FAQ: What do I need to add a Matter device to the SmartThings app? Do I need a bridge router device?

[JDRoberts]

@Subramanian_Swaminat

@JDRoberts

Matter over WiFi devices must connect to your WiFi router,

Thanks for your detailed explanation by the way.

I have a limit of 28 devices in my router so matter seems to be a non-starter as I already have 28 devices. I have tried adding 1 more device but it doesn’t get paired regardless of whateve I try to do so I understood the limit was 28. So, should I have to buy a repeater if I need to accommodate matter over wifi devices?

WiFi as a protocol doesn’t use repeaters The way the mesh protocols like Zigbee, Z wave, and thread do, so you can’t increase the max by adding a repeater.

The number of available Wi-Fi slots is determined by two things: the limit of your specific Wi-Fi router model, and any limit that your Internet service provider may apply.

If your router has a hard maximum of 28, 28 is all you get. You would have to change to a different model of Wi-Fi router to get more. It’s one of the reasons that Zigbee and Zwave became so popular for lighting: they don’t require Wi-Fi slots.

Matter doesn’t change anything with regard to the number of Wi-Fi devices you can connect.