Matter Beta Rollout For Aqara M2 Begins

Aqara today announced the rollout – in beta form – of an update to add Matter compatibility to their M2 hub. The newest firmware – v4.0.0 – is only for the M2, and as it’s in beta form at present, it’s advisable to think twice before updating, which is a given for any beta updates. What you do get is the hub becoming Matter compatible, which in turn exposes all supported devices to then, in turn, be exposed to Matter – which includes compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and of course Apple HomeKit. As the international models are already compatible with at least three of these four platforms, for many it won’t make too much sense to update at this time, but if you’re feeling adventurous….

This update is initially only for international models of the M2, so if you have a Chinese model, then you won’t be able to update, at least not initially. This will also initially be limited to M2 hubs manufactured in 2022, with an estimated lead time for the updates to propagate in the next 4 to 6 weeks fully.

To activate Matter, please choose “Bind to Matter (Beta)” on the M2 hub settings. You can watch a tutorial video below for more information;

• Please ensure the Aqara Home app is up-to-date (version 3.0.8 or higher), and connected to one of the global servers outside Mainland China;
• Please bind at least 1 Zigbee device to the M2 hub before binding the M2 to any third-party platforms via Matter;
• Please ensure the M2 hub, the Matter controller devices (e.g. HomePod mini, Nest Hubs, etc.) and the mobile phone with a Matter-ready app are on the same local network (the same SSID);
• If users intend to bind the M2 hub to Apple Home via Matter, please ensure the firmware version of Apple devices (e.g. iPhone, HomePod mini) is up-to-date (version 16.3 or higher).