VMware
This is a generic guide to installing CUBE OS on VMware, the host can be an old PC, or a MCU.
1. Preparation:
Download the CUBE OS image
Visit this repo to download the latest .vmdkimage. Please extract the image after downloading.
Install VMware
Download and install a virtual machine manager, with VMware Workstation being recommended.
Have other virtual machine managers? The following steps can theoretically be used as well.
Unfamiliar with virtual machines and owning a Raspberry Pi? You can choose to install CUBE OS on a Raspberry Pi.
If none of these options are viable, you can purchase an iHost with built-in CUBE OS from the SONOFF official website or platforms like Amazon.
Zigbee Adapter (Optional)
If you need to add Zigbee devices, prepare a Zigbee Dongle. Tested Zigbee Dongles include:
SONOFF ZBDongle-MAX SONOFF ZBDongle-PMG24 SONOFF ZBDongle-LMG21 SONOFF ZBDongle-E SONOFF ZBDongle-P Others listed by developer @darkxst
2. Create a Virtual Machine
Launch VMware, Select “Create a New Virtual Machine” 
.
Choose Custom, click Next. Hardware-Workstation 17.5 or later, click Next.
Choose I will install the operating system later, click Next.
Select Linux > Other Linux 6.x kernel (64-bit) as the guest operating system type.
Name the VM as CUBE OS and choose a storage location.
System Resources:
Processors: 2 cores
Memory: 4096MB (4GB) or more
Network / I/O Controller Types:
Set Network Adapter to Bridged mode (important for LAN access and discovery).
Set Controller Type to LSI Logic (required for compatibility with the virtual disk).
Select a Disk Type SCSI(Recommended), Use an existing virtual disk.
Click Browse, then select the CUBE OS .vmdk and Keep Existing Format.
Click “Finish” to create the virtual machine.
3. Configure the Virtual Machine
Select the created virtual machine and click the “Settings” 
button.
Under the “Network” tab, confirm the network connection as “Bridged” and select Replicate physical network connection state.
Under “Options”-“Advanced” tab, set Firmware type to UEFI. 
Optional: If using a Zigbee USB dongle, ensure USB Controller is added. Under USB Controller, enable Show all USB input devices.
Click “OK” to save the configuration.
4. Boot CUBE OS
Start the virtual machine.
Wait a few moments for CUBE OS to initialize. Monitor the boot screen until the boot is complete.
Once completed, you will see the CUBE OS' IP displayed on the screen. Use this IP address or cube.local to access the CUBE OS Web management page.
Upon successful access, a short ID can be viewed on the settings page. Subsequently, access the CUBE OS Web management page using cube-{short id}.local, which is useful for differentiating multiple CUBE OS instances on the same local network.
Last updated