Connectivity on iOS

Some capabilities of the Home APIs for iOS vary depending on the state of network connectivity and the presence of a hub.

Table 1 and Table 2 indicate which use cases work under different conditions for different types of devices.

  • Local refers to a situation where a user is running a controller such as Google Home app (GHA) or a third-party app on the same Wi-Fi network as the device (in other words, when they're in their home).
  • Remote means that the user is either:
    • Running a controller such as GHA or a third-party app on a separate Wi-Fi network (in other words, when they're away from home), or
    • Using Google Home for web.
Table 1: Home APIs connectivity capabilities when the hub is ONLINE
Use Case Matter Device Type Cloud Device Type
Local Remote Local Remote
Commission and add device n/a n/a
Add device n/a n/a
View device state
Control device
Create automation with device
Run automation with device
View camera local media stream n/a n/a n/a
Table 2: Home APIs connectivity capabilities when the hub is OFFLINE
Use Case Matter Device Type Cloud Device Type
Local Remote Local Remote
Commission and add device n/a n/a
Add device n/a n/a
View device state
Control device
Create automation with device
Run automation with device
Assign device to different room
Remove device
View camera local media stream n/a n/a n/a

Troubleshooting

The following table enumerates how to address issues arising in various hub-related scenarios:

Table: Troubleshooting scenarios
Scenario Expected behavior Recommended User Action
Matter device state Hub state Device Control Automation
ONLINE-PEER or ONLINE-REMOTE ONLINE (only one valid state) No remediation action required.
ONLINE-DIRECT No hub Add a hub to the structure and ensure it's on the Wi-Fi network.
ONLINE-DIRECT ONLINE Configure the hub to use the same Wi-Fi network used by the phone. Alternatively, add a new hub to the structure and ensure it's on the Wi-Fi network.
ONLINE-DIRECT OFFLINE Ensure the hub is plugged in.
OFFLINE No hub
  • If the user is away from home, this is expected. Add a supported hub to the home to control devices remotely and set up automations.
  • If the user is home, ensure the device is plugged in and the phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Matter device.
OFFLINE ONLINE Ensure the device is plugged in.
OFFLINE OFFLINE Ensure the hub is plugged in.