Samsung’s SmartThings is now integrated with Android Auto

Update 1 (01/19/2021 @ 12:13 PM ET): The latest version of the SmartThings app has added Android Auto support. Click here for more information. The article as published on January 14, 2021, is preserved below.

Samsung and Google on Thursday jointly announced that Samsung’s SmartThings service will be integrated into Android Auto beginning next week. The integration will allow Android Auto users to control compatible SmartThings smart home devices right from their car’s display.

The announcement follows today’s major Galaxy S21 launch, which also included the Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy SmartTag, a Tile-like tracker that will make it easy for users to see the location of what the accessory is attached to.

During its presentation on Thursday, Samsung briefly showed off what SmartThings integration will look like in Android Auto. With the SmartThings app pulled up, users will see shortcuts to quickly control smart home devices that are connected to Samsung’s platform. In one image, Samsung showed off a few routines along with access to things like a smart thermostat, robot vacuum cleaner, and smart washer.

The image also shows off a “Locations” button, but we’re not entirely sure what that’s in reference to. Perhaps it’s for people who have multiple residences with different smart home products. It’s also unclear if the new integration can be controlled via Google Assistant on Android Auto.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform is essentially a brand name that encompasses hardware and software. The platform provides users with a hub where they can control a multitude of compatible smart home devices, from security cameras to lights. It’s not the only hub for controlling smart home devices, but as Samsung is one of the biggest companies in the world, it’s certainly one of the most widely available.

Today’s news comes on the heels of an announcement from December that saw Google reveal that Nest devices will work with Samsung’s platform beginning January 2021. That means if you own a Nest Hub or other Nest smart home device, you can easily control it through SmartThings right from Android Auto (or your Samsung Galaxy S21).

Google said the new integration will be available beginning next week, so you can’t access the feature just yet. But we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s finally available.

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Update: SmartThings integration with Android Auto rolls out

As promised, you can now add shortcuts to your favorite SmartThings devices in Android Auto. Android Auto support is rolling out now with version 1.7.59.23 of the SmartThings app on Android. According to users on Reddit, you can pick up to 6 different things to control from within Android Auto. If you’ve added Google Nest devices, then those devices can also be added, though it seems you can’t interact with Nest Cams or Nest Thermostats if added this way.

If you’re having trouble setting this up, simply open the SmartThings app on your phone, tap the hamburger menu icon, tap the settings button, and scroll down to “Android Auto.” Once in the Android Auto menu, select up to 6 items from your home. Finally, open the app launcher in Android Auto (on your car’s head unit, not on your phone) and find SmartThings.

SmartThings (Free, Google Play) →

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