How to Connect Amazon Alexa to SmartThings?

Amazon Echo is a tremendous device that allows you to access your home lighting and other sensing equipment like door sensors, motion sensors etc. with your voice just by using SmartThings. They can make a great combination and make things smooth for you! So, now you don’t have to use any smartphone, tablet, or smart device.

Well, Alexa connects to smart home appliances and fixtures in order for them to control them. However, you need to give the command to let it happen. But what if you don’t have to say anything at all? You just set your schedule at home, and everything works as it is supposed to.  This is the time when you need to connect Alexa to SmartThings!

And if you are struggling with How to connect Alexa to SmartThings, this article explains everything you need to know! You just need a few things to set this all up.

What do you need to connect Alexa to SmartThings?

You must have an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, or Amazon Tap device to connect. Alexa is used to control SmartThings light bulbs, on and off, thermostats, locks, and routines with lighting devices. You can even use various Alexa devices to control SmartThings on the same Amazon account throughout your home.

Amazon Alexa does not currently support the following: cameras, door locks, garage door openers, set up Alexa, security systems, and smart cooking appliances. Before starting the process, make sure your device is ready. These are the steps you need to follow:

• Download the Alexa App and  SmartThings App on your smartphone. This way, you can control your SmartThings products.
• Create an account beforehand and make sure to enable Smart Home Skills in the Alexa app.
• Tap on “Devices” at the bottom right corner of the Alexa app.
• Now go and tap on  “Your Smart Home Skills.”
• Now you can tap “Enable Smart Home Skills” button at the bottom.
• After that, you will see a Smart Home Screen with a list of skills.

How to Connect Alexa to SmartThings?

Now you are ready to connect SmartThings devices to Alexa. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Open the Amazon Alexa app first.
• Now tap on the Settings window and go to the “Connected Home” button.
• Nowlook for “Link with SmartThings” button under the “Device Links” menu. Click that.
• Type in the details of your SmartThings account and click on Login.
• Select the location of your SmartThings device and the device will appear in the “My Device” list.
• From the next window, tick out the radio buttons you want to connect to Alexa.
• Now click on the “Authorize” button and you will see the notification “Alexa has been successfully linked with SmartThings”.
• Close the window and open the settings of  Connected Home.
• Tap on the “Devices” button and click  “Discover Devices” from the menu.
• Wait some time for Alexa to discover your SmartThings device.
• You will soon see “Devices Discovered” on the screen and the SmartThings items listed on the section. Now you can use  Alexa with SmartThings.

Wait while Alexa discovers your SmartThings devices. When you will see the message “Devices Discovered” on screen, that means your SmartThings items are listed in the Devices section, you can begin using Alexa with SmartThings.

Using the SmartThings App to Update Devices

When you add a new SmartThings device to your home, change the location of your items, or modify them, make sure to update the information with Alexa. For this, you need to use the SmartThings mobile app.

• Open the SmartThings app.
• Now tap on Menu and go to SmartApps.
• Click on Amazon Echo there.
• See MyDeviceList and check the devices Alexa has access to.
• Tap on Done and then Next.
• The app will suggest any other steps (if required).

What are SmartThings Routines?

After discovering how to connect Alexa to SmartThings, you must know about routines. Basically, Routines enable you to run multiple tasks with just one command. You can easily save time and automate the things you want to do regularly. Skip all the lengthy processes that are difficult to remember. All you have to do is create a routine using the SmartThings app and then give commands with Alexa. See how to do this:

• Open the SmartThings app and tap on “Menu.”
• Click on  Settings > Connected Services > Amazon Alexa.
• Turn the switch for Routines ON and tap next.
• Now tap on Done.
• Say, “Alexa, discover new devices” to recognise new routines.

What if Alexa Not Discovering SmartThings Devices?

If you’re running into the Alexa Not Discovering SmartThings Devices issue then below we have few solutions that can help you fix this issue.

Just Check Location Settings

• The main reason why users encounters this issue is because they have multiple locations enabled in their Samsung SmartThings account. Although this feature works perfectly with SmartThings application you can`t get alexa echo device to connect to the hub. Moreover, if you are using two separate amazon accounts,still you will run into connection issues.
• To resolve this issue, simply delete one location and then refresh the network connection.You shouldn’t have any trouble getting Alexa to discover your smart devices as long as you’re just trying to connect to one SmartThings hub. So make sure you delete multiple locations from your SmartThings account, then reconnect to Amazon Alexa.

Clear the Data in App

• Still, if you`re sure that multiple locations aren’t enabled on your SmartThings account, then it is likely that your SmartThings skills is not working properly. The first thing you can do in this case is try relinking the SmartThings skill with the Alexa app. You can do this quickly by going to Skills option and tap on Disable. When done,relaunch the application again then look for the SmartThings skill and enable it.
• If the problem still persists, then you should clear the app data in your phone. You can do this by going to your phone’s settings and select App options. Now search the Alexa app and click on it. Go to storage options and then click “Clear all data”. Next, you need to relaunch the app again and sign in to your Amazon account. Now try using SmartThings skill to see if your issue has been resolved.

Power Cycle both devices

• Another solution to resolve this problem is to quickly power cycle both the smart devices. If you still can’t get your SmartThings to work, then remove the power cord from both the devices and wait for a few seconds before plugging them back in. Once the devices boots up, you can try connecting to your hub to see if your Alexa discovers SmartThings devices.

Get Help from Experts

Is it all too complicated and difficult? Well, worry not! You can always get smart advice from experts. All you need to do is call Alexa’s official helpline number +1-872-888-1589, or simply ask your query in our chatbox! 

It’s better to get help before, rather than regret it all over!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can smartThings control Alexa devices?
The SmartThings app is compatible with Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and Amazon smart speakers. It can be used to control light bulbs, dimmer switches, locks, and Routines. Alexa can also do many more things with it.

Do I need smartThings hub with Alexa?
No, you won’t need the hub for your Alexa device to operate devices such as Nest thermostats. They can contain their own hub. These devices can get attached to your home wifi signal.

Do SmartThings use Alexa as a siren?
You can connect your smartphone to Alexa via Bluetooth. Use LANnouncer to add the tablet or phone as a speaker. This will support the siren feature.

What are the Amazon devices that can be connected with SmartThings?

The devices that you can connect with SmartThings are the Amazon Echo, Amazon Tap, and Echo Dot. If you want to connect them to your SmartThings app, you can do the same steps mentioned above.

Can you use Alexa for different SmartThings locations?

Unfortunately, NOT! You can not add more than one SmartThings location to Alexa.

How do you lock or unlock your door using Alexa and SmartThings?

First of all, connect SmartThings app to your lock. Now install the lock on the door and connect it to Alexa. Generally,  Alexa finds new devices that get connected with SmartThings.