Step-by-Step Matter Setup Guide for Aqara and Shelly Devices

Table Of Contents

• Understanding Matter: What It Is and Why It Matters
• Before You Begin: Requirements and Compatibility
• Setting Up Matter for Aqara Devices
  • Updating Your Aqara Hub for Matter
  • Adding Aqara Devices to Your Matter Network
• Setting Up Matter for Shelly Devices
  • Updating Shelly Firmware for Matter
  • Adding Shelly Devices to Your Matter Network
• Choosing and Setting Up Your Matter Controller
• Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
• Conclusion

The smart home industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of Matter, a new standard that promises to revolutionize how our devices connect and communicate. If you've invested in Aqara or Shelly devices for your smart home ecosystem, you're in luck—both manufacturers are embracing Matter compatibility, opening the door to a more seamless, interoperable smart home experience.

Setting up Matter for your existing devices might seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, you can have your Aqara and Shelly devices running on this new protocol in no time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from preparing your devices to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can make the most of what Matter has to offer.

Whether you're a smart home enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the curve or simply wanting to improve the reliability and compatibility of your existing setup, this guide will provide you with everything you need to successfully implement Matter for your Aqara and Shelly devices. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your smart home.

Understanding Matter: What It Is and Why It Matters

Matter is an open-source connectivity standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly the Zigbee Alliance) in collaboration with tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. Unlike previous protocols that often restricted devices to specific ecosystems, Matter aims to create a universal language for smart home devices to communicate with each other, regardless of manufacturer.

The key benefits of Matter include:

• Simplified setup processes with consistent, platform-agnostic experiences
• Enhanced interoperability between different brands and ecosystems
• Local communication, reducing cloud dependence for faster response times and better privacy
• Improved reliability with less dependence on internet connectivity
• Future-proof investments in smart home technology

For Aqara and Shelly device owners, Matter compatibility means you'll be able to control your devices through any Matter-certified controller or app, regardless of whether it's Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings. This eliminates the frustration of device compatibility limitations and creates a more cohesive smart home experience.

Before You Begin: Requirements and Compatibility

Before diving into the Matter setup process, you'll need to ensure you have the necessary components and compatible devices. Here's what you'll need:

For Aqara Devices:

Not all Aqara devices support Matter directly. Instead, Matter support comes through compatible Aqara hubs. Currently, the following Aqara hubs support Matter:

• Aqara Hub M2
• Aqara Hub M1S
• Aqara Hub E1
• Aqara Camera Hub G3
• Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro

Your hub will need to be running the latest firmware that includes Matter support. Additionally, you'll need the Aqara Home app updated to the latest version.

For Shelly Devices:

Shelly's approach to Matter varies by device model. Some newer Shelly devices offer native Matter support, while others may require firmware updates. Compatible Shelly devices include:

• Shelly Plus series (Plus 1, Plus 1PM, Plus 2PM, etc.)
• Shelly Pro series
• Some Shelly 3rd generation devices

You'll need the Shelly Smart Control app updated to the latest version and your Shelly devices must be running the most recent firmware.

Additional Requirements:

For a complete Matter setup, you'll also need:

• A Matter controller (Apple Home hub, Google Nest device, Amazon Echo device, or Samsung SmartThings hub)
• A stable Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz)
• A smartphone or tablet with the latest version of your preferred smart home app
• Thread border router (optional, but recommended for enhanced connectivity)

Before proceeding, check the manufacturer's website for the most up-to-date compatibility information, as Matter support is continuously expanding to more devices.

Setting Up Matter for Aqara Devices

Aqara's implementation of Matter relies on their hubs acting as bridges between your Aqara devices and the Matter ecosystem. Let's walk through the process of setting up Matter for your Aqara devices.

Updating Your Aqara Hub for Matter

The first step is ensuring your Aqara hub is running the latest firmware with Matter support:

1. Open the Aqara Home app on your smartphone
2. Navigate to the "Devices" tab and select your hub
3. Tap on the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner
4. Scroll down to "Check for firmware update"
5. If an update is available, tap "Update" and wait for the process to complete (this may take several minutes)
6. Once updated, restart your hub by unplugging it for about 10 seconds, then plugging it back in

The firmware update process may vary slightly depending on your specific hub model, but the general steps remain the same. If you don't see a firmware update option, your hub may already be running the latest version or may not yet support Matter.

Adding Aqara Devices to Your Matter Network

Once your hub is updated, you can add your Aqara devices to your Matter network:

1. Open the Aqara Home app
2. Navigate to your hub's settings page
3. Look for a new option called "Matter" or "Third-party service integration"
4. Enable Matter integration
5. The app will generate a Matter QR code or pairing code
6. Open your preferred Matter controller app (Apple Home, Google Home, etc.)
7. Select the option to add a new device
8. Choose "Add Matter device" or a similar option
9. Scan the QR code generated by the Aqara app or manually enter the pairing code
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process

Once paired, your Aqara hub will appear in your Matter controller app. Depending on the specific implementation, either individual Aqara devices will appear as separate entities, or the hub will appear as a single device with all connected accessories grouped within it. You can now control these devices through any Matter-compatible app or voice assistant.

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Setting Up Matter for Shelly Devices

Shelly's approach to Matter is different from Aqara's. Rather than using a hub as a bridge, many newer Shelly devices can connect directly to your Matter network after a firmware update.

Updating Shelly Firmware for Matter

To prepare your Shelly devices for Matter:

1. Open the Shelly Smart Control app on your smartphone
2. Select the Shelly device you want to update
3. Tap on "Device Settings" or the gear icon
4. Select "Device Information" or "Firmware"
5. Tap "Check for Updates"
6. If an update with Matter support is available, select "Update" and wait for the process to complete
7. Once updated, the device will restart automatically

For some older Shelly devices, Matter support might require a more advanced firmware update process through the device's web interface. In such cases:

1. Find your Shelly device's IP address in the Shelly app
2. Enter this IP address in a web browser
3. Navigate to the firmware section
4. Check for and install any available updates

Adding Shelly Devices to Your Matter Network

After updating the firmware, you can add your Shelly device to your Matter network:

1. Open the Shelly Smart Control app
2. Select the updated Shelly device
3. Look for a new "Matter" option in the device settings
4. Enable Matter integration
5. The app will generate a Matter QR code or pairing code
6. Open your preferred Matter controller app
7. Select the option to add a new device
8. Choose "Add Matter device"
9. Scan the QR code or enter the pairing code manually
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup

Once paired, your Shelly device will appear in your Matter controller app as a new device. You can now control it through any Matter-compatible app or voice assistant, creating a more unified smart home experience.

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Choosing and Setting Up Your Matter Controller

A Matter controller is the central hub that manages your Matter devices. You have several options to choose from, depending on your existing smart home ecosystem:

Apple Home

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, you can use a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later) as your Matter controller. To set up:

1. Ensure your Apple Home hub is running the latest software
2. Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad
3. Tap the + icon to add a new accessory
4. Select "Add Accessory"
5. Choose "More Options" or "I Don't Have a Code"
6. Look for Matter-enabled devices in the list

Google Home

For Google Home users, a Google Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, or compatible Google speaker can serve as your Matter controller:

1. Make sure your Google Home device is running the latest firmware
2. Open the Google Home app
3. Tap the + icon in the top left
4. Select "Add device" then "New device"
5. Choose your home and look for the "Matter" option
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code or enter the pairing code

Amazon Alexa

Many newer Echo devices can act as Matter controllers:

1. Ensure your Echo device is updated to the latest software
2. Open the Alexa app
3. Tap "Devices" at the bottom
4. Tap the + icon in the top right
5. Select "Add Device"
6. Choose "Matter" from the list of options
7. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code or enter the pairing code

Samsung SmartThings

A SmartThings hub can also function as a Matter controller:

1. Make sure your SmartThings hub is updated
2. Open the SmartThings app
3. Tap the + icon
4. Select "Device"
5. Choose "Scan nearby" to find Matter devices
6. Or select "Add device manually" and look for the Matter option

You can have multiple Matter controllers in your home, and devices added to one controller can be shared with other controllers, creating a truly integrated experience across platforms.

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Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

If you encounter problems during the Matter setup process, try these solutions for common issues:

Device Not Appearing in Matter

If your Aqara or Shelly device doesn't appear in your Matter controller:

• Verify that your device firmware is fully updated with Matter support
• Ensure your Matter controller is running the latest software
• Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
• Restart both the device and the controller
• Try moving the devices closer together during setup

Connection Failures

If your device fails to connect to Matter:

• Make sure your Wi-Fi network is stable and working properly
• Check that you're using a 2.4GHz network (some Matter devices don't support 5GHz)
• Reset the device according to manufacturer instructions
• Try the setup process again from the beginning
• For Aqara: ensure the hub is properly connected before adding child devices

Limited Functionality

If your device connects but has limited functionality in Matter:

• Be aware that not all device features may be supported in Matter initially
• Check the manufacturer's documentation for specific feature support
• For advanced features, you may still need to use the manufacturer's native app
• Wait for future updates as Matter support expands over time

QR Code or Pairing Code Issues

If the Matter QR code or pairing code isn't working:

• Ensure adequate lighting when scanning QR codes
• Clean your camera lens
• Try manual code entry if scanning fails
• Generate a new pairing code if the current one expires

Remember that Matter is still a relatively new standard, and manufacturers are continuously improving their implementation. If you encounter persistent issues, check the manufacturer's support resources or community forums for the most up-to-date troubleshooting information.

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Conclusion

Setting up Matter for your Aqara and Shelly devices opens up a new world of possibilities for your smart home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transition your devices to this new standard and enjoy the benefits of improved interoperability, reliability, and user experience.

Remember that Matter is an evolving standard, and we can expect more devices and features to be supported over time. While the setup process might require some patience, especially during these early stages, the long-term benefits of a unified smart home ecosystem are well worth the effort.

By embracing Matter, you're future-proofing your smart home and ensuring that your devices can work together seamlessly, regardless of brand or ecosystem. This is especially valuable as you expand your smart home with new devices over time.

Whether you're controlling your devices through Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung SmartThings, Matter provides a consistent experience across platforms, putting you in control of how you interact with your smart home. No more juggling multiple apps or worrying about compatibility—with Matter, your smart home truly becomes an integrated, cohesive system.

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