The LIFX Thread beta allows supported LIFX products to switch from Wi-Fi to Thread so we can test Thread performance across a wider range of real-world smart home networks.
If you’re participating in the beta, this article explains what you’ll need, how the switch works, and what to expect along the way.
Which LIFX products can use Thread?
Any LIFX product that originally released with Matter support on the box contains hardware capable of running either Wi-Fi or Thread.
Thread beta eligibility is different from older Matter upgrade eligibility. Firmware-generation rules used to determine whether older LIFX products can be upgraded to Matter should not be used to determine Thread beta compatibility.
Access to Thread is currently being provided through the beta program. If you’ve signed up and your products are eligible, you’ll receive instructions by email when access has been enabled.
What is Thread?
Thread is an IP-based mesh networking technology designed specifically for smart home and IoT devices.
Instead of communicating directly over Wi-Fi, Thread devices form a mesh network and connect to the rest of your home network through a Thread Border Router (TBR).
Thread is designed for:
- Low-latency communication
- Reliable transmission of small amounts of data
- Mesh networking between compatible devices
Most everyday LIFX functionality should behave similarly whether the device is using Wi-Fi or Thread.
Thread has considerably less bandwidth than Wi-Fi, so some operations take longer. In particular, firmware updates over Thread may take around 5–20 minutes per device.
What is a Thread Border Router?
A Thread Border Router connects your Thread network to the rest of your home network.
Thread Border Router functionality is built into many smart home devices, including some:
- Apple HomePod models
- Apple TV models
- Google Nest Hub models
- Other compatible smart home hubs and routers
You can have multiple Thread Border Routers in the same home.
The LIFX app includes tools to help identify Thread Border Routers on your network. For more detailed information about your Thread network, we also recommend the Thread Tools app.
What do I need before switching a LIFX device to Thread?
Before starting, make sure:
- Your Thread beta access has been enabled.
- You have a compatible Thread Border Router.
- Your LIFX app is up to date.
- You have access to the device’s Matter QR code or 11-digit Matter setup code.
We strongly recommend switching one device first and testing it before migrating additional devices.
How do I switch a LIFX device to Thread?
In the LIFX app, go to:
Settings → Switch to Thread
For most current-generation products, the Thread conversion includes a firmware update followed by Matter setup to recommission the device onto your Thread network.
You do not need to separately upgrade the device to Matter before using the Switch to Thread process if the product already shipped with Matter support.
During the process, you’ll need the device’s Matter QR code or 11-digit manual Matter setup code.
Once the switch is complete, the device will communicate using Thread rather than Wi-Fi.
Can I use Wi-Fi and Thread devices together?
Yes.
Your LIFX setup can contain a mixture of devices using Wi-Fi and Thread.
Each individual device uses either Wi-Fi or Thread at any one time, but supported devices can be switched between the two transports.
Moving a device to Thread is not permanent.
What happens to Apple Home, Google Home and other Matter integrations?
Switching a device to Thread involves recommissioning it.
As a result, existing smart home integrations may need to be set up again after the device has been moved to Thread.
Once recommissioned, the device should work through the LIFX app and supported Matter ecosystems in much the same way it did over Wi-Fi.
Why does my device have a strong Thread connection but still appear offline?
Thread connectivity, LIFX Cloud connectivity and Matter discovery are related, but they are not the same thing.
For example, a device may have a strong connection to your Thread mesh while still experiencing difficulty:
- Connecting to LIFX Cloud
- Completing Matter discovery
- Being added or shared with a Matter ecosystem such as Apple Home
A strong Thread signal therefore doesn’t necessarily mean every other part of the connection has completed successfully.
If you see this during the beta, please report it rather than assuming the device simply has weak Thread coverage.
What should I do if switching to Thread fails?
If you encounter an issue, note where in the process the failure occurs. For example:
- Firmware update
- Connecting to the Thread network
- Matter setup or discovery
- Connecting to LIFX Cloud
- Adding or sharing the device with Apple Home, Google Home or another Matter platform
Also make a note of any error message shown.
Where possible, avoid making repeated configuration changes before reporting an unusual beta issue, particularly if the device remains in a state that may be useful for diagnostics.
What information should I include when reporting a problem?
Detailed reports are extremely helpful during the beta.
Where possible, include:
- LIFX product/model
- Serial number of an affected device
- LIFX app version
- Device firmware version
- Thread Border Router being used
- Wi-Fi router details
- Whether other LIFX devices successfully switched to Thread
- The stage where the problem occurred
- Any error messages
- Screenshots where useful
You may also be asked to send diagnostics through the LIFX app.
How do I send feedback?
We want to know how your LIFX products perform on Thread, including both successful experiences and problems.
You can send active beta feedback to:
You can also share your experience through the LIFX subreddit.
We’ll also send periodic surveys during the beta to gather feedback from participants.