PASE is the initial secure handshake when your phone talks to a Matter accessory over BLE. PASE failures surface as cannot verify device, invalid passcode, or endless spinning right after QR scan — before Wi-Fi credentials even exchange.
Common causes
Scratched QR or wrong manual code. Phone camera misread — re-scan closer, better light. Device already commissioned (fabric not cleared). Two apps fighting for BLE connection. Expired commissioning window after failed attempts — power-cycle device.
Recovery sequence
Factory reset per OEM. Remove ghosts from all Matter apps. Reboot phone Bluetooth. Stand within one meter; disable VPN. Open only one controller app. Enter manual pairing code carefully if QR fails twice. Update accessory firmware via vendor app if BLE-only setup is offered first.
Verify
PASE completes and commissioning advances to network step within two minutes.