Using a SmartThings button and Alexa routine issues

I am trying to use a smartthings button to trigger an Alexa routine so I set up a virtual switch but when I go into the Alexa app to set up a routine and select action - as in what triggers it - it only shows sensors. Is there a way around this, please?

Sure, you just use a virtual device which is both a switch and a sensor. So when you turn the switch off the sensor looks closed, when you turn the switch on the sensor looks open. That’s what most people do.

Or you can use webcore and it can change the state of a virtual motion sensor.

Either of those methods work, and they used to work great to trigger Alexa routines right up until the new skill was introduced in April. At that point, it just stopped working for some people, but not all people, and not always in the same way, and not all the time. :disappointed_relieved:

SmartThings engineering is aware of the issue and has been working on it, but no timeline has been given for a fix.

Some people have said that it has started working again as of September 23, but there has not yet been an official announcement.

So if you want to go ahead and try it, you certainly can.

Here’s the FAQ with the code:

FAQ: Can I trigger an Echo Action without Speaking to It?

And here’s the thread monitoring the problem:

New SmartThings Alexa skill (2020)