Google Resolves Matter Device Offline Issue in Google Home App
Google has addressed an issue that caused Matter-connected devices to intermittently appear offline within the Google Home application. The company confirmed the resolution on January 23, stating that the problem had been rectified within the preceding 48 hours. Users who continue to experience issues have been advised to contact Google's support team.
Overview of the Incident
Users of the Google Home app reported that various smart home products, including light switches, outlets, power modules, bulbs, and some air purifiers, were displayed as offline.
Despite appearing offline in the app, many of these devices remained powered on, functional, and responsive to voice commands routed through Gemini (Google's AI assistant) and through their respective manufacturer's applications.
This indicated that the issue was primarily an interface or synchronization problem within the Google Home app rather than a complete failure of the devices themselves or their local network connectivity. Devices such as cameras, smart speakers, and displays were not widely reported as affected during this period.
Google's Response and Resolution
Google had previously acknowledged the connectivity problems, informing users that it was actively working on a solution. The company later confirmed the resolution, noting that intermittent connectivity issues affecting Matter-connected devices had been addressed.
Community discussions indicated that similar issues had appeared intermittently over several months, with some speculation suggesting a potential link to Google's ongoing transition from Google Assistant branding to Gemini.
Technical Context
Matter devices typically connect locally within a home network, often utilizing technologies such as Thread or Wi-Fi, with a compatible Nest display or speaker serving as a Matter controller. The Google Home application relies on cloud-state synchronization and controller discovery to accurately display the status of these devices.
Technical explanations suggested that the observed problems stemmed from a misalignment in the cloud-side registry or the controller's session with Google's services. This could cause devices to be reported as offline in the app even when the local controller could still access them.
User Guidance and Troubleshooting
For users who encountered the problem before its resolution, several temporary solutions were suggested, including using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or attempting to remove and re-add devices within the Google Home app.
Following Google's reported fix, users experiencing persistent issues were advised to attempt a soft reset cycle, which includes:
- Restarting the primary Nest Hub or speaker acting as the Matter controller.
- Power-cycling Thread border routers and Wi-Fi access points.
- Force-quitting and relaunching the Google Home app.
- Confirming that all Nest devices and the Google Home app had the latest firmware updates.
Removing and re-adding devices was generally recommended only if routine control remained broken after services had stabilized and other troubleshooting steps had been attempted. Users with continued problems after these steps were directed to contact Google's support channels.