How to Set Up Matter Devices: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
What you need, and the steps to add Matter smart home devices to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Samsung SmartThings.
Short answer
How do I set up a Matter device?
Power the device on, find its setup code (a QR code or 11-digit number on the device, a card in the box or the manual), open Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings and choose to add a Matter device, scan or type the code, then pick a room and a name.
A Matter device that uses Thread also needs a Thread border router in the home; a Wi-Fi device needs only your platform's Matter controller.
What You Need Before You Start
Requirements Checklist
- A device that supports Matter — look for the Matter logo on the box or check our product catalog
- A Matter controller — for example a HomePod or Apple TV, a Google Nest speaker or display, a Matter-compatible Amazon Echo, or a SmartThings hub. See which speakers and hubs are Matter controllers
- Wi-Fi network — Apple says some accessories don't work on 5 GHz networks, so keep a 2.4 GHz network available; Google also asks for IPv6 on your router
- A Thread border router (for Thread devices) — such as HomePod mini, HomePod (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K, Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Echo (4th Gen). See which devices include one
- Updated controller app — Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or SmartThings app on your phone
Sources: Apple Support: If you can’t add a smart home accessory to the Home app; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; Amazon developer documentation: Thread border routers on Echo and eero devices
General Matter Setup Process
Regardless of which platform you use, setting up a Matter device follows the same basic flow:
Step 1: Power on the device
Step 2: Find the setup code
Step 3: Open your smart home app
Step 4: Scan or enter the code
Step 5: Assign a room and name
Sources: Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; Apple iPhone User Guide: Set up accessories with Home on iPhone; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home; CSA: Matter FAQ
Platform-Specific Instructions
Apple Home (HomePod / Apple TV)
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Add button, then Add Accessory
- Scan the Matter code, or hold your iPhone near the accessory
- Already paired with another app? Tap More options and select the accessory
- Follow the onscreen instructions to finish setup
- Thread accessories need a Thread-enabled home hub such as Apple TV 4K, HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini, or another maker's Thread border router
Add a Matter device to Apple Home, step by step
Source: Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories
Google Home (Nest Hub / Nest Speaker)
- Set up a Matter-enabled hub for Google Home first, and turn on IPv6 in your Wi-Fi router
- Check for a pop-up notification on your phone and tap Scan QR code
- No pop-up? In the Google Home app, tap Add Device at the top right and scan the QR code
- If it will not scan, tap Add a different way
- Follow the in-app steps, then pick a room and a name
- Thread devices need a hub that is also a Thread border router: Google lists Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K)
Add a Matter device to Google Home, step by step
Sources: Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter
Amazon Alexa (Echo)
- In the Alexa app, go to Devices, tap +, then Add Device
- Find and tap Matter
- Tap Scan QR Code, or Try Numeric Code Instead to type the code
- Follow the app's steps to finish
- Thread devices need an Echo with a Thread border router, such as the Echo (4th Gen) or Echo Hub
Add a Matter device to Alexa, step by step
Sources: TP-Link: How to Set Up Matter Devices with Alexa, Google, Apple, and SmartThings; Amazon developer documentation: Thread border routers on Echo and eero devices
Samsung SmartThings
- Open the SmartThings app, tap Add (+) and choose Add Device
- Tap Scan and scan the Matter QR code, or choose to enter the setup code
- Select the hub and room for the device, and wait for it to connect
- Rename the device and tap Save
- Thread devices need a Matter controller with a Thread border router; Samsung names the latest SmartThings Hub and SmartThings Station among them
- SmartThings supports multi-admin, so you can share the device with other platforms
Add a Matter device to SmartThings, step by step
Sources: SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; SmartThings Blog: Everything you need to know about Matter
Step by step, from each platform's own help pages
- How to add a Matter device to Apple Home
- How to add a Matter device to Google Home
- How to add a Matter device to Alexa
- How to add a Matter device to SmartThings
- Where is the Matter setup code, and what if you lost it?
- How to use one Matter device with two apps (multi-admin)
- Matter device won’t pair: what to check
- How to factory reset a Matter device
Multi-Admin: Use One Device on Multiple Platforms
One of Matter's most useful 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
- Set up the device on your primary platform first (follow steps above)
- In your primary app, find the device settings and look for "Turn on pairing mode" or "Share device"
- The device will generate a new pairing code
- Open your second platform's app and add the device using the new code
- Repeat for additional platforms. There is a limit: Home Assistant says the standard asks each device to support at least 5 controllers ("fabrics"), and Samsung says a device can be connected to at most 5 services
Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Home Assistant documentation: Matter integration; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration
Thread vs. Wi-Fi: Which Protocol Is Your Device Using?
| Feature | Matter over Wi-Fi | Matter over Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Connects to your Wi-Fi router | Connects via Thread border router |
| Range | Limited by Wi-Fi coverage | A mesh that can reach spots Wi-Fi struggles to reach (Google) |
| Power | Battery-powered Wi-Fi devices do not last as long as Thread ones (Google) | Low-power mesh (Thread Group); battery-powered Thread devices last longer (Google) |
| Border Router Needed? | No | Yes (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.
Both carry the same Matter commands. Wi-Fi devices join your router and need no extra box. Thread devices form a low-power mesh and need a Thread border router; that suits battery devices. In our catalog, fans (36 of 56), locks (34 of 47), sensors (22 of 31), blinds (5 of 7) and remotes & buttons (3 of 5) mostly use Thread, while lighting (242 of 286), switches (62 of 72), plugs (47 of 54), robot vacuums (50 of 53) and thermostats (14 of 14) mostly use Wi-Fi (certified products with a US store link).
Sources: Thread Group: Thread benefits; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories
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 typing the numeric setup code 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 near the device; Apple suggests bringing an accessory closer to the router. For Thread devices, make sure your Thread border router is powered on and online.
Sources: Apple Support: If you can’t add a smart home accessory to the Home app; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration
Multi-admin pairing fails
A device can only join so many apps: Samsung says each device can be connected to at most 5 services. Make sure the device firmware is up to date, then try removing and re-adding the device on the second platform.
Sources: SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; Apple Support: If you can’t add a smart home accessory to the Home app
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hub for Matter?
You need a Matter controller, which acts as a hub. HomePod and Apple TV, Google Nest speakers and displays, Matter-compatible Amazon Echo devices and SmartThings hubs can all act as Matter controllers, so you may already have one. Thread devices also need a Thread border router.
Sources: Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration
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.
Sources: SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; Thread Group: FAQ
Do Matter devices need the cloud?
Not at home: the CSA calls Matter a local connectivity technology, and Google says Matter commands travel over your home network. To control devices when you are away, the CSA says you need an internet-connected controller, such as a smart speaker or hub, in the home.
Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter
How many Matter devices can I have?
The sources we read set no limit for a whole home. Two published figures: Matter 1.4.2 requires the Thread border routers built into certified home routers and access points to support at least 150 devices (CSA), and the Thread Group says Thread can connect more than 250 devices in one low-power mesh.
Sources: CSA: Matter 1.4.2; Thread Group: FAQ
Will my old smart home devices work with Matter?
Some will. The CSA says makers can add Matter with a software update to the device or to the bridge it connects to, depending on the hardware and on whether the maker offers one, and that Matter bridges let devices on other networks, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave, take part. Check with your device's maker.
Source: CSA: Matter FAQ
What Matter devices are available right now?
MatterCatalog lists 1,111 Matter products sold in the US, out of 2,745 catalog records (including reference records); 1,946 of the records have a CSA certificate matched to the record. Browse the catalog to find smart locks, lights, plugs, sensors, thermostats, and more.
Ready to Build Your Matter Smart Home?
Browse 1,111 Matter products sold in the US and check each one's certification and setup requirements.
See also: How to Set Up Matter Devices: The Complete Guide, the short step list from our blog.
Related guide: Getting Started with Matter, the beginner overview: what Matter is and which devices to buy first.