Using Matter Over Thread on a V2 Hub

Devices & Integrations Connected Things
1

Is it possible to use a Matter Over Thread device on a SmartThings V2 hub? If so, is there anything special I need to know to add and manage devices in SmartThings or on the hub?

2

Yes, you can use Thread over Matter devices as long as you have another Thread Border Router such as ST V3/V4 hub, Amazon Echo, Apple TV, Apple iHome, Google or other TBR. You would add the device to one of those and then share the device with the V2 hub.

3

I found this online: Aqara Home(Hub M3), Apple: Apple TV 4K (3rd gen, 128 GB), Apple TV 4K (2nd gen), HomePod (2nd gen), HomePod mini | Samsung: Hub v3, Aeotec Hub v3, | Amazon: Echo (4th gen) | Google: Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wi-Fi Pr

Note the required hub generations. My question was for a Aqara device so the listed hubs/hardware may not work for all matter over thread devices.

4

Yes, I have a Hub V2 and a Nest Hub 2nd gen. I simply share Thread devices from the Google Home app via the Matter code to SmartThings.

5

The point is that you can use a different device as the thread border router, it doesn’t have to be the SmartThings hub. So you can use a V2 hub and add thread devices to your SmartThings account as long as you have yet another device to act as the thread border router. This is often a smart speaker because a number of the models from different brands now have a TBR built-in.

this is all covered in both the community FAQ and the official FAQ on Matter.

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

6

Are there any TBRs that connect physically directly to the hub maybe via the USB port to become part of the hub itself? I really don’t want to manage another device.

7

A SLZB-07MG24 is what you are looking for in physical form but I don’t think the USB port on the v2 hub is powered?

8

No, that’s just not available on the SmartThings platform. :anxious_face_with_sweat: The USB ports don’t work.

are you using any smart speakers from Amazon, Google, or Apple? Many of those models already have a TBR built in.

9

I am, but they are too old and don’t have a TBR.