Lost your Matter pairing code? Here's what can still work

Usually you can't rebuild a lost Matter QR code, because it must match the setup code stored in the device. First check the box, manual and device for the manual setup code, share the device from an app that already controls it, or contact the manufacturer. Then back up remaining codes as free printable labels.

Back up a Matter code as a label

Updated November 11, 2026

Why you can't just make a new Matter QR code

PrivQR cannot recover or generate your device's original pairing code. The decoder does not read manual codes. Pairing success is not guaranteed.

The setup PIN and discriminator must match the device's commissioning data; a made-up PIN will not unlock it. Our Matter generator and decoder help inspect known data, not retrieve secrets from a device.

Manual setup code on the box/manual

Look for the original QR or numeric setup code.

Share from an app that already controls it

Keep a working controller connected while you check its sharing option.

Manufacturer support

Ask which recovery options exist for your exact model.

Factory reset limits

A reset can remove your working pairing; it does not reveal the original code.

Where to look before you give up

Setup codes are often on the device, its underside, inside a battery compartment, on packaging or in the manual. Locations vary, and some boxes have no code; check your own setup photos or securely saved records too.

If you still have the numeric manual setup code, use the controller app's manual-entry option. The CSA Matter 1.2 specification, section 5.1.4, describes the short discriminator and optional identifiers in manual codes; an 11-digit code alone cannot reproduce all fields of the original QR.

If the device is already paired: share it from your current app

Multi-admin can add a second controller while the current pairing still works. Use a newly generated sharing code in the receiving app; a temporary sharing code is not a replacement for the device's permanent factory label.

Apple Home: Apple directs you to follow the manufacturer's instructions to add a previously paired accessory to another compatible app. Check your app's Matter sharing / pairing-mode option; this guide does not assume a universal outgoing menu name. Apple support · checked 2026-11-11.
Google Home: Open the device tile, then More or Settings → Linked Matter apps & services → Link apps & services; choose the other app or use a temporary pairing code. Google support · checked 2026-11-11.
Alexa: Open Devices, select the device, then Other Assistants and Apps → Add another; copy the generated code to the other app within its 15-minute window. Amazon support · checked 2026-11-11.
SmartThings: Select the device, then More (⋮) → Share with other services → Share device; use its newly generated QR or setup code in the other app. SmartThings support · checked 2026-11-11.

Ask the manufacturer

Ask about your model's supported recovery before resetting a device that still works in one app. A manufacturer may need proof of ownership; recovery is not guaranteed.

Subject: Lost Matter setup code for [model]

I own [model] and have lost its Matter setup label. It is [still paired / not paired] with [app]. Could you explain the supported recovery options and whether a factory reset would require the original code? I can provide the serial number and proof of purchase through your official support channel.

Back up your Matter codes before you lose them

Use an existing device code for a backup for your records. Pairing from these exports has not been verified with Apple Home or Google Home, and the tool cannot restore missing credentials.

Read your existing device QR with a phone QR reader that can copy the complete MT: text.
Paste the unchanged MT: text into the label generator below, or inspect its fields with the Matter decoder.
Download PNG and SVG copies and keep them with your private device records.
Print a label, compare its decoded text with the original, and keep it somewhere you control.

Private QR generator

Create a private QR code

Paste the MT: text from your device's QR code

QR content is encoded locally in your browser. Site analytics is separate from QR processing; Google tags load only if you allow analytics. Privacy policy.

QR content stays in this browser. No redirect links. Never expires.

Need several QR codes? Generate up to 20 PNG or SVG files from a CSV and download one ZIP.

Generate a batch

Inspect MT: fields with the Matter decoder · Make an STL backup label · Open the standalone PNG / SVG generator

Facts table

What the current tools can and cannot do
Input	Existing MT: text from a device QR; the decoder does not read images or numeric manual codes
Label output	PNG and SVG here; STL labels through QR Code to STL
Price	$0, no account
Processing	QR encoding and decoding run locally in your browser
Recovery limit	Cannot recover or generate the device’s original pairing code
Pairing limit	No pairing guarantee; exported backup labels have not been verified with Apple Home or Google Home
Maker tool	The Matter generator requires the device’s actual setup PIN, discriminator, vendor ID and product ID

Lost Matter code FAQ

How can I recover a lost Matter pair code?

PrivQR cannot recover a missing device setup code or invent a replacement that matches the device. Check the device, box and manual, try sharing from an app that already controls it, then ask the manufacturer about supported recovery. A factory reset does not reveal the lost original code.

I still have the box but there are no codes on it. Any other options?

Check the manual, device label and any saved setup records; code locations vary by manufacturer. If the device is already paired, use your current app’s Matter sharing option before considering a reset. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer with the model and proof of ownership.

Can I generate a Matter QR code from the 11-digit manual code?

An 11-digit manual code alone does not contain all the fields needed to reproduce the original QR: it carries only a short discriminator and omits the vendor and product IDs. Use the manual-code option in your controller app instead. PrivQR’s decoder reads MT: text, not numeric manual codes.

How do I back up my Matter pairing codes?

Use a phone QR reader that can copy the complete MT: text from your existing device code, then paste that exact text into the local label generator. Save PNG and SVG copies with a private record of the device model. These are backups for your records; pairing with Apple Home or Google Home has not been verified for these exported labels.

Can PrivQR read my device’s QR from a photo?

No. This page and the Matter decoder accept pasted text, not QR photos or numeric manual codes. Use a phone QR reader to copy the original MT: payload and paste it without editing the content.

Is it safe to print my Matter code?

A setup code can be used to commission a compatible device when it is in pairing mode, so keep labels and digital copies somewhere you control. PrivQR generates the PNG or SVG in your browser without uploading the text. Do not post your pairing code publicly.

Read the full Matter setup guide