Flic Smart Home Buttons Matter Support
Yes, Flic smart buttons support Matter. Specifically, the Flic Hub and Flic Hub LR are Matter controllers, meaning they can control Matter-enabled devices, and Flic buttons themselves can trigger Matter scenes and automations. This support arrived via a firmware update, so older hubs also gain Matter functionality.
What Matter Support Actually Means for Flic
Matter is a unified smart home standard that lets devices from different brands work together locally, without needing separate cloud accounts for each. For Flic, Matter support means your physical buttons can now control any Matter-certified device—lights, plugs, locks, thermostats, sensors—directly through the hub, even if that device was made by a different manufacturer. The key distinction: Flic buttons are not Matter devices themselves; they are Matter controllers. The hub speaks Matter to the rest of your smart home, while the buttons talk to the hub via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
How Flic Matter Integration Works
The Flic Hub (the original model) and the Flic Hub LR (the newer, longer-range version) act as the bridge. After updating the hub’s firmware to version 3.2 or later, you’ll find a Matter section in the Flic app. From there, you can:
- Pair Matter devices directly to the Flic Hub using a Matter pairing code (QR code or manual code).
- Create Flic button actions that trigger Matter scenes or individual device commands.
- Use Flic buttons to start or stop Matter automations that you’ve set up in the Flic app.
For example, you could pair a Matter-enabled smart plug to the hub, then program a Flic button to toggle that plug on and off. The button press goes to the hub via BLE, and the hub sends the Matter command over Wi-Fi or Thread to the plug. This works even if the plug’s own app is from a different ecosystem.
Which Flic Devices Support Matter
Not all Flic hardware is Matter-capable. Here’s the breakdown:
- Flic Hub and Flic Hub LR – Both receive Matter controller functionality via firmware updates. The Hub LR’s longer range and improved processor make it the better choice for larger homes.
- Flic 2 and Flic 1 buttons – These are BLE-only devices. They do not have Matter hardware, but they work with the hubs, which do the Matter communication.
- Flic Twist and Flic Mini – Same as above: they rely on a hub for Matter.
If you’re using a Flic button without a hub (e.g., connected directly to a phone via the Flic app), Matter is not available. The hub is required for Matter because it needs a persistent, always-on connection to the network.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Matter support is relatively new, so you might run into a few issues. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
- Matter device not showing up in Flic app – Ensure the device is already paired with its own app first, then use the “Add Matter device� option in Flic. Some devices need to be reset first.
- Button press does nothing – Check that the hub is online, the button is connected to the hub (not just the phone), and the Matter device is reachable. Try toggling the device manually in the Flic app to confirm the Matter connection works.
- Matter device drops off – This often happens if the device’s firmware is outdated. Update all Matter devices to the latest firmware. Also, keep the hub within a reasonable distance of your Wi-Fi router.
- Hub not updating – Matter support requires firmware 3.2 or later. If the update fails, restart the hub and try again. If it still fails, contact Flic support.
If a Matter device is controlled by another app (e.g., Apple Home, Google Home), you can still add it to Flic, but it might require the device to be in pairing mode. Follow the device’s instructions for adding to a new controller.
Flic vs. Other Matter Controllers
Flic’s approach to Matter is unique because it focuses on physical buttons. Most Matter controllers are voice assistants, apps, or smart speakers. Flic gives you a tactile, programmable button that can sit on a wall, desk, or nightstand. Compared to a smart speaker, a Flic button is faster to press, doesn’t require voice commands, and is more precise (no misinterpretation). Compared to a smart display, it’s cheaper and more compact.
However, Flic is not a full Matter hub in the sense of a dedicated bridge like a HomePod or Echo. It’s a controller that can manage Matter devices, but it doesn’t provide a Thread border router. If your Matter devices use Thread (a low-power mesh protocol), they’ll still need a Thread border router from another brand (e.g., Apple TV, Google Nest Hub). Flic’s Matter support works over Wi-Fi and Ethernet, not Thread. So, if you have Thread-only devices, you’ll need to pair them with a Thread-capable hub first, then bring them into Flic via Matter.
Costs and Setup Considerations
Matter support itself is free—it’s a firmware update. However, you need a Flic Hub (around $100) or Hub LR (around $140) and at least one Flic button (around $35 for a single, or less in multi-packs). Matter devices vary in price, but you don’t need to buy a separate Flic-specific version; any Matter-certified device should work.
Setup time is roughly 10-15 minutes: update the hub, add the button, pair the Matter device, then assign the button action. The Flic app is available for iOS and Android, and it guides you through each step. One thing to note: the Flic Hub LR has a longer range (up to 100 meters in open air) and a more powerful processor, which makes it better for homes with many devices. The original Hub is fine for smaller setups.
Alternatives to Flic for Matter Control
If you like the idea of physical buttons but want a different ecosystem, consider:
- Philips Hue Tap Dial – Works with Matter via the Hue Bridge, but only controls Hue lights unless you use Matter scenes.
- IKEA Shortcut buttons – Cheap, but they only work with IKEA’s Dirigera hub, which is Matter-enabled.
- Smart buttons from Amazon or Google – Often require their respective hubs and have limited programmability.
- DIY options – A Raspberry Pi with a Matter controller like Home Assistant can emulate button presses via network automations, but that’s more technical.
Flic stands out because of its flexibility: you can program single, double, and long presses, and the buttons are fully wireless with a long battery life (up to 3 years on a coin cell). No other mainstream button offers that level of customization with Matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Flic buttons work with Apple Home or Google Home via Matter?
Yes, but indirectly. Flic buttons do not appear as Matter devices to Apple Home or Google Home. Instead, you can use the Flic Hub to control Matter devices that are also paired with Apple Home or Google Home. The button press triggers the hub, which sends a Matter command to the device. The device itself is shared across ecosystems, so the action works regardless of which app originally set it up.
Do I need a Flic Hub to use Matter?
Yes. The Flic Hub or Hub LR is the only Flic hardware that can speak Matter. Without a hub, Flic buttons only work via Bluetooth to your phone, and they cannot control Matter devices. The hub acts as the always-on bridge.
Will my old Flic 1 buttons work with Matter?
Yes, if you have a hub. Flic 1 buttons are BLE-only, but they connect to the hub, and the hub handles Matter. You do not need to buy new buttons. However, Flic 1 buttons have a shorter range and fewer press types (single, double, long) compared to Flic 2 (which adds a hold-and-press action).
Does Matter support require a subscription?
No. Flic does not charge for Matter support. The firmware update is free, and the Flic app is free to use. There is no ongoing subscription for basic functionality. Some advanced features (like IFTTT integration) may require a separate account, but Matter control is included.
Can I use Flic buttons to control Matter scenes from other apps?
Yes, but only if the scene is exposed to Matter. For example, if you create a scene in Apple Home and that scene is available as a Matter scene, you can trigger it from the Flic app. Not all platforms expose scenes to Matter, so check the device’s documentation. In the Flic app, you’ll see a list of Matter scenes you can assign to button presses.
What happens if my Wi-Fi goes down?
If your Wi-Fi goes down, the Flic Hub cannot communicate with Matter devices over the network. However, the hub itself continues to run, and buttons will still work for local automations that don’t require the internet (e.g., if you have a Zigbee device connected via a separate hub that’s also on your LAN). Matter devices that are on the same LAN may still work if the hub can reach them via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, but if the router is down, everything is offline. For critical automations, consider a wired Ethernet connection for the hub.
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