SwitchBot Air Purifier Update Enables Hub-Free Matter-over-Wi-Fi Pairing

SwitchBot has announced the release of a new firmware update today that brings Matter-over-Wi-Fi capabilities to its line of smart air purifiers. The release is significant for SwitchBot as its users can now connect their devices directly to Matter—and their preferred smart home ecosystem— without the need for one of the company's hubs.

Which SwitchBot Devices Support Matter-over-Wi-Fi?

As previously mentioned, Matter-over-Wi-Fi support is available for all of the company's current smart air purifiers. This includes the SwitchBot Air Purifier and the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table, each of which hit the smart home scene late last year.

It also appears that a pair of its recent robot vacuum releases—the S10 and the K10+ Pro Combo—will also be getting in on the Matter-over-Wi-Fi treatment as well soon. However, all other SwitchBot devices still require a hub for the time being.

How Do I Update My SwitchBot Air Purifiers to Matter?

To update your SwitchBot air purifiers you'll first need version 9.7 or later of the SwitchBot app available on iOS and Android. According to SwitchBot, you'll then need to update your air purifier to firmware version 2.2-2.2 via one of two available methods.

To update your device from the Home Status area of the app:

1. Launch the SwitchBot app.
2. Tap Home at the bottom of your screen.
3. Tap the Update icon that appears in the top status area.
4. Tap Upgrade next to your air purifier.
5. Tap New version available to begin the process.

To update your air purifier from device settings:

1. Launch the SwitchBot app.
2. Tap Home at the bottom of your screen.
3. Tap your air purifier.
4. Tap the Settings icon near the top right corner (it looks like a gear).
5. Tap Firmware & Battery.
6. Tap New firmware available to start the download.

Once updated to the latest firmware, you can then proceed to add your air purifiers to Matter by following the additional prompts in the app.

What Features Are Available Through Matter?

While SwitchBot didn't provide specifics, based on our Matter experiences with the AiDot WELOV P200 Pro, we believe that users can expect to see at the minimum quick power state toggles and speed controls exposed to their preferred ecosystem after updating. It is also possible that onboard air quality sensors and lighting controls may also make their way to Matter, too.

Depending on the platform, users also should be able to slot the air purifiers in alongside their existing automation, scenes, and devices. And of course, users will be able to seamlessly share their device through Matter Multi-Admin capabilities to other platforms.

Advanced settings such as Child Lock and Pet Modes will most likely remain exclusive to the SwitchBot app.

SwitchBot Air Purifiers: Now With Hub-Free Matter Connectivity

Although SwitchBot's hubs provide some pretty handy features—like IR blasting capabilities that make older devices smart—the ability to pair the company's air purifiers directly to Matter is a huge step in the right direction for the brand.

If you are interested in picking up a SwitchBot air purifier for your home, you can score a hefty 35% discount now through February 23rd at switch-bot.com. For more on SwitchBot's Matter devices as well as the latest industry news and reviews, keep it locked to Matter Alpha.