Matter Smart Home FAQ

Matter is an open smart home standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). A Matter device uses Bluetooth Low Energy for setup and Wi-Fi, Thread or Ethernet to connect, and the CSA says most major smart home platforms support it: Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings all do. Each platform supports its own list of Matter device types, so check yours.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; Amazon developer documentation: Matter support on Echo devices; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). The CSA says Amazon, Apple, Comcast, Google, SmartThings and the CSA came together in 2019 to develop the standard, then called Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP).

Source: CSA: Project CHIP is now Matter

Project Connected Home over IP, or "Project CHIP". The CSA announced the new name, Matter, on May 11, 2021, and released the Matter 1.0 specification and opened certification on October 4, 2022.

Sources: CSA: Project CHIP is now Matter; CSA: Matter arrives (Matter 1.0)

No. Matter is the smart home standard that says how devices are described and controlled; Thread is one of the networks it runs over, alongside Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The Thread Group describes Thread as a low-power wireless mesh network built on IPv6. Think of Matter as the language and Thread or Wi-Fi as the road the messages travel on.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Thread Group: Thread benefits

The newest version on the CSA's specifications page is Matter 1.6.1, listed above Matter 1.6; the CSA has not announced Matter 1.6.1 or said what it changed. The latest release the CSA announced is Matter 1.6, released on June 17, 2026. Before it came Matter 1.5.1 (March 31, 2026) and Matter 1.5 (November 20, 2025). Our Matter versions explainer lists what each release added, with the CSA's announcements.

More: Matter versions explained

Sources: CSA: Specification Downloads; CSA: Matter 1.6; CSA: Matter 1.5.1; CSA: Matter 1.5

Yes. Apple says an iPhone on iOS 18 or later can add and control Matter accessories in the Home app without a home hub, but recommends a home hub for the best experience. Thread accessories need a Thread-enabled home hub such as HomePod (2nd generation), HomePod mini or a Thread-enabled Apple TV 4K (Apple lists the 2nd generation and the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model of the 3rd generation), or another maker's Thread border router. The Home app supports a listed set of Matter accessory types (air conditioners, bridges, lights, locks, outlets, switches, thermostats, blinds and shades, and sensors), so check that yours is one of them.

More: Add a Matter device to Apple Home

Sources: Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; Apple Support: If you see a ‘Thread Border Router Required’ or ‘Needs Thread Network’ alert on your iPhone or iPad

Yes, once you have a Matter-enabled hub for Google Home: Google says you need one before you can add Matter devices. Google's list includes Google Home and Nest speakers, Nest Hub displays, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) and Google TV Streamer (4K). For Thread devices you need a hub that is also a Thread border router: Google Home Speaker (2026), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E) or Google TV Streamer (4K). Google also asks for IPv6 on your home Wi-Fi router.

More: Add a Matter device to Google Home

Sources: Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home

Yes. Amazon says Matter-compatible Echo devices support "a subset of Matter 1.5 and lower device types". Matter devices that use Thread need an Echo with a built-in Thread border router, such as the Echo (4th Gen) and Echo Hub.

More: Add a Matter device to Alexa

Sources: Amazon developer documentation: Matter support on Echo devices; Amazon developer documentation: Thread border routers on Echo and eero devices

Yes, through the SmartThings app and a Matter controller. Samsung says Thread devices need a Matter controller that includes a Thread border router, and its SmartThings blog names the latest SmartThings Hub, SmartThings Station, Samsung TVs and Samsung Family Hub refrigerators as having one built in.

More: Add a Matter device to SmartThings

Sources: SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; SmartThings Blog: Everything you need to know about Matter

Yes. Matter's multi-admin feature lets you connect one device to several platforms and apps at once. Add the device in one app, create a pairing code for it there, and enter that code in the next app. There is a limit: Samsung says each device can be connected to 5 different services, and Home Assistant says the standard asks every device to support at least 5 "fabrics" (one per controller) at the same time.

More: Use one Matter device with two apps

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; Home Assistant documentation: Matter integration

Usually, yes: a Matter controller for your platform, often a smart speaker, display, streaming box or hub. Google says you need a Matter-enabled hub before you can add Matter devices to Google Home; Apple says an iPhone on iOS 18 or later can add Matter accessories without a home hub but recommends one. Thread devices also need a Thread border router. And to control Matter devices when you are away, the CSA says you need an internet-connected controller in the home.

Sources: Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; CSA: Matter FAQ

Some will. The CSA says makers can add Matter with a software update to the device, or in some cases to the bridge it is connected to, and that it depends on the device's hardware and on whether the maker chooses to offer an update. Check with your device's maker.

Source: CSA: Matter FAQ

Thread is a low-power, low-latency wireless mesh network for smart home devices, built on IPv6. The Thread Group says Thread networks have no single point of failure and can heal themselves, and that Thread devices do not need proprietary gateways.

Source: Thread Group: Thread benefits

It depends on the device. Google says battery-powered Thread devices last longer than battery-powered Wi-Fi devices, and that Thread's mesh can reach spots Wi-Fi struggles to reach. A Thread device needs a Thread border router; a Wi-Fi device joins your Wi-Fi network. Our catalog shows which network each certified product uses.

More: Matter Thread devices, Thread vs Wi-Fi Matter devices

Sources: Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration

It connects your Thread devices to the rest of your home network: Home Assistant describes it as a network device that connects a Thread mesh to other IP networks such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The Thread Group notes that a border router is a function, not a device, so speakers, displays, streaming boxes and hubs can include one. Apple lists the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model of the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini as Thread-enabled; Google, Amazon and Samsung publish their own lists.

More: Which devices are Thread border routers

Sources: Home Assistant documentation: Thread integration; Thread Group: FAQ; Apple Support: If you see a ‘Thread Border Router Required’ or ‘Needs Thread Network’ alert on your iPhone or iPad

One is enough to start. Matter 1.4.2 requires the Thread border routers built into certified home routers and access points to support at least 150 devices. You can add more: Home Assistant notes that, unlike other protocols, Thread can use several border routers in a single network.

Sources: CSA: Matter 1.4.2; Home Assistant documentation: Thread integration

At home, yes. The CSA calls Matter a local connectivity technology, and Google says Matter devices work over your home network without going through the cloud. To control them when you are away, the CSA says you need an internet-connected controller in the home.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter

MatterCatalog lists 2,748 catalog records: 1,115 products sold in the US, 1,159 reference records (no photo and no verified US store link), 406 products sold outside the US and 68 US listings we have not verified. 690 of the US products have a CSA certificate matched to their exact model and a verified US store link. The whole catalog is free to download as CSV or JSON. The CSA's own certified product database at csa-iot.org also covers products not sold in the US.

Source: MatterCatalog: our catalog (counts computed at each site build)

A certified Matter device can be added to any platform whose Matter controller supports its device type, without a separate hub from its maker. Of the 690 certified products we list with a US store link, 375 list Amazon Alexa, 359 Apple Home, 349 Google Home and 263 Samsung SmartThings. Each platform adds and runs devices through its own Matter controller, such as a HomePod or Apple TV, a Nest hub or an Echo (with iOS 18 or later, an iPhone can add Matter accessories without a home hub), and Thread devices also need a Thread border router.

Source: MatterCatalog: our catalog (counts computed at each site build)

Look for the Matter logo on the box: the CSA says only Matter-certified devices carry it, and Google tells you to check for it on the package. Then check the exact model: the CSA says every certified product in the market is listed in its Distributed Compliance Ledger. MatterCatalog product pages show a CSA certificate when we have matched one to the exact model.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home

Open your platform's app or the maker's app, choose to add a device, and scan the Matter QR code or type the numeric setup code; the CSA says setup uses those codes and Bluetooth Low Energy. Then follow the app's steps to pick a room and a name. Each platform's own steps are in our how-to guides.

More: How to set up Matter devices, Where is the Matter setup code?

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home

Yes. You can share it with another platform through multi-admin and keep both, or remove it from one platform and add it to another. Google suggests a factory reset after you remove a device you no longer use, and some features may still need the maker's app, which the CSA says can offer advanced settings.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home

There is no single Matter range: it depends on the network. A Wi-Fi device needs your Wi-Fi to reach it, and Apple suggests bringing an accessory closer to the router for setup. Thread devices form a mesh; Google says it can extend to cover your entire home, even spots Wi-Fi struggles to reach.

Sources: Apple Support: If you can’t add a smart home accessory to the Home app; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter

Yes, at home. The CSA calls Matter a local connectivity technology, and Google says Matter commands travel over your home network instead of the internet, which it says is faster and more secure. Control from away still needs an internet-connected controller in the home, and some features may use the platform's or maker's cloud.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter

Matter 1.0 (October 2022) covered lighting and electrical, HVAC controls, window coverings and shades, safety and security sensors, door locks, media devices including TVs, controllers and bridges. Later releases added robot vacuums, fans and air purifiers (1.2), EV chargers and appliances (1.3), solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and water heaters (1.4), and cameras, closures and soil sensors (1.5). A platform supports only some of these, so check yours.

More: Certified devices by Matter version

Sources: CSA: Matter arrives (Matter 1.0); CSA: Matter 1.2; CSA: Matter 1.3; CSA: Matter 1.4; CSA: Matter 1.5; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter

Yes, since Matter 1.5, which the CSA released on November 20, 2025: Matter cameras support live video and two-way audio, at home and remotely. Matter 1.5.1 (March 31, 2026) improved cameras and doorbells. A camera works across apps only when it is certified for the camera type and your platform supports Matter cameras, so check both for the exact model.

More: Matter cameras on the CSA ledger

Sources: CSA: Matter 1.5; CSA: Matter 1.5.1

Matter has covered TVs since Matter 1.0, as media devices. Some TVs are also Matter controllers or Thread border routers: Google lists select TVs among the hubs for Google Home, and Samsung names its TVs among the devices with a Thread border router built in. Check the TV maker's own page for what your model does.

Sources: CSA: Matter arrives (Matter 1.0); Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter; SmartThings Blog: Everything you need to know about Matter

Yes. Matter 1.2 (October 2023) added robot vacuums, with remote start, cleaning modes such as vacuuming or mopping, and status details such as charging and errors. Our robot vacuum list shows the certified models we list.

More: Matter robot vacuums

Source: CSA: Matter 1.2

Matter 1.5 (November 2025) added a closures model that covers garage doors, gates, shades, drapes and awnings. Products and platforms adopt it on their own schedules, so check the exact model and your platform.

Sources: CSA: Matter 1.5; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter

Apple's checklist: make sure the device is powered on and bring it closer to your router; keep your phone, your other accessories and your home hubs on the same Wi-Fi network (a 2.4 GHz one if the app says the network is incompatible); unplug and replug any bridges and home hubs; install the maker's latest firmware; and reset the device if the app says it was already added. Google adds that you may need to factory reset the device and set it up again.

More: Matter device won't pair: what to check

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

Yes, but each maker has its own steps: TP-Link says to hold a plug's power button for 10 seconds, and LIFX to switch the light off and on at the power source five times. Home Assistant warns that after a reset you need the QR code or numeric setup code to add the device again, so keep it.

More: How to reset a Matter device, by brand

Sources: TP-Link: How to Reset a Tapo or Kasa Smart Plug; LIFX Support: Hardware Resetting Your LIFX; Home Assistant documentation: Matter integration

Start with the checks Apple lists for a device that will not add: make sure it has power, unplug and replug your bridges and home hubs, check the Wi-Fi network, and update the device's firmware in its maker's app. For a Thread device, make sure your Thread border router is online. Google says some problems need a factory reset and a fresh setup.

Sources: Apple Support: If you can’t add a smart home accessory to the Home app; SmartThings Support: SmartThings x Matter Integration; Google Home Help: Set up, manage, and control Matter-enabled devices with Google Home

Each app needs its own access. Matter's multi-admin feature lets you choose which apps and platforms can use each device: create a pairing code in the app the device is already in, then add it in the other app with that code. In the Home app, Apple shows previously paired accessories under More options.

More: Use one Matter device with two apps

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Apple Support: Pair and manage your Matter accessories

Matter builds security in. The CSA says each Matter device has a unique identity, so only authentic, certified devices can join your network; data is encrypted; access controls limit each device to the operations it needs; and every Matter device carries a device attestation certificate that shows it is authentic and certified.

Source: CSA: Matter FAQ

Matter itself works locally, and the CSA says it limits what devices share to what they need. Your platform and the device's maker may still use their clouds for features like remote access and voice control, and the CSA notes that full privacy also depends on their protections.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Google Home Help: Prepare your smart home for Matter

No connected device is risk-free, but Matter is built to make it harder: devices are authenticated when they join, data is encrypted, and Matter devices can receive over-the-air updates with security patches. Install those updates when your app offers them.

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; CSA: Matter 1.2

The CSA announces new device types when a release ships. Recent ones added EV chargers and appliances (Matter 1.3, May 2024), solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and water heaters (Matter 1.4, November 2024), and cameras, closures and soil sensors (Matter 1.5, November 2025). Matter 1.6 (June 2026) focused on setup over NFC and sharing one Matter network between several controllers. Treat claims about future versions as unconfirmed until the CSA announces them.

Sources: CSA: Matter 1.3; CSA: Matter 1.4; CSA: Matter 1.5; CSA: Matter 1.6

Not directly. The CSA says there is no native interoperability between Matter and Zigbee devices; instead, Matter supports bridges that let Zigbee and Z-Wave devices take part in a Matter home, and the Z-Wave Alliance points to products that bridge Z-Wave with Matter. Your Zigbee and Z-Wave devices keep working with their hubs.

More: Matter vs Zigbee vs Z-Wave

Sources: CSA: Matter FAQ; Z-Wave Alliance: bridging Z-Wave and Matter

Yes. The CSA has kept releasing new versions since Matter 1.0 in October 2022. The latest it announced is Matter 1.6 (June 17, 2026), which added setup over NFC and a way for several controllers to share one Matter network, and its specifications page now also lists Matter 1.6.1.

Sources: CSA: Matter arrives (Matter 1.0); CSA: Matter 1.6; CSA: Specification Downloads