Commissioning / pairing code
Commissioning is Matter’s standardized setup process: scan the QR code (or type the 11-digit numeric code) printed on the device, and the controller securely verifies the device, joins it to your Wi-Fi or Thread network, and installs its fabric credentials. Every Matter device ships with such a code, and it is worth keeping.
Under the hood, the code carries a discriminator and a passcode used to establish an encrypted session, usually over Bluetooth LE for first contact. The controller checks the device’s attestation certificate against CSA certification records, provisions network credentials, and adds the device to its fabric. The whole flow is defined by the spec, which is why setup looks the same whether the app is Apple Home or Google Home.
Practical notes: the printed code can normally be reused after a factory reset, so do not throw away the sticker or manual — though some devices generate a code dynamically in an app or on a display instead. Adding a device to a second ecosystem does not use the printed code; the first ecosystem generates a temporary one (see multi-admin). Zigbee and Z-Wave have their own, different pairing procedures — this entry is Matter-specific.