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How SmartThings routines work
SmartThings Support describes a routine as an IF condition followed by THEN action. The IF side sets the trigger or qualifying conditions; the THEN side specifies what SmartThings should do. For example, a motion detector can be the IF condition and turning on a connected light can be a THEN action, if both are available in your setup. Conditions may include time, days, device activity, or a manual trigger. Actions may control devices, scenes, services, or location settings.
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SmartThings’ Routines in SmartThings guide explains the routine structure. The options shown in the app can vary by connected device and service.
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Create an automatic routine
- Select the Location: Open SmartThings and select the Location where the devices and routine belong, especially if you manage more than one.
- Start a routine: From Favorites or Routines, tap Add (+) and select Routine.
- Set the IF condition: Tap Add (+) beside IF, then choose a condition offered for your setup. Examples include a time or day, or a device becoming active, such as a motion detector.
- Choose how multiple conditions work: If you add more than one IF condition, select All when every condition must be true, or Any when any one of them is enough to trigger the routine.
- Add the THEN actions: Tap Add (+) beside THEN and select the available device, scene, service, or location action.
- Save: Save the routine, enter a name, and confirm.
App labels can change between releases. For SmartThings’ documented app workflow, see its Using the SmartThings App guide.
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- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
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Choose the right trigger logic
Pick conditions based on what should actually cause the action, then check the All-or-Any setting before saving. For example, a routine with a time condition and a motion condition behaves differently depending on whether both must be true or either one is sufficient. The right choice depends on the intended behavior; do not assume multiple conditions are combined in the same way automatically.
- Time or day: Use a schedule when the routine should run at a particular time or on selected days.
- Device state or activity: Use a device condition, such as a motion detector becoming active, when an event should prompt the action.
- Location or presence: Use an arrival or departure condition when the routine should respond to someone reaching or leaving a configured place.
- Manual run: Choose Manually run when you want a routine you start on demand rather than one that starts automatically.
Create a routine you can run manually
- In the Routines tab, tap Add (+).
- Name the routine; you can optionally add it to Favorites.
- Add an IF condition and select Manually run.
- Add the desired THEN actions and save.
A manual routine can bundle several available device or service actions into one on-demand control. SmartThings says it may also be surfaced through a mobile widget or a supported voice assistant; access depends on the relevant app, device, and service setup. See the official routine guide.
Rank #2
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- Monitor and control compatible devices in your home using a single smartphone app for your phone
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Set up location and presence triggers
Location routines need location configuration. For phone presence, SmartThings’ app guide describes enabling Get your location from this phone under Menu > Settings and allowing the app to use the phone’s location. For arrival or departure routines, configure the Location’s geolocation; its geofence determines when you or shared members count as having arrived or left.
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Rank #3
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Use a voice assistant or SmartThings service
SmartThings documents integrations with Bixby, Google Assistant, and Alexa. The voice assistant must first be set up in its own app. SmartThings’ support page describes Google Assistant control for certified devices and lists lighting, plugs, thermostats in the US, and manually configured SmartThings routines. For Alexa, it lists lights, switches, dimmers, thermostats, locks, and manual routines. Those categories are not a guarantee for every product or region; check the Voice Services in SmartThings guide for your integration.
Services are preconfigured controls or integrations, and some are region-limited or require a suitable device. If a service action disappears or stops working, check whether the service is still available and present in your setup. SmartThings says removing a service also removes it from routines that used it. Details are in its Services in SmartThings guide.
Rank #4
- Multi-Protocol Smart Hub with Matter Bridge – The M100 is a versatile smart hub compatible with Thread devices and Aqara Zigbee (** Not third-party Zigbee devices), supporting up to 20 Aqara Zigbee devices and 20 Thread devices. As a Matter Bridge, it connects Aqara Zigbee products to other smart home ecosystems, compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant, etc. Note: Use a 5V⎓0.5A power adapter (not included) and keep the product continuously powered during use.
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Understand local execution and compatibility
SmartThings’ Platform Transition FAQ explains that Edge can process supported hub-connected device commands and automations on the hub rather than in the cloud. That does not mean every routine or connected device runs locally. The FAQ also says most supported devices migrated without routine changes, but some devices whose capabilities changed could be removed from routines or scenes. Treat this as transition guidance, not a current compatibility list for individual models. Check the Platform Transition FAQ and the support information for your specific devices.
Edit, disable, or remove a routine
SmartThings’ routine guide describes using an Enabled/Disabled control to disable a routine and removing routines through the app. To change a manually run routine, open it, select Edit, add or remove actions, and save. Exact menus may shift between app releases; use the current routine screen if a label differs.
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