Samsung’s SmartThings Gets a TV Remote Widget: Easier Control for Newer Samsungs
Samsung is making it even easier to handle your smart home with the latest update to its SmartThings app. The highlight of the update is a new remote widget you can add directly to your Android home screen, letting you control your compatible Samsung TVs with a few taps.
Previously, accessing SmartThings’ TV remote functionality required launching the full app and navigating to the remote interface. Now, with the new widget, you’ll have direct access to your TV controls right from your home screen, eliminating those extra steps.
Better, Faster, Stronger…Easier
There’s one caveat, though: the remote widget is only compatible with Samsung TVs and monitors manufactured in 2022 or later. Samsung hasn’t yet explained why older screens aren’t supported, but it’s likely due to hardware limitations.
Adding the Widget to your Home Screen
Adding the widget is a simple process as long as your SmartThings app is already set up and working with your TV:
- Long-press on an empty space on your Android home screen.
- Tap Widgets.**
- Scroll to Smartthings Remote.**
- Drag the remote widget to your home screen.
- Select the Samsung TV or monitor you want to control.
Make sure to first update your SmartThings app from the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store.
More Than Just a Remote
Beyond the new remote widget, the SmartThings update also includes:
-
Improved device automation:
- Faster device pairing overall
- Enhanced energy monitoring for supported Samsung appliances, helping you manage your energy usage more effectively.
These updates make SmartThings a more powerful hub for controlling all your Samsung devices, particularly your TVs, thanks to the added convenience of the new remote widget.
Learn more about SmartThings and how it can enhance your connected home experience.