IKEA BILRESA Review: How the Matter Remote Performs in Home Assistant

With BILRESA, IKEA is expanding its smart home range with a compact, Matter-enabled remote control. The device is aimed at users who want to control their smart home functions easily without a smartphone or voice assistant.

Matter Standard and Smart Home Compatibility

The IKEA BILRESA remote control supports the open Matter standard, allowing it to be integrated flexibly into modern smart home systems. When used with the IKEA DIRIGERA hub, compatible devices such as lights, smart plugs, or scenes can be controlled. Matter also opens the door to integration with other smart home ecosystems such as Home Assistant .

Requirements for Integration into Home Assistant

To successfully integrate BILRESA into Home Assistant, a few basic requirements must be met:

• A current version of Home Assistant running on suitable hardware, for example:
  • Raspberry Pi*
  • Home Assistant Green* (recommended)
  • Home Assistant Yellow*

• A working Thread Border Router, for example:
  • Aqara Smart Hub M200*
  • Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2* (recommended)
  • Amazon Echo Show 11*

Matter QR code or numeric pairing code

Integrating IKEA BILRESA into Home Assistant

Integration takes place via Matter and allows the BILRESA remote control to be added to Home Assistant. In our test, we integrated it into Home Assistant 16.3. The setup consisted of a Raspberry Pi combined with the Aqara Smart Hub M200, which acted as the Thread border router.

After inserting the two AAA batteries, which are not included, the remote control is immediately ready for pairing. A flashing status indicator between the two buttons signals this. Pairing is carried out via Matter as usual; the required QR code can be found in the enclosed instructions.

After successful pairing, the device is correctly identified as the input device “BILRESA dual button” . The device information shows the firmware version, hardware version, and connection type (Matter). The result tile displays both buttons and the most recent press for each one.

Under Configuration , Home Assistant shows whether the installed firmware is up to date. Under Diagnostics , you can view the battery level as a percentage and the battery voltage. The battery type used (AAA) is also shown. Options are also available for assigning the remote control to automations, scenes, or scripts. The Activity tile also provides a history of button presses.

Design and Build Quality

Visually, IKEA remains true to its clean design language: the remote control is compact, oval, and finished in white. It blends discreetly into different living spaces and can be positioned freely or mounted on a wall with optional accessories. The two buttons are easy to distinguish thanks to round recesses of different sizes. A status LED sits between them; in our test, it did not remain lit when a button was pressed. The metal plate on the back attaches magnetically, can be removed, and can be stuck wherever needed. The remote control also has a magnetic back, so it can be attached to other metal objects such as a refrigerator door.

Everyday Use

The main advantage of integrating the remote control into Home Assistant is its high degree of flexibility. In a standard smart home, it mainly performs simple switching functions, but Home Assistant also allows complex automations. This turns BILRESA into a versatile controller for lighting, smart plugs, or complete scenes.

In everyday use, the physical remote control proves to be a useful addition to app and voice control. BILRESA gives guests or family members without app access an especially simple way to operate the smart home.

Conclusion

Advantages of the IKEA BILRESA Remote Control

• Matter support enables cross-brand integration
• Successful integration into Home Assistant is possible
• Physical buttons are a useful addition to app and voice control
• AAA battery operation allows flexible placement
• Compact, discreet design
• Attractive entry-level price

Disadvantages of the IKEA BILRESA Remote Control

• Batteries must be purchased separately
• The status LED provides only limited feedback in everyday use
• The range of functions depends heavily on the smart home platform
• Setup requires Matter-capable infrastructure (Thread border router)
• Setup is somewhat technical for complete beginners

The successful integration of the IKEA BILRESA remote control into Home Assistant demonstrates how flexibly Matter-enabled devices can be used. The clear presentation in the app and the extensive automation options make BILRESA an appealing solution for users who want to customize their smart home without spending a lot of money. Comparable products are difficult to find, rarely support Matter, or require mains power.

Source/photo: (Amazon*/ IKEA)