SmartThings is a great app for home automation.
But like other platforms, it can run into some errors and problems as well.
It handles many different types of smart devices at once…
So, it’s understandable for SmartThings to fail sometimes.
Fortunately, troubleshooting common SmartThings problems is easy.
No need to call tech support.
Read on to learn:
- 7 most common SmartThings problems.
- Why SmartThigns Hub v1 doesn’t work anymore.
- 7 troubleshooting tips to fix not working SmartThings.
- Causes of unresponsive or offline SmartThings devices.
- And that’s only the beginning…
#1: SmartThings automation not working
“My SmartThings automations suddenly stopped working today. What should I do?”
“Automations” is a SmartThings feature that allows users to automate several devices.
One automation involves at least two smart devices.
And when one of them has stopped working for whatever reason, automation will fail.
If one device fails to respond, it means that that particular device is faulty.
But if all of them didn’t work, then the problem lies on the “trigger device.”
Many things can cause SmartThings automations not to work, including:
- Down server.
- Outdated app software.
- Connection interference.
- Unstable WiFi connection.
- Faulty or offline smart hub.
- Malfunctioning smart device.
In short, your SmartThings automation will fail once it encounters any connectivity issues.
Smart devices work by communicating with each other.
And they can only do that with a stable connection and consistent power charge.
How to fix it:
If your SmartThings automations don’t work, check the following:
- WiFi connectivity.
- Smart hub power.
- Smart device status.
Your smart devices communicate through your WiFi network.
And when that network gets cut off or interrupted, it will cause your devices to malfunction.
As a result, your SmartThings automations will fail.
So, the first thing you have to do is check your WiFi connection.
Ensure that it emits stable connections. And that your devices receive stable WiFi signals.
Reminder: Your devices and SmartThings should be connected to the same WiFi network.
To ensure a stable connection throughout your home, install several extra routers.
“Only a few devices didn’t respond to my automation…”
If that’s the case, check your smart hub.
See if it’s online. Its LED indicator should have a light on if it’s working.
If not, make sure that the hub is correctly plugged in.
You may also try restarting your hub to resolve basic connectivity issues.
While you’re at it, check each smart device as well.
Ensure that they’re fully plugged in. And that they’re “online.”
Note: Some newly-installed smart devices have to be set up first to activate. So, make sure to do this if your new devices don’t work.
#2: SmartThings network error
“I keep getting a ‘network error’ on my SmartThings app…”
I will not bore you by giving technical explanations.
To put it simply, a “network error” happens when a device fails to connect to a WiFi network.
You may see the WiFi icon on your phone’s notification bar.
But if you go to the WiFi’s setting, you’ll most likely see a “No internet data/connection” under your network’s name.
It means that your router is working. But it doesn’t give out WiFi signals.
When that happens, you won’t be able to:
- Create scenes.
- Change or delete automations.
- Customize SmartThings settings.
- Control connected smart devices.
- Add or remove SmartThings devices.
How to fix it:
First, when you encounter a network error, try to disconnect and reconnect your phone to WiFi.
Doing this refreshes the connection between devices.
Tip: Turn your phone into “Airplane” mode to refresh your phone’s connection as well.
If that doesn’t work, restart your router by unplugging it from the power socket. The, replugging it after a couple of seconds.
Restarting the router resolves any possible connectivity issues.
Plus, it also refreshes the router’s system. Which removes software bugs or glitches that may be affecting the connection.
“I’ve already restarted my WiFi router. But it doesn’t resolve anything!”
Another thing that you can do is to uninstall and reinstall your SmartThings app.
Doing this deletes the app caches, which may also be causing your app to slow down. And causing your app to receive sufficient WiFi signals.
The key solution for this is to ensure that your SmartThings app is connected to a stable WiFi network. And that no elements disrupt the connection.
#3: SmartThings app not working
Did I hear it right? You can’t launch your SmartThings app?
Well, several things can cause it to happen.
But the two most common reasons are WiFi connectivity issues and down server.
SmartThings is a mere app. And it can only work when connected to a WiFi network.
If you can’t create automations or edit settings, it’s probably because your WiFi is unstable.
Or your phone got completely disconnected from the WiFi network.
“But my WiFi connection is great. So, it shouldn’t be the reason why…”
WiFi connectivity issues can also happen when your SmartThings app is outdated.
SmartThings may fail to receive WiFi signals when its software is not up-to-date.
Causing the app to malfunction and not follow commands.
So, if your WiFi is working, your SmartThings app may be outdated.
“My app is up-to-date. So there might be really something wrong with SmartThings…”
That can be true as well.
Like other apps, SmartThings can experience a “down server,” too.
When that happens, you won’t be able to launch the app at all.
There’s really not that much you can do about it, though.
But wait for the app developers to take action.
How to fix it:
If your SmartThings app isn’t working, ensure that your WiFi connection is stable.
Here are some things that you can do:
- Move your phone closer to the WiFi router.
- Remove objects that may interfere with the connection.
- Install several extra routers in other parts of your home.
While you’re at it, make sure to update your SmartThings app.
And update your phone software too.
That way, you can enjoy uninterrupted and smooth use of the app.
#4: SmartThings device is undiscoverable
“I was trying to add a device to SmartThings. But the app can’t discover it…”
First, is your smart device compatible with SmartThings?
Only Samsung devices can be directly connected to the app.
Non-Samsung devices have to be connected to a SmartThings Smart Hub.
So, if your device is undiscoverable, then it must be incompatible.
Aside from that, a device may not show up in the SmartThings app if it’s not:
- Connected to the same WiFi network.
- Registered to the same Samsung account.
This is necessary to bring your devices into one network. Where they can communicate and work alongside each other.
Second, is your device already set up?
Many smart devices have to be set up first to work.
As anything that isn’t set up is considered “non-existent.”
And so, SmartThings won’t be able to discover and connect with it.
Reading recommendation: 15 Best Compatible Cameras For SmartThings
How to fix it:
If you’re using a Samsung device, make sure that it’s connected to the same Samsung account and WiFi network.
If you’re using a non-Samsung device, make sure it’s connected to a smart hub. And the hub is added to the SmartThings app.
Note: Your smart hub should be compatible with SmartThings. You’ll know if it’s compatible if it has a “Works with SmartThings” label on its packaging.
Also, check your user manual on how to set up your device. And set up your device according to the instructions.
Some smart devices have to be registered on their manufacturer app.
So, check whether it has to be registered first before connecting it to SmartThings.
Need help in connecting your smart device to SmartThings?
Then, watch this short instructional video:
#5: SmartThings device is offline
Have you connected your device a long time ago?
Then it suddenly went ‘“offline”?
Well, it appears that “offline devices” are a common problem among SmartThings users.
A smart device will become offline if it’s:
- Firmware is outdated.
- Disconnected from the network.
- Power switch has been turned off.
- Unplugged from the power socket.
In short, a device can suddenly become offline due to power and WiFi connectivity issues.
If one device is offline, it’s most likely that its power has been cut off. Or its software is outdated.
If several or all devices went offline, the WiFi must have been disrupted or disconnected.
How to fix it:
Start by checking your WiFi connection at home.
Take these questions as your reference:
- Is the WiFi connection stable?
- Are your smart devices connected to WiFi?
- Are your smart devices within a good range?
- Is the room clear from any devices that may interfere with the connection?
If you answer “No” in some questions, make sure to resolve it first.
If you answer “Yes” in all the questions, proceed to check the power connectivity of your devices.
Take these questions as your reference:
- Are the power sockets working?
- Are the smart devices fully plugged in?
- Are the power cables in great condition?
- Are the power switches of the devices turned on?
After this, you shouldn’t have a problem automating your devices via SmartThings.
You might also want to know: SmartThings Not Connecting To TV: 8 Causes & Fixes
#6: SmartThings settings not saving
“I’m trying to update my SmartThings account information. But I can’t save it for some reason…”
If that’s the case, then perhaps your SmartThings app is malfunctioning.
Your SmartThings app can malfunction due to:
- System glitches.
- Outdated app software.
- Unstable WiFi connection.
When the WiFi connection is unstable or disconnected, the app will fail to record any change you’ve made.
This is because the app is dependent on WiFi. And it can only work when connected to a good network.
If not that, it may be because the app is experiencing system glitches. Which is pretty normal in many apps.
So, you don’t have to worry much about it.
Or perhaps the app’s software is outdated.
Preventing it to record changes and follow commands.
How to fix it:
Checking your WiFi connection must be the first thing you should do.
Because, as mentioned, SmartThings relies on the internet.
So, it wouldn’t work without WiFi.
If fixing the connection doesn’t resolve anything, check for available app updates.
Updating your app provides better performance and smooth navigation.
But more than that, it fixes software bugs and system glitches. Which can cause your device to malfunction.
So, always keep your SmartThings app up-to-date.
Tip: If there’s no update available, uninstall and reinstall your app. As this removes bugs and glitches. And it installs the latest software update on your phone.
#7: SmartThings Hub v1 has stopped working
“I’m using SmartThings Hub v1 in the very beginning. But now it has stopped working?”
Do you keep yourself up-to-date with Samsung SmartThings?
If not, I’m sorry to break it to you, but SmartThings Hub v1 has been discontinued.
In early 2021, Samsung stopped support for SmartThings Hub v1.
Meaning, today, you can’t anymore automate smart devices connected to it.
I know, it’s frustrating.
But think of it…
SmartThings Hub v1 has been around for 7 years.
Its system is already considered outdated and incompatible with the new technologies.
So, it just makes sense for Samsung to stop manufacturing such devices.
How to fix it:
“Okay, I understand. But what should I do?”
Well, if you still want to continue using SmartThings, you should get a new smart hub.
Samsung has stopped manufacturing hardware.
But they have passed the responsibilities to Aeotec.
If you want to get a SmartThings-compatible smart hub, go for Aeotec Smart Home Hub.
This is basically SmartThings Hub v3. But from a different brand.
Unfortunately, you can’t transfer your automations from the SmartThings Hub v1.
So, you have to connect and automate your smart devices again from scratch.
I know, it can be tiring…
But surely it will be worth it, given the new technologies that many newer smart hubs offer today.
You can also use smart hubs from other brands. As long as they’re SmartThings-compatible.