Samsung expands SmartThings reach with Siri integration
In a move designed to streamline smart home control, Samsung has updated its SmartThings app for iPhone to enable voice-activated routines via Siri Shortcuts. The update marks a significant step in unifying the user experience across devices and ecosystems, allowing iPhone owners to trigger their SmartThings scenes using natural voice commands. Users who rely on Siri for day-to-day tasks can now have lights, thermostats, and other connected devices respond to a simple spoken phrase, just as they would with dedicated SmartThings routines on the app.
What the update actually does
The core change is compatibility between SmartThings and the Siri Shortcuts framework. After updating, iPhone users can add SmartThings routines as shortcuts within the Shortcuts app. This means you can say something like “Hey Siri, good morning” to initiate a sequence of actions—turning on lights, starting a coffee maker, checking the weather, and more—according to the routine you’ve configured in SmartThings.
Samsung emphasizes that this integration maintains security and control by honoring the permissions already configured in SmartThings. The routines remain localized to the devices you’ve allowed and do not expose additional data beyond what you opt into when creating a shortcut.
Why this matters for smart home setups
For households with mixed ecosystems, bridging platforms often creates friction. Siri Shortcuts support helps reduce that friction by giving iPhone users a single, familiar way to manage routines across devices and brands. By leveraging the Shortcuts app, users can combine SmartThings routines with other automations, creating multi-step flows that trigger from a single voice command or automation trigger.
From a practical standpoint, the update can simplify morning routines, home arrival scenes, or energy-saving programs. For example, a single “Hey Siri, good night” could close blinds, set the thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature, power down media devices, and arm compatible smart locks—all tied together by SmartThings and accessible through Siri.
How to set it up
Getting started is straightforward for iPhone users: open the SmartThings app and verify your devices and scenes are configured as you like. Next, launch the Shortcuts app and add a new shortcut or ask Siri to do so. The SmartThings routine you want to trigger becomes available as an action within Shortcuts. You can then assign a voice phrase to activate it, or integrate it into a larger automation workflow that runs when you trigger other Shortcuts or triggers on your device.
Samsung notes that it will continue to refine the integration, aiming to improve reliability and expand compatibility with more devices and services over time. If you encounter issues, checking for the latest app updates and ensuring your iPhone is running a supported iOS version can help resolve common hiccups.
Tips for making the most of Siri + SmartThings
- Keep routines tightly scoped: begin with a small group of actions to ensure reliable execution through the Shortcut.
- Test voice phrases: choose concise, easy-to-pronounce phrases to reduce misinterpretation by Siri.
- Organize devices by room or function within SmartThings to simplify routine creation.
- Explore multi-action shortcuts: combine SmartThings routines with other apps’ actions like music, calendars, or reminders for a cohesive daily flow.
What’s next for Samsung and Siri users
Samsung’s strategy appears aimed at reducing the boundary between ecosystems, offering users a more seamless control surface for their smart homes. While this update centers on iPhone owners, it signals a broader trend toward making smart home routines more accessible through widely used voice assistants. For now, Siri Shortcuts provides iPhone users with a convenient path to leverage SmartThings routines without opening the app, while SmartThings remains the central hub for device management and automation logic.
Bottom line
The ability to trigger SmartThings routines with Siri Shortcuts on iPhone adds a practical layer of convenience for smart home enthusiasts. It’s a welcome enhancement for those who value hands-free control and a more unified automation experience across devices and ecosystems.
