Assuming you want each of the 3 different press types of the physical button (single, double, hold) to trigger distinct actions of physical Alexa devices (ie, devices that cant be controlled directly from SmartThings), then you are correct. You will need to create 3 separate virtual “Alexa” (door contact sensor) switches.
I used Alexa ROUTINES to trigger Alexa actions (eg, turning a Kasa outlet on or off) from my virtual switch – though I have yet to create multiple virtual switches.
I selected “Add action” to choose the desired resulting action.
I was able to select my virtual switch as a trigger for the desired action by pressing “When this happens” and then pressing the “Device” icon.
I couldnt find a toggle function in the Alexa app, so I needed 2 routines (one for ON and another for OFF).
But the desired action occurs not only when I press the physical button, but also when I toggle the virtual switch directly from the Alexa app.
I would assume this would work for multiple virtual switches, but I have yet to create more than one.
Hope this helps.
Hi, I followed these steps to the letter and created two device handlers. I removed the SmartThings skill, logged out of Alexa, then logged back in and re-added the skill. Still no luck! How did you get this to work on your end? Any help would be much appreciated! (Photo attached). Untitleddvfb%3Bdfmbfd|690x121
I’m not able to see your attached photo. Nothing happens when I click on the link (not sure why).
So, I cant tell exactly what part is not working on your end.
If you create a new Alexa Routine, and then select “Add action,” “When this happens” and “Device,” do you see anything listed (eg, the virtual switch you created)?
This is the key milestone.
If this doesnt happen, then you need to look back at the IDE and see if your virtual switch (eg, “Alexa Switch”) shows up as one of the Device Types (in the pop-up menu) whenever you create a new device.
If you give me a little more detail as to each step (sorry if this was in your attached photo), I might be able to provide more help.
Once you responded with that, it clicked for me why it wasn’t working! I had not gone it and edited the virtual device type to reflect the new Device Handler codes. I added it and now it shows up in my Alexa devices. Works beautifully! Thank you for giving me the aha! moment!
I want Alexa to detect when I push the button. Smart Things detects all 3 modes of the ST button Pressed, Double Pressed, and Held. Alexa discovered my ST MultiPurp Sensor and Motion Detector on the first try.
Alexa recognizes motion sensors and contact sensors but does not recognize switches or buttons as triggers. In fact, it won’t recognize a button at all.
So you have to set it up so that each button press turns on a virtual switch which is also a contact sensor. That way when the switch is turned on, Alexa will think that the contact sensor opened.
I understand this, but really hate it. If they can make Echo Buttons trigger routines, why not other switches and buttons like ST buttons? They don’t even SELL Echo Buttons anymore, which is my beef with this.
The echo button is a button, but it’s a button that Amazon knows everything about because it’s their brand and so they Felt comfortable accepting that as a trigger.
My guess would be that eventually they will allow more different kinds of devices to act as triggers, but they don’t announce that kind of thing ahead of time, and we will just have to wait and see what they do.
I am having a hell of a time getting this to work and I think my problem is different than what I’ve read above:
I have created the device handler for the Simulated Alexa Button, created a device with that type, and then the device shows up both in my ST and in the Alexa app (great so far!). I then go to create a routine and am able to select the Simulated Alexa Button as a trigger and I tell it: when it “opens” trigger an outlet to turn on.
BUT, it NEVER works. If I “play” the routine manually from the routine page, it turns the outlet on just fine, but if I turn “on” the simulated button in ST, or even right in the Alexa app, it never triggers the routine.
I even tried using the other device handler for the switch instead of the button and that doesn’t work either.
EDIT: I found the solution! Apparently Alexa just created a new SmartThings “skill” last month and I deleted the old skill and added the new one (just called SmartThings) and it worked fine. In hindsight, i also might have been able to make it work by disabling and enabling the old SmartThings classic skill.
