Matter dongle for AC, but no "setup sticker", just the sticker on the dongle. How to add to ST?

Devices & Integrations
1

I have two Midea U shaped window air conditioners. One is newer, has Matter over wifi, and I connected it to my ST, but in the add device stages, it needs a QR code on the side of the machine to complete the setup. That one works fine. So I decided for my older AC, to buy a Matter-enabling Midea US-SK109 second hand off ebay. It has a sticker on it with a QR code, but apparently this is not the same as the Matter setup QR that would’ve been on the side of the machine. I compare on my newer device, and sure enough, that newer one’s dongle has a different sort of QR on the dongle versus on the side of the machine.

Bottom line: is there some way for me to still add this dongle without have the Matter setup sticker from the side of the machine?

2

How does this subject connect to the ST? Reach out to a seller to request the manual or verify whether it’s a Matter stick or merely a WiFi stick.

A numeric or QR code belongs to the Matter security protocol, and I’m unaware of any alternative approach.

3

No. The QR/setup code is tied to the specific Matter accessory, so the label from your newer AC cannot be used for the older unit or its replacement dongle. Midea’s setup instructions specifically call for the Matter QR code on the AC itself.

Your realistic options are to check the old AC/manual/packaging for a Matter code or numeric setup code, add it first through the Midea SmartHome app and see if it offers a Matter-sharing/pairing code, or contact Midea for a replacement label/code. Otherwise, the used dongle may not be commissionable as Matter in SmartThings.