Matter device Sharing HA <-> Apple HomeaKit

[pseudo minnow]

Hello everyone, I have a quick question.

I’m using IKEA bulbs that support Matter over Thread. I first added these bulbs via Thread/Matter to my Apple HomePods. After that, I used pairing mode / the Matter setup code to additionally add the same devices to Home Assistant, so I can create automations there.

However, I’ve now noticed that I can also add a device directly to Home Assistant via the Home Assistant app using the Matter code. In that case, the bulb becomes part of the Thread network created by the Apple HomePods. To see it in Apple HomeKit, I then have to share the Matter device from Home Assistant and scan the generated QR code with the Apple Home app.

Is there any significant difference between:
• Adding the device to Apple HomeKit first and then sharing it to Home Assistant
vs.
• Adding the device to Home Assistant first and then sharing it to Apple HomeKit?

All devices are in the same Thread network created by the Apple HomePods. I am not using a Thread stick with Home Assistant — I am only using the existing Thread network from the Apple HomePods.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Matter device Sharing HA <-> Apple HomeaKit

[spice laurel]

There's no real difference, but adding to both will just give you a layer of redundancy really, as being Matter connected to Homekit directly means they will always work regardless of your HA instance.

If they are only exposed to HA then bridged from HA to Homekit (eg with Homekit Bridge rather than sharing the device via Matter) then it's fully dependent on your HA instance.