FAQ: SmartThings Hub Groups and Hub Backup Features

This FAQ provides essential information about the SmartThings Hub Groups and Hub Backup features, including compatibility, functionality, and troubleshooting. For more detailed insights, visit our blog here.

Which Samsung/SmartThings hubs support Hub Groups and Hub Backup?

Aeotec Smart Home Hub, Samsung SmartThings Hub 2018 (Hub v3), SmartThings Station, Samsung Smart TVs*, Family Hub refrigerators*, Samsung Smart Monitors*, Samsung Soundbar

* Hub Groups and Hub Backup currently only support models with Thread/Zigbee radios built-in. Models that require Zigbee/Thread radio dongles are not supported, even if a dongle is installed.

What happens if a primary hub is more capable than the secondary hub, specifically if the primary hub supports Z-Wave devices and the secondary “backup” hub does not?

If “Auto Hub Backup” is enabled in Hub Manager, and SmartThings determines that the best available secondary hub is one that is less capable than the primary hub, the devices and routines will still be automatically transferred to the secondary hub, and Z-Wave devices will be offline.

If “Auto Hub Backup” is disabled when the primary hub goes offline, the user will be prompted and given a choice to change their primary hub selection to one of the secondary hubs. They will be told about the limitations of the candidate secondary hub before they confirm the change. If they choose to proceed, then the Z-Wave devices will be offline.

If a less-capable secondary hub is made into a primary hub, and the original primary hub comes online (now secondary), will it automatically reclaim its primary status, and if not, will its capabilities enhance the Hub Group as a secondary hub?

If “Auto Hub Backup” and “Preferred Hub” were both set prior to the original primary hub going offline, then it will reclaim primary status automatically when it comes back online, and all previous device connections will be restored. If “Preferred Hub” was not enabled, then the original primary hub will not automatically reclaim its primary status when it comes back online. The user would need to manually make the original primary hub the primary hub again using Hub Manager. Until the user makes the change manually, the hub will remain secondary. As a secondary hub, its advanced capabilities will not enhance the Hub Group, as connectivity and device capacity of a Hub Group are determined by the primary hub’s capabilities. To regain the original primary hub’s capabilities, the user would need to manually make their original primary hub the primary hub again, and their Z-Wave devices would be restored. The user always has control over which hub is their primary hub with Hub Manager.

How soon after the primary hub goes offline will the transfer of devices and routines to the backup hub take place?

At initial launch, the transfer will take place ten minutes after the primary hub goes offline. We may continue to optimize this number in future releases.

Does this Hub Backup feature replace the “Hub Replace” feature, or affect it in any way?

Hub Backup will not replace the Hub Replace feature or change it. Hub Replace is intended to help users permanently transfer their devices and routines to a new hub when the user wants to upgrade their hub or their hub no longer functions. Hub Backup is a feature that is limited to hubs in a Hub Group, while Hub Replace can be used with hubs that are not part of a Hub Group.

If I have multiple secondary hubs, is there a way for me to choose the best hub that can be promoted as a primary? How can I make that determination?

The user cannot choose which secondary hub will become primary if the primary hub goes offline. The best possible secondary hub is determined automatically based on device/protocol support and other technical considerations.

Is there anything that is permanently changed when the user allows a hub change via Hub Backup?

Nothing is permanently changed or lost. Records of hub state are preserved across primary hub transitions.

How many Hub Groups can be in one location?

A location can only have one Hub Group at a time.