I have been clearing my mobile notifications this morning when I spotted an update to the IKEA Trådfri app. I talked about what you can and cannot do with IKEA devices before, so this has sparked my interest. Turns out that the new update to IKEA Trådfri Gateway enables the 2nd controller in the same room.
IKEA Trådfri Gateway updates
If you tried to add the second controller to your IKEA set up prior to this update, it would split your rooms. Thanks to the new IKEA Trådfri Gateway update now you can pair up to 2 controllers per “room”.
I’m not 100% sure why IKEA went with 2 device limit, but it’s most welcomed progress. The new update lets you clone the remote settings onto a new controller. It’s worth noting that you can only pair controllers of the same type. You can pair any lights controller together or blind remotes together. And yes, this means you can link a dimmer to a motion sensor for your lights.
Pairing new controller
To clone the devices, you have to have one that is already assigned to the room. Clear the other controller by pressing the pairing controller 4 times in quick succession then wait 10 seconds.
Hold the devices together, 2 cm apart and far away from other devices, then press the pairing button on both devices for 10 sec. The controllers will blink, and the app will display the new controller in that room.
If you have any trouble, allow up to 1-2 min for the new controller to work. My IKEA dimmer was taking extra time before I was able to control the lights so be patient.
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Final words
Does IKEA Trådfri Gateway suck? Less, but it’s not the greatest Zigbee hub out there. I’m still a big fan of MiHome ecosystem. IKEA Trådfri has a long way to go. I’m pleased to see the updates. Given enough time we might be able to see more changes that will benefit the platform and the users. Are you pleased with IKEA smart systems? Join the discussion in this Reddit post.
