modes of operation: Zigbee coordinator (EmberZNet), Zigbee router to extend your network, OpenThread RCP for Matter over Thread, or MultiPAN RCP to manage both Zigbee and Thread simultaneously on a single dongle. This unmatched flexibility makes the Dongle Plus MG24 the ideal investment to support the evolution of your home automation ecosystem.

Its adjustable omnidirectional external antenna offers a default gain of 3dBi, optimizable up to 4.5dBi depending on orientation and channel used, ensuring a range of up to 200 meters in open field. The included 1-meter USB extension cable allows optimal positioning of the dongle to minimize electromagnetic interference and maximize signal quality. Its compact anodized aluminum casing ensures excellent thermal dissipation while offering proven resistance to corrosion (24-hour salt spray test) and mechanical stress.

Key Features

• High-performance EFR32MG24 chip: Doubles the Flash (1536KB) and quadruples the RAM (256KB) compared to the MG21, allowing for the management of denser Zigbee networks and more complex firmware with reduced consumption (40mW in standby)
• Dual-protocol Zigbee/Thread: Native support for Zigbee 3.0 and Thread (OpenThread), cornerstone of the Matter over Thread ecosystem for guaranteed future compatibility
• Optimized adjustable external antenna: 3dBi gain by default, optimizable up to 4.5dBi by angular adjustment, range up to 200 meters in open field and interference reduction
• Multi-platform open-source compatibility: Native support for Home Assistant (ZHA), Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB, ioBroker, Domoticz, Jeedom, eWeLink CUBE, and other platforms based on EmberZNet/OpenThread
• Interchangeable firmware at will: Switch between Zigbee Coordinator, Zigbee Router, OpenThread RCP, or MultiPAN RCP in less than a minute via the SONOFF Dongle Flasher tool (web or add-on)
• Universal multi-brand control: Manage SONOFF, Aqara, Philips Hue, IKEA, Tuya, Xiaomi, Legrand, Bosch, and hundreds of other Zigbee manufacturers' devices without distinction
• Robust Zigbee mesh network: Supports up to 200+ direct nodes depending on firmware used, with auto-routing and self-healing for maximum reliability
• Included USB extension: 1-meter cable provided to keep the dongle away from interference sources (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0 ports) and optimize reception
• Zigbee Router mode: Extend the range of your existing Zigbee network by transforming the dongle into a repeater (Router firmware available)
• Premium aluminum casing: Optimized thermal dissipation, corrosion resistance (24-hour salt spray test), compact design (10x18x214mm) for all types of USB ports
• High signal power: Maximum emission of 20dBm + 3dBi antenna gain = excellent coverage even in crowded environments
• Compatible with eWeLink CUBE: Native integration within the eWeLink CUBE ecosystem to bridge eWeLink Wi-Fi devices and multi-brand Zigbee devices to Matter
• Comprehensive documentation: Dedicated site dongle.sonoff.tech with detailed guides, flashing tutorials, troubleshooting, and firmware updates
• Simplified firmware update: SONOFF Dongle Flasher web tool and Home Assistant add-on for quick flashing without complex manipulation
• Multi-OS system support: Compatible with Windows, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi OS, Docker, and other Linux systems for total installation flexibility
  
  

Technical Specifications

Hardware Specifications

• Model: Dongle-PMG24 (Dongle Plus MG24)
• SoC Chip: Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 (Wireless SoC 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33)
• Flash Memory: 1536 KB (100% higher than the MG21)
• RAM Memory: 256 KB (300% higher than the MG21)
• Architecture: ARM Cortex-M33 with TrustZone for enhanced security
• Power Supply: 5V via USB Type-A
• Nominal Consumption: 500mA maximum
• Standby Consumption: 40mW (optimized vs previous generations)

Radio Specifications

• RF Frequency: 2.4 GHz ISM band
• Supported Protocols: IEEE 802.15.4, Zigbee 3.0, Thread (OpenThread)
• Transmission Power: +20 dBm maximum
• Reception Sensitivity: -103 dBm (Zigbee/Thread)
• Free Field Range: Up to 200 meters (optimal conditions)
• Typical Indoor Range: 30-50 meters depending on the environment
• Antenna: Adjustable external omnidirectional
• Antenna Gain: 3 dBi by default, optimizable up to 4.5 dBi
• Antenna Connector: IPEX/U.FL

Protocol Compatibility

• Zigbee 3.0: Full support (EmberZNet firmware pre-installed)
• Thread: OpenThread RCP (Radio Co-Processor)
• Matter over Thread: Via OpenThread RCP firmware
• MultiPAN: Zigbee + Thread simultaneously (MultiPAN RCP firmware)
• Available Firmwares: Coordinator, Router, OpenThread RCP, MultiPAN RCP

Platform Compatibility

• Home Assistant: Native ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation)
• Zigbee2MQTT: Full support via MQTT
• openHAB: deCONZ/EmberZNet binding
• ioBroker: deCONZ adapter
• Domoticz: deCONZ plugin
• Jeedom: Zigbee plugin
• eWeLink CUBE: Native integration
• Others: Any platform supporting EmberZNet or OpenThread

Compatible Devices

• SONOFF: All SONOFF Zigbee devices
• Aqara: Sensors, switches, modules, locks
• Philips Hue: Bulbs, LED strips, remotes
• IKEA Trådfri: Lighting, blinds, remotes
• Tuya: Wide range of Zigbee devices
• Xiaomi: Sensors, switches, buttons
• Legrand: Switches, connected outlets
• Other brands: Bosch, Osram, Ledvance, Innr, etc.
• Detailed Compatibility: Check zigbee.blakadder.com for complete list

Network Capabilities

• Number of Direct Nodes: Up to 200+ depending on firmware and platform
• Network Topology: Mesh with auto-routing
• Zigbee Channels: 11-26 (2.4 GHz)
• Default Channel: 15 (ZHA) / 11 (Zigbee2MQTT)
• Multi-dongle Coexistence: Possible with separate channels
• Network Self-healing: Yes (native Zigbee protocol)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 10 x 18 x 214 mm (dongle + deployed antenna)
• Weight: Approximately 15g (dongle only)
• Casing: Anodized aluminum
• Color: Metallic anthracite gray
• USB Connector: USB 2.0 Type-A male
• Status LED: Yes (multicolor)
• Button: Reset/bootloader button
• Resistance: 24-hour salt spray test validated

Included Accessories

• USB Extension Cable: 1 meter, USB Type-A
• Quick Guide: Multilingual start-up instructions
• Online Documentation: Access to dongle.sonoff.tech

Usage Conditions

• Operating Temperature: -10°C to +60°C
• Operating Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
• Usage Location: Indoor only
• Maximum Altitude: 2000 meters

System Compatibility

• Windows: Windows 10/11 (automatic drivers)
• Linux: Ubuntu, Debian, Raspberry Pi OS, Armbian
• Virtualization: Docker, Proxmox, VMware, VirtualBox
• CPU Architecture: x86, x64, ARM, ARM64
• Raspberry Pi: All models (Pi 3, 4, 5, Zero 2W)

Configuration Tools

• SONOFF Dongle Flasher: Web tool dongle.sonoff.tech/sonoff-dongle-flasher
• Home Assistant Add-on: hassio-ihost-sonoff-dongle-flasher
• Default Firmware: Coordinator EmberZNet (Zigbee 3.0)
• Flashing Time: Less than 1 minute
• Flashing Method: Via web browser (Chrome/Edge recommended)

Certifications and Standards

• RF Compliance: EN 300 328
• EMC: EN 301 489
• Safety: EN 62368-1
• Marking: CE

Support and Documentation

• Dedicated Site: dongle.sonoff.tech
• Installation Guides: By platform (ZHA, Z2M, openHAB, etc.)
• Flashing Tutorials: Step-by-step guides with screenshots
• Troubleshooting: FAQ and common problem resolution
• Firmware Updates: Downloadable on the dedicated site
• Community: Support on Home Assistant forums, Discord SONOFF

Advantages vs Previous Generation

• vs ZBDongle-E (MG21): +100% Flash, +300% RAM, -10% consumption, premium aluminum casing
• vs ZBDongle-P (CC2652P): Support for openHAB, MultiPAN firmware, adjustable external antenna, more compact casing
• Network Performance: Management of denser networks, faster command processing
• Improved Stability: Fewer disconnections, faster automatic reconnection

Package Contents

• 1x SONOFF Dongle Plus MG24 USB Dongle
• 1x 1-meter USB Type-A Extension Cable
• 1x Quick Start Guide