Add Existing Matter Devices to Home Assistant

Use this guide to move Matter devices that are already paired to another controller (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, or a manufacturer app) into Home Assistant. You will collect each device’s pairing code, remove the device from its current app, factory reset it, and commission it into Home Assistant.

Before You Start

Confirm the following before you begin:

1. Your Matter and Thread setup is complete. See the Matter and Thread Protocol Setup guide.
2. The Home Assistant Companion App is installed on the phone you will use for commissioning.
3. You have access to the app that currently controls each device.

Step 1: Gather Matter Pairing Codes

Before making any changes:

1. Locate the Matter setup code for each device (a QR code or 11-digit number). Check:
   • the device itself (plug, bulb base, wall plate, and so on), and
   • the original packaging or quick-start guide.
2. Take a clear photo of each QR code.
3. Write down which device and room each code belongs to.

If the device is still connected in an app (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, or a manufacturer app):

1. Open the device settings.
2. Look for a Matter or Pair with another app section.
3. Save any additional pairing codes shown.

Step 2: Remove the Device from Its Existing App

For each device:

1. Open the app currently controlling it.
2. Find the device and open its settings.
3. Select Remove Accessory, Delete Device, or Remove from Home.
4. Confirm the removal.
5. Wait about 30 seconds for the system to fully release the device.

If you are unsure which app controls the device, you can skip this step and proceed to the reset step below.

Step 3: Factory Reset the Device

Reset each device to prepare it for pairing with Home Assistant. General guidelines:

• Smart plugs: hold the button for 5 to 15 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
• Light bulbs: toggle the power switch on and off multiple times (typically 5 to 10 times) until the bulb flashes.
• Wall switches: press and hold the main button or reset button until the LED flashes.
• Sensors and small devices: press and hold the small or pinhole button until the LED blinks.

After resetting, the device should show a blinking light indicating it is in pairing mode.

Step 4: Add the Device to Home Assistant

With the device in pairing mode:

1. Open Home Assistant.
2. Go to Settings > Devices & Services.
3. Select the Matter integration.
4. Click Add Device.
5. When prompted, scan the QR code using the Home Assistant mobile app, or enter the 11-digit pairing code manually.
6. Follow the prompts to confirm the device, assign it to a room or area, and give it a name.

For a detailed walkthrough of the commissioning flow, see the Pairing Matter Devices guide.

If Pairing Fails

If you receive an error (for example, already commissioned or already in use):

1. Factory reset the device again.
2. Ensure it has been removed from all previous apps.
3. Retry the pairing process in Home Assistant.

Step 5: Repeat for All Devices

Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for each Matter device:

• Use the pairing codes collected in Step 1.
• Ensure each device is in pairing mode before adding it.