What has changed for Shelly Gen4 devices?
Shelly unveiled ThreadLink at IFA 2026 as a firmware that turns the Thread radio already inside its Gen4 range into a full IP connection, not just a Matter pipe. According to NetGuide's write-up, it runs IPv6 over 6LoWPAN with UDP and TCP, so Matter, Shelly's RPC API and cloud access (via NAT64) can share one low-power radio.
The details that matter, as reported so far:
| Question | What is known |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free firmware update |
| Timing | "Approximately three months" from the 3 September announcement; no confirmed ship date |
| Eligible devices | Not specified; Shelly expects the whole Gen4 line to be Thread-capable by year-end |
| Opt-in | Per device; a Gen4 relay runs either its normal Wi-Fi firmware or ThreadLink, never both |
| Requirement | A Thread border router for cloud and app access |
| Home Assistant | Works through Matter; Shelly promises a dedicated module for the full feature set, with no structure or date yet |
The pitch is that device-to-device scenes keep working during a Wi-Fi or internet outage, because Shelly's devices can call each other directly over the Thread mesh, according to Local Smart Home Guide. Shelly has not published a list of eligible models, so treat any "will my relay get it?" claim as unconfirmed until the firmware lands.
Why does ThreadLink matter for Home Assistant users?
It matters because it would let Shelly relays join a Thread mesh without giving up the local Shelly API, which the current Matter-only route does not guarantee. Home Assistant already talks to Matter devices, but Matter exposes a narrower set of features than Shelly's own integration, so the open question is which features survive on Thread.
Three practical points follow:
- Mesh strength. Mains-powered Thread devices act as routers, so a few ThreadLink relays could strengthen coverage for battery sensors. Our Thread guide for UK homes explains how that routing works and why a border router is still needed.
- Less Wi-Fi congestion. Shifting a dozen relays off the 2.4GHz band frees capacity for cameras and speakers.
- Matter setup stays the same. Commissioning still goes through the Matter integration, as described in our Home Assistant Matter setup guide.
Is there already a way to run Shelly on Thread?
Yes, but only unofficially. In May 2026 a community developer published open-source Matter-over-Thread firmware for the Shelly 1 Gen4, covered by Matter Alpha. It runs without Wi-Fi, supports multi-fabric commissioning including Home Assistant, and acts as a Thread router.
It comes with warnings. Matter Alpha stresses that flashing unknown firmware can introduce security risks to a home network, and the install means uploading a file through the device's local web console. The project's planned support extends to the 1PM Mini Gen4 and 2PM Gen4. Unlike ThreadLink it is not a Shelly product, and it carries no promise of keeping the Shelly API or cloud. For anyone who wants Thread now, it is an option; for everyone else, waiting for the official release is the lower-risk path.
What else did Shelly update for Matter?
Shelly's Wall Display firmware 2.8.0 is in beta (as of 29 September 2026; stable remains 2.7.4) for the X1i, X2i, XL, U1, S1, S2 and XT models. It lets the panel act as a Matter controller for third-party devices and expose its own relays, dimmers and thermostats to Home Assistant as a Matter device. It is not a Thread border router, so it will not replace the one ThreadLink needs.
Should you wait for ThreadLink?
If you are buying Shelly relays for a new install, buy Gen4 and wait; if you have a working Wi-Fi setup, do nothing. Shelly's Wi-Fi firmware remains the supported route today, ThreadLink is still a promise with no ship date, and switching is per device and either-or, so you can trial one relay before moving others.
Two things to check first: that you own a Thread border router, and which Gen4 models make the eligible list. Shelly's other IFA launch, its subscription-free camera, is covered in our Shelly Camera news piece, and the wider show is in our IFA 2026 smart home roundup. We will update this article when Shelly publishes the eligible-device list or a firmware date.
