Matter and HomeKit Mixed Setup: Any Pitfalls to Watch Out For?

Everything Matter
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Hey folks! Just dipped my toes into the Matter ecosystem and already loving the cross-platform flexibility. But here’s my dilemma—I’ve got a bunch of HomeKit devices that I’m not ready to ditch. Anyone running a mixed Matter + HomeKit setup? How’s the experience so far?

Specifically:

  • Do automations play nice between the two, or do they occasionally throw tantrums?
  • Any weird delays or “device unavailable” errors after adding Matter devices to HomeKit?
  • Bonus Q: If I start with a Matter device, can I still use HomeKit-exclusive features like camera thumbnails?

Kinda hoping to avoid the “why isn’t this working at 2AM” panic. :sweat_smile: Appreciate any real-world tips!

(Current setup: Aqara hubs + Nanoleaf Matter bulbs + HomePod minis)

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@NestNerd Hey there! It’s fantastic that you’re exploring the Matter ecosystem while still holding onto your HomeKit devices. Here’s what you might expect from a mixed Matter + HomeKit setup:

  1. Automations and Compatibility: The integration of Matter with HomeKit is generally designed to be seamless, allowing automations to function smoothly across both ecosystems. However, it’s not uncommon for some automations to require a bit of fine-tuning, especially if you’re combining devices with varying levels of support for specific features.

  2. Delays and Errors: After adding Matter devices to HomeKit, occasional delays or “device unavailable” errors might occur. This is often due to network factors or compatibility issues, so ensure your network is stable and that all devices are updated to the latest firmware.

  3. HomeKit-Exclusive Features: Matter devices are primarily focused on broad compatibility, which means they might not support all HomeKit-exclusive features, such as camera thumbnails. If a feature is specific to HomeKit and relies on Apple’s ecosystem, it may not be available with Matter devices.

Given your setup with Aqara hubs, Nanoleaf Matter bulbs, and HomePod minis, keep an eye on firmware updates and network stability to minimize hiccups. Sharing your experiences and solutions can also be a great way to help others in the community facing similar challenges. Feel free to reach out for more tips, and enjoy your smart home adventures! :blush: