What is a Widget?
An excellent question. I will keep this brief as I am sure most of you are already familiar with smartphone Widgets (Android users have had them for years, Apple was a little later to the party).
A Widget is is a small icon or “gadget” designed to display information or provide quick access to app functionality directly from the home screen of your device – without needing to open the associated app. If you haven’t discovered Widgets yet, they are awesome… check them out immediately!
SmartThings Widgets
I think you can see where this is going! The SmartThings Scene Widget allows you to quickly trigger SmartThings scenes – like “bedtime” and “leaving the house” – with a simple press of an icon on your home screen – without even needing to open the SmartThings app! Let’s take a look how…
Android - Add SmartThings Widgets
Let’s take a look at how to add SmartThings Scenes to your Home Screen using Android Widgets. Make sure you have at least one SmartThings Scene created in the SmartThings app and follow along below…
Step 1
Tap and hold anywhere on your Home Screen.
Step 2
Select “Widgets”.
Step 3
Scroll down and select a SmartThings Widget.
Step 4
Drag the Widget to your desired location.
Step 5
Select your SmartThings Hub.
Step 6
Now you have quick access to SmartThings Scenes.
Apple - Add SmartThings Widgets
Let’s take a look at how to add SmartThings Scenes to the your home screen using Apple Widgets. Make sure you have at least one SmartThings Scene created in the SmartThings app and follow along below…
Step 1
Open the SmartThings App.
Step 2
Select “More” from the bottom menus.
Step 3
Select the “Gear” icon in the top right corner.
Step 4
Select ‘Widget” from the Settings options.
Step 5
Select the Scenes you want included in the Widget.
Step 6
Close the SmartThings App. Tap and hold on your Home Screen.
Step 7
Select the “+” button in the top left.
Step 8
Select the SmartThings Widget.
Step 9
Select “Add Widget”.
Step 10
Position the Widget and select “Done”.
Step 11
In summary
Congratulations, you have now added the SmartThings Widget to your Apple or Android Home Screen. Ready for quick and easy access to your most used SmartThings Scenes… without needing to open the SmartThings App!
Check out the Aeotec Smart Home Hub to start your SmartThings journey. And as always, if you have any questions please contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
