The mobile ST App is your interface to ST functionality. Do not confuse one with the other. The Smartapps resides either on the ST cloud or on the hub (v2). Multiple smartapps are available and added (installed) to your account using the mobile app interface. You can create your own custom smartapps or copy others here…
Once you have an account setup with ST, custom Smartapps are added via the IDE https://graph.api.smartthings.com/ide/apps For example, you might find another poster here who wrote a smartapp you like. You copy the code (its text) , create a new app in the IDE and paste the copied code, save it and publish it. It will now be available for all you mobile apps logged into your account.
Once added, you install the app using your mobile ST app via “Marketplace/SmartApp/My Apps” option. Once installed it is available for all your mobiles logged into your account.
Thanks for the info. What does IDE stand for? Unfortunately I am unable to make an account at the link until I have my hub. The site doesn’t give you the option to create an account.
Yup, you need your hub to create an account. Not sure if you still need to create a developers account as well. If I recall correctly, I believe I logged into the IDE using the account I setup with the hub. Either way, once you get your hub setup it will be straightforward.
Some advice I have for new users, not related to your question…
PLAN CAREFULLY!!!
When it comes time to add new devices, research how to get the biggest “bang for your buck”. There’s many different ways to automate a device (Light bulb, Smart Plug, Wall Outlet). Just figure what’s the best for you. Also, which SmartApps you use can be a difference. The Smart Lighting SmartApp is the best since it can be ran without an internet connection - Occasionally ST will be down, local devices/apps can continue to work. Sometimes you’ll either need to use community SmartApps or even build your own.
How does setup for everything work? Do you first add a device to the SmartThings App, and then secondly install different apps within smartthings to do added things?
bamarayne
(Jason "The Enabler" as deemed so by @Smart)
29
Well, the first thing I would, is use the search bar above. Do a search on each type of device you have. Learn all you can so you know what to expect.
Along the way you will learn how to add devices, add custom device toes, and finally smart apps to control them.
My advice, when it comes to smart apps, rule machine rely well take care of 98% of your needs.
While complex with a fairly steep learning curve, it becomes very intuitive quickly.
Step 1 - read
Step 2 - learn
Step 3 - install your devices while reading and learning.
Step 4 - uninstall your devices and try steep 3 again but slow surfire and follow the directions this time… Yeah right!
Step 5 - submit trouble ticket to support
Step 6 - but an Amazon echo
Step 7 - amaze your family by saying opens sesame and making the garage door open
Step 8 - take out a loan to pay for your new addiction
Step 9 - be patient, have reasonable expectation, adj questions, and most of all, if you are using this because the tech is awesome, have fun!
Most of it for me is searching on Amazon. I’ve discovered these GE Link bulbs are good & affordable. They use Zigbee & pair directly with the hub. As far for plugs, the Aeon Labs DSC06106-ZWUS switch is my favorite! It uses Z-wave. You can sometimes find them for $25, pending stock. I have no recommendations for others, although I purchased a Monoprice Open/Close sensor yesterday, not sure how it’ll be.
There’s many different brands of products. The biggest advantage to SmartThings is we can try out many different products at various price points. Just search up things.
You first install the device, then the app. When you configure the SmartApp, it’ll ask you which device(s) you want to use.
No… add a device WITH the SmartThings App Might seem like a minor distinction but the Mobile app (Smarthings) is pretty dumb. If you dont believe me, try turning off your hub then load the app. Nothing It has no knowledge of your devices without access to the hub and/or the Cloud.
Just now I was able to create a new control within Smart Lighting in the android-app - so that is an improvement, no red-error-bar. It’s also pretty snappy for now.
It has no knowledge of your devices without access to the hub and/or the Cloud.