Unable To Link SmartThings With Alexa (7 Reasons) – Fixed

Many people who own smart devices use Alexa to control their devices.

While Amazon’s assistant is convenient, sometimes it can be difficult to connect all of your devices to it.

If you’re having trouble linking your SmartThings with Alexa, here is a quick solution.

1. Go to the Alexa app and select the Settings option.
2. Click on Your Smart Home Skills.
3. Enable Smart Home Skills.
4. Amazon Alexa app will show all smart Skills. Click on Smartthings.
5. Enter Smartthings account details and Authorize it.
6. Now you can control Smartthings with Alexa.

Below are a few reasons why the Smartthins app cannot connect with Alexa. So, let’s get rid of this problem.

7 Reasons You’re Unable To Link SmartThings With Alexa (Let’s Fix Them)

The following are the top 7 reasons why this happens – and how to fix them.

1. Incorrect or outdated firmware
2. Incorrect device type
3. Connection failures
4. Skill enabled but not working
5. Phone location services off
6. Power cycle
7. Contact support

Incorrect or outdated firmware

A firmware error or outdated firmware is the most common reason if you’re unable to link SmartThings with Alexa.

That’s why the latest SmartThings firmware is essential.

Here are methods to update both apps, check out them.

Update Alexa app software

To update the Alexa app software navigate to the Alexa app and then go to settings.

Then go to the about section and compare your Alexa app software version with the latest one.

Or click on update if a new version is available.

Update Smartthings software version

An outdated Smartthings software version can be a reason why you’re unable to connect with Alexa.

Follow the steps to update Smarthings software.

• Download the Smartthings app to your mobile device.
• Go to Menu, and go to Settings.
• Click on the About section.
• Then follow the instructions on the screen and click on Update software.

Once, you’ve updated both apps’ software, try connecting them again.

Incorrect device type/name

You might also be unable to link SmartThings with Alexa, an incorrect device name can be problematic. Each device added to your smartthings account needs to be assigned a “device type.”

This tells the app what kind of commands the device can respond to.

For example, a light bulb will have a different device type than a door lock.

If you’re having trouble connecting, it might be because the wrong device type has been assigned to your device.

Another example is, if you want to control Netflix on Samsung TV, a specific device name is necessary.

Here are the steps to solve this issue.

• Open up the Smartthings app and go to the Devices tab.
• Select the device you’re having trouble with and then tap on “Edit.”
• From here, you can change the Device Type/Name to match what it should be.
• Once you’ve done this, try connecting again.

Connection failures

Another common issue is connection failures between your devices and the Smartthings app or Alexa.

A variety of factors can cause this, including power outages and internet disruptions – but luckily, it’s usually easy to fix.

• Check out your Wi-Fi connection.
• Check that your mobile battery is powered up.
• Make sure both the Alexa device and SmartThing hub are powered up.
• If you’re using Echo Dot with a plug, make sure that the pin is secure and connected.

Skill enabled but not working

If you’ve gone through all of the steps above but are still having trouble connecting, it might be because the Alexa skill isn’t properly enabled.

To check if this is the case, open up the Amazon Alexa app on your phone and tap on “Skills & Games.”

Next, search for “SmartThings” and then tap on the listing for the official SmartThings skill.

If it says “Enabled” under Status, great.

If not, tap on “Enable Skill” and then try connecting again from the Smartthings app.

Phone location services off 

Please check whether or not location services are turned off for your phone. This can sometimes prevent the Smartthings app, from working properly.

To check if this is the case, open up your phone’s Settings app and tap on “Location.”

Turn on Location Services and ensure that location permissions are set properly for both the Amazon Alexa and Smartthings apps.

Afterward, connect both apps again.

Power Cycle

If the above methods don’t work, then try power cycling your devices (Smartthings Hub and Echo Device) by unplugging them from the power outlet for 60 seconds and then plugging them back in.

Once they’re plugged back in, try reconnecting them again.

Contact Amazon or Samsung Smartthings Support

Having tried all of the above and still unable to link SmartThings with Alexa, it’s time to contact Amazon support.

However, if Alexa is working with other smart devices then the problem may be in the Smartthings app or Hub. In that case, you need to contact Smartthings support.

Helpful Video Tutorial!

Do you need the Smartthings app if you already have the Alexa app?

In my point of view yes, the Smartthings app gives you greater control over your smart devices.

For example, with the Smartthings app, you can create rules or routines that automatically perform certain actions based on certain conditions.

If you have smart devices in your home, then you likely use one or more apps to control them.

For example, the Philips Hue app allows you to turn your lights on and off, change their color, and set timers.

The Nest app lets you adjust the temperature of your thermostat and view energy usage information.

But the Smartthings app lets you do all of those things in one place.

The Smartthings app also allows you to control devices that are not compatible with the Alexa app.

Although some smart plugs are compatible with the Alexa app, many others are not compatible with Alexa but with Smartthings.

So if you want to be able to control all of your smart devices from one place, then the Smartthings app is a necessity.

In a nutshell, the Smarthings app is useful and helps you visually, while Alexa is only an audio device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to link Alexa to Smartthings?

To link Alexa to SmartThings, you will first need to create a new Alexa skill.

You can do this by visiting the Alexa mobile app. Then follow these steps:

1. Go to the Device option. 
2. Select Skills & Games.
3. Search for Smartthings and Enable the Skill.
4. Login to your Smartthings accounts and Authorize access.
5. Once you’ve done these steps, Alexa will be connected to Smartthings.

Conclusion

Amazon’s Echo devices are getting smarter and adding new features.

One of those features is controlling other smart devices using just your voice.

So, if you have a SmartThings hub, you will be able to tell Alexa to turn on your lights or adjust your thermostat.

It’s possible that things don’t always go as planned, and you’re unable to link SmartThings with Alexa.

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