Gadronics IKEA’s new Matter-over-Thread smart home devices are facing widespread connectivity problems, with users reporting failures across Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Home Assistant. The company has acknowledged the issue and says it is working with partners to investigate.
The company’s latest push into affordable smart home technology appears to have hit a snag.
Customers who purchased the new Matter-over-Thread devices, launched at the end of 2025, have reported difficulty pairing products such as smart bulbs, plugs, sensors and buttons with their chosen ecosystems.
Complaints have surfaced on the Tradfri subreddit, IKEA’s own website, and in reviews from journalists including The Verge’s Jennifer Tuohy, who struggled to connect multiple devices despite repeated attempts.
The most common frustration is that devices either fail to appear during setup or disappear from networks after initial pairing. Tuohy reported that of six devices tested, only one Kajplats smart bulb and one Alpstuga IAQ monitor successfully connected, and even then, only after multiple failed attempts.
Other users have echoed similar experiences, with some citing failure rates of up to 50 per cent.
IKEA’s smart home product manager, David Granath, confirmed the company is aware of the problems and has assigned a dedicated team to investigate. He noted that IKEA is working closely with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance to identify causes and improve reliability.
While IKEA insists that many customers are enjoying seamless experiences, the volume of complaints suggests the rollout has been far from smooth.
The timing is particularly awkward given Matter’s promise of universal compatibility. The standard was designed to eliminate fragmentation by ensuring devices work across platforms without proprietary hubs.
IKEA’s decision to move away from Zigbee in favour of Matter-over-Thread was meant to simplify setup and broaden compatibility. However, early adopters are finding the opposite, with devices refusing to connect or dropping off networks unexpectedly.
Considering IKEA’s new smart home range, patience may be wise. Troubleshooting tips are available, including reminders that devices only remain in pairing mode for 15 minutes after being powered on, requiring manual reactivation if missed. Still, until IKEA delivers a fix, consumers risk frustration.
Smart home enthusiasts may want to explore alternatives in the meantime.
