Matter 1.4.2 Update: What’s New and What It Means for Your Smart Home
The smart home standard Matter has released its latest update, Matter 1.4.2, and it’s packed with enhancements that make connected devices more secure, scalable, and reliable. If you already own Matter-enabled smart home devices or are thinking about buying them, here’s what you need to know.
Matter is designed to make different brands of smart home products work together seamlessly. With version 1.4.2, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) focuses on improving the foundation—security, performance, and ease of use—rather than adding flashy new device categories.
What’s New in Matter 1.4.2
1. Wi-Fi-Only Commissioning
In the past, most Matter devices required Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for setup. Now, with Wi-Fi Unsynchronized Service Discovery (USD), devices can be added to a Matter network without Bluetooth.
Why it matters:
- More affordable Matter devices (no need for extra radios).
- Existing Wi-Fi devices may become Matter-compatible through firmware updates.
- Same simple setup experience—even without Bluetooth.
This change could make adding Wi-Fi smart plugs, light bulbs, and smart cameras even easier.
2. Stronger Security
Matter 1.4.2 introduces three major security upgrades:
- Vendor ID Verification: Ensures that your smart home controllers are genuinely from the brand they claim.
- Access Restriction Lists (ARLs): Only verified controllers can access sensitive router and network settings.
- Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs): Blocks compromised or unsafe devices from joining your home network.
Why it matters: You’ll have stronger protection against counterfeit or hacked devices trying to connect.
If you’re building a secure smart home network, these features help keep your devices and personal data safer.
3. Smarter Scenes
Scenes let you control multiple devices with a single command—like setting all lights to “Movie Night” mode. With 1.4.2:
- Scenes are now certifiable for consistent performance.
- Time-based actions (like lights fading) are supported.
- Fewer commands are needed for smoother automation.
Why it matters: You’ll see faster, more reliable automations across brands.
Check out our guide to how to set up smart home scenes for more tips.
4. Quieter Networks
With “quieter reporting,” devices send fewer unnecessary updates, reducing network traffic. This means:
- Better battery life for wireless devices.
- Faster response times, especially in homes with many connected products.
If you’ve ever noticed lag in controlling multiple smart lights or smart thermostats, this could help.
5. Easier Device Updates
Matter now standardizes how devices announce new features after firmware updates. No more deleting and re-adding a device just to use its latest functions.
Why it matters: Your devices can grow smarter over time—without the setup headache.
6. No More Duplicate Devices
Some products, like smart power strips, have multiple controllable outlets. Before, these could show up as duplicates across apps. Now, each “endpoint” gets a permanent, universal ID.
Why it matters: Cleaner device lists and less confusion in your smart home apps.
7. Robot Vacuums Get Smarter
Matter 1.4.2 standardizes robot vacuum behavior, so commands work consistently across brands. You won’t have to cancel one cleaning job before starting another unless it’s truly required.
Check out our list of best robot vacuums for smart homes to see which models might benefit.
8. Bigger Networks for Bigger Homes
Routers and access points in Matter networks now have higher minimum requirements:
- Thread Border Routers: at least 150 devices supported.
- Wi-Fi Access Points: at least 100 devices, with Target Wake Time for energy efficiency.
Why it matters: If you’re growing your smart home, you won’t hit performance walls as quickly.
9. Better Certification
Updated testing means devices will be better vetted before they reach your home. Expect faster rollout of reliable, well-tested products.
How This Affects Your Smart Home Today
If you already have Matter devices:
- They’ll remain compatible—Matter 1.4.2 is backward-compatible.
- New features will roll out as manufacturers and app platforms adopt them.
- Security and performance will improve over time with software updates.
If you’re planning to buy new smart home devices:
- Expect more affordable Wi-Fi-only products to hit the market.
- Look for devices and hubs labeled “Matter 1.4.2” for the newest features.
GearBrain’s Take
Matter 1.4.2 is about trust and scalability. It’s less about adding new gadgets and more about ensuring that the ones you have (or buy next) work together smoothly and securely.
And while Matter is becoming more capable, not every smart home product uses it yet. That’s where the GearBrain Assistant comes in—helping you discover, connect, and manage devices across Matter and non-Matter platforms so your home works as one system.
Ready to upgrade your smart home?
- Explore our guide to Matter-enabled devices.
- Learn how to build a secure smart home network.
