[quote=“[deleted], post:7, topic:78693, full:true”]
Also, you don’t need the separate ‘switch activates phase’ app anymore, it’s been built into routines for a while now.
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edited to correct I misunderstood what Robin was suggesting. He is correct that you can bypass the smart app “activates home phrase” just by using the “run automatically” from the switch turning on that is built into the routine.
If you want to do without a virtual switch all together, you can for some routines, but Unfortunately, there are significant limitations on the routines that can be used with Alexa without needing a virtual switch.
Basically these routines can only include devices that Alexa could have controlled without the routine, switches and lights and thermostats.
If the routine includes any other devices, including locks, sirens, cameras, appliances or garage doors, then you will get an error message that Alexa cannot run that routine.
So many people still use a virtual switch in order to voice enable those routines.
https://support.smartthings.com/hc/en-us/articles/210204906-Amazon-Alexa-SmartThings-Routines-Beta-
That then introduces another issue, which is that the original “Switch activates home phrase” doesn’t work with momentary switches.
The newer “Alexa helper” does work with momentary switches, so it’s a good choice as a substitute if you need the various advanced options that it offers such as timers.
BTW, Another alternative is to use the “power allowance” feature of smartlighting and set the virtual binary switch to always turn itself off after one minute. That makes it then very similar to a momentary switch, and will have it available again for use to turn on after a minute has passed. You won’t need this for a routine, but it’s a good technique to be aware of if you are working with other smartapps or third-party integrations.
edited to update so now that I understand correctly what Robin has suggested, that would be the simplest way if your routine requires that you use a virtual switch and you don’t need the advanced features of Alexa helper. 