Create and use automations in SmartThings

Last Update date : Aug 19. 2021

It is the alarm clock of the future: the lights go on, the curtains go up, and the coffee is ready automatically. Well, with SmartThings, this is no longer science fiction. In this app, you can make devices perform certain actions whenever predetermined conditions are met. For example, the TV can turn on at 6 p.m. every evening when you arrive home from work. Or, you can make the lights turn on when a motion sensor detects movement. Follow this guide to learn how to set up automations in the SmartThings app, so you can enjoy the good life.

Note: The provided information refers to devices sold in Canada. The available screens may differ for devices sold in other countries. Available features for each device will vary depending on the manufacturer's policy, and devices that do not support the automation feature will not appear on the list of controlled devices. You can visit the SmartThings website to check device compatibility and gather more information.

Set up an automation

Note: Want the TV to automatically turn on when you come home from a long day? You can make your devices do all kinds of things when you use automations.

1 On your phone, navigate to and open the SmartThings app.

2 Tap the Automations tab (at the bottom of the screen).

3 Tap the Home icon, and then select your desired Location.

4 Tap Add automation.

Note: After adding one automation to a Location, you can then tap the Add icon (the plus sign) in the top right corner to add additional automations.

5 Tap + under "If" to set your desired conditions for the automation, such as the time it will trigger. Another example would be adding a device, like a motion sensor; you can make the automation trigger when the sensor detects motion. After tapping +, follow the on-screen instructions for your chosen condition.

Tap + under "If" to set your desired conditions for the automation, such as the time it will trigger. Another example would be adding a device, like a motion sensor; you can make the automation trigger when the sensor detects motion. After tapping +, follow the on-screen instructions for your chosen condition.

Note: If desired, you can add an additonal condition by tapping + under "If" again.

6 Tap + under "Then" to add an action to the automation. For example, you can choose a smart light bulb and then make it turn on at a designated time or when a motion sensor detects movement. If needed, you can assign an offline device to an automation. If the device says (Offline) next to it, you can still select it and then choose your desired action.

Note: If desired, you can add an additional action by tapping + under "Then" again.

7 Read the on-screen instructions to finish the setup, and then tap Save.

8 Assign a name to the automation, and then tap OK.

9 When the conditions are met, the device will automatically perform that action!

Note: If you set an automation to only run once, it will disappear after it has been triggered.

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