SmartThings Topics:
Push Buttons | Contact & Motion Sensors | Switches & Outlets | Safety & Security | SmartThings 101 | Z-Wave 101
Home Automation with SmartThings
Our lives are filled with technology, we carry our phones around, wear watches with powerful CPUs, but our houses still leave the lights on when no one is home? Give your home a brain, and take advantage of technology’s ability to add convenience, comfort, and safety to daily life.
Don’t have a SmartThings hub yet? Check out our Getting Started with SmartThings Guide, or purchase a SmartThings hub on Amazon to get started today.
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Why I Migrated My Smart Home from SmartThings to Hubitat Elevation
After many years of satisfied SmartThings automation, I started wanting more from my IoT hub and began looking for better solutions. I was so invested in SmartThings at that point, with over 100 Z-Wave and Zigbee devices in the home, but then I found the Hubitat Elevation hub and realized what I was missing out on.
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The...
Optimal Netgear Orbi Router Settings for Signal Strength and Speed
To access these settings, login to orbilogin.com (while connected to the network), click the Advanced tab, then choose Advanced Setup from the left sidebar menu. These settings are only available if your Orbi is in 'Router mode'.
The Ultimate Guide to Buttons for SmartThings
After reviewing over 25 smart buttons for SmartThings and other smart home hubs, we thought it'd be helpful to single-out the top 3 buttons to date. The buttons we link to below are natively compatible with SmartThings, and utilize Z-wave, Zigbee, and sometimes both.
Funny Wifi Network Names (Updated 2021)
1. Mom, Click Here for Internet
2. Bill Wi the Science Fi
3. Abraham Linksys
4. Keep it on the Download
5. Drop it like it’s Hotspot
6. TheWorldWasWifiEnough
7. B(.)(.)bies
...over 100 more.
Aeotec NanoMote Quad: Multi-function Z-Wave Controller
Released in early 2019, the new Aeotec NanoMote (Available on Amazon) comes natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, in addition to other Z-Wave Smart Home Hubs. Offering 4 physical buttons, each with 2 touch-modes (short press & long press), the NanoMote is an upgrade to the Aeotec WallMote Dual and Quad button controllers. Comparatively, the NanoMote is significantly smaller; measuring about 2-inches by 2/3-inch.
Cable Management Tools for DIY Home Automation Projects
Black extension cord running along a white baseboard? Matrix of cables hanging from your new flat screen? Three power strips plugged into each other in the closet?
These types of finishing touches can detract from the hard work and hours it took to setup. A few simple additions focused on cable management, like cable clips or raceways, can give any project a professional appearance.
New Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Lighting
Philips Hue is the leader in smart, colored lighting solutions for residential and DIY projects. While Hue products are on the higher end of the price spectrum, their quality and durability easily justify the price tag. Compared the cheap, LED light strips and wireless remotes, the Philips Hue product line is leaps and bounds ahead.
Shop on Amazon: Popular Phillips Hue Products
Easily integrate with...
How to Optimize Your Home WiFi Network for Speed
In addition to router brand, home size, and internet service provider (ISP) speed caps, there are a number physical factors - inside and outside - which can affect performance and speed of the WiFi network in your home. It's important to think about these factors when placing access points, and mesh network nodes, around your house.
Control Existing Window Blinds with Voice & App
Available on Amazon
The idea behind MySmartBlinds is simple: place a small WiFi/Bluetooth servo motor, hidden inside the existing housing of your window blinds, to open, close, and adjust the angle of the slats manually, or on a customizable schedule.
MySmartBlind components are installed inside the metal enclosure, hidden from sight.
The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is compatible with most US horizontal...
Control Existing Window Blinds with Voice & App
Available on Amazon
The idea behind MySmartBlinds is simple: place a small WiFi/Bluetooth servo motor, hidden inside the existing housing of your window blinds, to open, close, and adjust the angle of the slats manually, or on a customizable schedule.
MySmartBlind components are installed inside the metal enclosure, hidden from sight.
The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is compatible with most US horizontal...
Sonos One vs. Sonos Play:1 – What’s the difference?
The main, and biggest, difference between the 'Play:1' and 'One' is Alexa - the Sonos One has Amazon Alexa voice assistant built in. Both the Sonos Play:1 and Sonos One have 2 drivers, built-in WiFi, a standard wall plug, and are wall-mount compatible.
Fibaro Z-Wave Button: Big & Simple
This stand-out push button for Z-Wave smart homes (including Samsung SmartThings), developed by Fibaro, can function as a standalone panic button or a scene controller. Depending on your configuration, a single push can trigger any number of devices and automations.
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Outlet Plug
The basic operation is to toggle power on and off using the SmartThings mobile app, but you can also dim the brightness of the plugged-in device using a fully customizable sliding scale. This feature enables homeowners to achieve the perfect dimmer level for table and floor lamps, and other lighting applications.
GE Outdoor Z-Wave Plus Appliance Control Switch
The Z-Wave Plus outdoor smart switch from GE is a reliable, heavy duty controller for lighting and appliances exposed to weather and the elements. Natively compatible with SmartThings, its compact, all-black enclosure and short 7.5-inch power cord can easily be concealed behind foliage and rocks, or mounted to an exterior surface.
Z-Wave Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire safety is, arguably, one of the most important aspects to home ownership. Not only are you responsible for yourself, but also everyone else living in the home. If your home is not already equipped with hardwired smoke detectors, it's simple to add wireless smoke detectors to SmartThings (or any Z-Wave home automation system) for less than $50.
Aeotec WallMote
WallMote Dual Button Remote
Aeotec WallMote - Two Button Remote for Samsung SmartThings
The WallMote from Aeotec is a sleek and simple dual-button remote control with Z-Wave Plus radio and native SmartThings compatibility. Available on Amazon, the Aeotec WallMote is an essential smart device for high-end smart homes.
The most notable feature of the WallMote is its support for 4 different input methods:
Single tap
Tap...
Samsung SmartThings Push Button
Manufactured directly from the makers of the Samsung SmartThings Hub, this simple, elegant, and affordable push button enables unlimited possibilities for smart home automation.
With native device compatibility, this button takes about 30 seconds to pair to your hub. Simply open the app, tap "+Add Device" and select "Samsung SmartThings Button".
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.
Top Burglar Alarm Sirens for SmartThings
This compact siren and strobe plugs directly into the wall outlet. It extends up about 3 inches, but, the device can be plugged-in upside down if necessary. It boasts a 105dB audio siren, with 5 different alert tones available to choose from. The bright LED strobe is a white light that can flash when triggered. No other customization can be done to the strobe light functionality.
WebCoRE Automation for SmartThings
What is webCoRE?
webCoRE ("Community's own Rule Engine") is a free, 'rule engine', with advanced capabilities, for Samsung SmartThings; WebCoRE enables full customization of tiggers, automation flows, geo-fencing, and much more.
While users can create their own scripts, no coding experience is required to get started. WebCoRE interprets and executes each custom script using the companion SmartApp for SmartThings.
WebCoRE Wiki
The WebCoRE team maintains a tremendously helpful wiki with detailed guides to each step. To help you be efficient...
Advanced IoT Buttons: Logi Pop & Flic
The Logi Pop smart button is, by far, the most aesthetically pleasing IoT push button. However, this beautifully designed smart button requires an additional hub for basic remote operation. To achieve an experience comparable to a native SmartThings device, you'll need to use a custom device handler & smart app, on top of IFTTT web hooks.
Top 3 Smart Z-Wave Deadbolts for Home Automation
For both standard and non-standard doors, or doors with decorative door handles, you should consider adding a deadbolt-only smart device to the door to enable remote control and access. A smart deadbolt is simply a locking mechanism that fits into the existing deadbolt cut-out in your door, and connects to the internet to allow for remote access and programming.
Ring Floodlight & Spotlight Cams for Smart Home Security
Ring Motion-Activated Spotlight Camera
The Ring Spotlight cam combines motion-activated security lighting with Wifi security camera. Similar to other Ring products, the Ring Spotlight Cam (Available on Amazon) is controlled and setup using the Ring mobile app, and can send push notification alerts to multiple smart phones.
The Ring mobile app is easy to setup, use on a daily basis, and supports both iOS and Android. With a Ring Spotlight Cam above the garage, or on...
Aeotec Multisensor 6: Monitor Motion, Temp, and Lux in SmartThings
The Aeotec Multisensor (Available on Amazon) has six sensors combined into 1 small, 1.8″ square plastic housing. When the Aeotech Multisensor is placed in a hallway or room, you can use the SmartThings app to monitor motion, humidity, temperature, light lux (brightness), UV, and vibration. On top of all those features, the Aeotec Multisensor 6 is natively compatible with SmartThings, so no custom device handlers or coding is necessary out-of-the-box.
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Z-Wave Devices for SmartThings
Z-Wave & Zigbee Buttons
Most buttons offer at least 2 trigger types: push and hold. This allows 2 different SmartThings scenes/automations to be programmed for each button. Some buttons are not natively compatible with SmartThings, and will require a custom device handler – they’ll be labeled appropriately so you can easily gauge setup difficulty.
The Ultimate Guide to Buttons for SmartThings
After reviewing over 25 smart buttons for SmartThings and other smart home hubs, we thought it'd be helpful to single-out the top 3 buttons to date. The buttons we link to below are natively compatible with SmartThings, and utilize Z-wave, Zigbee, and sometimes both.
Aeotec NanoMote Quad: Multi-function Z-Wave Controller
Released in early 2019, the new Aeotec NanoMote (Available on Amazon) comes natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, in addition to other Z-Wave Smart Home Hubs. Offering 4 physical buttons, each with 2 touch-modes (short press & long press), the NanoMote is an upgrade to the Aeotec WallMote Dual and Quad button controllers. Comparatively, the NanoMote is significantly smaller; measuring about 2-inches by 2/3-inch.
Fibaro Z-Wave Button: Big & Simple
This stand-out push button for Z-Wave smart homes (including Samsung SmartThings), developed by Fibaro, can function as a standalone panic button or a scene controller. Depending on your configuration, a single push can trigger any number of devices and automations.
Aeotec WallMote
WallMote Dual Button Remote
Aeotec WallMote - Two Button Remote for Samsung SmartThings
The WallMote from Aeotec is a sleek and simple dual-button remote control with Z-Wave Plus radio and native SmartThings compatibility. Available on Amazon, the Aeotec WallMote is an essential smart device for high-end smart homes.
The most notable feature of the WallMote is its support for 4 different input methods:
Single tap
Tap...
Samsung SmartThings Push Button
Manufactured directly from the makers of the Samsung SmartThings Hub, this simple, elegant, and affordable push button enables unlimited possibilities for smart home automation.
With native device compatibility, this button takes about 30 seconds to pair to your hub. Simply open the app, tap "+Add Device" and select "Samsung SmartThings Button".
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.
Advanced IoT Buttons: Logi Pop & Flic
The Logi Pop smart button is, by far, the most aesthetically pleasing IoT push button. However, this beautifully designed smart button requires an additional hub for basic remote operation. To achieve an experience comparable to a native SmartThings device, you'll need to use a custom device handler & smart app, on top of IFTTT web hooks.
Remotec Z-Wave Scene Master Controller
Once you've built your initial home automation network, you need to be able to control it! The default (and simplest) way to control Z-Wave and Zigbee devices is with a Samsung SmartThings hub. The SmartThings mobile app offers all of the basic functionality - like toggling power, checking status, changing modes, etc.
If you need push-button control of multiple devices, the Remotec Z-Wave Scene Master is the perfect solution.
Important: You will need custom device handlers to...
Smart Power Outlets & Switches
Whether you need to control a simple lamp, or a 110v air conditioning unit, there’s a Z-wave or Zigbee switch/outlet to suit your needs. It’s important to know whether your application will be for a high voltage device, or not. If not, any of the outlets below will work. Otherwise, look for the “high voltage” labeled products.
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Outlet Plug
The basic operation is to toggle power on and off using the SmartThings mobile app, but you can also dim the brightness of the plugged-in device using a fully customizable sliding scale. This feature enables homeowners to achieve the perfect dimmer level for table and floor lamps, and other lighting applications.
GE Outdoor Z-Wave Plus Appliance Control Switch
The Z-Wave Plus outdoor smart switch from GE is a reliable, heavy duty controller for lighting and appliances exposed to weather and the elements. Natively compatible with SmartThings, its compact, all-black enclosure and short 7.5-inch power cord can easily be concealed behind foliage and rocks, or mounted to an exterior surface.
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.
Zooz Heavy Duty Z-Wave Power Switch
This outlet controller from Zooz is natively compatible with SmartThings, which means no custom device handlers or coding is needed to get setup. Be sure to stand near your hub when pairing, otherwise installation is a breeze and takes less than 60 seconds!