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How to use one Matter device with two apps (multi-admin)

Updated October 13, 2026 · Steps paraphrased from each platform's or maker's own help pages, linked beside each step. We have not tested these steps ourselves.

Short answer

How do I use one Matter device with Apple Home and Google Home (or Alexa)?

Set the device up in the first app, then use that app to create a new pairing code (or QR code) for it, and enter that code in the second app as you would add a new device. The code printed on the device works only for the first app.(Google: Matter setup; TP-Link sharing guide)

Each app needs its own Matter hub to control the device, and Samsung says one device can be connected to at most 5 services.(Google: Matter setup; Samsung SmartThings)

How multi-admin works

Matter’s multi-admin feature lets you add one device to several Matter apps and choose which apps can reach it.(CSA)

Google adds that you need one Matter hub for each app you want to control the device from, and that when one app changes the device (for example turns a light off), the other apps show the new state.(Google: Matter setup)

Samsung says a device can be connected to at most 5 services; Home Assistant says the standard asks devices to support at least 5.(Samsung SmartThings; Home Assistant)

Where each app creates the pairing code

App the device is already inWhere to create the codeCode valid for
Apple HomeThe accessory’s settings in the Home app: Turn On Pairing Mode, then Copy Code5 minutes (TP-Link)(TP-Link sharing guide)
Google HomeTouch and hold the device’s tile, open its settings, Linked Matter apps & services, Link apps & services; or Use pairing code / Share with QR code3 minutes for the pairing code (TP-Link)(Google: Matter setup; TP-Link sharing guide)
Amazon AlexaThe device’s Settings in the Alexa app: Other Assistants and Apps, then Add Another (an 11-digit code)15 minutes (TP-Link)(TP-Link sharing guide)
Samsung SmartThingsOpen the device, More (⋮), Share with other services, Share device (a QR code and a setup code)15 minutes (TP-Link)(Samsung SmartThings; TP-Link sharing guide)
Home AssistantSettings, Connectivity, Matter, Devices: select the device, then Share deviceNot stated(Home Assistant)

The expiry times are TP-Link’s, from its guide to sharing its own Matter devices; Apple, Google and Samsung do not state them on the pages we read.(TP-Link sharing guide)

Then add it in the second app

  1. Open the second app and start adding a new Matter device: in Apple Home, Add Accessory, then More options; in Google Home, Add Device; in Alexa, Devices, +, Add Device, Matter; in SmartThings, Add (+), Add Device.(Apple: add an accessory; Google: Matter setup; TP-Link setup guide; Samsung SmartThings)
  2. Enter the pairing code or scan the QR code you just created, keeping the first app’s code screen open until setup finishes.(Google: Matter setup; TP-Link troubleshooting)
  3. Finish the second app’s steps. The device now works in both apps.(Google: Matter setup)

Home Assistant can also take a device that is already in Apple Home or Google Home: in its Companion app choose Add device, then Yes. It’s already in use, and pick the app the device is in.(Home Assistant)

If sharing fails

Create one code at a time: TP-Link says that if you make pairing codes in several apps in a row, the later ones are invalid while the first is unused and unexpired. Keep the device, both hubs and your phone on the same local network, and update the device’s firmware.(TP-Link troubleshooting)

If the device already has 5 connections, remove it from one app first.(Samsung SmartThings)

See also: Matter device won’t pair: what to check

Frequently asked questions

Can one Matter device work with Apple Home and Google Home at the same time?

Yes. Matter’s multi-admin feature lets one device join several apps. Set it up in one app, create a pairing code there and enter it in the other. Each app needs its own Matter hub.

How many apps can control one Matter device?

Samsung says a Matter device can be connected to at most 5 services, and Home Assistant says the standard asks devices to support at least 5.

Can I reuse the code printed on the device for the second app?

No. TP-Link says the printed code only works for the first app; create a new pairing code in the app the device is already in.

Sources

The steps above are written in our own words from these pages. Menus and wording in the apps can change; when they differ, follow the app and the page linked here.