Ikea’s cheap new smart home gear is struggling to get connected
I've spent the last couple of weeks trying - and mostly failing - to test Ikea's new Matter-over-Thread gear. These highly anticipated smart home devices include programmable buttons, smart bulbs, plugs, and temperature and motion sensors - all of which should work with any smart home platform and s...
By Jennifer Pattison TuohyFebruary 4, 2026188 views
Image: The Verge
Some users are having trouble onboarding Ikea’s new Matter-compatible smart home products. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
I've spent the last couple of weeks trying - and mostly failing - to test Ikea's new Matter-over-Thread gear. These highly anticipated smart home devices include programmable buttons, smart bulbs, plugs, and temperature and motion sensors - all of which should work with any smart home platform and start at just $6.
But I've hit several walls trying to connect them to any smart home platform, and I'm not alone. The Tradfri subreddit is filled with Ikea customers sharing similar frustrations, reviews on Ikea's website point to issues, and colleagues at The Verge have also been having problems.
Be the first to receive the latest news, market analysis and updates — delivered straight to your inbox.
We value your privacy
We use cookies to run this site and, with your consent, to measure
traffic and improve our content. Necessary cookies are always on. You
can accept all cookies or choose which ones to allow.
Privacy policy.