# Typed codes and scanned codes

> Why a scanned QR keeps more than a typed code, which codes you can type in, and why Z-Wave codes are scan-only.

_Updated 2026-10-11 · Source: https://rematter.app/guides/typed-and-scanned-codes/_

ReMatter saves a code in one of two ways. You scan the QR on the device, or you type the
number that is printed next to it. A scan keeps more information. Scan the sticker when you
can, and type the number when the QR is damaged or gone.

To type a code, tap **Scan**, then **Enter code manually**. Choose the **Matter** tab or the
**HomeKit** tab. The tabs came in [version 1.0.24](/releases/1.0.24/), together with HomeKit codes.

## Matter

A Matter sticker has a QR code and an 11-digit or 21-digit manual pairing code. Both set up
the same device.

If you type the pairing code, ReMatter rebuilds a QR from it. The pairing code holds less
than the QR, so the rebuilt QR is not an exact copy. It still sets the device up. The device
screen marks the code as **Rebuilt from a pairing code**.

If you find the sticker later, tap **Scan QR to complete** on that device and scan it.
ReMatter replaces the rebuilt QR with the real one and keeps the name, room and group.

Use the code from the device, its box or its manual. Do not type a share code from Apple
Home, Google Home or Home Assistant. A share code is temporary, and it will not work later.

Typed Matter codes came in [version 1.0.12](/releases/1.0.12/). The share code warning came in [version 1.0.13](/releases/1.0.13/). Since [version 1.0.28](/releases/1.0.28/), a scan of the real QR finds the typed device instead of saving a second copy.

## HomeKit

A HomeKit sticker has a QR code and an 8-digit setup code. The Home app asks for the 8-digit
code, so ReMatter saves it as you type it.

ReMatter does not build a QR from a typed HomeKit code. A HomeKit QR also holds a setup ID
that is not printed on the sticker, and a QR built without it scans but never pairs. A typed
HomeKit code shows as the number only, on screen and on the printed sheet.

If you still have the sticker, scan it. The scan saves the setup ID and the type of
accessory together with the code.

HomeKit codes came in [version 1.0.24](/releases/1.0.24/). Version 1.0.24 did not scan every real HomeKit sticker, and [version 1.0.26](/releases/1.0.26/) fixed that.

## Z-Wave

Z-Wave SmartStart codes are scan-only. The QR holds product details that a typed DSK (the
40-digit key under the QR) does not have, and a controller rejects a QR that is missing
them. So ReMatter cannot rebuild a Z-Wave QR from typed digits.

After a scan, you can copy the DSK from the device screen into your Z-Wave controller.

Z-Wave codes came in [version 1.0.23](/releases/1.0.23/), and so did copying the DSK.