SmartThings Routines: Control Multiple Devices at Once
Streamlining Your Smart Home with SmartThings Routines
If you possess several smarthome accessories, you can efficiently manage them simultaneously using "Routines" within the SmartThings application, initiating changes throughout your home with a single touch.
Understanding SmartThings and its Capabilities
SmartThings, a smarthome product suite developed by Samsung, enables the connection of both SmartThings-branded and compatible third-party devices. This allows centralized control of all connected devices directly from the SmartThings app.
The true benefit, however, lies in utilizing the "Routines" feature, which empowers you to govern multiple smarthome devices in unison.
Routines vs. Scenes: A Comparative Overview
Routines function similarly to "Scenes" found in other platforms like HomeKit and Philips Hue. Activating a routine—by tapping a single button—triggers pre-defined changes across your specified devices.
For example, a "Goodnight" routine could automatically switch off all lights, secure all doors, adjust the thermostat, and activate your security system. The more smarthome products integrated into your system, the more versatile and customizable your routines become.
Creating a New Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by launching the SmartThings app on your smartphone and navigating to the "Routines" tab located at the bottom of the screen.
You will observe a list of pre-existing routines, though these may not be configured. To create a custom routine, tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
On the subsequent screen, enter a descriptive name for your routine within the designated white box. Confirm your entry by tapping "Next" in the top-right corner.
Now, you can define the actions your routine will perform. For instance, if creating a "Leaving for Work" routine, select "Turn off these lights or switches".
If you have integrated smart lights and switches, choose the specific devices to be deactivated. Check all relevant devices to the right and then tap "Done" in the top-right corner.
Next, select "Set Smart Home Monitor to".
Choose "Arm (Away)" and confirm your selection by tapping "Done" (provided you have compatible sensors installed).
If you have a smart lock, you can select "Lock these doors" and specify which doors should be secured when the routine is activated.
Further options allow you to incorporate valves, garage doors, and thermostats into your routine.
With a smart thermostat, you can establish a target temperature to be set upon routine activation.
At the bottom of the screen, you can configure automatic routine execution by tapping "Automatically perform [routine name]".
This can be triggered by someone leaving the house, or scheduled for a specific time each day. Automatic execution is optional and can be skipped if desired.
Once all settings are configured, tap "Done" in the top-right corner.
Your newly created routine will appear in the list, ready to be activated with a single tap.
Managing Existing Routines
To delete a routine, tap the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the routine’s button.
Scroll to the bottom of the settings and select "Remove".
The Benefits of Centralized Control
A common drawback of smarthome products is the proliferation of individual control apps. By consolidating your devices within SmartThings, you gain centralized control and the ability to automate actions with a single tap, simplifying your smarthome experience.