Smart home gadgets promise convenience, but without a common language they often end up isolated in their own apps. A smart home hub can bridge that gap, and the industry-backed Matter standard is reshaping what hubs do. Instead of locking you into one brand, Matter-certified hubs let devices from different companies work together over your local network, often without relying on the cloud.

Short version: A Matter-compatible hub acts as a local coordinator for smart devices, enabling faster responses and cross-platform control. You need one if you want to use Thread accessories or manage devices when you’re away from home.

What is Matter and why does it matter?

According to the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Matter is an IP-based connectivity protocol built on proven technologies. It is designed to make smart home devices secure, reliable, and seamless to use. The Alliance describes Matter as a seal of approval that devices will work together, regardless of the brand. By using Internet Protocol (IP), Matter enables communication across devices, mobile apps, and cloud services, and it defines a specific set of IP-based networking technologies for device certification.

The first specification of Matter runs on Wi-Fi and Thread network layers and uses Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning. This means a Matter device can be added to your home network quickly, often by scanning a QR code. The Alliance emphasizes that Matter creates more connections between objects, simplifies development for manufacturers, and increases compatibility for consumers. For anyone building a smart home, this standard removes much of the guesswork about whether a new light bulb, lock, or sensor will play nicely with the gear you already own.

What does a smart home hub actually do?

In a Matter-based smart home, the hub (sometimes called a Matter controller) is the device that adds and manages your accessories. Google’s setup guide explains that before you can add Matter-enabled devices to Google Home, you need a Matter-enabled hub device set up on your home wireless network. This hub lets you add devices, control them locally instead of over the internet, and manage them remotely when you’re away.

Apple’s support documentation notes that with an iPhone running iOS 18 or later, you can add Matter accessories to the Home app without a home hub. However, for the best experience, Apple still recommends setting up a home hub to add supported Matter and Thread-based accessories. Thread-based accessories specifically require a Thread-enabled home hub or a compatible third-party Thread border router; Apple’s page lists which of its devices qualify.

Google’s help pages list several types of devices that can work as a hub for Google Home. The list spans smart speakers, smart displays, Wi-Fi routers and streaming devices; check Google’s page for the current models. Some of these hubs only support Matter over Wi-Fi, while others also include a Thread border router to connect Thread-based devices. A Thread border router creates a dedicated wireless mesh network that can extend range and improve reliability, especially for battery-powered sensors.

The core job of a hub is to keep commands local. Google explains that without Matter, a voice command to turn on a smart light might travel from your speaker to a cloud service, then to the light manufacturer’s cloud, and finally back to your home. With Matter, the command goes directly from the hub to the light over your home Wi-Fi or Thread network. This makes actions feel faster and keeps your data inside your home.

Preparing your home for Matter

Google’s preparation guide stresses one requirement that is easy to overlook: IPv6 must be enabled on your home wireless network. Matter relies on IPv6 for secure communication, simplified network management, and seamless bridging between Thread and Wi-Fi devices. Without IPv6, setup might appear to succeed at first, but control and other functions can later fail. Google advises checking your router’s manual or contacting your internet service provider to confirm IPv6 support.

Beyond the network, you need a Matter-enabled hub and, of course, Matter-certified devices. Look for the Matter logo on packaging or product websites. Google also recommends checking for connectivity logos that show whether a device uses Wi-Fi or Thread. The Matter standard supports a growing list of device types. Google Home, for example, has expanded support with Matter 1.2 to include appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, robot vacuums with mopping, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, air quality sensors, and air purifiers.

Pairing and managing Matter accessories

Setting up a Matter device is designed to be straightforward. Google’s instructions say to make sure the device is plugged in or fully charged, then put it in pairing mode. A pop-up notification may appear on your phone; tapping it lets you scan the device’s QR code. If no notification appears, you can open the Google Home app, tap Add Device, and scan the code manually. Once connected, you assign the device to a room and give it a name. You can also set up the device in the manufacturer’s app and later share it with Google Home using the Matter Multi-Admin feature.

Apple’s support page describes a similar flow. Open the Home app, tap Add Accessory, and either scan a code or hold your iPhone near the accessory. If the accessory was previously paired with another app, you can select it from a list of nearby Matter accessories. Apple notes that paired Matter accessories sync using iCloud Keychain with end-to-end encryption, so you can view all your paired accessories in one place under Settings > General > Matter Accessories.

The Multi-Admin feature, highlighted by both Google and Apple, is a key benefit of Matter. It lets you control the same device from multiple Matter-certified apps simultaneously. Google explains that you can share a device from the Google Home app to another platform by generating a pairing code or QR code, then adding it in the secondary app. Apple similarly states that you can add a previously paired accessory to a third-party app that supports Matter by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This means one person can use Google Home while another uses Apple Home, and both can control the same lights or locks.

When you are at home, commands to Matter devices are carried out locally over your Wi-Fi or Thread network. When you are away, Google explains that the command goes through the cloud to your hub, which then verifies the request and sends it to the device locally. Apple’s approach with a home hub works similarly, keeping remote access secure.

Keeping your smart home secure

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advises that all internet-connected devices introduce risks, but you can reduce them with a few habits. CISA recommends evaluating your security settings, ensuring your software is up to date, connecting carefully, and using strong passwords. Many smart devices come with default passwords that are easily found online, so changing them is essential. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) echoes this, warning that a device is not secure if a criminal can guess its password.

The NCSC also suggests turning on two-step verification (2SV) whenever it is offered, and switching off remote access if you don’t need to control the device away from home. Installing updates promptly is critical: manufacturers release patches to fix security issues, and ignoring them can leave your device vulnerable. The NCSC points to a UK law that, from April 2024, requires smart devices to meet basic cyber security requirements, including stating a product support end date and not shipping with default passwords. Think of the support date as a “use by” date; after it ends, the device may no longer receive security fixes.

If something goes wrong, both CISA and NCSC recommend visiting the manufacturer’s website for guidance. If you suspect someone has taken control of a device, perform a factory reset using the manufacturer’s instructions. Before selling or giving away a smart device, always factory reset it to remove your personal data.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a hub for every Matter device?

No. One Matter-enabled hub can manage many devices across your home. Google’s documentation explains that the hub adds and controls Matter devices locally, and you only need additional hubs if you want to use multiple smart home platforms (for example, one hub for Google Home and another for Apple Home) to take advantage of Multi-Admin.

Can I use Matter devices with multiple voice assistants?

Yes. The Matter Multi-Admin feature, described by both Google and Apple, lets you share a device with different Matter-certified apps. This means you can control the same light with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, as long as each platform has its own compatible hub and the device is shared properly.

What if my router doesn’t support IPv6?

Google’s Matter preparation guide states that IPv6 is required for Matter to work properly. If your router does not support IPv6, you may need to upgrade your router or check with your internet service provider. Some Matter devices might still function on IPv4, but full compatibility and reliable communication across Thread and Wi-Fi networks depend on IPv6.

For more help choosing and setting up a hub that fits your home, browse our Smart Home Hubs category. You can also explore our Smart Home section and the Smart Home for Beginners guide to get started with your first devices. If you run into pairing trouble, our Gadget Troubleshooting Basics article walks through common fixes, and our Gadget Compatibility Guide explains how Matter fits alongside other standards.

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