Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most confusing aspects of smart home compatibility.
Do I actually need a smart home hub?
It depends on the devices you buy. If you only buy Wi-Fi devices, your router acts as the hub. However, if you want low-power devices (Zigbee/Z-Wave), faster response times, and local automations that work when the internet is down, a dedicated hub is required.
Why does Matter matter?
Matter is a new unifying standard. If a device has the Matter logo, it means it will work natively with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings out of the box, without needing special software bridges.
Can I mix Zigbee and Z-Wave devices?
Yes, provided your hub has radios for both (like a SmartThings hub or Hubitat). However, Zigbee devices will only extend the mesh for other Zigbee devices, and Z-Wave will only repeat for Z-Wave. They run on entirely separate network meshes.
Why are my smart bulbs always showing as 'offline'?
Usually, this means someone turned off the physical wall switch. Smart bulbs require constant power to maintain their network connection. To fix this, use smart switches with "smart bulb mode" instead of cutting the power, or put covers over your physical switches.
Is Thread the same as Matter?
No. Thread is a networking protocol (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). Matter is the language devices use over that network. A device can be Matter-over-Wi-Fi or Matter-over-Thread.
What is a Thread Border Router?
A Border Router bridges a Thread mesh network to your standard home Wi-Fi network. Common devices that act as Border Routers include the Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, Google Nest Hub (Gen 2), and Amazon Echo (4th Gen).