matter Catalog

How to Set Up Matter Devices: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Everything you need to know to add Matter smart home devices to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings — in under 5 minutes.

What You Need Before You Start

✅ Requirements Checklist

  • • A Matter-certified device — look for the Matter logo on the box or check our product catalog
  • • A Matter controller — Apple HomePod/Apple TV, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo (4th gen+), or SmartThings hub
  • • Wi-Fi network — 2.4 GHz required (most Matter devices don't support 5 GHz)
  • • A Thread border router (for Thread devices) — Apple HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K, Nest Hub Max, or similar
  • • Updated controller app — Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or SmartThings app on your phone

General Matter Setup Process

Regardless of which platform you use, setting up a Matter device follows the same basic flow:

1

Power on the device

Plug in or power on your new Matter device. Most devices enter pairing mode automatically when first powered on. If not, check the manual for how to enter pairing mode (usually holding a button for 5-10 seconds).
2

Find the setup code

Every Matter device has a unique setup code — an 11-digit number or a QR code. You'll find it on the device itself, on a card in the box, or in the device's manual. Keep this code safe — you'll need it for pairing.
3

Open your smart home app

Open Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or SmartThings on your phone. Navigate to "Add Device" and select "Matter" or "Scan QR Code."
4

Scan or enter the code

Scan the QR code on the device, or manually enter the 11-digit setup code. Your controller will discover the device over your local network.
5

Assign a room and name

Choose which room the device belongs to, give it a name (e.g., "Living Room Light"), and you're done. The device is now controllable from your app and via voice assistants.

Platform-Specific Instructions

🍎 Apple Home (HomePod / Apple TV)

  1. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad
  2. Tap the "+" button → "Add Accessory"
  3. Scan the Matter QR code (or tap "More Options" to enter code manually)
  4. Wait for the device to be discovered and paired
  5. Assign to a room and name the device
  6. If it's a Thread device, your HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K acts as the border router automatically

🏠 Google Home (Nest Hub / Nest Speaker)

  1. Open the Google Home app on your phone
  2. Tap "Devices" → "Add" → "New device"
  3. Select your home, then choose "Matter-enabled device"
  4. Scan the QR code or enter the setup code
  5. Follow prompts to assign a room and name
  6. Thread devices connect through your Nest Hub Max or Nest Wi-Fi Pro border router

📦 Amazon Alexa (Echo 4th Gen+)

  1. Open the Alexa app → "Devices" → "+" → "Add Device"
  2. Select "Matter" as the device type
  3. Scan the Matter QR code or enter the numeric code
  4. Alexa will discover and pair the device
  5. Assign to a room and create a name
  6. Echo 4th Gen and newer models support Matter over Wi-Fi; some support Thread

📱 Samsung SmartThings

  1. Open SmartThings app → "+" → "Device" → "Scan QR code"
  2. Scan the Matter QR code on the device
  3. SmartThings discovers the device and begins pairing
  4. Assign a room and name
  5. SmartThings Station and Aeotec Hub v3 act as Thread border routers
  6. SmartThings also supports multi-admin — share devices to other platforms

Multi-Admin: Use One Device on Multiple Platforms

One of Matter's killer features is multi-admin — the ability to control a single device from multiple platforms simultaneously. For example, you can have a smart lock paired to both Apple Home and Google Home.

How to Enable Multi-Admin

  1. Set up the device on your primary platform first (follow steps above)
  2. In your primary app, find the device settings and look for "Turn on pairing mode" or "Share device"
  3. The device will generate a new pairing code
  4. Open your second platform's app and add the device using the new code
  5. Repeat for additional platforms (Matter supports up to 5 controllers)

Thread vs. Wi-Fi: Which Protocol Is Your Device Using?

FeatureMatter over Wi-FiMatter over Thread
ConnectionConnects to your Wi-Fi routerConnects via Thread border router
RangeLimited by Wi-Fi coverageCreates a mesh network, extends range
PowerHigher power consumptionUltra low power — great for batteries
Best ForSmart plugs, cameras, hubsSensors, locks, switches, blinds
Border Router Needed?NoYes (HomePod Mini, Nest Hub, etc.)

Not sure which protocol your device uses? Check the product page in our catalog — we show protocol badges for every certified device.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device not found during pairing

Make sure the device is in pairing mode (usually indicated by a blinking LED). Ensure your phone and the device are on the same Wi-Fi network. For Thread devices, verify you have a border router nearby.

QR code not scanning

Try entering the 11-digit code manually instead. The code is printed on the device or included card. Make sure there's good lighting and the code isn't damaged.

"Accessory already paired" error

The device may still be paired to a previous controller. Factory reset the device (check the manual for instructions) and try again.

Device goes offline frequently

Check your Wi-Fi signal strength near the device. For Thread devices, ensure your border router is within range. Consider adding additional Thread border routers to extend the mesh network.

Multi-admin pairing fails

Some devices have a limit on the number of controllers. Ensure the device firmware is up to date. Try removing and re-adding the device on the secondary platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a hub for Matter?

You need a Matter controller, which acts as a hub. Apple HomePod, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo (4th gen+), and SmartThings hubs all work as Matter controllers. You likely already have one.

Can I use Matter devices without Wi-Fi?

Thread-based Matter devices communicate through a Thread mesh network and don't connect directly to Wi-Fi. However, you still need a border router (which connects to Wi-Fi) to control them from your phone or voice assistant.

Is Matter free to use?

Yes! Matter is an open standard. There are no subscription fees or cloud requirements. Your devices communicate locally on your home network.

How many Matter devices can I have?

Matter supports hundreds of devices on a single network. Thread mesh networks scale especially well — each Thread device strengthens the network for other devices.

Will my old smart home devices work with Matter?

Some manufacturers are releasing firmware updates to add Matter support to existing devices. Check with your device manufacturer. You can also use a Matter bridge (like the Philips Hue Bridge) to bring older devices into a Matter ecosystem.

What Matter devices are available right now?

There are over 2,800 CSA-certified Matter devices available. Browse our complete catalog to find smart locks, lights, plugs, sensors, thermostats, and more.

Ready to Build Your Matter Smart Home?

Browse 2,800+ certified devices and find the perfect products for your setup.

Browse All DevicesBuying Guides