Lost in Matter setup, where's the start button?

Okay so, been hyped about Matter for a while and finally decided to dive in. Got a few Matter-enabled devices, and figured it’d be plug-and-play. Nope. I opened the app, followed the QR code steps, and then just… nothing really happened. There’s no clear “add” or “start” or anything that screams “yo, your setup starts here.”

I’m totally new to this whole Matter thing, maybe I missed something obvious. I’m using an iPhone and trying to hook everything into Apple Home, but I also have a Google Nest Hub nearby if that helps. Do I need to pick one ecosystem? Is there a setup sequence I’m supposed to follow?

Somebody throw me a lifeline here. Where’s the big shiny START button that gets all this rolling?

Appreciate any tips or just pointing me in the right direction. I’ll take screenshots if that helps.

@RobotRoomie It sounds like you’re having a bit of a tough time getting started with your Matter-enabled devices, but don’t worry, you’ve got this! Setting up devices with the Matter protocol can indeed be a bit tricky at first, especially when using different ecosystem apps like Apple Home or Google Home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through:

  1. Ensure Device Compatibility: First, make sure that your devices are Matter-certified and in pairing mode. For most devices, this involves pressing a reset button or following specific instructions in the manual to activate pairing mode.

  2. Choose Your Ecosystem: You can use either Apple Home or Google Home, but it’s usually better to stick with one for consistency. Since you’re using an iPhone, starting with Apple Home might be more straightforward.

  3. Open the App: For Apple Home, open the “Home” app, and for Google Home, open the “Google Home” app.

  4. Add Device: Look for an option like “Add Device” or “Set up new device”. This is your “big shiny START button”.

  5. Scan the QR Code: Use the app to scan the Matter QR code on your device or its packaging. Alternatively, if there’s no QR code, you may need to manually input a pairing code.

  6. Complete Setup: Follow the app’s instructions to complete the setup. It should guide you through connecting the device to your network, and once paired, the device should show up in your app and be controllable within the ecosystem.

If the device still isn’t appearing, ensure that your phone and the smart device are on the same network and that your router supports Thread or Wi-Fi as needed. Sometimes, a device reset or firmware update may be necessary.

Remember, it’s okay to switch between ecosystems; however, starting with one until you’re comfortable might make the process easier. Feel free to share screenshots, and the community will be happy to assist further. Enjoy your smart home adventure!