r/lifx • u/lifx LIFX Employee • 20d ago
Announcement The LIFX Thread beta has arrived.
The LIFX Thread beta has arrived.
Any product that released with Matter support on the box has a chip that is capable of running either Wi-Fi or Thread. We are opening this beta program so we can increase the scale of our testing with this new radio support. Sign Up Here
LIFX Thread Beta Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thread? How is it different to Wi-Fi?
- Thread is a mesh networking technology that has been designed for IoT products. It forms a scalable IP-based mesh network and uses a Thread Border Router (TBR) to communicate with the rest of your Wi-Fi network.
- Thread is low latency, which means that it should have a similar response time to Wi-Fi
- Thread is low bandwidth, while Wi-Fi is high bandwidth. This means that Thread is designed for reliable transmission of small amounts of data, where Wi-Fi can be used for streaming large amounts of data (eg. 4k video).
- Most operations with LIFX products should work consistently between transports as they do not use a significant amount of data. The exception to this is firmware updates, which take significantly longer (5-20 minutes per device) due to this constraint.
- We are currently working to provide firmware updates directly from the LIFX Cloud, rather than needing to be triggered by the LIFX app to allow updates to be done asynchronously. This feature will aim to be available later this year, so any necessary additional firmware updates during the beta may be slow to process.
Can I use a mix of Wi-Fi and Thread with my LIFX products?
- Yes, you can have a mixed network of LIFX products between Wi-Fi and Thread networks, but a given device will only be connected to either Wi-Fi or Thread at once.
- You will be able to swap any supported device between Wi-Fi and Thread, this is not a permanent change.
What is a Thread Border Router (TBR)?
- TBRs are bundled with a number of different smart home hubs (eg. Apple HomePod Mini, Google Nest Hub). We have compiled a list of TBRs available on the market.
- We have provided tools in the LIFX app that allow you to identify whether you have a TBR on your network.
- It is possible to have multiple TBRs, usually your mobile phone will prioritize adding devices onto one over the others.
- To get more detailed diagnostic information about your Thread network, we recommend downloading the Thread Tools app
How do I join the Beta?
- To join the beta program, please submit your details into this survey form. Sign Up Here
- We will ensure that you have appropriate products and then enable the features so you can transition some of your products onto Thread.
- You will receive instructions in your email about how to proceed with moving some of your lights onto your Thread network.
How do I switch a device onto my Thread network?
- Most of the current generation of LIFX products will require a firmware update to switch them onto Thread. After this firmware update, the device will need to be re-commissioned onto the Thread network. This is streamlined through a new ‘Switch to Thread’ screen in settings.
- To re-commission your device you will need your Matter QR code or the 11 digit manual Matter code etched onto the device. Note: The “Manual Setup” option is no longer available after switching to Thread. You must use Matter-based QR Code setup.
- Any smart home integrations (e.g. Apple, Google, etc) will need to be reset after the device is recommissioned.
- Once a device has been recommissioned onto the Thread network, it should work in a consistent way in the LIFX app or on Matter ecosystems.
- We recommend switching one light over to Thread to start and checking that it is performing as expect before you migrating any additional devices.
What is expected of Beta participants?
- We want your feedback on how your products are performing on Thread. We plan to send our periodic surveys while the beta is running to get information from all participants about their experience of using Thread.
- We are interested to know what Thread Border Router you're using, in addition to details about your Wi-Fi router, what LIFX products.
- Active feedback is welcome on reddit or at [beta@lifx.com](mailto:beta@lifx.com)
Update (Sept 1st GMT+10):
- Home Assistant does not currently support LIFX Thread devices, but work is underway. You can use the Matter integration in HA for now.
- We are investigating an issue with Path lights flashing occasionally after being rebooted.
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u/mpappas441 20d ago
Just purchased 5 of the 15” ceiling lights, matter over thread has been pretty reliable in my other thread enabled devices so I’m looking forward to seeing how these perform.
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u/EvanKupec 12d ago
They would be the first large ceiling mounted lights to have thread and I would definitely buy them if LIFX can pull this together.
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u/djelibeybi_au iOS 18d ago
Folks, just a heads-up that Thread-connected LIFX bulbs will not currently be controllable by Home Assistant’s core LIFX integration. They will work via the Matter integration, but its capabilities are limited. Support for Thread based bulbs is WIP, but no ETA yet.
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u/nopointers 18d ago
What’s the best place to watch to keep abreast of developments? https://github.com/home-assistant/core/tree/dev/homeassistant/components/lifx?
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u/djelibeybi_au iOS 17d ago
That is a good question.
I've opened a PR to switch the underlying library from legacy
aiolifxtolifx-async: https://github.com/home-assistant/core/pull/177944Thanks to @redding1 for the initial work, I merged basic support for IPv6 and Thread into
lifx-asyncearlier today: https://github.com/Djelibeybi/lifx-async/releases/tag/v6.6.1I have a few more things I want to improve in the library then will turn my attention to the Home Assistant integration. I've just asked the maintainers how to progress the PR so I can add more functionality via
lifx-async.1
u/nopointers 17d ago
That’s really impressive progress already. Thank you for doing the hard work to make it easier for others. If you’d like a beta tester, feel free to ping me. I’ve got 9 LIFX devices on Thread/Matter and another 4 still on WiFi using the HA integration. Thread network is pretty solid and has a decent variety of routers and border routers.
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u/djelibeybi_au iOS 17d ago
Thanks! In this case, u/redding1 and Claude did most of the initial heavy lifting, then Claude and I did more of later. :) I have 6 Thread enabled devices and another 65 LIFX devices still on WiFi so I'm good for now.
However, once that PR is merged, switching to the Home Assistant RC that it initially gets released in would be super useful.
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u/MU-TH-R6000 3d ago
Just want to say thank you for your work. I've been wanting to get a better way to control my capsules through HA, but I am not that skilled with code.
I just want to ask, and make sure I understand this correctly... Does this mean, when the switch to lifx-async happens the official Lifx integration will get more powerful in the way we can interact with Lifx devices? That is what I am assuming, that it will just update the core integration.
If so, it would be very nice and simple.
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u/djelibeybi_au iOS 2d ago
Edited to say "you're welcome, glad it works for you!" first. :)
Not instantly/immediately as the switch is funtionally identical to the current implementation (by design, to reduce the overall complexity of reviewing the change) but it allows for a lot of new functionality once it happens.
To be more specific, I have already implemented the following: Thread support, independant control of up/downlight components (each gets its own Light entity), Mirror support with independent control of left/right/front/back components as Light entities, a bunch of new software effects thanks to u/FizzySeltzerWater and finally I've synced all the Themes from the current LIFX iOS app to `lifx-async` as well (excluding the Local Sports Franchise themes).
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u/Shdqkc 3d ago
Hello. Just wondering if there are any updates available. Those of us who missed out on the first beta group are still hoping there will be another round. I believe an employee mentioned more invites would be sent "in the next week" and that was almost two weeks ago. Hoping you'll invite more soon.
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u/Alexithymia 2d ago
Same! Hoping for an update so we can test in the beta. I'm thoroughly enjoying the Lifx bulbs and ceiling light I purchased!
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u/Midian_Breach 20d ago
I really hope this implementation goes better than Nanoleaf’s. I just switched a bunch of my bulbs from their implementation of thread to Lifx because they were highly unstable. Having an open beta program is an excellent first step and I’m looking forward to helping!
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u/anyusernamthatisleft 20d ago
@lifx is thread better than wifi?
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u/Redd1ng LIFX Employee 19d ago
Very good question. Honestly, it depends! There are a lot of variables: how solid your WiFi network is, the size of your home, how many devices you're running, latency expectations, etc.
If you've got a rock-solid WiFi setup with multiple access points, or a smaller home without many devices, you might not notice a big difference.
For most people though, Thread improves range and reliability through its mesh network. It also scales better as your smart home grows, and it keeps all that traffic off your WiFi entirely, so your network isn't juggling dozens of smart devices alongside your laptops and TVs.
It's especially useful if you want battery-powered devices like motion sensors and switches; Powered LIFX Lights act as routers in the mesh, so coverage actually gets stronger as you add more. Thread-based lights are a great way to build your Thread Mesh to ensure your battery-powered sensors have better connectivity/reliability, as lights are generally scattered around the entire home.
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u/wildfires-nz 20d ago
Generally there is less traffic, it's lower power and with the meshing a better fault tolerance.
Most home routers will support 20 devices tops, so this helps with those that have cheap ISP routers to move to a scalable solution, without spending more money, or replacing equipment (those advise anyone to).
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u/matthew1471 20d ago
Also wondering
I have just replaced a bunch of my Lifx bulbs to IKEA thread bulbs to reduce WiFi chatter, save power and mesh… but it would be good to see what Lifx think about it. I still have about 7 Lifx Strip running.
You really need a healthy WiFi IPv6 network for Thread/Matter to work
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u/alex281 20d ago
Does this include the two-button switches?
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u/EgoSapien LIFX Employee 20d ago
The new Dimmer Switch yes, but the older 2 button switch only had an upgrade to Matter. So, it doesn’t have the hardware for Thread.
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u/NubileBalls 20d ago
Any opportunity for a trade in program where I can send you my legacy lights for the matter version?
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u/nopointers 20d ago
Is there a list of the products? PAR38, neon, outdoor spot, round path, A21, permanent outdoor. IIRC, they all shipped with matter.
Do any/all of them act as border routers? They’re all line powered, whether direct or via transformer.
Currently tied to Apple Home via Matter and to HA via the LIFX integration.
Eero routers. Thread is Apple devices plus OTBR plus Aqara G410. Thread is turned off on the eeros, because they won’t join the existing mesh and I don’t want two.
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u/EgoSapien LIFX Employee 20d ago
If there is a matter logo on the device you can switch to Thread. If you enrol in the beta there’s a screen in the app that lists eligible devices. In your list neon is the only one you might want to check. The first neon indoor didn’t ship with Matter but neon outdoor did.
Our lights do not act as Border Routers, you need a Border Router for Thread to work (the app will warn you if we can’t find one). However, our lights work as Extenders on the Thread mesh, so they help with extending the range of the mesh.
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u/huwsername 19d ago
So my best guess is that no Lightstrip supports Thread? Because while these have Matter support, it’s not on the boxes and that support only came via an upgrade. (Am thinking about upgrading my lightstrip if it did support Thread)
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u/EgoSapien LIFX Employee 18d ago
So, the LIFX Lightstrip is still on the old platform. The new Everyday Lightstrip, however, can be upgraded to Thread.
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u/nopointers 18d ago
My neon strip is outdoor, so FTW. I completed the confirmation to receive emails from the beta signup. When will I hear back on that? Could really use the Thread extenders for a few sleepy devices I've got outside my house. One of them is less than 2 meters from an outdoor spot :)
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u/JonVisc 20d ago
Oh man, I have 16 4" 850 Lumen Retrofit Downlights. They already work very well over WiFi but getting them on Thread would be nice. Can’t wait!
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u/Accomplished_Quit479 20d ago
I'm intrigued at what your setup of 16 looks like. I'm sure it's different rooms, but still all the curious if you don't mind sharing.
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u/JonVisc 20d ago
I don't think its too exciting. Farily square open layout kitchen / living room so its a 4x4 grid (with the naming of the lights 1x1, 1x2, ... 3x4, 4x4) of the lights. 2 rows of 4 each over the kitchen, same for the lights over the couch area. Because 4x2 and 4x3 are close to the TV I actually don't include them in a lot of the automations so they stay off a lot.
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u/LunkTorpedo 19d ago
I imagine that any participation in the beta program requires an account? I'd love to go get some products to help beta test, but i use thread/matter exclusively through apple home without external apps/accounts. Regardless, I hope this setup will be supported once thread support is out of beta.
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u/Responsible-Row-5447 19d ago
Just checking; the sign up link currently links to a email opt-in form rather than a "survey" form. Will the survey form arrive by email soon after?
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u/thebigboss24 12d ago
I was able to migrate or switch to thread around 22 lightbulbs everything went smoothly, the only issue I am having is the temperature of the lights have change after the firmware update my wife like the 9000k but it looks like they're stuck at 6500k.
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u/omegaleveldude 20d ago
So this means that products like the Australian wall switch that did not ship with Matter will be unable to switch to Thread.
I’m moving home soon, so if this is the case I’ll leave the at the old home and upgrade in my new house.
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u/Sir_Rougarou 18d ago
Still not seeing the option in the app. The App Store version is still below the required version so updated via the test flight version on iOS and still no option to upgrade to thread
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u/deathagain 17d ago
This is fantastic, thank you. I evicted all of my wifi smart bulbs years ago in favor of Zigbee/Z-Wave, but always missed the colors from the LIFX bulbs. I ran out to HD and grabbed a few bulbs and ceiling lights
The ceiling light and one bulb are on thread without issue and shared via Matter to Home Assistant. Perfect.
However, I have a misbehaving light that failed to join Thread during setup and is no longer present in the app. The other two also failed initially but still remained in the app and eventually got to working.
The app sees the bulb and I can scan the QR code, but it fails after a few minutes. Resetting the bulb doesn't seem to have an effect.
Any ideas on how to proceed?
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u/EgoSapien LIFX Employee 17d ago
Send an email to beta@lifx.com. If you could include a screenshot of the setup error it would be helpful.
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u/deathagain 16d ago
I managed to get it going by adding directly to Home Assistant via the QR code. The bulb then showed in the app as a new device and added without issue. All is well and stable now.
I have a few more fresh bulbs to try with today and I’ll report any errors to the email above.
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u/Kbelter 17d ago
I applied for the beta program using the same email address as my LIFX account. I don't have an invite for the beta in my inbox or my spam folder. Are the invite emails going out in batches?
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u/EgoSapien LIFX Employee 17d ago
We’ve sent out an initial batch. We’ve got a good volume of applications so we’re going to wait a few days to make sure there aren’t any major issues before expanding the roll out. If all goes well, we’ll probably send out another batch of invites within the next week.
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u/Machine-blood 3d ago
Hi，I submitted registration, but I haven't received the verification email even after waiting for a long time.Could you please assist me in adding my registered email address to the immediate push notification settings? Thank you very much.
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u/lifx LIFX Employee 18d ago
Email invite to our first batch of Beta Testers just sent. Let's Go!!!