Google devices are being updated with Matter support — here’s what it means for you

Google Nest Audio review
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Google just took a major step in Matter's direction, bringing the highly-anticipated interconnectivity protocol to Google Nest, Android and Google Home smart home devices

While Google enlisted as a member of the Connectivity Standard Alliance's smart home initiative in 2021, Matter just officially launched this November. Until now, we didn't know which Google devices would be Matter-compatible (a.k.a., play nice with an ecosystem than may include more than 500 devices from dozens of smart home companies by the end of this year.)

We've already seen companies like Amazon and Samsung share how Matter will benefit smart home systems and simultaneously maintain differentiating assets in the connected home market. Google plans to do the same with its role in Matter.

Not only will all Google Home speakers ranging from the original Google Home to the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) be updated with Matter, but Google's Android mobile platform will bring connectivity convenience through a feature called Fast Pair.

Setting up new smart home devices, even in the ultimate smart home, can be hassle. It often takes several steps to get a new device online and communicating with the rest of your system. Fast Pair for Android looks to streamline the setup experience, recognizing when you turn on a new product and initiating a connection with your home network automatically.

Of course, we'll want to see how smoothly Fast Pair actually works. But ideally, it would make setting up a new smart home device as simple as pairing Bluetooth earbuds to your smartphone. When a Matter-compliant device is turned on and enters its set up mode, the option for Fast Pair should appear on your Android device with options for how you'd like to integrate it in your home.

In fact, that's one of the most compelling aspects of Matter — the ability to designate which devices you want to appear and be controlled in a given smart home platform. You can have all your Matter-compliant devices in every hub app (ie. Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, HomeKit) or you can choose certain devices to exist only in one app. It sounds like Fast Pair on Android will help you make these designations upon set up. 

What this means for you

According to Google, there's nothing you need to do for your Android, Google Home and Nest devices to support Matter. All devices have been automatically updated, meaning you can start experimenting with a Matter smart home experience now.

That said, smart home brands are in the process of rolling out Matter support to their devices. Many devices are confirmed to have passed the CSA's certification process and can don the Matter badge on their packaging, but it will be some time before enough products are supporting the Matter protocol to make an impact on homes with loads of connected devices.

TOPICS
Kate Kozuch

Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She writes about smartwatches, TVs, audio devices, and some cooking appliances, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account, which you should be following if you don't already. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.

Read more
Google Gemini
Gemini for Google Home is out of beta — here’s how to use it
Gemini AI on Google TV
I just tried Gemini AI on Google TV and you may never use your remote again
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen)
The best smart home devices in 2025
google nest audio
I’ve been using my Google Nest smart speaker for years — 7 tips to get the most out of Google Assistant in your home
Motorola Razr Plus 2024.
Motorola's new Smart Connect features are a super practical use of AI
Amazon Echo 4th gen
The best smart home hubs
Latest in Smart Home
Amazon Echo (4th-gen)
Amazon is removing this privacy feature from its Echo smart speakers on March 28 — what you need to know
HomePod with display concept render
Apple HomePod with display now rumored for late 2025 launch
Schneider Electric Pulse home energy panels.
The Smart Home Upgrade You’ve Been Missing
An Echo Show 10 with the Alexa Plus logo displayed on screen
Alexa+ — I have 4 big questions about Amazon's new AI assistant
An Abode home security menu on a TV screen
Abode now lets you check in on your smart home security system right from your Apple TV
Reolink Altas PT Ultra attached to side of home
Reolink Altas PT Ultra review: Long battery life and crisp 360-degree footage
Latest in News
3D printed model of alleged iPhone 17 Air design
iPhone 17 Air — these 5 big revelations have me excited for the first truly new iPhone in years
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 18 (#646)
Igor
The Roku Channel is streaming one of my favorite kids' movies for free
A person on a laptop converting a PDF to a DOC
FBI issues warning over free online file converters that infect your PC with malware
The Find my People feature
Android Find My can now track your friends and family — here's how to use it
Foldable iPhone concept image
Are you sitting down? Here’s what the foldable iPhone could cost