Embodiments of the present invention provide a capability matching method, an apparatus, and a system. The method includes: before a UE initiates a random access process, identifying, by the UE, a capability of a network side device, and when the UE identifies that the network side device is a network side device that does not support LC-MTC, reselecting, by the UE, to access another network side device. By means of the capability matching method, the apparatus, and the system provided in the embodiments of the present invention, a problem that a capability mismatch occurs between a UE and a network side device is avoided, and a waste of authorized resources, extra power consumption of a UE, and an interruption of data transmission are avoided.