How to Recover a Lost Matter Pairing Code

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Locate the physical device label

   Examine the device housing, underside, or battery compartment for a permanent sticker. Matter devices are required to display a numerical setup code or a QR code in these locations, even if the packaging is discarded.

   Note: If the sticker is worn, use a high-resolution camera to capture the QR code for easier scanning.
2. 2 min

   Check the manufacturer mobile application

   Launch the device manufacturer's native application on your smartphone. Navigate to Device Settings and look for a menu labeled 'Matter Pairing', 'Integration Info', or 'Setup Code' to reveal the pairing digits.

   Note: Ensure your phone is on the same local network as the device for proper communication.
3. 1 min

   View pairing info in your controller app

   If the device is currently paired to another ecosystem, open that controller app (e.g., Apple Home, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings). Navigate to the device tile, select the 'i' or 'Settings' icon, and tap 'Matter Pairing Code' to generate a temporary setup code.

   Note: Most controllers provide a 15-minute window for the pairing code to remain active after generation.
4. 1 min

   Use NFC tag reading

   Many modern Matter-certified devices include an internal NFC chip for touch-to-pair functionality. Bring your smartphone within 1cm of the device casing; if an NFC tag is present, your device will automatically prompt you to open the Matter setup interface.

   Note: Ensure NFC is enabled in your phone's system settings before attempting.
5. 2 min

   Perform a factory reset as a last resort

   If no code is recoverable, perform a hardware factory reset as specified in your device manual. Upon re-powering, some devices will broadcast the pairing information to your mobile device's Bluetooth discovery scanner without requiring manual entry.

   Note: Factory resetting will remove the device from all existing smart home ecosystems.