Can't add Matter device - iOS - multiple Thread credentials in Companion app. Can't select one to be used or delete obsolate ones

[hindseb]

The problem

It is not possible to add a matter device to the preferred network. The reason is that multiple Thread credentials were sent to the iOS companion app. Thus, multiple credentials are available and the iOS companion App does not use the correct one. It is impossible to select a preferred credential or delete obsolete credentials.

see details here incl. screenshots and logs: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/thread-border-router-required-error-when-setting-up-matter-device-on-ios-app/765161/13

What version of Home Assistant Core has the issue?

core-2024.9.0

What was the last working version of Home Assistant Core?

core-2024.9.0

What type of installation are you running?

Home Assistant OS

Integration causing the issue

Thread

Link to integration documentation on our website

https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/thread

Diagnostics information

No response

Example YAML snippet

No response

Anything in the logs that might be useful for us?

No response

Additional information

No response

[home-assistant[bot]]

Hey there @home-assistant/core, mind taking a look at this issue as it has been labeled with an integration (thread) you are listed as a code owner for? Thanks!

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[maia]

I'm running into the same problem. My HA companion app on iOS has the credentials of my OTBR preferred network and also of my Apple Homekit network created by a Homepod Mini years ago. The OTBR is labelled as "preferred". Still when I try to join a Matter device (I just upgraded a Eve Thermo Homekit TRV to Matter) via the Home Assistant companion app, it will automatically join the device (that was removed from Apple Home and reset first) to the (not preferred) Apple network, instead of to the preferred OTBR network.

I then disconnected the Homepod Mini, so I now just have my single, preferred OTBR Thread network active. Now when attempting to join the device, after entering the matter code and a minute or two of "Setting Up...", the app shows "Unable to Add Accessory. Pairing Failed".

I tried adding the device via my MacBook, opened homeassistant.local in Safari and tried to add the Matter device there. But that just asks me to use the Companion app instead.

[hindseb]

Hi @maia I a not sure if this is the same error as raised in this bug. The bug here describes the issue that the iOS Companion app has multiple Thread Credentials - see here: Check Companion App: UI->Settings->Companion App->Debugging->Thread “Active operational data set”. See screenshot

That leads to the error "thread border router required" when trying to pair a matter device. Your error is different.

Feel free to open a discussion in the HA community to help debugging your error.

[maia]

@hindseb Based on your description, we have the same issue:

"Can't add Matter device - iOS - multiple Thread credentials in Companion app. […] It is not possible to add a matter device to the preferred network. The reason is that multiple Thread credentials were sent to the iOS companion app. Thus, multiple credentials are available and the iOS companion App does not use the correct one. It is impossible to select a preferred credential or delete obsolete credentials."

Maybe it's technically two issues. But I'd describe my issue exactly as you described yours. My iOS Companion app has the credentials of two thread networks and does not add new devices to the preferred network, instead it tries to add the devices to the (non-preferred) Apple thread network. Here's my thread credentials screenshot:

[hindseb]

Hi @maia I agree with you, you have the same issue with multiple credentials in the iOS companion app.

It would be interesting to know, why this results in two different error messages (yours "Unable to Add Accessory. Pairing Failed" vs mine “thread border router required”).

[Secc007]

Same problem here. Fingers crossed that anyone comes up with a solution to delete old credentials soon. Would be highly appreciated!