SmartThings: Understanding Matter and Thread
Matter and Thread are newer smart home standards designed to make devices from different brands work together seamlessly. As a SmartThings user, you can already take advantage of these technologies.
What Is Matter?
Matter is a universal smart home protocol developed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and many other companies. A device with the Matter logo will work with SmartThings, Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home without needing brand-specific bridges or adapters. Matter uses your existing home network (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thread) to communicate.
What Is Thread?
Thread is a wireless mesh networking technology designed specifically for smart home devices. It provides reliable, low-latency connections even if one device in the mesh goes offline. Your SmartThings V3 hub or Aeotec hub includes a built-in Thread Border Router, so you are already ready to connect Thread-based Matter devices.
How to Add a Matter Device
- Make sure your hub firmware is up to date.
- Plug in or power on the Matter device.
- Open the SmartThings app and tap Add Device.
- Tap Scan QR Code and scan the Matter QR code on the device or its packaging.
- Select your SmartThings hub as the Matter controller when prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.
Multi-Admin: One Device, Multiple Platforms
One of Matter’s best features is multi-admin support. This means a single Matter device can be controlled from up to five different platforms simultaneously. For example, you could control the same smart light from both SmartThings and Apple Home.
⚠️ Important: Not all device types introduced in the latest Matter versions are supported by SmartThings yet. If a Matter device is not discovered, check the SmartThings compatibility list or contact Digital Lifestyles support.