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LIFX Matter Updates Are Here

LIFX Matter Updates Are Here

Note: Access to Matter Updates will be rolling out gradually from September 10th.

Why should I update my LIFX devices to Matter?

Updating your LIFX devices to Matter unlocks a smarter, more connected home. Matter is the new industry standard supported by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and many others, making it easier than ever to mix and match devices from different brands.

With Matter, your LIFX lights and switches can:

  • Work across ecosystems – Control your devices in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and more, without needing to choose just one.
  • Simplify setup – Pair devices quickly using a QR code, no extra apps or complicated steps required.
  • Run more reliably – Enjoy faster, more stable connections with less reliance on the cloud.
  • Stay secure – Matter includes the latest encryption standards to help keep your smart home safe.
  • Be future-ready – As more products adopt Matter, your LIFX devices will continue to fit right in.
  • Unlock local control for LIFX Switch – Responses are now near-instant, since actions no longer need to travel through the cloud before your lights react.
  • In short, updating to Matter makes your LIFX devices more flexible, faster, secure, and ready for the future of smart homes.

What LIFX products can be upgraded to Matter?

Matter firmware updates are now available for all existing LIFX devices that support it. Because Matter is more resource-intensive, some older device types are not compatible.

LCM3 Edition Only. To check if your model is an LCM3 Edition, access the Light Settings in the LIFX app and check the Firmware number. All LCM3 models have version numbers starting with v3. If the firmware version starts with v2, it will not support a Matter update.

Please note: There is a small batch of Smart Switches sold in Australia & New Zealand that will not support the update. If your switches are part of this batch, you will not see an update option in the app.

See the list of LIFX Matter upgradeable product IDs here:
https://support.lifx.com/hc/en-us/articles/33949801062167-Matter-compatible-device-list

Before updating to Matter, please read through the following:

Apple Home:

  • Apple HomeKit Decommissioning
    Updating LIFX devices to Matter will decommission their existing HomeKit integrations. You will need to manually reconnect each device and delete the old instances.
  • Home Hub Requirements
    If you have iOS 18, you can add and control LIFX via the Home app without a home hub. However, Apple recommends a home hub for away-from-home control and automations.
    See compatible hubs: https://support.apple.com/en-au/102557

Google Home:

LIFX devices will continue to work locally through the LIFX App without additional hardware. However, if you want to use Google’s Matter ecosystem, you will need a compatible Google Home Hub.
See compatible hubs: https://home.google.com/intl/en_au/get-inspired/matter-and-thread/

Amazon Alexa:

LIFX devices will continue to work locally through the LIFX App without additional hardware. However, if you want to use Amazon’s Matter ecosystem, you will need a compatible Echo device.
See compatible devices: https://www.amazon.com.au/b?ie=UTF8&node=7468113051

Samsung SmartThings:

LIFX devices work locally through the LIFX App. For SmartThings Matter support, a compatible controller is required.
See compatible controllers: https://support.smartthings.com/hc/en-us/articles/11219700390804-SmartThings-x-Matter-Integration

Update Instructions

The Matter update is available in the LIFX app. Please update to the latest version (4.73.0) first.

How to Update

  1. Open the LIFX app and tap the Settings cog.
  2. Tap Advanced Options.
  3. Select “Update to Matter”.
  4. Review the introduction information.
  5. Tick the checkbox and tap “Update to Matter”.
  6. Choose eligible devices and tap “Matterize”.
  7. The devices will update, reboot, and receive Matter credentials.
  8. After completion, you will see a QR code with options to save or email it.

After the Update

  • Matter-enabled devices stay in provisioning mode for 15 minutes after powering on.
  • You can factory reset and re-add using the QR code flow.
  • Devices can be shared with other ecosystems. LIFX Switches currently support Apple Home, SmartThings, and Home Assistant.
  • For LIFX Switches, the pairing window lasts 15 minutes. To reopen it, reboot the switch by holding all buttons for 5 seconds.

Additional Features for LIFX Switch

  • Backlight sync: Switch backlights now match the state of bound LIFX lights.
  • Improved button settings: The settings screen has been redesigned.
  • Optimized gestures: Holds now trigger after 0.5 seconds.
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