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SmartThings: Creating Automations and Scenes

Automations and scenes are what make your smart home truly smart. They let you set devices to respond automatically to conditions, or control multiple devices with a single tap.

What Is a Scene?

A scene is a group of device settings that you activate manually. For example, a “Movie Night” scene might dim the living room lights to 20%, turn on the TV, and close the blinds — all with one tap.

 

Creating a Scene

  1. Open the SmartThings app and tap the Automations tab (or the + icon on the Favourites tab).
  2. Select Create Scene.
  3. Give the scene a name (such as “Movie Night” or “Goodnight”).
  4. Tap Add Action and choose the devices you want to control.
  5. Set each device to the state you want (on/off, brightness level, lock/unlock, etc.).
  6. Tap Save. The scene will appear in your Favourites for easy access.

 

What Is an Automation?

An automation runs without any input from you. It uses an “If this, Then that” structure. You define a trigger condition and an action that should happen when that condition is met.

 

Creating an Automation

  1. Tap the + icon on the Favourites tab and select Create Routine.
  2. Set the “If” condition: Choose a trigger such as time of day, device status (motion detected, door opened), location mode, or your phone’s GPS location.
  3. Set the “Then” action: Choose what should happen, like turning lights on, sending a notification, changing the mode, or running a scene.
  4. Give the automation a name and tap Save.

 

Automation Ideas for Your Home

  • Morning routine: At 7:00 AM on weekdays, turn on kitchen lights and set thermostat to 21°C.
  • Welcome home: When your phone arrives at your home location, unlock the front door and turn on hallway lights.
  • Goodnight: At 11:00 PM, turn off all lights, lock all doors, and set mode to Night.
  • Security alert: When motion is detected and mode is Away, send a push notification and turn on outdoor lights.

 

⚠️ Important: Automations run based on the conditions you set. Double-check your triggers before saving to avoid unintended behaviour, especially with door locks and security devices.