Tips for a Matter and HomeKit-Compatible Network, Troubleshooting Local and Hub-Based Setup 

Recently, we have seen the release of many Wi-Fi devices supporting Hub-Based or Third-Party Control, such as through HomeKit Compatibility or Matter Certification.

 

As a result of everyone testing these features out, we are beginning to see an increase in the number of general hiccups users face during setup. Below you can find some of the features that come with Matter, and what you should to make sure that you can take advantage of these features.

 

Having Difficulties with a Matter or HomeKit Device? Leave a Comment Below!

 

Note: While similar, HomeKit and Matter are separate methods of communication – with HomeKit being developed by Apple, and Matter being an industry-wide technology for IoT devices.

Local Communication – Impact of Isolating Your Hub or IoT Network

Your Matter or HomeKit Hub has been Isolated or is on a different Wi-Fi network than the one your phone is using, or from the one that you are connecting the device to.

If your HomeKit (Pod, Mini, or other HomeKit compatible hub) or Matter Hub is on your IoT network or otherwise Isolated from your main network, you will need to move your hub to the main network or add it as a shared device in your router settings if available on your router. (For many, this has meant moving their Apple TV to their main network to actively communicate with other devices.)

Learn More About Device Isolation in our Article Regarding our Deco Mesh’s Device Isolation Feature

 

When a device is set to be isolated or otherwise cannot communicate with devices on your network, you will have difficulty connecting the device to your home network and sending commands from your hub. If you have an existing hub on your network and you set the hub to be isolated, your hub will disconnect from all devices connected to it.

 

Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) Setup for Initial Configuration

Many devices now use Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) connectivity to communicate information before it is connected to your Wi-Fi. Make sure that the Bluetooth feature is enabled on your phone and that proper permissions have been granted for the app.

 

Due to the use of Bluetooth, your devices must be closer together than if using Wi-Fi. Ensure that your phone is not located too far away from your smart device while going through the setup process, and is in the same room throughout the process. Avoid moving your device long distances while the device is communicating with your phone.

 

15 Minute Setup Time – The Default Setup Wi-Fi for HomeKit/Matter is No Longer Available:

This network will disappear 15 minutes after the device is powered on. If it has been longer than 15 minutes, please either re-plug or reset the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If setting up multiple devices, we recommend plugging them in and configuring them one by one to minimize both interference and confusion.

See the Full Lineup of Matter-Compatible Devices Here

 

For Matter and HomeKit Devices, we recommend setting the devices up in the Kasa or Tapo app after adding the device to the hub, as this allows your device to receive the latest firmware updates and default to normal operation in the case your hub becomes unavailable.

 

Matter Setup Tips and Troubleshooting:

If your setup fails, always try again. You may also consider using an alternate setup method, such as scanning the QR code, or manually entering the setup code.

1. If this is the first Matter device to be added to your network, it may take a few attempts to connect a Matter-certified device to the network. For Detailed Setup Instructions, see the FAQ: Matter Setup Guides for Alexa, Google, and Apple Home
2. Once plugged in, Both Matter and HomeKit devices can provide a prompt on your phone offering setup. You may consider using your phone’s onboard process as compared to following the steps in your Matter Controller’s App, as you will be asked if you would like to add the device to another app on your phone.
3. Matter devices may be configured and connected to multiple controllers – consider adding the device to both the Tapo/Kasa app and your Matter Controller’s ecosystem to take advantage of the multi-admin access.

 

Related Matter FAQs:

General Questions for Matter-Certified Devices

What did the Matter Setup of my Matter-Certified Device Fail? 

 

HomeKit Setup Tips and Troubleshooting:

1. First, try resetting the device and configuring the device manually through the Kasa App. Afterward, you may add your device to the Apple Home app.
2. For Matter Devices, it is recommended that you connect the device to the manufacturer’s platform (Tapo or Kasa), so as to apply any firmware updates that have been released.

 

Related HomeKit FAQs:

How to Set IP HomeKit-Compatible Devices in the Kasa App

What should I do if I fail to configure the HomeKit-Supported Kasa devices

How to Troubleshoot when a TP-Link HomeKit-enabled device fails to add to Apple’s Home App