At Oz Smart Things, we’re proud to offer the latest in home automation, and the Shelly BLU Tough 1 is no exception—designed for simple, battery-powered Bluetooth control of your smart devices.
However, we recently heard from a customer who shared a great first-hand experience that we think is worth exploring for others considering this product.
Customer Experience
“I purchased two Shelly BLU Button1 devices, expecting them to be as reliable as the rest of the Shelly lineup. I integrated both into the Shelly Smart Control app and linked them to control lights operated by different Shelly Plus 2PM units—one in a Gyprock wall, the other in a plastic enclosure.
Both buttons technically worked, toggling the lights as expected—but only when within 1 metre of the target device. That’s far less than I expected for Bluetooth. Even cheap headphones have better range!”
Troubleshooting the Shelly BLU Button1 – Step-by-Step
Shelly BLU Button1 uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is efficient but has limited range under certain conditions (e.g. concrete walls, metal switch plates, interference). Here's how to make sure your button is operating at its full potential:
✅ 1. Update the Firmware
First, ensure your device has the latest firmware.
Steps to update via Shelly BLE Debug App:
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Download the Shelly BLE Debug App (iOS or Android).
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Remove the battery from the BLU Button1.
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Hold the button down, then re-insert the battery while still holding.
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After 2 seconds, release the button.
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Open the Shelly BLE Debug App, connect to your Button1, and press OTA Update.
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Once the firmware is updated, reboot the device.
✅ 2. Reconnect the Device in the Shelly App
After the update, the device may need to be re-added.
To re-pair with your smartphone:
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Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
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Open the Shelly Smart Control App.
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Tap the “+” icon > Add New Device > Add Via Bluetooth.
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Press your BLU Button1 once – it should appear.
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Follow the app's pairing steps (including a 10-second press).
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Set an encryption PIN when prompted and complete the setup.
🔍 Why Is the Range So Limited?
Out of the box, BLE range is typically 5–10 metres in open air, but several things can drastically reduce that:
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Metal switch plates or junction boxes
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Dense walls (brick, concrete)
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Interference from nearby devices
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Low battery power
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Older firmware
In the customer’s case, the button only worked within 1 metre—even after testing different enclosures and replacing the battery. This could suggest hardware limitations or interference.
🛠 Options If Range Is Still Too Limited
If you’ve followed the steps above and still face range limitations, consider these solutions:
➤ 1. Test the Second Button
Try the second unit in a similar setup to see if the range issue is isolated to one device.
➤ 2. Use a Shelly BLU Gateway or Plus Device as Repeater
Pair your BLU Button1 through a Shelly Plus device that has Bluetooth capabilities (e.g. Shelly Plus 2PM). This can act as a local BLE relay and improve performance over distance.
➤ 3. Consider Placement
Keep the button away from metal enclosures or thick walls. Use plastic switch plates when possible.
➤ 4. Explore Alternative Products
If Bluetooth range remains a barrier, consider a Wi-Fi-based button like the Shelly Button1 Wi-Fi version or a Zigbee button (if you use Zigbee). These offer better range through hubs or mesh networks.