Allow OpenThread and WiFi components simultaneously on ESP32-C6 (convert Error to Warning)

[estockda]

Component name

openthread

Link to component documentation on our website

https://esphome.io/components/openthread/

Describe the enhancement

Current behavior: Currently, the openthread component includes a strict validation check that prevents compilation if the wifi component is also present in the configuration. It raises a hard cv.Invalid error: "Component openthread cannot be used together with component wifi".

Desired Behavior: I would like this validation to be downgraded from an Error to a Warning, or alternatively, validatable via a configuration flag (e.g., allow_coexistence: true).

While I understand this check exists because simultaneous radio usage on single-radio chips (like the ESP32-C6) can cause network instability, a hard block prevents legitimate "Rescue Mode" architectures where WiFi is kept disabled by default and only enabled briefly for recovery operations.

Use cases

This enhancement is critical for single-radio Thread devices (like the ESP32-C6) that are installed in semi-permanent locations (e.g., behind wall switches or inside junction boxes).

I am building a Thread Router (FTD) using a Shelly EM Mini Gen 4. If the Thread network credentials change, or if a configuration error disconnects the device from the mesh, the device effectively becomes bricked until it can be re-flashed via UART.

While I can physically reach the device to press a button (e.g., by removing a wall plate), it's not as easy to remove the device entirely. Removing it requires shutting off the breaker, disconnecting high-voltage wiring, opening the device casing, and attaching UART probes to small test pads, etc.

I want to configure the device with WiFi disabled on boot so it runs purely on OpenThread during normal operation. However, I need the ability to manually trigger a "Rescue Mode" via the physical button. This would temporarily enable WiFi to allow for an OTA update or API access to fix the configuration, saving me from the time-consuming process of physical removal and UART flashing.

Anything else?

Relevant Hardware:

• Device: Shelly EM Mini Gen 4
• Chip: ESP32-C6 (RISC-V with 802.15.4 and 802.11 radios).

Example of the desired "Rescue Mode" configuration:

YAML:

esphome:

openthread:
  tlv: ...

wifi:
  ssid: "Rescue_AP"
  enable_on_boot: false

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: "Rescue Button"
    pin: GPIO1
    on_click:
      then:
        - logger.log: "Activating WiFi for OTA Recovery (5 mins)"
        - wifi.enable:
        - delay: 5min
        - logger.log: "Timeout: Disabling WiFi, returning to Thread-only mode"
        - wifi.disable:

[github-actions[bot]]

🏷️ I've automatically added the component: openthread label to help categorize this feature request.