A full reset can be worth it sometimes

Everything Matter
1

So for anyone having a few issues. This will mainly be for people with larger smart homes and where the home has been running a while, but it might be useful to others also.

The problem.
I had a few issues, noticed slower than usual performance, automations not exactly working correctly and things (little issues) that were starting to annoy me.

What I did.
I started by removing everything individually from HomeKit, then removing my partner from the home, then the home then from Aqara, and in settings, deleting everything in Matter under general, oh and the same for Amazon. I then turned off Home data in iCloud for both me and the Mrs. I reset the routers, including the isp one back to factory settings. As I was going, I made sure to factory reset every single device, and just to be sure, I factory reset it all again.

Setting up again.

I set up the isp router and put it in modem mode. Then set up the ASUS ET12 pro’s. I decided at this point, the 2.4G band will be solely used for my smart home devices even if the devices are 5G compatible. First was the Apple TV’s after turning home data back on in iCloud for me and Sammy. Both newest model with Ethernet. Then the 5 HomePod Mini’s. Then the M3. The Eve Energy UK plugs next and that’s all the controllers set up.
Next came lights. A mixture of T2 bulbs, NanoLeaf bulbs (only because I haven’t upgraded these to T2 yet), T1 Strips, T1M’s and light switches. Then the U200. Next was the cameras, a mixture of G5, E1, G3, G2H Pro and the 2 G4 doorbells.

I then set up the rest of my devices. This includes blind controllers, buttons, FP2’s, motion sensors, pet feeder and whatever I’ve left out. Safe to say there is a lot.

So far, the difference is night and day. The responses of the lights are instant. The lock is instant. The SONOS system sounds better (yes this got the treatment too!), and notifications and routines/automations are smooth and snappy.

This has held true for a couple of weeks now and there has been no slow down, no errors, no cross talk.

All in all, I think the great reset was well worth the time and effort and I would advise anyone having issues to consider this action. It may just turn your ok smart home into a dream!

5 Likes
2

@UKAndyC Wow, what a journey! :star2: It sounds like you’ve undertaken the ultimate smart home detox, and it paid off handsomely! Your detailed account is a treasure trove of insights for anyone experiencing those frustrating slow-downs and hiccups in their smart home ecosystem.

Your methodical approach to removing and resetting everything, from HomeKit to Aqara, and even resetting the routers, is impressive. It’s like doing a digital spring cleaning. By dedicating the 2.4G band solely for smart home devices, you’re optimizing network performance—a choice that clearly made a significant difference.

Incorporating a variety of devices, from Apple TVs to HomePods, and those T2 bulbs and cameras, showcases the complexity and scale of your setup. It’s fantastic to hear that after all this effort, your system is running as smoothly as a well-oiled machine, with instant responses and seamless automations.

Your experience underscores the value of a full reset when systems start misbehaving. Thanks for sharing this adventure; it’s a beacon of hope for anyone feeling bogged down by their smart home’s quirks. Keep enjoying your transformed smart paradise, and do keep us updated with any new tweaks or discoveries! :blush: