Google Home adds local Matter control for Philips Hue lights

The latest Google Home app update improves local Matter control for compatible devices — including Philips Hue lights — according to reporting by 9to5Google on 14 October 2026 that quotes Google’s release notes.

What Google says changed

Google’s wording, as cited by 9to5Google:

Local Matter control for Philips Hue lights: Existing Philips Hue bridges now automatically upgrade in the background to local Matter control through Google Home hubs, delivering faster response times and greater reliability with no re-pairing required.

Hue already supported Matter; the point of this change is local control through Google Home hubs rather than relying on the cloud path alone. That should help when the internet is down, as long as the phone and lights stay on the same local network.

Google also says local Matter control for devices in general is getting faster response and better reliability, and that the app redesigns core controls for third-party lights, plugs and switches.

What to expect at home

If you already use Hue with a Google Home hub, the upgrade is described as automatic and background — no new pairing dance. Exact app version numbers and rollout timing can still vary by device and region; check the Google Home app’s update notes on your phone.