FAQ | Thread > Thread & Thread Border Routers (TBRs)

What is Thread?

• Thread is a special way for smart devices (like those in the Internet of Things “IoT”) to talk to each other wirelessly.

• It is like a secret language just for gadgets.

• It is designed to make them work faster, have fewer points of failure, use less power, and communicate with each other more seamlessly.

• It utilizes a power-efficient wireless technology that can communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, similar to a team working in unison.

📖 Read more about integrating with Thread on our website.

Thread-Enabled Nanoleaf Products

• Our Nanoleaf Essentials product line, i.e. bulbs, lightstrip, is enabled to work with Thread, or Matter over Thread.

• In order to use Thread in your home, you need a device that works as a Thread Border Router.

Thread Border Router (TBR)

Your Essentials will upgrade to Thread automatically once a compatible TBR is paired on your network.

The following is a list of currently supported TBRs that can be used to enable Thread functions on your Essentials devices:

• Nanoleaf Devices: Lines, Shapes, or Elements

• Apple: HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation)

• eero: eero Pro, eero 6, eero 6 Pro, or eero Beacon

• Google: Nest Hub (2nd Generation), Nest Hub Max, or Nest Wifi

• Amazon: Echo (4th Generation)

📖 Read more about Nanoleaf Thread Border Routers.

No TBR? No Problem!

If your home does not have a Thread Border Router yet, your Essentials devices will connect directly to the Nanoleaf iOS App, Android App, Apple Home (via HomeKit), or Google Home/Assistant (via Google Seamless Setup) using Bluetooth.