SmartThings on Android: why do you need this application and how does it simplify managing a smart home

If you have ever encountered setting up smart light bulbs, sockets or other gadgets for smart home, then you have probably heard about application SmartThings from Samsung. This is not just another app in Google Play it is a central hub for controlling all compatible devices, from thermostats to robot vacuum cleaners. But is it really necessary for the average user? And why is it often installed “by default” on smartphones Samsung Galaxy?

Many mistakenly believe that SmartThings is only about Samsung, but in fact it supports thousands of devices from different brands: Philips Hue, Xiaomi, Google Nest, IKEA and others. At the same time, not everyone needs smart home functions, and the application itself can take up memory space and drain battery power. So is it worth keeping it on your phone? Let's take a look at who will really need it, and who can safely delete it.

In this article we will tell you in detail:

• 🔹 What it is SmartThings and how it works on Android;
• 🔹 What devices are supported (list of brands and examples);
• 🔹 Pros and cons of the application - is it worth installing;
• 🔹 How to set up SmartThings from scratch (step-by-step guide);
• 🔹 Alternatives: which is better - Google Home, Home Assistant or Tuya Smart;
• 🔹 How to completely remove an application if it is not needed.

What is SmartThings and why do you need it on Android

SmartThings is a management platform smart homedeveloped by the company Samsung. The application allows you to combine different devices (lamps, sockets, sensors, cameras) into one system and control them via a smartphone, voice commands or automation. For example, you can set up a "Leaving for Work" scenario that turns off the lights, turns off the heater and activates the security alarm with one click.

Originally SmartThings was a separate startup that Samsung acquired in 2014 year. Now this is part of the company's ecosystem, but the application works not only on devices Samsungbut also on any smartphones with Android 8.0 and newer. The main advantage is cross-platform: you can manage devices from different brands in one interface without switching between dozens of applications. However, many users are surprised to find it on their phone, although they have never bought smart gadgets. The fact is that cross-platform: you can manage devices from different brands in one interface, without switching between dozens of applications.

However, many users are surprised to find SmartThings on your phone, although you have never bought smart gadgets. The point is that Samsung pre-installs this application on your smartphones (for example, on Galaxy S23, Galaxy A54 or Galaxy Z Fold). Even if you do not plan to create a smart home, the app can run in the background, consuming resources.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung SmartThings integrated into system services (for example, to control a function Smart View or Quick Share). Complete removal may break these features. Check dependencies in the application settings before uninstalling.

What devices does SmartThings support: full list of brands

One ​​of the key advantages SmartThings is wide compatibility. The platform works with devices over 200 brands, including both premium solutions (Philips Hue, Sonos) and budget ones (Xiaomi, Tuya). Here are the main categories of supported gadgets:

• 💡 Lighting: smart lamps (Philips Hue, LIFX, Yeelight), LED strips, switches;
• 🔌 Sockets and relays: TP-Link Kasa, Meross, Samsung SmartPlug;
• 🌡️ Climate control: thermostats (Google Nest, Ecobee), air conditioners (LG ThinQ), humidifiers;
• 🚪 Security: motion sensors (Aqara), door locks (Yale, August), CCTV cameras (Arlo, Eufy);
• 🤖 Robots and assistants: vacuum cleaners (Samsung Jet Bot, Roborock), speakers (Bose, Sonos);
• 📺 Multimedia: TVs Samsung QLED, sound panels, projectors.

The full list of compatible devices can be found at SmartThings official website (opens in a new tab) It is important to note that some brands (for example, Apple HomeKit or Huawei HiLink) are not directly integrated - they will require additional hubs or bridges.

Device category	Examples of brands	Do you need a hub?
Smart lamps	Philips Hue, IKEA Tradfri, Yeelight	Yes (for Hue i IKEA)
Sockets and switches	TP-Link Kasa, Meross, Samsung	No (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)
Security sensors	Aqara, Xiaomi Mi Home, Samsung SmartThings	Yes (for Zigbee/Z-Wave)
Thermostats	Google Nest, Ecobee, Netatmo	No (Wi-Fi)
Cameras and locks	Arlo, Eufy, Yale	Depends on the model

⚠️ Attention: Device compatibility may change after firmware updates. For example, after the release of the standard for unifying smart homes, some gadgets no longer require hubs. Before purchasing, check the latest information on the manufacturer's website. Matter (standard for the unification of smart homes), some gadgets no longer require hubs. Before purchasing, check the latest information on the manufacturer's website.

Pros and cons of SmartThings: is it worth installing

Like any application for smart home SmartThings has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in detail so you can make an informed decision.

✅ Advantages of SmartThings

• 🌐 Versatility: Supports devices from hundreds of brands (unlike Google Homewhich is limited by the ecosystem Google);
• 🤖 Automation: flexible scenarios with triggers by time, location or events (for example, “if it’s raining, close the windows”);
• 🗣️ Voice management: integration with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa i Bixby;
• 📱 User-friendly interface: division of devices into rooms, widgets for quick access;
• 🔄 Cloud synchronization: settings are saved in the account Samsung, can be restored on a new phone.

❌ Disadvantages of SmartThings

• 📉 System load: the application can consume up to 100–150 MB RAM in the background;
• 🔌 Dependency on hubs: for devices on Zigbee/Z-Wave need SmartThings Hub (costs from 5,000 ₽);
• 🔄 Frequent updates: the interface changes every six months, which can be confusing;
• 🛡️ Security problems: v 2022, vulnerabilities were discovered in the protocol SmartThings, allowing remote control of devices;
• 📵 Limitations for non-Samsung devices: some functions (for example, Energy Monitoring) work only with gadgets Samsung.

If you only use 1-2 smart devices (for example, a light bulb and a socket), then SmartThings may seem redundant. In this case, it is easier to manage them through native brand applications. But for complex systems with dozens of sensors and scenarios SmartThings it will become an indispensable tool.

Step-by-step guide: how to set up SmartThings from scratch

If you decide to try SmartThingshere are detailed instructions for the initial setup. The whole process will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

Step 1: Installation and registration

1. Download the application from Google Play (or use the pre-installed version on Samsung).
2. Run SmartThings and log in through your account Samsung (if not, register).
3. Give the necessary permissions: Geodata, Notifications, Bluetooth.

Step 2: Adding the first device

Click Add device (+) in the main menu and select one of the options:

• 🔍 Automatic search: the application itself will find compatible gadgets on your network;
• 📋 Manual entry: select a brand and model from the list;
• 📷 Scanning a QR code: if the device has a sticker with a code.

For example, let's add a smart lamp Philips Hue:

Download the Hue Bridge and connect it to the router|

Click "Add device" → "Philips" → "Hue"|

Follow the instructions on the screen (press the button on the bridge)|

Name the lamp (for example, "Bedroom") and save|

Check the work through the widget on the main screen-->

Step 3: Create automations

Go to the tab Automation i click Create. Select:

• 🕒 Schedule: for example, turn off the lights at 23:00;
• 📍 By location: turn on the heater when you drive up to home;
• 🔄 By event: If the motion sensor is triggered, turn on the camera.

Scenario example "Morning":

1. Trigger: Time → 7:00;
2. Actions:
   • Turn on the "Bedroom" lamp at 50% brightness;
   • Turn on the coffee maker Smart Plug;
   • Say a voice message via Google Assistant: "Good morning!".

⚠️ Attention: Some automations require a constant Internet connection. If Wi-Fi goes down, the scripts may not work. For critical tasks (for example, security alarms), use local hubs (SmartThings Hub or Home Assistant).

SmartThings vs Google Home vs Home Assistant: which is better?

If you choose a platform for a smart home, it’s worth compare SmartThings with the main competitors. Each solution has its own characteristics:

Criteria	SmartThings	Google Home	Home Assistant
Compatibility with brands	200+ (including Zigbee/Z-Wave)	Limited to the Google ecosystem	Maximum (support via plugins)
Is a hub required?	For Zigbee/Z-Wave - yes	No (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)	Yes (Raspberry Pi or other server)
Automations	Flexible, but limited by the cloud	Simple scripts	Unlimited (YAML code)
Local management	Partially (via the hub)	No (all via the Google cloud)	Full (works without the Internet)
Cost	Free (hub from 5,000 ₽)	Free	Free (but requires a server)

Who is SmartThings suitable for?

• 🏠 Device owners Samsung (TVs, vacuum cleaners, lamps). data-i="246">💻 Technicians ready to set up
• 🔄 For those who want simple automation without programming;
• 🌐 For users with gadgets on Zigbee/Z-Wave (hub required).

Who should choose the alternative?

• 💻 For techies ready to set up Home Assistant on the server;
• 📱 Device owners Google Nest or Apple HomeKit;
• 🛡️ For those who care about privacy (data SmartThings stored in the cloud Samsung).

How to completely remove SmartThings from Android

If you decide that SmartThings You don't need it, you can delete it. However, on smartphones Samsung this is a system application, and simply pressing "Delete" may not work. Here are step-by-step guide:

Method 1: Normal removal (for non-system versions)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → SmartThings;
2. Click Delete and confirm;
3. Clear the cache and data if the option is available.

Method 2: Disabling the system application (for Samsung)

If the "Delete" button inactive:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Three dots (⋮) → Show system ones;
2. Find SmartThings and select Disable;
3. Confirm the action (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in memory).

Method 3: Uninstall via ADB (for experienced users)

If the first two methods did not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Attention: this may disrupt the operation of some functions Samsung!

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

After executing the command, reboot your phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware SmartThings connected with services Samsung Knox or Secure Folder. Removing it may result in errors in these functions. Before proceeding, make a backup copy of your data.

What will happen if you disable SmartThings on Samsung?

On most devices it is safe, but the following consequences are possible:

- The function will stop working Smart View (screen transfer to TV);

- Widgets for managing smart devices may disappear Samsung;

- In rare cases, access to Secure Folder is lost (reboot required).

If problems appear after disabling, return the application through Settings → Applications → Enable.

Frequent problems with SmartThings and how to solve them

Even proven applications have glitches. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

🔴 Devices do not connect

• 🔄 Check the network: the device and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz);
• 📱 Update the firmware: go to the device settings and check that the software is up to date;
• 🔌 Reboot the hub: if you are using SmartThings Hub, disconnect it from the power supply for 30 seconds.

🔄 Automations do not work

• 🌐 Check the Internet: cloud scripts require connection;
• ⏰ Configure location: enable in your phone settings High accuracy for SmartThings;
• 📝 Check conditions: Sometimes scripts are blocked due to time conflict or triggers.

📵 Application slows down or crashes

• 🗑️ Clear cache: Settings → Applications → SmartThings → Memory → Clear cache;
• 🔄 Update the application: in Google Play check that the version is up to date;
• 📱 Reinstall: uninstall and install SmartThings again.

If the problem is not solved, contact support Samsung via the app (Menu → Help → Contact us). Attach screenshots of errors and event log (can be exported to Settings → Diagnostics).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about SmartThings

❓ Do I need to buy SmartThings Hub for the application to work?

No, the hub is required only for devices using protocols Zigbee or Z-Wave (for example, sensors Aqara or locks Yale). To control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (lamps Yeelight, sockets TP-Link) a hub is not needed. However, with a hub, the system becomes more stable and faster, since devices communicate directly and not through the cloud.

❓ Is it possible to use SmartThings without a Samsung account?

No, authorization through an account is required for the application to work. Samsung. This is due to cloud synchronization of settings. If you don't have an account, you can create one right when you launch it for the first time SmartThings.

❓ How to transfer SmartThings settings to a new phone?

All your devices and automations are linked to your account Samsung. To transfer them to a new smartphone:

1. Install SmartThings on a new device;
2. Login to the same account Samsung;
3. Wait for synchronization (may take up to 5 minutes).

If some devices do not are displayed, check their network connection and add them again if necessary.

❓SmartThings consume a lot of battery. How to reduce consumption?

To reduce the load on the battery:

• Disable background activity: Settings → Applications → SmartThings → Battery → Optimize;
• Reduce refresh rate geodata in the application settings;
• Disable unnecessary notifications;
• If you do not use location automation, disable access to geodata.

❓ Does SmartThings support Russian?

Yes, the application is completely translated into Russian, including the interface, notifications and reference materials. The language changes automatically according to your phone settings. If English is displayed, check the regional settings in your account Samsung.