Recent Articles

May 5, 2026

Showcase Partner Brands and Products to Millions of SmartThings Users 

The Easy Steps for Partners to Update Brand and Product Pages We’re happy to share an exciting new feature that lets Works with SmartThings (WWST) partners manage their brand and certified product pages, seen by millions of SmartThings users. Partner brand pages, found on Partners.SmartThings.com and in the SmartThings app, are some of the most frequently visited resources. These pages are often the first place users go to discover new brands and confirm product compatibility before making a purchase. Additionally, because they are visible to everyone across the entire web, they expand partner’s reach and strengthen search engine optimization (SEO) for their brand and products. Now, partners can manage their brand and product pages to showcase offerings and encourage user purchases. Partners can follow these simple steps to update brand and product pages. An Easy Way to Showcase Brands and Certified Products This new feature is a key benefit of the Works with SmartThings (WWST) program. It enables partners to easily keep their brand and product information current, including the latest purchase links, for SmartThings users. The WWST program offers many benefits, such as: Opportunities to promote products to 450 million global SmartThings users Brand and product placement on the SmartThings website and within the app Use of the WWST badge Co-marketing opportunities Access to user engagement analytics Increased discoverability and trust from SmartThings users What Partners Can Update For Brands: Brand Name Brand URL Brand Description  Logo Customer Support Information  Company Contact Information  Contact Name For Products: Product Name Product Description  Model Number Product Images Product Category Purchase Links Product Distribution Locations How to Update: A Step-by-Step Guide For partners that already have an account linked to brands in the SmartThings Console, partners can start updating information immediately.  For partners without an account or if the brands are not linked, please contact the SmartThings team at partners@smartthings.com. 1. Access the SmartThings Console Access the Console by signing in to the SmartThings Developer Center. From the homepage, use the left-hand navigation to choose the path: Brands, for updating brand information, or Device Integrations for updating product information.  2. Refresh Brand Information Navigate: Click the Brands tab. Edit: Click the brand and select Edit Brand at the bottom right.  Make Updates: Update brand details, including logos, customer support information, and more. Submit: Update the details, check the permission box in the "Ready to submit?" section, and click Update Brand. 3. Update Product Information Navigate: Click the Device Integrations tab. Select: Click on the specific product name to edit. Refine: Update product details, including product names, model numbers, product images, purchase links, and more. Submit: Update the details, check the permission box in the "Ready to submit?" section, and click Update Product. 4. Review and Approval Once approved, the updated brand and product details will go live in the SmartThings app (please note a brief delay may occur due to caching). Updates will typically appear on the web-based partner brand page within 5-7 business days. Update Brand and Product Pages Today Partners can now make these updates in the SmartThings Developer Center today!
April 20, 2026

Samsung SmartThings Expands Seamless Integration With IKEA Matter Devices

SmartThings, Samsung Electronics’ global smart home platform, has built enhanced integrations with furniture retailer IKEA’s new smart home product line. Samsung Electronics has enabled seamless integration of IKEA’s 25 practical Matter-over-Thread smart home devices—including smart bulbs and plugs—into the SmartThings platform, allowing users to effortlessly incorporate them into daily life. Easy Integration with SmartThings Through Matter-Enabled IKEA Devices 25 IKEA smart home devices including a scroll wheel remote, smart bulbs, plugs, temperature and humidity sensors, air quality sensors, motion sensors, door sensors and water leak sensors, now support the global smart home standard Matter.1 Previously, connecting IKEA devices to SmartThings required an IKEA smart home hub2 and SmartThings hub, but they can now be connected directly to a SmartThings hub. They also work with Samsung appliances including TVs, air conditioners and washing machines, as well as a wide range of third-party devices and protocols supported by the platform. Smarter Care — From Checking on Loved Ones to Optimizing Sleep Environments For example, users can connect an IKEA door sensor to SmartThings and attach it to a frequently used door to monitor when their parents start their day and whether they are active at home through SmartThings Family Care. This offers a convenient way to check on loved ones, even when living apart. Installed on a wall, IKEA’s air quality and temperature and humidity sensors collect data on temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and light intensity. SmartThings compares these readings with recommended ranges for optimal sleep and provides a sleep environment report with actionable insights — such as lowering the temperature to 19-21°C — helping create an ideal bedroom environment. Users can also set routines that activate the air conditioner’s dehumidification mode when rising humidity is detected. If the water leak sensor detects moisture, it sends an immediate alert enabling a prompt response. Intuitive Control With the Scroll Wheel Remote Ahead of launch, Samsung and IKEA conducted multiple rounds of validation to enhance connectivity stability and implemented a dedicated user experience within the SmartThings app for full compatibility. A standout device is the scroll wheel remote, which significantly enhances user experience. When connected to lighting, users can precisely adjust brightness and color temperature by rotating the wheel, making it easy to create the desired ambiance. It can also be used for devices requiring fine control, such as blinds.3 It targets the design-conscious younger generation, who prioritizes aesthetic value in every detail, down to a single switch or lighting.  Expanding a Boundless Smart Home Ecosystem With Early Adoption of Thread SmartThings was the first to adopt Thread4 1.4 — a low-power, short-range networking technology essential for smart home ecosystems — enabling Thread networks across brands to operate as a single unified system that enhances user convenience. “By connecting IKEA devices to SmartThings, even first-time smart home users can enjoy a familiar and easy connectivity experience without financial burden,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President of SmartThings, AI Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “SmartThings will continue to expand its ecosystem through partnerships, enabling more consumers to enjoy seamless and convenient smart home experience within the platform regardless of brand or protocol.” 1 Matter is a global smart home connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance to improve interoperability among devices. 2 Hub is a central smart home device that connects multiple smart devices using different wireless protocols and enables unified control through a single platform. 3 As of April 1, 2026, only lighting control is supported. blind control will be available later this year. 4 Thread is a low-power, mesh networking-based wireless protocol used in the Matter standard that enables smart home devices to communicate with each other quickly and reliably independent of Wi-Fi.
April 15, 2026

Samsung Elevates Experiences to Care for Users and Their Families with SmartThings Update

Enhanced SmartThings Family Care provides more thoughtful support for families living apart Galaxy Now Brief integrates Home Security, Family Care and Pet Care and expands to TVs and Family Hub refrigerators SEOUL, Korea – April 16, 2026 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that it has updated its global smart home platform SmartThings to provide improved experiences that help users better care for their families and themselves in everyday life. With the latest update, SmartThings has strengthened its Family Care service so users can better support parents they live apart from. It also integrates additional key SmartThings features into Now Brief, the personalized briefing service available on Galaxy mobile devices, to further enhance the convenience and comfort of the customer's daily life. Samsung plans to roll out these new Now Brief capabilities to TVs and Family Hub refrigerators in phases. “Samsung’s AI technology goes beyond everyday convenience to help users care for themselves and their families with greater peace of mind,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of the SmartThings Team, AI Platform Center, Samsung Electronics. “SmartThings will continue to strengthen its role as a platform that seamlessly connects customers’ daily lives with AI, and it will keep expanding differentiated services on an ongoing basis.” Enhanced Family Care Makes It Easier To Check In on Loved Ones Family Care connects SmartThings with a range of home appliances and mobile devices to provide notifications regarding the activities of users’ aging parents and reminders for medication and hospital visits — as well as location-based alerts. With this update, the service enables even more thoughtful care. Additionally, Samsung’s new Care on Call1 feature allows users to more closely check on the status of the care recipient through a simple phone call. When a caregiver using the service calls the care recipient, a floating pop-up that displays key information like the time of the first activity of the day, the most recent activity time and the local weather — all at a glance — appears before the call begins. This helps caregivers ask more meaningful check-in questions and respond accordingly. SmartThings can also continuously monitor devices like air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers for indoor temperature, humidity and air quality. If unusual usage patterns are detected, the caregiver is immediately notified and can remotely control the relevant device.2 Family Care has made the Safety Patrol feature — which utilizes SmartThings to send a new Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra to check various areas around the house — even more convenient. If the care recipient’s activity is not detected for a specified period of time, users receive a notification and the feature can be remotely activated if the caregiver needs to take action.3 Using a camera built into the robot vacuum, caregivers can view issues that might occur — such as a person lying incapacitated — and two-way communication through the built-in speaker and microphone allows them to act. To further enhance the level of care provided to loved ones, the Care Insight feature has been enhanced to provide even more actionable, long-term data within the Family Care service. It analyzes factors like temperature and humidity levels, paying attention to whether they deviate from optimal ranges. It also tracks significant changes in activity levels and connected device usage compared to the previous week.  Expansion of Now Brief to TVs and Family Hub Now Brief delivers a rich AI experience by integrating a broad range of key SmartThings services that help users stay informed about their daily lives, their family members and conditions inside and outside the home. With the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief will support Home Security, Family Care and Pet Care, in addition to existing features that include Home Insight, Energy and the Sleep Environment Report. Through Now Brief, users can access the useful information needed to care for themselves, their families and their homes at a glance.  Now Brief is set to deliver a consistent customized experience throughout the home4, and will soon roll out in phases to TVs launched in 2024 or later, as well as Family Hub refrigerators launched in 2021 or later. For added convenience, users will not need to manually launch Now Brief. If the feature is set up in advance, it will be automatically activated when they approach the TV, touch the Family Hub refrigerator screen or open and close the refrigerator door. And now, whether at home or on the go, the expanded Now Brief helps users stay up to date by providing information such as home device status and energy usage, as well as the sleep status of the previous night, Home Security updates based on door locks, door sensors, and security mode, parents’ daily activity updates and dog-walking information.5 About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com. 1 Care on Call is available on Galaxy smartphones running One UI 8.5 or later. Internet calls are not supported. 2 Remote control is available when the caregiver has been set up to remotely control the care recipient's devices. 3 Remote control is available when the caregiver has been set up to remotely control the care recipient's devices. Availability may vary depending on product, model and region. 4 Availability may vary depending on product, model, region, and each product’s Over The Network (OTN) software update schedule.  5 The relevant devices should be registered in SmartThings, and the service must be activated in the Life tab.
April 15, 2026

Your Galaxy Is Your New Front Door Key

Samsung Wallet, Aliro Locks, and SmartThings turn a simple tap into total home control What if getting into your home didn’t require fumbling for keys, digging through bags, or wondering whether you locked the door on your way out? With the Samsung Wallet, SmartThings, and Aliro-certified smart locks from trusted brands like Aqara, Nuki, ULTRALOQ, and Schlage, your Galaxy phone can become your new door key, unlocking a smarter, safer, and more convenient home experience. Now available on Samsung.com, Aliro-certified locks integrate with SmartThings and Samsung Wallet, giving you tap-to-unlock access, remote control, and powerful home automations that start the moment you walk through the door. Tap to Unlock. Walk Right In. Ever arrive home from a run with nowhere to stash your keys? Instead of slowing down, soon you can simply tap your Galaxy phone on your smart lock. The door unlocks instantly, no physical keys required. Samsung Wallet securely stores your digital keys, while SmartThings keeps everything connected behind the scenes. It’s a simple gesture that makes everyday routines feel effortless. Unlocking your door can trigger far more than just entry. When paired with SmartThings and a compatible hub, Aliro-certified smart locks can become the starting point for your entire home: Lights turn on as you step inside Thermostat adjusts to your preferred temperature Security cameras shift modes Alarms disarm and re-arm automatically Heading out? Lock the door from your phone when you leave, and SmartThings takes care of the rest, shutting off lights or securing devices so you can leave with peace of mind. Designed for Real-Life Moments Technology should make life easier, especially in the moments that matter most. Active lifestyles: Going for a run or walking the dog? Leave your keys behind. Your Galaxy has you covered. Locked-out scares: Step outside to take out the trash and hear the door click shut? No panic required, tap your phone and get back in. Family members: Share secure digital keys with family members through Samsung Wallet, and use SmartThings to manage alarms and routines while they’re inside. Members added to SmartThings can use a designated PIN as well to use the features.  Built for What’s Next: Aliro-Certified Smart Locks Samsung’s tap-to-unlock experience is powered by Aliro Home Key certification, an industry standard created to make digital access to your home more secure, reliable, and interoperable across devices. Aliro-certified smart locks will work seamlessly with Galaxy phones through Samsung Wallet, delivering consistent tap-to-unlock access whether you’re coming home from work, heading out for a run, or letting in a guest remotely. And this ecosystem is growing. Samsung is partnering with a broad range of Aliro-certified lock makers, including Aqara, Nuki, and Allegion brands like Schlage, giving homeowners more flexibility and choice when upgrading their front door. That means confidence today and peace of mind that your home is ready for what comes next. How to Set Up an Aliro-Certified Lock with Galaxy Getting started is easier than you might think. Step 1: Install Your Aliro-Certified Lock Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to physically install your lock. Step 2: Add the Lock in the SmartThings App Open the SmartThings app. Tap Add device and follow the on-screen prompts to connect your lock. Step 3: Add Your Digital Key to Samsung Wallet Once connected, you’ll receive the option to add your home key to Samsung Wallet. Confirm and authenticate, your Galaxy phone is now your key. Step 4: Test Tap-to-Unlock Hold your Galaxy phone near the lock. Tap. Unlock. Done. Want a Routine to try? Try This! Routine Name: “I’m Home!” Trigger: When front door unlocks Actions: Turn on entryway and living room lights Adjust thermostat to comfort setting Disarm security system Turn on Samsung TV Plus automatically  Now your home responds automatically the moment you walk in. You can customize this routine for mornings, evenings, guests, or even specific users. Ready to upgrade? Shop the Aliro-compatible smart locks, Galaxy Devices, and SmartThings hubs now on Samsung.com and fully unlock your home’s potential.
December 18, 2025

SmartThings Expands Camera Support with Introduction of Matter 1.5

As the first smart home ecosystem to support Matter 1.5 compatible cameras, SmartThings is partnering with Aqara, Eve and Xthings, to bring users comprehensive security and safety monitoring features. SmartThings, Samsung’s AI Home platform, is the first global smart home platform to support Matter-compatible cameras as a fully supported device category, enabling users access to comprehensive security and safety monitoring experiences within a single platform across brands on the latest specification, Matter 1.5.   Matter cameras are essential for any smart home, providing reliable security and monitoring for indoor and outdoor spaces. With this update, SmartThings users can seamlessly integrate cameras alongside lights, locks, sensors, and other Matter-enabled devices to create a unified and secure smart home experience. To bring these capabilities to market, SmartThings is partnering with Aqara, Eve and Xthings.  Each company will bring its own Matter-compatible camera to market in early 2026, all of which will be supported by SmartThings. And now, manufacturers can deploy Matter cameras without building separate APIs, simplifying development and accelerating time to market. Launched in November by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Matter 1.5 brings cameras into the standard and enhances support for blinds, awnings, and garage doors, giving users more control and improving energy efficiency throughout the home. “As one of the first platforms to support Matter 1.5, SmartThings underscores its commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our users,” said Mark Benson, Head of Samsung SmartThings. “Our leadership in Matter has allowed us to build one of the largest and fastest-growing libraries of supported and certified Matter devices, enabling users to integrate new Matter devices with confidence.” With the Matter 1.5 update, SmartThings’ support for Matter cameras will include: Live streaming — Watch your home in real time from anywhere. Clip storage — Securely save and access video recordings. Two-way talk — Communicate through your camera. Motion detection — Receive alerts for movement in or around your home. Advanced camera settings – Customize preferences to suit your needs. Event history — See a timeline of event notifications. Motion and privacy zones — Block zones from reporting motion and from clear view to protect your privacy.  Together, these features will be accessible directly through SmartThings Hubs (Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2, Aeotec Smart Home Hub, SmartThings Hub 2018, and the ThingsOne Smart Home Hub) at initial launch, with updates to come in 2026 to SmartThings Hub 2015, making it easier than ever to manage connected devices from a single platform. SmartThings continues to lead in smart home innovation by rapidly rolling out support for Matter standards just as it has done with every Matter release to date. Today, SmartThings supports 58 Matter device types through the 1.5 specification, and this update also opens the door for new Works With SmartThings-certified partners to bring cameras to millions of households worldwide. "Partnering with SmartThings to bring our Matter-certified camera to their platform is an important milestone for Aqara," said Cathy You, Senior Vice President of Global Business and Strategy at Aqara. "This integration gives users a secure, intelligent, and seamless home monitoring experience, and paves the way for a future of connected living with even more innovative Matter-enabled devices in the future. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with SmartThings to drive the mass adoption of smart home technology." With Matter 1.5, SmartThings is strengthening its position as an open, unified and trusted smart home platform, helping its base of over 425 million users create safer, smarter, and more connected homes. For more information, visit www.samsung.com/smartthings.  
November 5, 2025

Rest Better with SmartThings, Eve, and the Smart Home Hub 2 

From real-time temperature insights to automated blinds, the SmartThings Sleep Environment report helps you begin your journey to better sleep.   Sleep is one of the most important parts of your health and well-being. Yet so many of us struggle with it, tossing and turning, waking up groggy, or dealing with little ones who just won’t stay down for the night. The truth is, your environment plays a huge role in how well you rest. The SmartThings Sleep Environment Report gives you a clearer picture of what’s happening in your bedroom while you rest, so you can make small changes that add up to better nights and brighter mornings. With the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 and the Eve Weather Connected Weather Station, you’ll have everything you need to get started.   How to get started with better sleep The Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 is the brain of your smart home, connecting your devices and automations in one place. Pair it with Eve Weather and you unlock powerful new insights into your sleep environment, making this duo the perfect starting point for a smarter, healthier home. Both devices are Matter-certified for simple setup, work with both Android and iOS, and are designed to make your home more responsive from day one. Smarter Insights with the Sleep Environment Report The SmartThings Sleep Environment Report collects and analyzes data from connected devices in your home to help you understand what’s impacting your rest. It highlights patterns and potential disturbances like changes in temperature, humidity, or air quality, and shows when devices were active during the night.  When paired with Eve Weather, SmartThings gains precise temperature and humidity readings from your bedroom. When combined with additional WWST sensors, insights such as CO2 levels and lighting can also be included. The report then uses that data to visualize your overnight environment, revealing whether your room got too warm, too cool, or too dry at any point.  Was the room too warm between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.? SmartThings highlights the factors that could be disturbing your rest and even shows which devices were running during the night.  In addition, with the Samsung Health integration, you can combine this environmental data with your actual sleep measurements from Galaxy wearables to give you the full picture of both how you slept and why. Automations that Work While You Sleep Once SmartThings identifies the factors affecting your sleep, it helps you fix them automatically. By pairing the Smart Home Hub 2 with Eve Weather, you can set up routines that respond to changes in real time:   Lowering the thermostat when the room gets too warm in the middle of the night Turning on a humidifier if the air gets too dry Dimming or shutting off lights at bedtime to help you wind down Raise blinds upon waking up  Instead of waking up to discomfort, your smart home quietly adjusts to keep your environment optimized for rest.  Sleep Better, Live Better It’s not just about comfort, it’s about waking up refreshed and ready for your day. With a smarter nighttime routine powered by SmartThings, the Smart Home Hub 2, and Eve Weather, you’ll finally have the environment your body needs for deeper rest. And this solution works for the whole family. Parents can create routines that keep nurseries cozy through the night. Busy professionals can finally stop blaming stress when it’s really the air or temperature at fault. Even tech enthusiasts will love how seamlessly the system responds to real conditions in real time. To take your sleep setup a step further, pair your system with Eve Blinds, motorized, Matter-enabled blinds that automatically close at bedtime to block out streetlights or early morning sun, then open gently when it’s time to wake.  Combined with your Eve Weather data and Sleep Environment Report insights, you can create a “Good Night” routine that lowers blinds, turns off lights, adjusts the thermostat, and begins tracking your sleep conditions, automatically through SmartThings.  If you’re ready to say goodbye to restless nights and hello to mornings that feel truly refreshing, start with the Smart Home Hub 2 and Eve Weather, and consider adding Eve Blinds for the ultimate smart sleep setup. Together, they’ll help you understand your environment, improve your comfort, and create routines that support the rest you deserve. Shop Eve Weather and Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 now on Samsung.com.
October 27, 2025

Samsung Electronics Strengthens AI Home Experience with the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2

Smaller, faster, and more versatile, the new Samsung SmartThings hub strengthens connectivity for the world’s most advanced smart home ecosystem. Samsung Electronics has recently announced the release of the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2, the most advanced and compact smart home hub to date. Coming soon to Samsung.com, the hub is designed to be the foundation of responsive and reliable smart homes, with the latest connectivity, the Smart Home Hub 2 works as a Samsung SmartThings Hub and supports popular smart home standards, allowing users to create the personalized AI Home experiences they want, with the devices they want. For more than a decade, SmartThings has connected millions of users worldwide to a more convenient, secure, and efficient lifestyle. Through the Works with SmartThings (WWST) program, SmartThings collaborates with approximately 380 partners to support more than 4,500 certified devices, ensuring broad compatibility across brands. In addition, SmartThings is a leader in supporting Matter, the global smart home standard that further expands the ecosystem, making it even easier for users to connect and control devices from multiple brands within a single, seamless experience. “With Smart Home Hub 2, we’re enabling more people to start and grow their AI Home experience with the speed and reliability of a dedicated hub, industry-leading Matter support, and of course the power and breadth of the SmartThings ecosystem,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue working closely with partners to strengthen the SmartThings ecosystem and maintain our leadership in setting global smart home standards.” Smarter, Smaller, and Faster Developed in collaboration with partners through Samsung’s WWST certification program, and distributed by Samjin in Korea and Aeotec globally, the Smart Home Hub 2 supports Zigbee, Thread, and Matter protocols, enabling robust interoperability across a wide range of smart home devices. Key performance upgrades include: Expanded device capacity allows the hub to control more connected devices  70% faster CPU performance compared to the previous model Double the RAM for smoother multi-device connections 50% smaller footprint for easier placement Wall-mount option to maximize installation flexibility Local-first communication so automations continue to run even if internet connectivity is lost These upgrades ensure connecting and controlling devices is fast, responsive, reliable, and ready to grow with your smart home and everyone in it. The Smart Home Hub 2 will be available for purchase through Aeotec’s distribution channels and Samsung.com. Leading the Matter Standard with Unmatched Compatibility SmartThings has not only been a leader in developing Matter, but was the first ecosystem to support Matter, has been among the fastest to implement new Matter versions, and has publicly committed to timely device support and feature updates. The Smart Home Hub 2 delivers the best experience for users looking to start and grow their smart home with Matter, with support for hundreds of Matter-certified devices from a wide range of brands, including Matter-over-Thread products via its integrated Thread Border Router. “Samsung SmartThings has been a leader in Matter since day one. Not just in its contribution to the standard itself, but in its consistent commitment to delivering Matter benefits and updates to SmartThings users and device makers,” said Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance. “It’s exciting to see the release of the newest SmartThings-compatible hub continuing that commitment and giving users a new way to build their smart homes with Matter.” Effortless Setup and Powerful Automation Smart Home Hub 2’s streamlined onboarding process enables quick setup, even for first-time smart home users. Once connected, the hub enables advanced automation, such as: Automated home security with real-time alerts, streaming, and smart locks Adaptive climate control based on presence detection Energy monitoring to identify and optimize high-consumption devices Safety enhancements like leak detection, smoke alarms, and air quality monitoring Sign up today to be the first to know when the Smart Home Hub 2 is available for purchase on Samsung.com here. 
October 1, 2025

Samsung SmartThings Introduces Two-Way Thread Network Unification

New industry-first capability simplifies smart home setup, boosts network performance, and enables greater interoperability across ecosystems October 1, 2025 — Mountain View, CA — SmartThings, Samsung Electronics’s global connected living platform, today announced it is one of the first major smart home ecosystems to support two-way Thread network unification, enabling users to seamlessly join SmartThings Hubs to existing Thread networks formed by other ecosystems and vice versa. This update helps users build and grow their smart home with Thread devices, taking advantage of Thread’s mesh networking for better range, responsiveness, and reliability. With Thread network unification, a new SmartThings Hub can either join an existing Thread network right after the initial setup or allow a Border Router (BR) from another ecosystem to join the Thread network already in use by SmartThings. Once unified, all Border Routers in the home work together seamlessly. “SmartThings has always been about giving users choice and flexibility in how they build their smart home,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US. “Thread network unification eliminates the barriers between ecosystems, so devices and Border Routers can work together in one powerful mesh, delivering the performance and simplicity our users have been asking for.” Key Benefits Better Range & Reliability — Unified BRs form a single, self-healing mesh that covers more of the home, maintains connections even if a device goes offline, and routes data along the fastest available path. Simplified Setup — Joining the right Thread network from the start prevents network fragmentation and avoids the complexity of migrating devices later. Flexible Network Management — Users can add or remove BRs from the unified network at any time, see all connected BRs across ecosystems, and maintain connected devices even when a BR leaves a network. How It Works A new “Manage Thread Network” menu in the SmartThings Hub interface guides users through the unification process: Joining a SmartThings hub to an Existing Thread Network:Select “Join another network” in the SmartThings app.Join a chosen network via saved Thread credentials in the mobile OS credential locker, or by scanning a QR code/entering a one-time passcode (OTP) from a third-party app with a compatible Thread 1.4 Border Router in the sharing mode. The SmartThings hub securely retrieves credentials and joins the target network in minutes. Adding a Third-Party Border Router to a SmartThings Hub’s Thread Network:Select “Share SmartThings network” in the SmartThings app.Initiate the Thread 1.4 credential sharing, which generates a QR code and a one-time passcode (OTP). Scan the QR code or enter the OTP in the third-party app to join its Border Router to the SmartThings Thread network. While Thread Network Unification delivers a significant leap in simplicity and performance, realizing the full benefits of Thread 1.4 credential sharing depends on having compatible Thread 1.4 BRs across ecosystems. At launch in Q3 2025, the feature will be available on select SmartThings hubs (including the Aeotec Smart Home Hub and the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2), with more hubs to follow. Users will need the latest 0.58.x hub firmware and iOS 1.7.37.x and Android OS 1.8.37.x mobile app from SmartThings. Third-party ecosystems may release Thread 1.4 compatibility updates to their Border Routers on their own timelines. For more information about Thread Network Unification and the latest SmartThings updates, visit https://www.samsung.com/smartthings. ### About SmartThings SmartThings, Samsung’s global connected living platform, builds smart homes that are convenient, safe, sustainable, and fun. Millions of people, in nearly 200 countries, use SmartThings to easily control their connected homes and IoT devices. SmartThings delivers simple, powerful experiences across Samsung’s leading portfolio of phones, TV, and appliances. We offer the most versatile smart home experience as an open platform with a rich partner ecosystem. As a founding member of Matter, we are a leader in the industry to help make smart homes more secure, reliable, and seamless to use. Do the SmartThings at www.partners.smartthings.com
September 25, 2025

SmartThings Launches New Safety Services with SmartThings Safe Button (Free)

With push notifications that keep your inner circle updated, the new offering provides daily peace of mind Staying connected with loved ones has never been more important. Whether it’s parents wanting to know their kids got home safely, caregivers checking in on aging relatives, or friends looking out for each other during a night out—location sharing has become a core part of how families support one another. In fact, 41% of U.S. adults already share their location with someone they trust, showing just how common these check-ins have become. That’s why SmartThings is launching the SmartThings Safe Button (Free). With just one tap in the SmartThings app, you can instantly send a push notification requesting help and your GPS location to family and friends you’ve added as Location Members—providing daily peace of mind at no cost. Whether you’re walking home late, traveling, or simply want to let someone know you’ve arrived safely, SmartThings Safe Button (Free) makes staying connected effortless. How It Works With SmartThings Safe Button (Free), checking in is as simple as tapping a button in the SmartThings app. When you press the Safe Button: A push notification is sent to all family and friends you’ve added as Location Members. The push notification instantly alerts your trusted contacts, sharing your GPS location and providing quick options to call, text, or navigate directly to you. Your family and friends can quickly see where you are and the SmartThings app will prompt them to respond right away via SMS or Phone Call. This service is designed for staying connected with your loved ones. SmartThings Safe Button (Free) does not call or notify emergency services; instead, it provides a fast, reliable way to let the people who matter most know where you are. Please note users must have Location Services enabled on their mobile device in order to send their real-time location. Setting Up SmartThings Safe Button (Free) Getting started is simple: Open the SmartThings app on your mobile device. Navigate to the More tab in the bottom right corner. Select the Safe icon and follow the prompts to set up SmartThings Safe Button (Free). To make sure the alerts reach the right people, you’ll want to add family members or friends as Location Members: From the Home tab, tap the ‘+’ sign next to the options menu (three dots) in the upper right corner. After tapping the ‘+’ sign, select the last option in the dropdown menu: ‘Invite Members.’ Enter their email addresses associated with their SmartThings account (user must create a SmartThings account in order to be added as a Member) of the people you’d like to add. Once they accept, they’ll begin receiving your Safe Button notifications. Please note, Location Members must have the SmartThings app on their device as well as a SmartThings account to receive the Location Member notifications. Location Members will only receive the Safe Button alerts if they have their SmartThings notifications enabled. SmartThings Safe Button (Free) is now available on both iOS and Android mobile phones. Users with Galaxy watches and Apple Watches can receive Safe notifications on their watch. Note: You cannot request help from Smart Watches at this time. For additional questions, you can check out the FAQ for SmartThings Safe Button (Free) here. Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to expand safety features across the SmartThings ecosystem.
September 24, 2025

SmartThings Safety Button [Free] FAQs

What is SmartThings Safety Button Free? This service is an in-app communication tool to send alerts to other members in your SmartThings Location. If you press the Safety button other members will receive a SmartThings push notification that shows a map of your location with a message requesting your help.  How do I set up SmartThings Safety Button Free? Navigate to the More tab in the bottom right corner of the SmartThings app. Select the Safe icon and follow the instructions to designate  How do I add more Location Members to SmartThings so they can see my Safe notifications? From the Home tab, tap the ‘+’ sign next to the options menu (three dots) in the upper right corner. After tapping the ‘+’ sign, select the last option in the dropdown menu: ‘Invite Members.’ Enter their email addresses associated with their SmartThings account (user must create a SmartThings account in order to be added as a Member) of the people you’d like to add. Once they accept, they’ll begin receiving your Safe Button notifications. Do my Location Members need to be using the SmartThings app? Location Members must have the SmartThings app downloaded and set up a SmartThings account to become a Location Member. (add this to the blog) Can Location Members respond to the notification? Location Members will be prompted to contact the user via Phone Call or SMS What if my Location Member has push notifications turned off? Will they still get the notification? No, Location Members must have push notifications turned on in order to receive the Safe notifications. App notification settings can be found in your mobile phone settings.  Can you add this to the quick panel on your Galaxy mobile so you don't necessarily have to open up the app to call for help? Yes, in the Device card select Settings in the upper right corner and select Add to Home Screen What regions will have access to SmartThings Safe Button Free? SmartThings Safe Button (Free) will be available globally with the exception of China. Can I use this service outside my home? Yes, SmartThings Safety Button Free can be used at home or on the go from your mobile device.  Can I configure automations and routines with the Safe virtual button? Not at this time How does SmartThings Safe Button (Free) differ from SmartThings Family Care? The Safe button is for manual, user-triggered Help requests to Location Members. Family Care notifications are device or routine-triggered notifications for daily health routines.  How does this differ from the S.O.S. service available on mobile devices? Safe is a complementary service to mobile phone SOS services. At this time Safe is for user-triggered help requests only. Safe Button (Free) does not support fall detection or crash detection.  Will emergency services be alerted through the SmartThings Safe Button (Free) alerts? The SmartThings Safe Free experience does NOT send help messages to emergency service operators. Do I need Location Services on in order to send my real-time location information? Yes, Users need to enable Location Sharing on their mobile device. For Galaxy and Android devices navigate to Settings > Location > App permission > Select SmartThings and select Allow All the Time. For iOS phones navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > SmartThings > select Always and make sure Precise Location is turned on.  Does SmartThings Safe (Free) work on my smart watch? Users can receive push notifications from the Safe service on their Galaxy Watch and Apple Watches. At this time you cannot request Help from your watch.