matter smart plugs not connecting to apple home

ive got 2 matter smart plugs (merls or however you spell it). ive tried connecting them to an Alexa but it cant seem to accept there is 2 of them so I tried with my HomePod. ive had this issue in the past but cant remember how I got them to connect. im using a HomePod mini (also could use appletv as a hub) , a 14 Pro to connect them. its not my wifi so I cant change any of the settings or anything. ive tried power cycling and resetting multiple times. how can I get them to connect?