IKEA BILRESA in the test: How the Matter remote control performs in Home Assistant

With the BILRESA IKEA expands its Smart home product range to create a compact and Matter-compatible remote control. The device is aimed at users who want to operate their smart home functions easily and without a smartphone or voice assistant.

Matter standard and smart home compatibility

The IKEA BILRESA remote control supports the open Matter standard, allowing for flexible integration into modern smart home systems. In conjunction with the IKEA DIRIGERA Hub, compatible devices such as lamps, sockets, or scenes can be controlled. Matter also opens up the possibility of future integration into other smart home ecosystems such as... Home Assistant possible.

Requirements for integration with Home Assistant

In order for the IKEA KAJPLATS LED light bulb E27 to be successfully integrated into Home Assistant, some basic requirements must be met:

• A current version of Home Assistant on suitable hardware, e.g.:
  • Raspberry Pi*
  • Home Assistant Green* (Recommendation)
  • Home Assistant Yellow*

• A functioning Thread Border Router, e.g.:
  • Aqara Smart Hub M200*
  • Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2* (Recommendation)
  • Amazon Echo Show 11*
  • Home Assistant Yellow*

Matter QR code or numeric pairing code

Integrating BILRESA into Home Assistant

Integration is achieved via Matter and allows the BILRESA remote control to be used. In our test, integration was performed with Home Assistant 16.3. The setup used a Raspberry Pi in combination with the Aqara Smart Hub M200, which acted as a Thread boundary router.

After inserting the two AAA batteries (not included), the remote control is immediately ready for pairing. This is indicated by a flashing status light between the two buttons. Pairing is done via Matter as usual; the required QR code can be found in the enclosed instruction manual.

After successful pairing, the device is correctly recognized as an input device. „BILRESA dual button“ Detected. The device information displays the firmware version, hardware version, and connection type (Matter). The results tile shows the two buttons and their last press.

Under configuration It will indicate whether the installed firmware version is up to date. In the area diagnosis The battery charge level (in percent) and battery voltage are displayed. The battery type (AAA) is also shown. Furthermore, options are available for assigning the remote control to automations, scenes, or scripts. (In the tile) activity Finally, a history of keystrokes can be viewed.

Design and workmanship

Visually, IKEA remains true to its clean design language: The remote control is compact, oval-shaped, and white. It blends seamlessly into various living environments and can be flexibly positioned or mounted on the wall with optional accessories. The two buttons are easily distinguishable thanks to differently sized, round indentations. A status LED is located between the buttons, which, in our test, did not remain illuminated when pressed. The metal plate on the back is magnetic and can be removed and stuck to any desired surface. The remote control's magnetic backing also allows it to be attached to other metallic objects, such as a refrigerator door.

suitability for everyday use

The major advantage of integrating with Home Assistant lies in its high degree of flexibility. While the remote control in a standard smart home primarily handles simple switching functions, Home Assistant also allows for the implementation of complex automations. This makes BILRESA a versatile control element for lighting, sockets, or entire scenes.

In daily use, the physical remote control proves to be a useful complement to app and voice control. BILRESA offers a particularly easy way for guests or family members without app access to operate the smart home.

Conclusion

Advantages of the IKEA BILRESA remote control

• Matter support enables cross-manufacturer integration
• Successful integration with Home Assistant is possible.
• Physical buttons as a useful addition to app and voice control
• Battery operation (AAA) allows for flexible placement
• Compact, unobtrusive design
• Attractive entry price

Disadvantages of the IKEA BILRESA remote control

• Batteries must be purchased separately.
• The status LED provides limited feedback in everyday use.
• The range of functions depends heavily on the smart home platform.
• Setup requires Matter-enabled infrastructure (Thread Border Router)
• The setup is somewhat technical for absolute beginners.

The successful integration of the IKEA BILRESA remote control into Home Assistant demonstrates the flexibility of Matter-enabled devices. The clear interface in the app and the extensive automation options make BILRESA an attractive solution for users who want to control their smart home individually without spending a fortune. Comparable products are hard to find and rarely support Matter or are mains-powered.

Source/Photo: (Amazon*/ IKEA)