Samsung SmartThings Hub: Setup, Automations & Cross-Device Integration
SmartThings links your Samsung TV, Galaxy phone, washer, fridge, and smart home devices into one free app. This hub covers everything from first-time setup to advanced automations — whether you’re a first-time smart home user or building complex Routines for energy management and security.
✅ Covers: SmartThings App · Hub v3 · SmartThings Station · Matter · Routines
Free
No Subscription
2019+
Appliances Supported
Matter
Full Support
5 min
First Setup
Quick Answer
You don’t need a physical SmartThings Hub for most Samsung devices. The free SmartThings app on your Galaxy phone is all you need to control Samsung TVs, washers, dryers, and fridges. A physical hub (SmartThings Station or Hub v3) is only required if you want to connect older Zigbee or Z-Wave devices.
Start Here
First-Time Setup Guide
Complete installation walkthrough from downloading the app to your first automation — done in 5 steps.
Compatible Devices List
Full list of Samsung, third-party, and Matter devices that work with SmartThings — check yours here.
SmartThings Not Working
Full troubleshooting guide for app crashes, hub connection failures, and devices not responding.
SmartThings Complete Guide
Master your Samsung smart home from one app — Scenes, Routines, Energy monitoring, and cross-device integrations. Everything in one place.
→ Read the Full Guide
$0
Cost to Use
SmartThings is completely free — no subscription, no hidden fees. The app, Routines, device control, and energy monitoring are all included at no cost.
SmartThings Guides on This Site
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SmartThings Hub Setup GuideComplete installation walkthrough from unboxing to first automation — covers app-only setup and physical hub setup.
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SmartThings Complete Guide — Scenes, Routines & EnergyMaster every SmartThings feature: Scenes, Routines, Energy monitoring, cross-device automations, and more.
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SmartThings Compatible Devices — Full ListSamsung, third-party, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter devices that work with SmartThings — updated for 2026.
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SmartThings Not Working — Full Troubleshooting GuideApp crashes, hub offline, devices not responding, automations not running — every issue covered.
First-Time SmartThings Setup
- Download the SmartThings app — free on Google Play and Galaxy App Store. Sign in with your Samsung account (the same one you use for your Galaxy phone).
- Add your Samsung devices — tap the + icon → Add Device → Samsung. The app auto-discovers compatible Samsung TVs, washers, dryers, and fridges on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Create your first Location — set your home address. This enables presence-based automations (phone leaving home triggers scenes) and time-based Routines.
- Set up one Routine — start simple. A “Laundry Done” push notification when the washer finishes is the most useful first automation for most households.
- Add a physical hub only if needed — a SmartThings Station or Hub v3 is only required for Zigbee/Z-Wave devices. For Samsung appliances and modern Wi-Fi devices, the app is sufficient.
What SmartThings Adds to Each Samsung Device
| Device | What SmartThings Adds |
|---|---|
| Samsung TV | Remote on/off, auto-dim by time of day, integration with Scenes, TV-as-dashboard for home status |
| Galaxy Phone | Control hub for the whole home, receive appliance alerts, use phone as presence sensor for automations |
| Washer & Dryer | Cycle complete notifications, remote start, energy monitoring, delayed start scheduling |
| Family Hub Fridge | Internal camera view from your phone, grocery list sync, door-open alerts, family message board screen |
| AC & Air Purifier | Schedule cooling cycles, set temperature by room, energy monitoring and monthly usage reports |
5 SmartThings Automations Worth Setting Up Today
- Laundry done alert — when the washer cycle ends, push a notification to your Galaxy phone. Never forget wet laundry in the machine again. Automations → Add Routine → If: Washer finishes → Then: Send notification.
- Good morning scene — at a set time, turn on lights, set TV to your news channel, and start the coffee maker via a smart plug. One tap or scheduled trigger.
- Leave home mode — when your Galaxy phone leaves the geofence, turn off all Samsung TVs, lock the washer/dryer, and activate cameras.
- Movie mode — one tap sets your Samsung TV to Filmmaker Mode, dims smart lights to 20%, and silences your Galaxy phone for a true home cinema experience.
- Energy alert — if a high-draw appliance (dryer, AC) has been running more than 2 hours, push a notification to your phone to prevent leaving appliances on unintentionally.
SmartThings vs Google Home vs Amazon Alexa
| Feature | SmartThings | Google Home | Amazon Alexa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Samsung devices | ✅ Native integration | ⚠️ Works but limited | ⚠️ Works but limited |
| Matter support | ✅ Full support | ✅ Full support | ✅ Full support |
| Automation complexity | ✅ Most powerful Routines | ⚠️ Basic automations | ✅ Strong Routines |
| Energy monitoring | ✅ Detailed by device | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited |
| Cost | Free app | Free app | Free app (Echo hardware extra) |
ℹ️ SmartThings + Matter: SmartThings was one of the first platforms to fully support Matter — the universal smart home standard. Any Matter-certified device (from any brand) can be added to SmartThings without proprietary bridges. The SmartThings Station has a built-in Thread Border Router for Thread-enabled devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
QDo I need a SmartThings Hub device to use SmartThings?
No — for most Samsung devices (TVs, phones, washers, fridges), you only need the free SmartThings app on your Galaxy phone. A physical hub (SmartThings Station) is only needed if you want to connect older Zigbee or Z-Wave devices that don’t connect over Wi-Fi.
QIs SmartThings free to use?
Yes. The SmartThings app is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription fees for core features, automations, or device control. Some third-party service integrations may have their own fees, but SmartThings itself costs nothing.
QDoes SmartThings work with Google Home or Amazon Alexa?
Yes — SmartThings integrates with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice control. Link your SmartThings account in the Google Home or Alexa app under “Add Device → Works with Google / Alexa.” SmartThings also supports Matter for compatibility with a growing range of third-party smart home devices.
QWhy are my SmartThings automations not running?
The most common reasons: location permissions revoked on your Galaxy phone (SmartThings needs “Always Allow” for presence-based automations), the app being battery-optimized out of background running (add it to “Never sleeping apps” under Battery settings), or an automation condition that isn’t being met. Check the Automations log for the last triggered time. Full guide: SmartThings Not Working.
QCan I control SmartThings when I’m away from home?
Yes — SmartThings uses cloud connectivity, so you can remotely control and monitor all connected devices from anywhere. This includes starting your washer, checking if your fridge door was left open, turning off your Samsung TV, and receiving appliance alerts. No VPN or extra setup required.
QMy Samsung appliance isn’t showing up in SmartThings — what do I do?
Confirm your appliance supports SmartThings (most Samsung appliances made after 2019 do). Ensure both your phone and appliance are on the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network — SmartThings pairing does not work on 5GHz for most appliances. Restart the app and try “Add Device” again. Full guide: SmartThings Not Working.