Home LivingSmart HomeHow to start a smart home with Samsung SmartThingsFor Samsung and Android fans, here’s how to create a smart home with Samsung SmartThingsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart HomeHow to start a smart home with Samsung SmartThingsFor Samsung and Android fans, here’s how to create a smart home with Samsung SmartThingsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
For Samsung and Android fans, here’s how to create a smart home with Samsung SmartThings
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: John Tekeridis / Pexels)
(Image credit: John Tekeridis / Pexels)
If you’re new to the world ofsmart home, starting your own can seem pretty overwhelming. Years ago, there were only a few select products to choose from but in 2023, there are countless of hubs, displays, lighting, and entire ecosystems which makes choosing your first device almost impossible.
Regardless of what you want to introduce to your home, picking a virtual assistant is the key to setting up a smart home. Compared toGoogle Assistant,Amazon AlexaandApple Home– the top three virtual assistants on the market today – one contender that’s often overlooked isSamsungSmartThings.
As part of T3’s ‘how to start a smart home’ series, this guide will guide you through how to start your smart home with Samsung SmartThings.
What is Samsung SmartThings?
Samsung SmartThingsis a Samsung application that allows users to manage their electronic devices, home appliances and compatible smart home products directly from their smartphone or tablet.
Founded in 2012, Samsung SmartThings initially started off as SmartThings, a home automation company that produced custom hardware and software services for home monitoring. SmartThings was originally built around a hub before Samsung bought the company in 2014. In 2020, SmartThings engineers announced that they’d be moving away from hardware and focusing on software instead.
Today, Samsung SmartThings is built around an app that’s available onAndroidandiOSdevices, and is pre-installed on mostSamsung Galaxy phones. The app is a central place where users can connect smart devices, monitor their status, personalise routines and manage the home entirely. It also makes it easier to control all your devices in one place and customise how they work together.
While the Samsung SmartThings is predominantly run on an app, you can buy a SmartThings hub. This is how Samsung SmartThings originally worked before the shift to app-only and cloud connections. It’s important to note that Samsung SmartThings doesn’t require a hub but you can still buy aSmartThings Stationor theAeotec Smart Home Hubif you want one.
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What devices are compatible with Samsung SmartThings?
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
As Samsung SmartThings is an open ecosystem, its technology is compatible with a wide range of devices. Initially, its hub supported the main smart home protocols, Zigbee and Z-Wave, but since itsexpansion to cloud integrations, it can connect to multiple devices from multiple manufacturers.
Samsung still offers its ownSmartThings products, including the SmartThings cam, SmartThings plug, motion and water leak sensors. Samsung SmartThings can also be used with thebest Samsung TVsand home appliances, like theSamsung smart fridge freezer.
How to set up a smart home with Samsung SmartThings
Decided that Samsung SmartThings is for you? Here’s how to create your own smart home using Samsung SmartThings.
Download the SmartThings app
The Samsung SmartThings app is the first thing you’ll need to start your Samsung-powered smart home. It’s your first point of contact for pretty much everything, so you’ll want to have it downloaded on your phone or tablet. The Samsung SmartThings app is pre-installed on mostSamsung Galaxydevices but the app is also available to download on other Android and iOS devices.
Buy a SmartThings hub
As mentioned previously, you don’tneeda Samsung SmartThings hub. But I always think that if you’re going to create a smart home – regardless of which virtual assistant or infrastructure you’re using – it’s helpful to have a centralised hub. Of course, the app is going to do most (if not all) of the work but if you want a ‘backup’ in case your phone dies or the app is playing up, the SmartThings hub or station could come in handy.
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Connect compatible devices
Now you have your app set up, it’s time to connect your devices. Lucky for you, Samsung SmartThings works with many manufacturers so you can take your pick with which lighting, thermostat or camera you want to use. Personally, I’d recommend introducing thebest Philips Hue lightsto the inside and outside your home, theArlo Pro 4for tighter security and protection, and aRing Video Doorbellto speak to people at your door.
What’s important to remember is that your device must be connected to the Wi-Fi, compatible with Samsung SmartThings and you need to have a Samsung account, too. When adding your devices to the app, your device should be automatically detected but if it doesn’t, enter your device’s name or scan its QR code. From there, simply follow the instructions to complete set-up.
Customise your devices for a seamless smart home experience
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