IKEA devices in Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa: which ones work without the DIRIGERA hub

New Matter-compatible models

Matter-compatible products include KAJPLATS bulbs, BILRESA remotes, MYGGSPRAY, MYGGBETT and TIMMERFLOTTE sensors, and GRILLPLATS smart sockets. These can be added directly to another compatible smart home system, without going through the DIRIGERA hub.

Some of them, such as KAJPLATS and BILRESA, connect via the Thread protocol. They need a border router in the home network, for example a HomePod mini or an Apple TV 4K. According to the guide, iPhone 15 Pro and newer models with Thread support can communicate with them locally without a separate router. Remote control and automations, however, require a home hub.

Older Zigbee devices

Older TRADFRI bulbs, and earlier IKEA sensors, remotes, sockets and blinds that work over Zigbee, still need the DIRIGERA hub. Setup starts by adding them to the hub in the IKEA Home smart app, and only then can they be shared with the chosen system. In Google Home you search for IKEA Home smart among the integrations, and in Alexa you look for it under Skills & Games. The authors note that working with other manufacturers' Zigbee hubs is not fully guaranteed.

How to add a Matter device

In Apple Home, you choose the option to add an accessory, then scan the Matter code on the device or enter it manually. In Google Home, you start the Matter device setup in a similar way. During the first connection Google Home uses Bluetooth, so it needs to be switched on in your phone. In Alexa, choose to add a Matter device in the devices section and scan the code again or type it in.

One device in several systems

The Matter standard lets you use the same device in several smart home systems at once. You do not need to scan the code again. Instead, in the app where the device already works, choose to share it with another system. The app can either pass the device across directly or generate a temporary pairing code.

What this means for people living in the UK

The article does not say whether the models mentioned are sold in UK IKEA stores or what they cost in pounds. The steps described apply to the Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa apps, and the text gives no separate instructions for the UK market. Before buying, it is worth checking whether a specific model supports Matter, as that determines whether the DIRIGERA hub will be needed.