Matter firmware updates are being rolled out gradually to eligible LIFX devices. Availability may vary by product, model and region.
Why should I update my LIFX devices to Matter?
Matter is a smart home standard supported by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and other major platforms.
Updating an eligible LIFX device to Matter can provide:
- Broader ecosystem support: Connect compatible devices to supported Matter platforms.
- Simpler setup: Add devices using Matter commissioning credentials and QR codes.
- Local control: Supported actions can run locally rather than relying entirely on the cloud.
- Improved responsiveness: Local Matter actions can respond faster than cloud-based actions.
- Security: Matter includes modern security and encryption standards.
- Cross-platform sharing: Compatible devices can be shared between supported Matter ecosystems.
For LIFX Switches, Matter also enables local button actions when the Switch and target devices are commissioned through Matter.
Which LIFX products can be upgraded to Matter?
Matter firmware updates are available for eligible versions of the following products:
- LIFX SuperColor Indoor Neon Flex
- LIFX Beam*
- LIFX Lightstrip*
- LIFX Smart Switches**
* LCM3 editions only. To check your model, open the device settings in the LIFX app and view the firmware version. LCM3 models have firmware versions beginning with v3. Devices with firmware versions beginning with v2 do not support the Matter update.
** A small batch of Smart Switches sold in Australia and New Zealand does not support the Matter update. If your Switch is part of this batch, the update option will not appear in the LIFX app.
See LIFX Matter Compatible Devices for the complete list of eligible product IDs.
Before updating to Matter
Updating to Matter changes how the device connects to some third-party ecosystems.
Read the information below before starting the update.
Apple Home
Existing HomeKit connection
When a LIFX device is updated to Matter, its existing legacy Apple HomeKit connection is decommissioned.
The previous HomeKit setup code printed on the product or packaging will no longer be used for that device.
The LIFX app will generate new Matter commissioning credentials, including a Matter QR code. Use these credentials to reconnect the device to Apple Home through Matter.
Save the new Matter QR code somewhere secure before leaving the update screen.
Apple home hub
Compatible Apple devices can be added and controlled through Apple Home.
A supported Apple home hub may be required for features such as remote access and automations. See Apple’s current Matter and home hub documentation for requirements.
Google Home
A compatible Google Matter controller may be required to add the device to Google Home through Matter.
The device can continue to be controlled through the LIFX app without adding it to Google Home.
See Google’s current Matter documentation for compatible controllers and setup requirements.
Amazon Alexa
A compatible Amazon Echo device may be required to add the device to Alexa through Matter.
The device can continue to be controlled through the LIFX app without adding it to Alexa.
See Amazon’s current Matter documentation for compatible Echo devices and setup requirements.
Samsung SmartThings
A compatible SmartThings controller may be required to add the device to SmartThings through Matter.
The device can continue to be controlled through the LIFX app without adding it to SmartThings.
See Samsung’s current Matter documentation for compatible controllers and setup requirements.
Before starting the update
Before updating:
- Update the LIFX app to the latest available version.
- Make sure your phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
- Confirm that the LIFX device is powered on, online and connected to your LIFX account.
- Keep the device powered throughout the update.
- Make sure you have access to any third-party ecosystems you intend to reconnect afterward.
- Allow enough time to complete the update and save the new Matter QR code.
Do not disconnect power while the firmware update is in progress.
How to update an eligible device to Matter
- Open the LIFX app.
- Tap the Settings cog.
- Tap Advanced Options.
- Select Update to Matter.
- Review the information about Matter and ecosystem compatibility.
- Confirm that you understand the changes, then tap Update to Matter.
- Select one or more eligible devices from your LIFX account.
- Tap Matterize.
- Wait while the selected devices update, reboot and generate Matter commissioning credentials.
- Once the update completes, save or email the Matter QR code shown in the app.
Do not close the LIFX app, interrupt power or reset the device while the update is in progress.
After the update
After the Matter update completes:
- The device will restart with Matter firmware.
- Its previous legacy HomeKit connection will no longer apply.
- New Matter commissioning credentials will be available.
- A 15-minute Matter commissioning window will open after the device starts.
- The device can be added to supported Matter ecosystems using its new Matter QR code or setup code.
- Compatible devices can be shared with additional Matter ecosystems after initial commissioning.
Save the Matter QR code even if you do not plan to add the device to another platform immediately.
LIFX Switches
Matter-enabled LIFX Switches running firmware 4.100 or later no longer use the previous green-flashing Setup Mode.
After a factory reset, the Switch uses the standard Matter commissioning process.
Reopen the Matter commissioning window
The Matter commissioning window remains open for 15 minutes after the Switch starts.
If the window expires:
- Press and hold all buttons.
- Continue holding until the status LED turns blue, approximately 5 seconds.
- Release all buttons immediately.
- Allow the Switch to reboot.
Rebooting reopens the Matter commissioning window for another 15 minutes without removing the Switch’s current configuration.
Factory reset a Matter-enabled Switch
A factory reset removes the Switch’s locally stored configuration and requires it to be onboarded and commissioned again.
For the complete reboot, factory-reset and cancellation sequence, see:
Troubleshooting LIFX Switch: Matter Firmware 4.100 and Later
Do not use legacy instructions that tell you to wait for a flashing green Setup Mode indication. Those instructions apply only to Switches using legacy non-Matter firmware.
Additional Matter features for LIFX Switch
Matter firmware adds or changes several Switch features:
- Local Matter actions: Compatible button actions can run locally through Matter.
- Backlight sync: Switch backlights can reflect the state of bound LIFX lights. This feature requires a LIFX Cloud connection.
- Updated button settings: The button configuration screen includes separate Matter, cloud and no-action options.
- Updated gestures: Button gesture timing and behaviour have been optimised.
Cloud Actions still require both the Switch and the target LIFX device to be online and connected to the LIFX Cloud.
Important information about downgrading
Updating a compatible LIFX device to Matter changes its firmware and commissioning credentials.
The device cannot be returned to its previous legacy HomeKit commissioning process through a standard reset.
A factory reset removes local configuration but does not downgrade the firmware.
Troubleshooting
If the Matter update does not appear:
- Confirm that the product model supports the Matter update.
- Confirm that the device is online and connected to your LIFX account.
- Update the LIFX app.
- Check whether the update is currently available for your product and region.
- Confirm that the device is not part of an unsupported Switch hardware batch.
If the update fails:
- Keep the device powered.
- Reopen the LIFX app and check whether the device has returned online.
- Do not repeatedly reset or power-cycle the device while an update may still be completing.
- Contact LIFX Support if the device remains unavailable.
If a Matter-enabled Switch will not recommission, follow Troubleshooting LIFX Switch: Matter Firmware 4.100 and Later and make sure you release the buttons at the correct point in the reset sequence.