Smart Things: what is this app and is it needed on an Android phone?

Owners of smartphones Samsung and other Android devices often come across a pre-installed application Smart Things —or see it in the recommended list in Google Play. At first glance, the app seems useful for managing a smart home, but not everyone understands why you need it on a regular phone. Especially if you don’t have smart light bulbs, sockets or other IoT gadgets.

In this article we will look in detail at what it is Smart Things, how it works on Android, what functions it hides, and most importantly, is it worth keeping it on your smartphone or is it better to remove it. We will also analyze what data the application collects, how it affects the autonomy and performance of the device, and provide alternatives for those who want to manage smart technology without unnecessary software.

If you have long wanted to understand this app, but did not know where to start, you are in the right place. And if you already have experience using Smart Things, share it in our survey below!

What is Smart Things and why do you need it?

Smart Things is the official application from Samsung, designed for centralized management of smart home devices (IoT, Internet of Things). Initially, it was developed as a platform for interaction between gadgets Samsung (TVs, refrigerators, washing machines), but over time it turned into a universal hub that supports equipment from other brands: Philips Hue, Google Nest, Amazon Alexa and many others.

The application allows you to:

• 🔌 Manage smart devices sockets, lamps and switches.
• 📺 Control TVs, air conditioners and household appliances with Wi-Fi support.
• 🔒 Set up automation scenarios (for example, “when leaving home, turn off the lights and turn on the alarm”)
• 📱 Receive notifications about events (opening the door, water leak, low sensor battery).

It is important to understand that Smart Things is not just an application, but a whole ecosystem. It works in conjunction with a cloud service Samsung and can interact with other services, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. However, for most users who do not have smart devices, the app remains a useless ballast.

How does Smart Things get to an Android smartphone?

There are three main ways in which Smart Things gets to your phone:

1. Pre-installation on smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A, Z Fold/Flip etc.). The company integrates the application into the firmware, and you can completely remove it only with the rights root.
2. Automatic installation through services Google Play or Samsung Knoxif you connect a compatible smart device (for example, a TV Samsung QLED).
3. Manual installation from Google Play or Galaxy Store by users who want to control a smart home.

On devices of other brands (Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus etc.) the application is not is installed by default, but it can be downloaded manually. Moreover, even on “pure” Android it will consume resources in the background if you do not disable autorun.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S22 and newer) Smart Things connected with system services Knox i Bixby. Its forced deletion may lead to malfunctions of the voice assistant or function. Secure Folder.

Smart Things functions: what can the application do?

Smart Things offers a wide range of tools for managing a smart home:

Function	Description	Examples of use
Device management	Turn on/off, adjust parameters (brightness, temperature, volume).	Turn off smart lamp Yeelight from another room, change the temperature on the air conditioner Samsung.
Automation (SmartThings Routines)	Creating scenarios by time, location or event.	When leaving home, turn off all sockets and turn on the camera Arlo.
Notifications	Notifications about sensor activation, low battery, etc.	Receive a push notification if the motion sensor Aqara detects activity.
Voice control	Integration with Bixby, Google Assistant, Alexa.	Say “Okay, Google, turn on the lights in the living room” via Smart Things.
Energy monitoring	Tracking the electricity consumption of smart sockets.	View how much electricity the washing machine spent Samsung per month.

One of the most useful functions — SmartThings Routines (automation scenes). For example, you can set:

• 🌅 “Morning”: at 7:00 the blinds are raised, the coffee maker is turned on and a playlist starts playing Spotify.
• 🚪 “No one at home”: when all family members leave, the lights are turned off, smart locks are closed, presence simulation is turned on.
• 💤 “Good night”: at 23:00 the lights go out, the night light turns on, “white noise” starts on the speaker Samsung.

However, to implement such scenarios you will need compatible devices that cost a lot of money. Without them Smart Things turns into an empty shell.

What devices are exactly supported by Smart Things?

The full list of compatible gadgets can be found on the official website Samsung, but among the popular brands stand out:

- Philips Hue (light bulbs, switches),

- TP-Link (sockets, cameras),

- Netatmo (weather sensors, thermostats),

- Arlo (video surveillance cameras),

- Ring (smart doorbells).

Devices with a logo are also supported Works with SmartThings.

Pros and cons of Smart Things on Android

Like any application, Smart Things has its advantages and disadvantages. We will analyze them in detail so that you can make an informed decision - keep the app or delete it.

Advantages ✅

• 🔄 Versatility: managing devices of different brands in one application.
• 🤖 Automation: flexible scenarios without the need to write code (unlike Home Assistant).
• 📱 Integration with Android: widgets on the home screen, quick settings in the notification shade.
• 🆓 Free: no subscriptions or hidden fees (unlike some alternatives).

Disadvantages ❌

• 🐢 The smartphone slows down: on weak devices (for example, freeze. Galaxy A10) may freeze.
• 🔋 Drains the battery: background activity eats up to 5-10% of the charge per day (according to tests XDA Developers).
• 📡 Requires Internet: without connecting to the network, most functions are unavailable.
• 🔒 Data collection: Samsung collects information about use (more details in the security section).

background activityeven if you do not use the application, it can wake up to synchronize with. cloud, which leads to:

• ⚡ An increase in battery consumption by 3–7% (according to tests on Galaxy S21).
• 📈 CPU and RAM load (up to 150 MB of RAM in the background).
• 📶 Increased traffic (up to 50 MB per month for synchronization).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Samsung (for example, One UI 5.0 and newer) Smart Things cannot be completely disabled without ADB-commands. Even after deletion, it can be restored after system updates.

Security and privacy: what does Samsung know about your home?

Any smart home application collects data about your habits, and Smart Things is no exception. According to privacy policy Samsung, the app can transmit to the cloud:

• 📍 Location (for geo-dependent automation).
• 🕒 Time of use devices (when you turn on/off the light).
• 🔌 Models of connected gadgets and their status (for example, refrigerator temperature).
• 📱 Smartphone data: model, OS version, IP address.

The company claims that the information is used only to improve the service and not transferred to third parties. However, in 2022, researchers from Mozilla listed apps with “questionable data collection practices,” noting: Smart Things to a list of apps with “questionable data collection practices,” noting:

The app requests access to your contacts, camera, and microphone, although these permissions are not critical to its operation. It can also transmit information about your Wi-Fi network, including the SSID and MAC addresses of connected devices.

If you are concerned about privacy, you can:

1. Opt out of collecting diagnostic data in the application settings (Smart Things → Settings → Privacy).
2. Deny access to location and contacts in Android settings.
3. Use local alternatives like Home Assistantthat do not depend on the cloud.

How to remove or disable Smart Things on Android?

If you decide that Smart Things you don't need it, there are several ways to get rid of it. The method depends on whether the application is pre-installed or you have downloaded it yourself.

1. Uninstallation for users who installed the application manually

If you downloaded Smart Things from Google Play or Galaxy Store:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find Smart Things in the list.
3. Click “Delete” (or “Uninstall”).

2. Disabling pre-installed Smart Things

On smartphones Samsung the application is often a system one and cannot be completely removed. But you can turn it off:

To completely remove system applications, you will need rights root or ADB. For example, through the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.oneconnect

But be careful: this may disrupt the operation of other services Samsung!

3. Limiting background activity

If you want to keep the application, but reduce its impact on the battery:

1. Go to Settings → Device care → Battery.
2. Find Smart Things and select “Limit background work.”
3. Disable autostart in Settings → Applications → Smart Things → Autostart.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware One UI after updating the system Smart Things may be activated again. Check the settings after each update.

Smart Things alternatives: what to use instead?

If Smart Things doesn't suit you, but you want to control your smart home, consider alternatives. We have selected the best options for different tasks:

Application	Pros	Cons	Best for...
Google Home	Simple interface, integration with Google Assistant.	Limited device support Samsung.	Ecosystem users Google (columns Nest, Chromecast).
Home Assistant	Local management, high flexibility, no cloud dependency.	Complicated setup, requires a separate server (for example, Raspberry Pi).	Techies who want full control over a smart home.
Amazon Alexa	Wide device support, voice control.	Requires an account Amazon, collects a lot of data.	Owners of speakers Echo and supported devices Alexa.
Tuya Smart	Supports cheap Chinese devices (light bulbs, sockets).	Low security, cloud dependence.	Budget smart homes based on Tuya.

If you need maximum privacy, pay attention to Home Assistant. This is open software that runs on your server and does not transfer data to the cloud. Minus - technical knowledge is required for setup.

For simple tasks (controlling light bulbs and sockets) suitable Google Home or native applications of manufacturers (for example, Mi Home for devices Xiaomi).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Smart Things

Can I use Smart Things without a Samsung account?

No, for operation Smart Things requires authorization via account Samsung. Without it, you will not be able to connect devices or create automation. However, some functions (for example, local control of a TV Samsung via Wi-Fi) may work without cloud synchronization.

Smart Things drains the battery How. can this be fixed?

To reduce battery consumption:

1. Disable background activity in the battery settings.
2. Prohibit the application from accessing the location.
3. Clear cache (Settings → Applications → Smart Things → Storage → Clear cache).
4. Disable notifications (Settings → Notifications → Smart Things).

If all else fails, delete or disable the application.

Does Smart Things support Apple HomeKit devices?

Officially, no. However, some devices (for example, smart plugs Meross) support both platforms. integration HomeKit and Smart Things you will need a bridge like HomeBridge (requires setup skills).

Is it possible to transfer Smart Things settings to a new phone?

Yes, if you log in under the same name account Samsung. All devices and scenarios are automatically synchronized with the cloud. You can also create a backup manually:

1. Open Smart Things.
2. Go to Settings → Account → Backup and restore.
3. Click “Create a backup copy.”

Is it safe to connect CCTV cameras to Smart Things?

Smart Things supports some IP cameras (for example Arlo or Ring), but there are risks:

• The video stream is transmitted through servers Samsungwhich may violate confidentiality.
• If account data is leaked, attackers will have access to the cameras.
• No end-to-end encryption (unlike specialized solutions like Synology Surveillance Station).

For cameras it is better to use separate applications with two-factor authentication.