Is a physical Google Hub required to use the Home Assistant Matter Hub add-on?

[RoonniieeX]

Hi,

I'm currently trying to use the Home Assistant Matter Hub add-on and was wondering:
Is it possible to use it without a physical Google Hub – just with the Google Home app on a smartphone?

After scanning the Matter QR code with the Google Home app, the setup does not complete. Instead, I get a message saying that a hub is required. I'm unsure whether this is because no physical Google device is present.

Any help or clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards

[Apollon77]

From my knowledge only Apple allows to pair directly with "just" the mobile device. Google and all other ecosystems require at least a Wifi capable Hub (Nest mini is enough)

[RoonniieeX]

Thanks a lot for the information! 👍 @Apollon77
Just to be sure before I purchase a Google Nest for this – @t0bst4r, could you please confirm?