To get a GE smart switch to re-pair with a Smart Things hub, it’s important to be aware of several fine points. I’m including all major steps below. NOTE: The instructions below apply to my specific situation - yours may be different:
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I had an existing Z-wave home network using a 2013 Smart Things hub. All worked fine till the old hub got fried by an electrical surge. I replaced it with a 2018 (v3) Smart Things hub.
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As many have noted, you must first exclude your Z-wave switches and other devices from the old hub and include them with your new hub. For a paddle-type GE In-Wall Smart Switch (I expect a toggle-type switch works the same), this involves the following steps:
a. Install the new Smart Things hub and make sure it’s communicating with the Smart Things app on your phone. This can be tricky all by itself, but I’ll assume you’re seeing a steady green indicator on the hub and your phone app says the hub is connected.
b. Use the app to place the hub in “exclude” mode by tapping the SmartThings hub icon > 3 vertical dots in upper right corner > Z-Wave utilities > Z-Wave exclusion. This will open a “Z-Wave exclusion” page.
c. Tap the top or bottom paddle on the GE switch QUICKLY. This is critical - press the paddle and immediately release. Do not hold the paddle down.
d. A successful exclusion is shown on the app by “Success!” plus a check mark. If this doesn’t happen right away, wait a couple seconds and tap again (either top or bottom paddle). Several attempts may be needed.
e. Once the switch has been excluded, you can include it on the new hub. From the app’s home page, press “+” (upper right) > Device > Scan nearby. (You can also search for GE switches by name, but that’s not essential.)
f. Once you get the “Scan” page, tap either paddle on your GE smart switch QUICKLY (press and immediately release). If you don’t get a response right away (“Success” plus a check mark), wait a couple seconds and try again.
g. Once the switch has been successfully included, you can assign it to the correct room and otherwise configure it.
The above applies to GE switches only. Devices from other manufacturers have different exclude/include procedures - consult their instructions. Good luck!