Start the Samsung SmartThings App on Your Phone or Tablet
The SmartThings app is Samsung's central hub for controlling smart home devices. To open it, find the app icon on your home screen — it looks like a blue circle with a white dot in the center — and tap it once. If you do not see it on your home screen, swipe left to find your app drawer, then search for "SmartThings" and tap the result.
The first time you open the app, you will see a welcome screen. Tap "Sign In" or "Create Account" depending on whether you already have a Samsung account. If you have a Samsung TV, refrigerator, or other connected device, you likely already have an account tied to the email you used to set it up.
If you see a blank screen or an error message after opening, check that your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and that you have the latest version of the app installed. Open your phone's app store (Google Play on Android, App Store on iPhone), search for SmartThings, and tap "Update" if one is available.
Key Takeaways
- The SmartThings app icon is a blue circle with a white dot; tap it once to open, or find it in your app drawer if it is not on your home screen.
- You must sign in with a Samsung account on first use — use the same email address you registered your Samsung devices with.
- The app requires an internet connection and the latest version installed to work properly.
- Once signed in, the home screen shows all your connected devices and lets you control them from one place.
- If the app crashes or freezes, force-close it, clear the app cache, and reopen it.
Sign In With Your Samsung Account
After tapping "Sign In," enter the email address and password you use for your Samsung account. This is the same account you used when you first set up any Samsung smart device in your home. If you forgot your password, tap "Forgot Password?" and follow the on-screen steps to reset it via email.
Samsung will send a verification code to your email or phone number on file. Enter this code in the app to confirm your identity. This step protects your account and ensures only you can control your devices remotely.
Once you are signed in, the app will ask for permission to access your location, contacts, and other phone features. You can allow or deny these — the app will still work, but some features like location-based automation may not function. Tap "Allow" or "Don't Allow" based on your preference.
Navigate the Home Screen and Device List
After signing in, you will land on the home screen. At the top, you will see the name of your home (for example, "My Home") and tabs for "Devices," "Automations," and "Settings." The "Devices" tab shows every connected device in your home — TVs, lights, thermostats, cameras, and more.
Each device appears as a card with its name, current status, and a control button. For example, a smart light shows whether it is on or off, and you can tap the card to turn it on or off. Swipe left or right to scroll through all your devices if you have many.
If a device does not appear in the list, it may not be connected to your Wi-Fi network yet, or it may not be added to your SmartThings account. Check that the device is powered on and within range of your router, then move to the next section on adding devices.
Add a New Device to SmartThings
To add a device you just bought or set up, tap the plus icon (usually in the top right corner of the Devices tab) or look for an "Add Device" button. The app will search for nearby devices that are ready to connect. Make sure the new device is powered on and in pairing mode — check the device manual for how to enter pairing mode, as this varies by product.
Once the app finds your device, tap it to select it. The app will ask you to name it (for example, "Living Room Light" or "Kitchen Camera") and assign it to a room. Naming devices clearly helps you find them quickly later. After you confirm, the app will connect the device to your Wi-Fi network and add it to your home.
If the app cannot find your device, restart both the device and your phone, move the device closer to your router, and try again. Some older Samsung devices may require you to add them through a different app first — check the device manual or the product support page for instructions.
Control Your Devices From the App
Once devices are added, controlling them is straightforward. Tap any device card to open its controls. A smart light might show a brightness slider and color wheel. A thermostat might show temperature controls. A camera might show a live video feed and recording options. Each device type has different controls based on what it can do.
You can also control devices without opening the full app by using quick toggles on your phone's home screen or lock screen. On iPhone, swipe right from the lock screen to open Control Center, then tap "Add" to add SmartThings controls. On Android, swipe down twice from the top to open Quick Settings, then tap "Edit" and add SmartThings tiles.
If a device does not respond when you tap it, check that it is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. If it stays unresponsive, restart the device, wait 30 seconds, and try again. If the problem continues, remove the device from the app and re-add it following the steps in the previous section.
Troubleshoot Common Opening and Connection Problems
If the app will not open at all, force-close it first. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold the SmartThings app preview, then tap "Remove." On Android, go to Settings, find SmartThings in your app list, tap "Force Stop," then reopen the app. This clears temporary glitches that prevent the app from starting.
If the app opens but shows no devices, check your internet connection. Open a web browser and load any website to confirm you have Wi-Fi or cellular data. If you do, sign out of the app (go to Settings, then tap your account name and "Sign Out"), then sign back in. This refreshes your device list.
If you see an error message like "Unable to Connect" or "Network Error," your phone may be on a different Wi-Fi network than your smart devices. Check that your phone is connected to the same network your devices use. Some homes have separate networks for guests or 5GHz bands — smart devices often work better on the main 2.4GHz network. Check your router settings to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to use SmartThings?
Yes, you must create or sign in to a Samsung account to use the app. This account secures your devices and lets you control them remotely when you are away from home. If you have never owned a Samsung device before, you can create a new account with any email address during your first app opening.
Can I use SmartThings on multiple phones?
Yes, as long as you sign in with the same Samsung account on each phone, all phones will see and control the same devices. Each person in your home can install the app and sign in with their own account, and you can give them permission to control specific devices through the app's sharing settings.
What should I do if the app keeps crashing?
First, restart your phone completely. If crashes continue, go to your phone's Settings, find SmartThings in your app list, tap "Storage," and select "Clear Cache." Do not tap "Clear Data" — that will erase your login information. After clearing the cache, reopen the app and sign in again.
Why do my devices show as offline in the app?
Devices go offline when they lose connection to your Wi-Fi network. Check that your router is on and working, move the device closer to the router, and restart the device. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting for it to fully restart.
Can I control my devices if I am away from home?
Yes, as long as your home has an internet connection and you are signed into the SmartThings app with your Samsung account, you can control devices from anywhere. Make sure your home Wi-Fi is on and your router is connected to the internet. Some devices may require a SmartThings Hub for remote control — check your device manual to confirm.