Smart Home Monitor Setup for Galaxy S9

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through setting up and using the SmartThings Smart Home Monitor feature on your Galaxy S9. It turns your phone into a basic home security hub, letting you arm/disarm sensors, cameras, and locks, and receive alerts when something happens. You’ll need a Samsung account, the SmartThings app, and at least one compatible smart device (like a sensor, camera, or smart plug).

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Galaxy S9 with the latest software updates installed.
A Samsung account (if you don’t have one, you can create it during setup).
The SmartThings app (download from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store).
At least one SmartThings-compatible smart device (e.g., a motion sensor, door/window sensor, smart plug, or camera) already connected to your Wi-Fi and set up in the SmartThings app.

Step-by-Step

Install and open SmartThings: If you haven’t already, download the SmartThings app from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Open it and sign in with your Samsung account. If you don’t have an account, tap “Create account” and follow the prompts.
Add your devices: Before setting up the monitor, make sure all your smart devices are added to the SmartThings app. Tap the “+” icon (usually at the top right), select “Device,” and follow the in-app instructions to pair each device. This typically involves putting the device in pairing mode and selecting it from the list.
Open Smart Home Monitor: In the SmartThings app, tap the “Menu” (three horizontal lines) at the top left, then select “Smart Home Monitor.” If this is your first time, you’ll see a welcome screen explaining the feature.
Set your home location: The monitor uses your phone’s location to know when you’re home or away. Tap “Set home location” and allow location access when prompted. You can adjust the radius (how far from home counts as “away”) by tapping the settings gear icon and moving the slider. A typical radius is 150-300 meters.
Choose your modes: You’ll see three modes: “Home,” “Away,” and “Off.” “Home” arms your devices while you’re inside (e.g., doors locked, cameras off). “Away” arms everything (e.g., motion sensors active, cameras recording). “Off” disarms everything. You can customize what each mode does by tapping the gear icon next to each mode.
Customize mode actions: For each mode, tap “Add action” to select which devices to control. For example, in “Away” mode, you might set your smart plug to turn off a lamp, your door sensor to alert, and your camera to record. For each device, choose the specific action (e.g., “Lock,” “Turn on,” “Detect motion”).
Enable automatic switching: To have the monitor switch modes automatically based on your location, go to the Smart Home Monitor settings (gear icon) and toggle on “Use location.” You can also set a schedule for automatic switching if you prefer.
Arm the monitor: Once configured, you can manually switch modes by tapping the mode name at the top of the Smart Home Monitor screen. Or, if you’ve enabled location, it will switch automatically when you leave or arrive.
Test your setup: After arming, test each device to ensure it reacts correctly. For example, if you have a door sensor, open the door and check that you receive a notification. If a camera is set to record, walk in front of it to confirm it captures video.
Monitor alerts: When a device is triggered while armed, you’ll receive a push notification on your phone. Tap the notification to open the SmartThings app and view the event details, such as a video clip or sensor history.

Common Mistakes

Not granting location permissions: If you skip location permission, the automatic Home/Away switching won’t work, and you’ll have to switch modes manually.
Setting the home radius too small: If the radius is too small (e.g., 50 meters), your phone might think you’re “away” when you’re just in the backyard, triggering false alarms.
Forgetting to add devices to a mode: Just adding a device to SmartThings doesn’t automatically include it in Smart Home Monitor. You must explicitly add it to each mode’s actions.
Using incompatible devices: Not all smart devices work with SmartThings. Check for the SmartThings logo or compatibility list before purchasing.
Ignoring battery levels: Sensors and cameras run on batteries. If a device dies, it won’t trigger alerts. Check battery status regularly in the SmartThings app.

Tips

Use routines for complex automation: Instead of just arming/disarming, you can create SmartThings Routines that combine multiple actions. For example, when you say “Goodnight,” the monitor arms, lights turn off, and the door locks.
Set up notifications for specific devices: In the SmartThings app, you can customize notification settings per device. For example, you might want alerts only for doors, not for motion in a pet area.
Keep your phone’s battery saver off: Battery saver can delay location updates, causing the monitor to switch modes late. If you notice delays, exclude SmartThings from battery optimization in settings.
Use a smart plug for non-smart devices: You can make a regular lamp or fan smart by plugging it into a SmartThings-compatible smart plug, then control it through the monitor.
Test monthly: Regularly test your sensors and cameras to ensure they’re working. This is especially important if you rely on the monitor for security.

Troubleshooting

Smart Home Monitor not showing in the app: Make sure you’re running the latest version of SmartThings. If it’s still missing, try clearing the app’s cache (Settings > Apps > SmartThings > Storage > Clear Cache) and restarting the app.
Mode doesn’t switch automatically: Check that location permission is granted and that your home radius is set correctly. Also, ensure that your phone’s location services are on (Settings > Location). If you’re using a schedule, verify the times are correct.
Device not responding when armed: First, check that the device is online in the SmartThings app (it should show a green dot). If it’s offline, try power-cycling the device and your Wi-Fi router. Also, ensure the device’s firmware is up to date.
False alarms: If you’re getting alerts when you’re home, adjust the home radius or check if any sensors are placed in high-traffic areas. You can also set a “delay” for sensors (in the device settings) to avoid immediate triggers.
Notifications not arriving: Go to Settings > Apps > SmartThings > Notifications and ensure notifications are allowed. Also, check that you haven’t accidentally muted notifications in the SmartThings app itself (tap the bell icon).
Can’t add a device: If you’re having trouble pairing a device, make sure it’s in pairing mode and within range of your phone. Restart the device and try again. If it still fails, consult the device’s manual or the SmartThings support website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Smart Home Monitor work without a subscription?

Yes, the basic Smart Home Monitor features are free with your Samsung account. You can arm/disarm devices and receive notifications. Some advanced features, like video recording history or professional monitoring, may require a SmartThings subscription.

Can I use Smart Home Monitor with non-Samsung devices?

Yes, as long as the device is compatible with SmartThings. Many third-party brands work, including Philips Hue, Ring, and Arlo, but check compatibility before buying.

Will Smart Home Monitor drain my battery?

Using location services for automatic switching can drain battery faster. To minimize impact, you can set a schedule instead of using location, or adjust the location update frequency in the SmartThings settings.

Can I have multiple users control the monitor?

Yes, you can share your SmartThings home with family members. They’ll need to accept an invitation and will then be able to see and control the monitor (subject to permissions you set).

What happens if my phone is off?

If your phone is off, the monitor won’t be able to send you notifications or switch modes. However, devices like cameras may still record locally, and you can check the history when you turn the phone back on. For true 24/7 monitoring, consider a dedicated hub.

How do I delete a device from the monitor?

Go to the Smart Home Monitor settings, tap on the mode that contains the device, and remove it from the actions. Or, delete the device entirely from the SmartThings app (Devices > select device > three dots > Remove).

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