The SmartThings Blog

The SmartThings app turns a phone into a remote for a connected Samsung TV, with Quick remote available from the phone's notification screen or Dynamic Island. Invite member lets a user share control of specific devices with family or guests through a QR code, without handing over the phone itself. A lost remote is a small, recurring annoyance rather than a real problem, which is exactly the kind of thing SmartThings is built to remove: instead of a new device to misplace, the remote lives inside an app already on the phone.  SmartThings TV Remote Features at a Glance FeatureWhat it doesAvailable onPhone as remoteControls a connected Samsung TV from the SmartThings appiOS and AndroidQuick remoteOpens the remote from the notification screen or Dynamic IslandGalaxy (notification screen), iOS (Notification Center or Dynamic Island)Invite memberShares control of specific devices via a QR codeiOS and Android How Do You Connect a Samsung TV to the SmartThings App? Download the SmartThings app, then connect the TV with these steps: 1.               Open the SmartThings app and tap the "+" button in the top right corner. 2.               Select Add device under Samsung devices, then tap TV. 3.               Make sure the Samsung TV is on and near the phone or tablet. 4.               Select the TV and enter the PIN displayed on screen. Once connected, the TV can be controlled from the app. How Do You Use Your Phone as a Samsung TV Remote? Open the SmartThings app and tap the TV tile, with the TV turned on. In the bottom panel, tap Remote to open the on-screen remote. Swiping left or right in the middle panel navigates between different remote buttons; for volume specifically, the phone's own volume up/down buttons work instead of an on-screen control. The same app can extend that same phone-as-remote idea to other connected devices, including Samsung washers and dryers, so a household isn't learning a separate control method for every appliance. Can You Access the Remote Without Opening the App Fully? Yes. The remote can be reached directly from the notification screen on a Galaxy device, or from the Notification Center or Dynamic Island on iOS devices, without navigating into the full SmartThings app first. Can You Share TV Control With Family or Guests? Yes, through a feature called Invite member. Rather than handing over the phone itself, a user can generate a QR code that gives someone else access to specific devices in the home, and that person can even set up their own routines once connected. To share access: Open the SmartThings app and tap the location drop-down menu to select the relevant location. Tap the QR code sharing button in the top left corner. Optionally, tap "Access level" to choose full access or specific devices, and set how long that access lasts. The invitee scans the QR code with their own phone to join. Why Share Access Instead of Just Handing Over the Phone? Sharing device access allows a guest to use their own phone rather than borrow yours. This can be useful when a visitor needs TV controls while you keep your phone available for calls, messages or other tasks. SmartThings TV Remote: Compatibility and Limitations Platform support. The SmartThings app and its TV remote features are available on both iOS and Android. Setup proximity. Initial pairing requires the Samsung TV to be on and physically near the phone or tablet being used to connect it. QR code expiration. Each Invite member QR code is available to only one person at a time and expires after five minutes, as a security measure. A new code needs to be generated for each person being granted access, or after a code expires unused. Quick remote location. Where the Quick remote appears differs by platform: the notification screen on Galaxy devices, versus the Notification Center or Dynamic Island on iOS. Samsung's material doesn't describe an equivalent Quick remote shortcut for non-Galaxy Android devices specifically.

Small, thoughtful automations that make school-day mornings smoother, afternoons calmer, and bedtimes easier, without adding more screens. The first week back always tells the truth about your home. Shoes pile up near the door, lunch boxes reappear at odd hours, and bedtimes drift later than anyone intends. It’s a lot of moving parts for a family, and exactly where a few thoughtful automations can make life feel calmer. Not flashy, not fussy, just…easier. With SmartThings, “kid-friendly” doesn’t mean handing children an app. It means the house quietly adapts to your rhythm, lights that greet you when your hands are full, temperatures that settle down at bedtime, and gentle reminders that help the day stay on track. Think of it as the invisible choreography behind smoother mornings and softer evenings. Mornings that start themselves Back-to-school mornings are a sprint. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s momentum. That’s why we like to start in the hallway. A small motion sensor by the bedrooms or stairs can bring lights up automatically just enough to guide sleepy feet, and then fade away on their own, so no one thinks about switches. In the kitchen, lights lift a little brighter and the thermostat nudges toward “wide-awake.” If you use a smart plug for your kettle or coffee grinder, it can click on with the first sign of movement. None of this needs explanation for kids. They don’t have to learn a new screen. The lights “just work,” and you keep two hands on breakfast and backpacks. The after-school landing zone Afternoons are their own story: doors opening, snacks happening, homework looming. A simple contact sensor on the back door or garage can send you a heads-up when the first person gets home, useful if you’re finishing a meeting or still on your commute. Inside, an entry light can switch on automatically and favorite devices, like a lamp or purifier, can start via smart plugs, making the house feel welcoming without anyone saying, “Alexa, turn on the…” Presence can also help with the “Did we leave anything on?” question. When the last family member leaves, SmartThings can turn off stray lights and non-essentials, then restore comfort when the first person returns. It’s a quiet energy-saver that adds up, especially as schedules get busier. Homework that looks the part Environment matters. If you’ve ever watched your kid’s attention drift under bright overheads, try a dedicated “Homework” routine: task lighting at the desk, overheads dimmed a notch, notifications turned down for an hour. The difference is subtle but real — focused light signals focused time. When homework’s done, a single tap can slide the room into “Play” or “Dinner,” and the day keeps flowing. If allergies or fall colds are a thing in your house, a smart plug can power a compact purifier or humidifier during study time, then switch off automatically. It’s one less knob to remember. Evenings that unwind on cue As bedtime creeps earlier with the school year, lighting is your friend. Warm, lower light in bedrooms and hallways sets the tone, think amber over blue. A “Wind-Down” routine can dim lamps, lower the thermostat a couple of degrees, and start white noise on a nursery plug, all on a schedule you choose. If you have a child who wakes easily, a motion sensor in the hallway can bring up a soft night path and fade it out again, without anyone reaching for switches. “Did someone open the side door?” School nights are busy, and small safety checks go a long way. A contact sensor on a window or side door can nudge you if it’s opened after bedtime; another on the garage can remind you if it’s still up when you settle in. The goal isn’t constant alerts, just the right ones. Review them together, keep what’s helpful, and let the rest go. Set it up once, then forget it The basics come together quickly: Add a couple of Works with SmartThings bulbs or switches where you need hands-free lighting most (hallways, entry, playroom). Drop a motion sensor in high-traffic spots and a contact sensor on a door you care about. Use a smart plug for the few things you repeatedly switch on and off (kettle, lamp, purifier, white noise). Create a few routines —Morning, Homework, Wind-Down—and trigger them by time, motion, temperature, or when people arrive/leave. From there, you can make it your own. Pin the kids’ rooms and the entryway to Favorites in the SmartThings app so everyday controls are a tap away. If you like a bird’s-eye view, organize devices by room so it’s obvious what’s on and where. Start small, expand with confidence You don’t need to overhaul the house to feel a difference. Many products connect directly to SmartThings; certain sensors and Thread/Zigbee devices may require a compatible hub. Either way, you can mix brands as long as they’re labeled Works with SmartThings (and supported by your setup), then build up room by room. Back-to-school season asks a lot of families. The right automations don’t add another “system” to manage—they quietly remove friction so you can focus on the people in front of you. Start with one hallway light or one evening routine, and let your home take it from there. Start your smart home experience today on Samsung.com and shop key products.

A SmartThings user shares how one costly mistake led to a simple, smart solution There are moments in life that test your patience, your resilience, and your relationship with frozen pizza. For me, that moment came on a sleepy Saturday morning, when I entered my kitchen and discovered a scene that can only be described as devastatingly soggy. I had left the freezer door cracked open overnight after I’d grabbed a bedtime snack. Everything from ice cream to expensive cuts of meat was ruined. A full freezer, lost to forgetfulness. After cycling through the five stages of grief (and a deep clean), I realized this didn’t have to happen. I use SmartThings, the platform built to make life easier, not ruin my day with four pints of liquified ice cream. So I did what any tech-savvy, freshly humbled human would do: installed a SmartThings-compatible Aqara sensor, synced it to my SmartThings app on iOS ( the setup is just as easy as it is for Android), and created a routine to send me an alert if the freezer is open for more than a minute. Simple. Seamless. Sanity-saving. A $20 Sensor vs. a $300 Grocery Bill Smart home devices aren’t just for sci-fi enthusiasts or gadget geeks. They’re for everyday people who want to avoid real-world chaos. Whether it's a cracked freezer door, a garage left open, or lights on all night in your kid’s room, SmartThings can quietly step in to keep things running smoothly and dodge dishing out big bucks down the line.Here’s how my SmartThings setup will now save the day and how yours can, too: Custom Alerts: I created a rule in the SmartThings app that sends a push notification to my phone if the freezer door stays open too long.  I can extend this logic to my fridge, wine cooler, or cabinet where I hide my snacks. Peace of Mind on Autopilot: SmartThings doesn’t just tell you something’s wrong, it gives you the tools to fix it. I could’ve connected a smart light to blink red if the door was left ajar or used a voice assistant to chime in with a reminder. Drama avoided. One App, So Many Solutions: The beauty of SmartThings is that it plays nicely with thousands of devices. Aqara is just one of many partners whose devices work with SmartThings, and because it’s Matter-certified, all I had to do was open the box and scan the QR code for SmartThings to discover it and add it to my devices. Once the sensor was added, I created a routine, and was finally able to move on with my life — and onto my new ice cream. How to Set It Up in SmartThings Want to avoid your own frozen food fail? Here's how to create a simple routine in the SmartThings app using any Works with SmartThings sensor: Add the sensor to your SmartThings app by scanning the QR code or using “Add device” and selecting the brand/model. Tap + and select “Create routine” Tap “If” condition:Select DeviceSet Contact sensor = Open Then tap + Add condition → Add delay → set it to 1 minute(This gives you a grace period before triggering an alert in case you’re just grabbing a snack.) For the “Then” action:Select Send notificationCustomize your message (e.g., “Freezer door left open!!!) Tap Done to save.  Smarter Living Starts with Small Steps We don’t always think about tech until we need it.  The small, everyday decisions like setting up a routine or adding a sensor are what often save us the most time, money, and frustration. So if you’ve ever lost a freezer full of food, forgot to turn off the lights before a trip, or wondered if your front door was locked after you boarded a flight, SmartThings might just be your new best friend. If you want to go a step further, you can even choose a Samsung refrigerator with built-in sensors that connect directly to SmartThings, so you’ll know right away if the door’s been left open, no extra device required. Take it from me: the smartest home isn’t the one with the most devices. It’s the one that works for you, in the moments that matter most. Ready to prevent your next home fiasco? Explore Works with SmartThings sensors and build your own custom automations today.  A smarter (and less soggy) home is just a tap away.

Samsung SmartThings puts smart home hubs right where you need them—built into the devices you already own. Not long ago, setting up a smart home meant buying a separate hub, plugging it in, and hoping it would work with all your devices. Hubs were the essential link, helping smart lights, locks, thermostats, and more to communicate seamlessly. They were also often a separate device you needed to choose and buy, find a spare power and network cable for, and set up and maintain. Today, thanks to Samsung's Hub Everywhere strategy, hubs aren’t just little boxes anymore—they’re built right into the devices you already use every day. Your Smart Home Hub Might Already Be Here Samsung makes starting and growing your smart home easier by building smart home hubs directly into many of its products. That means your Samsung TV, Smart Monitor, Family Hub refrigerator, or Sound Bar could already be a smart home hub—ready to connect and control devices without the need to buy and set up another device. For those who prefer a standalone hub, SmartThings Hubs are still available. But for many, Samsung’s Hub Everywhere strategy is making smart home adoption more seamless than ever. What is a Smart Home Hub, and Why Does It Matter? A smart home hub acts as the translator and coordinator for your smart devices. Different smart home products use different communication methods—such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. A hub allows them to work together, enabling automations, remote control, and a more cohesive smart home experience. Think of a hub as the conductor of your smart home orchestra, keeping things coordinated so your lights dim, doors lock, and thermostat adjusts exactly when and how you want—without you needing to manage each device separately. And as the smart home industry moves toward Matter, the universal smart home standard, compatibility between brands and products will only get better—making built-in hubs even more valuable. A Smarter Approach to Smart Homes In the early days, standalone hubs were the only option. But now, with hubs integrated into your Samsung devices, this means: No extra setup – Your smart home hub is already built into your TV, fridge, or monitor, no extra cables or power required. When a hub is available in a Samsung TV, the option to enable will instantly pop up to set up through the SmartThings App.  Onboard your TV Hub in less than a minute: Walk through the easy steps to onboard the built in hub on your new TV from the first time you power it on. No added cost – You don’t need to buy a separate device to connect your smart home. Easier to start your smart home – More people can experience a fully connected home without the hassle of additional hardware. Do You Already Have a Smart Home Hub? If you’ve purchased a Samsung TV, monitor, or appliance in the past few years, there’s a good chance you already have a built-in SmartThings hub. In fact you might have multiple hubs, which can improve coverage and performance in larger homes. Learn more about how multiple hubs can work together here. Not sure if your Samsung device has a Hub built in? Check out our handy guide below to find your model number! These products all include a SmartThings hub and Thread Border Router, to connect devices including those that that use Matter-over-Thread and Matter-over-Wi-Fi, or Zigbee. Get started with your SmartThings hub by adding it to your SmartThings app today! Samsung Devices with Built-In Hubs: At a glance Select Samsung QLED / Neo QLED / OLED TV (2023 and later) Select Samsung The Frame / The Serif TV (2024 and later) Select Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combos, Family Hub Fridges, Projectors, Smart Monitors and Soundbars SmartThings Hub V3 SmartThings Station Third-Party Smart Home Hubs Aeotec Smart Home Hub Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 ThingsOne SmartHome Hub (sold in Korean market) Full List of Models with Built-in Hubs Samsung TV QN990F, QN950F, QN90F, S95F, QN90F, S90F, QN85F, S85F, QN80F, QN70F, Q8F,LS03F(The Frame), QN900D, QN850D, QN800D, QN95D, S95D, QN90D, S90D, QN85D, S85D, QN80D, Q80D, Q70D, Q60D, 32Q60D, DU900*, 85DU8000, LS01D (The Serif), LS03D(The Frame), QN900C, QN800C, QN95C, S95C, S90C, QN90C, QN85C, Q80C, Q70C, Q60C, 32Q60C Samsung Projector LPS9FS (Premiere 8K), LPS9DS (The Premiere 9), LPS9CS (Premiere 8K) Samsung Monitor M80D, M80C-G96SC (Gaming) Samsung Soundbar HW-Q990F, HW-Q990D, HW-Q990C Family Hub Fridge RF90F23AECEAA, RF90F23AECRAA, RF90F23AEWAA, RF90F23EECRAA, RF90F29AA12AA, RF90F29AECEAA,. 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RF85DB95A2APW, RF71DB9950QDTL, RF65DB990012SV, RF71DB9956QDSA, RF85C9581APW, RF23CB9900QKAA, RF29CB9900QKEM, RF23CB99008MAC, RF29CB9900QKAA 9-inch LCD Fridge RF90F23BECRAA, RF90F29BAQDAA, RF90F29BECRAA, RM90F64E2W, RM90F91D1W, RM90F67CECEF, RM90F67CECEO, RM90F67CECEU, RM90F67PECEF, RM90F64X1CSC, RM90F64E1CSH, RM90F64E1WTW, RM90F66C1CTL, RM90F66C1WAP, RM90F66C1WAZ, RM90F66C1WBZ, RM90F66C1WCO, RM90F66CDWEM, RM90F66CNCTL, RM90F67C1WWR, RM90F67C1WWT, RS90F64EDFEF, RS90F64EDFEU, RS90F64EDFWS, RS90F64EDTEF, RS90F64EDTEU, RS90F64EEFEF, RS90F64EEFEO, RS90F64EEFEU, RS90F64EETEF, RS90F64EETEU, RS90F65EDFEF, RS90F65EDTEF, RS90F65EDTEO, RS90F64D1FAE, RS90F64D2FFA, RS90F64D4FSA, RS90F64DDTZA, RS90F65D1FWR, RS90F65D1FWT, RS90F65D2FST, RS90F65D2FSV, RS90F65D3FSS, RS90F65DDTZA. RS90F65DNFME. RS90F65DNFSE, RS90F65DNFTC, RS90F65C1FSC Washer/Dryer Combo WD90F25AHZ, WD90F25AHT, WD90F25AHY, WD90F26AVSAX, WD90F26AVBAC, WD90F26AVBUS, WD90F26AVSUS, WD90F26AVYUS

Are you looking to save money, energy, and earn rewards automatically? Who isn’t! With Samsung’s Demand Response (DR) Program, Flex Connect - available directly within the SmartThings app - eligible users can automatically reduce energy consumption by switching devices to power-saving mode during peak grid demand. What is Flex Connect? Flex Connect allows Samsung appliances, TVs, and other connected devices to adjust theirenergy usage during peak demand peak demand times, using a feature called DR Energy Mode,built into the app to give users the ability to reduce energy use when the grid is under strain,helping to balance the grid while reducing costs at home. Samsung's Flex Connect program became available to eligible users in California and New York in June of 2024, to eligible users in Texas in December of 2024 and is now available to users across the Mid-Atlantic and greater Chicago. Signing up for Flex Connect means when an energy event occurs, SmartThings automaticallyoptimizes energy consumption across opted-in devices for users who have enabled DR EnergyMode in the app. This activation not only helps users save energy during crucial times, it alsotriggers a $50 Flex Connect reward – directly into the user’s Samsung account! Flex Connect works with a variety of energy-saving devices, from thermostats to Samsungwashers, dryers, and more – intelligently adjusting the device’s settings based on the weatherand grid, ensuring efficient energy use while keeping your home comfortable. It’s energy saved– automatically! Together, Flex Connect users contribute meaningful energy reductions that help balance thegrid during peak demand, reducing the risk of blackouts and lowering overall grid emissions. It’sgood for the grid, good for sustainability, and good for your wallet! Check out the Works With SmartThings page for a full list of eligible devices. How do I get the $50 in Samsung Rewards Points? The reward is distributed after you are approved in the Flex Connect program and after one ormore of your connected devices participate in an energy event. Then, you’ll receive a notification in the SmartThings app letting you know your $50 in Samsung Rewards Points is available. Simply tap ‘Claim’ in the app, and the Samsung Rewards Points will be added to your Samsung.com account. You have 30 days to claim your points once the notification appears, but after claiming thepoints, they won’t expire. The frequency and timing of energy events vary based on locationand season, so keep an eye on your SmartThings app for updates. Earning Even More: About SmartThings Energy Stamps A $50 Flex Connect reward is just the start of what you can earn! (Not to mention the energyyou’re saving automatically, often leading to a reduction in monthly energy bills.) By using additional SmartThings Energy features, you can maximize energy savings and earneven more rewards. Features such as AI Energy Mode, Optimal Charging, and OptimalScheduling are available to all users—and when activated, trigger the accrual of Energy Stamps,which convert to dollars that can be spent on Samsung.com! Ready to take control of your energy usage?  It’s quick and easy to connect your devices to the SmartThings app: Open the SmartThings app and tap the 'Devices' tab. Tap the 'Home' icon and select your device’s location. Tap the ‘Add’ (+) button and choose 'Add Device.' For Bluetooth devices, tap ‘Scan Nearby’ or manually add your device. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’re good to go! Download the SmartThings app in the Google Play or Apple Store to activate SmartThings Energy, and enter your ZIP code in SmartThings Energy to check your eligibility today. To learn more about Flex Connect and how you can save energy for rewards, visit https://partners.smartthings.com/energy-rewards. 

SmartThings unveils plans for future AI including ambient sensing technology and Gen AI  allowing users to customize their homes for a better life Samsung SmartThings has unveiled new AI technology at Unpacked, continuing the vision of “AI for All.” SmartThings aims to use this technology to simplify and enhance everyday life. The mission of SmartThings has always been to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and ease of use for consumers.  Our core tenets are security, ease of use, saving time and money, and care for your family. We understand that every household is unique, which is why we are introducing Home AI—a feature that gathers insights from everyday life to create personalized experiences to fit your needs, transforming your home into a smarter, more efficient space.  It’s about using technology to help you build your dream home, one that adapts to how you live and simplifies your daily routines. SmartThings Ambient Sensing SmartThings plans to use advanced sensor technology, like motion and sound sensor devices in your home, to recognize you and understand your daily activities like cooking, exercising, sleeping, etc. so your home can create the perfect environment for you.  This ambient sensing technology would enable your home to understand you and your surroundings to help you live a better life. It collects, integrates, and analyzes diverse data and securely stores it on your local home network.  These are a few examples of what this new technology can do : Human Detection and Activity Monitoring: SmartThings uses its sensors to detect activities like push-ups, sleeping, or even working at your desk. It can recommend better routines for your life, and build the best environment for the activity. Health Insight and Lifestyle Recommendations: SmartThings will provide real-time feedback to help you stay healthy. Been sitting too long? Expect a gentle reminder to get up and move. SmartThings aims to enhance your smart home experience by intelligently understanding and optimizing your routines. For example, when you’re exercising, SmartThings can detect which kind of exercise you’re doing, guide you on your form and provide the optimal exercise time for maximum results. After your workout, the sound and movement of drying your hair can be detected by sound sensing devices like the Music Frame, and will start the robot vacuum to clean up fallen hair from the floor. Or after a long day, all you might want to do is relax in your favorite chair. SmartThings makes it effortless. As you approach your favorite chair, SmartThings recognizes your presence, automatically dimming the lights, turning on your reading lamp, and adjusting the room to your perfect temperature. SmartThings’ new technology could even identify your miniature pinscher jumping onto the couch, activating the air purifier to remove allergens from the air.  Generative AI in Map View SmartThings will be equipped with Gen AI technology that enables a deeper understanding of your home’s unique layout and environment adding more personalization to your Map View.  Personalized Map View: You will be able to use your phone camera to capture images of objects like chairs, and other elements in your space so your Map View can match your style and space! Enhanced User Experience: This personalized map allows for more intuitive navigation and interaction within your smart home. For example, the system might adjust your lighting or temperature settings based on your proximity to certain areas or objects. The Foundation of Privacy and Performance Underpinning all these technologies is a revolutionary approach to data processing that ensures all information will be stored locally on your network. Unlike traditional cloud-dependent systems, this technology will offer privacy by keeping your data entirely within your home hub which lives within your favorite Samsung appliances and devices. None of your data will be stored in the cloud or accessible to third parties without your consent, giving you control over your personal information. Samsung SmartThings continues to redefine what it means to live in a smart home, blending cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience—all while keeping your data secure. These updates are planned to rollout throughout 2025 and 2026. Stay tuned to our blog and newsroom for updates.