IKEA's Matter-over-Thread Devices Encounter Connectivity Troubles
IKEA's recently launched Matter-over-Thread smart home devices are reportedly encountering connectivity issues among some customers. These devices, which include programmable buttons, smart bulbs, plugs, and sensors, represent IKEA's initial foray into the Matter-over-Thread protocol. The company has acknowledged the reported problems and stated that a dedicated team is reviewing concerns in collaboration with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).
Reported Connectivity Issues
Customers have reported difficulties connecting the new devices to various smart home platforms. Complaints have appeared on online forums, in product reviews on IKEA's website, and from technology reviewers.
Specific Reported Problems:- Difficulties pairing devices such as smart bulbs and sensors with platforms like Apple Home and Home Assistant.
- A reviewer attempting to connect six devices successfully onboarded one Kajplats smart lightbulb to Apple Home after multiple attempts and one Alpstuga IAQ monitor to Home Assistant. Other devices, including a Bilresa smart button, initially connected to Amazon Alexa before losing connection and failing to re-pair. A Timmerflotte temperature sensor and Myggspray motion sensor reportedly did not connect to any platform, including IKEA's own Dirigera hub.
- The Bilresa smart button has also been reported to have compatibility issues with Google Home, with users noting difficulties connecting, failing to appear in automation flows, and experiencing delays even after successful pairing.
- Some users have reported issues with devices losing connection after initial pairing.
- One Reddit user reported a 52% success rate when attempting to pair 60 Bilresa buttons.
- The IKEA Dirigera hub has also presented setup difficulties with Google Home for some users.
The volume of these reports suggests the challenges may extend beyond individual network setups.
Technology Transition and Context
These devices are IKEA's first products utilizing the Matter-over-Thread protocol, marking a shift from their previous Zigbee protocol.
Matter is designed to allow smart home devices to connect directly to major platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings without requiring a specific hub or cloud connection, and it is also intended to support multi-admin functionality.
The rollout of new technologies often presents challenges, and the Thread network infrastructure is noted for its complexity, partly due to ongoing interoperability challenges among Thread border routers.
IKEA's Response
David Granath, IKEA's range manager for smart home, acknowledged that connection issues have been experienced in "certain home environments."
"IKEA is taking the matter seriously and has a dedicated team reviewing concerns."
This team is collaborating with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) to identify and resolve the problems. The company has stated that while some customers are experiencing issues, most products are working seamlessly.