General steps. Menus differ slightly by app version and device, so follow the device maker's instructions where they differ.
Matter
A shared standard so devices from different brands work in the same app. Look for the Matter logo when buying.
- Confirm the device says Matter on the box. Thread-based devices (many sensors, locks and bulbs) also need a Thread border router: HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K (Thread model), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Echo (4th gen) and Home Assistant SkyConnect/Connect ZBT-1 setups can act as one.
- Power on the device and put it in pairing mode. For a new device this is automatic; for a used one, factory reset it following the maker's instructions (often holding a button for 5-10 seconds or power-cycling it a set number of times).
- Open the controller app you want to use (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or Home Assistant) and choose Add device / Add accessory. Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, since Matter pairing uses Bluetooth to hand your Wi-Fi or Thread credentials to the device.
- Scan the Matter QR code printed on the device, box or manual, or choose to enter the 11-digit setup code by hand. Keep the code: you need it again if you reset the device.
- Approve the prompt that says the device is not certified, if it appears (common for a few early devices), then wait for the app to finish. It can take up to a minute.
- To use one device in a second app (multi-admin): open the device in the first app, choose Turn on pairing mode / Share / Link to another app (the wording differs), copy the one-time code it shows, then choose Add device in the second app and enter that code. The code expires in a few minutes.
- Name the device, assign a room, test it from the app, then record it on this page with Matter as the connection.
Tip: Matter runs locally on your network, so many devices keep working if the internet drops. A Thread device needs a border router in range; if pairing fails, move the router closer first.
About Matter (Connectivity Standards Alliance) ↗Apple Home
Easiest if your household uses iPhones. A home hub is needed for remote access and for automations to run when you are away.
- Sign in to iCloud on your iPhone and turn on Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Home. Two-factor authentication must be on.
- Set up a home hub: an Apple TV or HomePod signed in to the same Apple Account, on your home Wi-Fi. Then open the Home app → ... menu → Home Settings and check that the hub shows as Connected.
- In the Home app tap +, then Add Accessory. Point the camera at the HomeKit or Matter code on the device (or tap More options and enter the code).
- When asked, choose a room and name, and allow any requested network access. Accessories that need a Wi-Fi network will ask to join your 2.4 GHz network.
- Invite others: Home Settings → Invite People, enter their Apple Account, and set whether they can edit. Turn on Notifications under each person's Home settings so safety alerts reach them.
- Create automations: Automation tab → + → pick a trigger (a sensor detects something, a person arrives or leaves, a time of day) → pick accessories and actions. For a leak sensor, use "A sensor detects something" → Leak and add a notification plus turning off a smart water valve.
- Check Home Settings → Software Update periodically, and record each accessory on this page with Apple Home as the hub.
Tip: Turn on Leak, Smoke and CO notifications for every family member and allow critical alerts, otherwise Focus modes can silence them.
Apple Home overview ↗Home Assistant
Free, local-first hub for people who want full control. More setup, far more flexibility.
- Pick an install method on the Installation page of the Home Assistant website. The simplest are Home Assistant Green or Yellow (ready-made), or Home Assistant OS on a Raspberry Pi 4/5 or a small PC. Use a wired Ethernet connection if you can.
- Flash or boot Home Assistant OS, power it on, then browse to http://homeassistant.local:8123 on the same network (first start can take 10-20 minutes).
- Create your admin account, name your home, set location, time zone and units, and choose whether to share analytics.
- Go to Settings → Devices & services. Discovered devices appear in a list to set up; otherwise choose Add integration and search for the brand.
- Install the Home Assistant Companion app on your phone, sign in, and allow notifications and location so you can get alerts and use presence in automations.
- For Matter: Settings → Devices & services → Add integration → Matter (it installs the Matter Server add-on). In the Companion app go to Settings → Devices & services → Add device → Add Matter device and scan the QR code. Thread devices also need a Thread border router.
- For Zigbee or Z-Wave: plug in a USB radio (keep it on a short USB extension away from the computer and Wi-Fi gear), then add the ZHA or Z-Wave integration and pair devices from the integration's Add device button.
- Build automations under Settings → Automations & scenes → Create automation. Start from a blueprint or a simple trigger (a leak sensor turns on) with an action (notify your phone and close the water valve).
- Set up backups under Settings → System → Backups before you add many devices, and copy them off the machine.
Tip: Do not expose Home Assistant to the internet by opening router ports. Use Home Assistant Cloud or a VPN for remote access.
Home Assistant installation guide ↗Electrical, gas and main-plumbing installs belong with licensed professionals.
