Connectivity on Android

Some capabilities of the Home APIs for Android 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
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

Hubless Mode

This is a mode which lets users onboard and control Matter devices without a standalone hub. The user needs to have:

  • An Android or iOS phone.
  • A Wi-Fi network.
  • A Matter Wi-Fi device.

With Hubless mode, the user can use a controller such as an Android phone to:

  1. Set up local Wi-Fi devices.
  2. Control local Wi-Fi devices.

Hubless Mode is limited to these two actions. If you need to control devices remotely, use Google Assistant for voice control, interact with Thread-only devices, or set up automations, you need a supported hub.

Table: Hub capabilities comparison
Feature Standalone Hub Hubless Mode
Set up Wi-Fi devices
Local control
Remote control
Automations

Partner Home API apps have none of these limitations.

See the Troubleshooting section for ways to address unexpected or unwanted behavior related to hubs.

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.