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SmartThings lets you connect compatible devices to your Samsung Galaxy phone, control the features they expose, and build routines that link a trigger to an action. You’ll need a Samsung account; what you can control depends on each device, and some Galaxy phones do not include the Device control shortcut.
What you need before you begin
- A Samsung account to sign in to SmartThings. If you do not have one, you can create one during setup.
- A compatible smart device and its setup information, such as a QR code if the manufacturer provides one.
- The SmartThings app. If it is not installed, Samsung’s U.S. setup guide points users to Google Play.
Device compatibility and available controls differ by product. Check that a device works with SmartThings before trying to pair it. Some devices may also prompt you to download a separate controller.
Set up SmartThings on your Galaxy phone
- Open SmartThings and follow the first-use prompts. The exact wording can change as the app is updated.
- Allow the permissions the app requests for the features you want to use.
- Sign in with your Samsung account, or create one when prompted.
Samsung’s setup instructions are for U.S. users; menus and settings may differ by region. See Samsung’s Galaxy phone setup guide.
Add a device or appliance
- In SmartThings, open the Devices tab and tap Add (the plus sign).
- Choose Scan nearby for a supported device that can be discovered nearby, or Scan QR code if the product has a setup code.
- If the device is not found, add it by selecting a Samsung device type, a partner-device type, or search. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish setup.
Some Samsung appliances require you to press a button on the appliance to enable smart features during pairing. If discovery does not work, first check compatibility and make sure the product is ready to connect. Samsung’s device-add instructions note that regional screens and settings can differ. Samsung’s guide to adding and managing devices.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Find and use a device’s controls
Select the correct location in SmartThings, open All devices, and choose the device. The controls shown depend on that product: a bulb may offer lighting adjustments, while an appliance or other device will have different available actions. A prompt to download a controller may appear for some devices.
Do not assume that connecting a product gives it every feature shown for another product. Samsung says available controls vary by device.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Use Device control from Quick settings, if available
On supported Galaxy phones, swipe down with two fingers to open Quick settings, then tap Device control. You can choose which devices and scenes appear in that panel. Samsung notes that Device control is not available on all phones, so use the SmartThings app if the shortcut is absent.
Samsung’s instructions for the Galaxy Device control panel describe the shortcut; availability depends on the phone.
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Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Create a routine with an “If” condition and a “Then” action
- In SmartThings, select the location where you want the routine, tap the plus sign, and choose the option to create a routine.
- Under If, add a condition. Samsung’s examples include a time or motion detection.
- Under Then, select an available device action.
- Save the routine and give it a name.
Routine support depends on the manufacturer’s policy. If a device does not support routine control, it will not appear in the list of devices you can choose under Then. Samsung’s SmartThings routine instructions.
What the built-in hub claim does—and does not—mean
Samsung says Samsung TVs Q60 or above released after 2022 include a built-in SmartThings Hub supporting Matter, Thread, and Zigbee. That statement applies to the specified TV models and release cutoff; it does not mean every Samsung phone, television, or connected product contains a hub. Samsung’s SmartThings product information.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
A simple first device to try
A compatible smart bulb is one straightforward example for learning device setup and controls. Confirm SmartThings compatibility for the particular bulb and check which functions it supports; pairing and available controls are not guaranteed to be identical across products.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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