How to Connect Amazon Alexa to SmartThings

Use Your Echo to Control SmartThings Devices

Amazon Echo Alexa Device

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by Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss has been a freelance writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.
Updated July 01, 2019

Samsung SmartThings products can help you turn your home into a smart home, and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices can streamline the process. Learn everything you need to know to connect Alexa to your SmartThings devices.

What You Need to Connect Alexa to SmartThings

In order to use SmartThings with Alexa, you need to have an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, or Amazon Tap. Alexa can be used to control SmartThings light bulbs, on and off or dimmer switches, thermostats, and locks, as well as routines with lighting, switch, and thermostat devices.

You can use multiple Alexa devices that are on the same Amazon account to control SmartThings devices throughout your home. However, you can currently only control SmartThings devices at a single location.

The following SmartThings are not currently supported by Amazon Alexa:

  • Door locks
  • Garage door openers
  • Security systems and devices
  • Cameras
  • Smart cooking appliances.

Set Up Alexa

Before you begin the connection process, you will need to make sure Alexa is ready. If you have not yet done so, set up your Amazon Echo or other Alexa-enabled device.

In addition, downloading the Alexa app will help you set up the connection and control your SmartThings products.

You should also download the SmartThings mobile app and create an account.

Finally, turn on Smart Home Skills in the Alexa app.

  1. Tap Devices in the bottom right corner of the Amazon Alexa app.

    Screenshot showing Devices tab on the Alexa home screen

  2. Tap Your Smart Home Skills on the Devices screen.

    Screenshot showing Your Smart Home Skills on the Alexa app

  3. Tap Enable Smart Home Skills.

    Screenshot of Enable Smart Home Skills on Alexa app

  4. The Smart Home screen will appear with a list of skills.

Connect to SmartThings

With the apps downloaded and your devices ready, you can connect SmartThings devices to Alexa.

  1. Open the Amazon Alexa app.

  2. Go to Settings and tap Connected Home.

    Screenshot of menu showing Settings in Alexa app

  3. Tap Link with SmartThings under the Device Links.

  4. Enter your SmartThings account details and tap Log In.

  5. Select the location of your SmartThings device from the dropdown menu. SmartThings devices will appear in My Device List.

  6. Select the checkboxes for the objects you want to access through Alexa.

  7. Tap Authorize. The message “Alexa has been successfully linked with SmartThings” will appear.

  8. Close the window. The Settings page of Connected Home will open.

  9. Tap Devices and select Discover Devices. Alternatively, you can say, "Alexa, discover new devices."

  10. Wait while Alexa discovers your SmartThings devices. When the message Devices Discovered appears and your SmartThings items are listed in the Devices section, you can begin using Alexa with SmartThings.

Update Devices

Any time you add new SmartThings devices to your home, change the location or otherwise modify your SmartThings items, you can update the information with Alexa. To do so, you will need to use the SmartThings mobile app.

  1. Open the SmartThings app.

  2. Tap Menu > SmartApps > Amazon Echo.

  3. Check the devices Alexa has access to in MyDeviceList.

  4. Tap Done.

  5. Tap Next. The app will notify you if any further steps are required.

SmartThings Routines

Routines allow you to run multiple tasks using just one command. You can save time, automate things you do regularly, and simplify lengthy processes that might be difficult to remember. You can create a routine using the SmartThings app and then giving Alexa commands to run it.

You can use the default SmartThings Routines, which are Good Morning!, Good Night!, Goodbye!, and I’m Back! You can also create your own custom routines.

Create Routines in the SmartThings App

  1. Open the SmartThings app.

  2. Tap the Menu button.

  3. Tap Settings > Connected Services > Amazon Alexa.

  4. Toggle the switch for Routines to On and tap Next.

  5. Tap Done.

  6. Say, "Alexa, discover new devices" for Alexa to recognize the new routine.

Create Routines in the SmartThings Classic App

  1. Open the SmartThings Classic App.

  2. Tap Automations.

  3. Select the SmartApps tab.

  4. Tap Amazon Alexa.

  5. Toggle the switch for Routines to On and tap Next.

  6. Tap Done.

  7. Say, "Alexa, discover new devices" for Alexa to recognize the new routine.

To use a routine, tell Alexa to turn it on. For example, "Alexa, turn on I'm Back." Alexa will say, "OK" and run the routine.

If you have set Alexa to Brief Mode, she may not say "Okay." Instead, you may just head a musical tone to indicate she has heard your command and taken the appropriate action.

Edit the Devices Alexa Can Access

By default, Alexa will have access to all of your SmartThings devices when you connect Amazon Echo and SmartThings. You can remove access to any device using the SmartThings app.