SmartThings for Apple Users: How to Set Up Your Samsung TV as a Smart Home Hub
Samsung SmartThings isn’t just a hub — it’s an entire ecosystem that turns your home into an intelligent, unified experience. And for Apple users, it’s one of the easiest cross-platform gateways into full smart home automation.
With SmartThings built directly into many Samsung Smart TVs, you can control lights, locks, thermostats, and security systems right from your living room screen — even if your phone runs iOS.
This guide walks through how to set up your Samsung Smart TV as a SmartThings hub using your iPhone or iPad, connect compatible devices, and automate entertainment, lighting, climate, and security for a smarter home experience.
See Pricing on all Samsung Smart TVs with SmartThings Built-in
1. Why Use Your Samsung TV as a SmartThings Hub
Most 2023 and newer Samsung TVs (including Neo QLED, OLED, and The Frame series) come with built-in SmartThings hub functionality. This means your TV can wirelessly connect and control thousands of devices — from smart lights and plugs to thermostats, cameras, and doorbells.
Key Benefits:
- Centralized Control: Manage your entire home from your TV screen or SmartThings app on iPhone/iPad.
- Hands-Free Convenience: Use Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant voice control.
- Seamless iOS Integration: Supports SmartThings App for iOS, Apple AirPlay 2, and Matter, ensuring compatibility across platforms.
- Entertainment + Automation: Create “Movie Night” or “Game Mode” scenes that automatically adjust lighting, audio, and temperature.
Your TV essentially becomes your home’s control panel — with no need for a standalone SmartThings hub.
2. What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before setting up, make sure you have the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| SmartThings-Compatible Samsung TV | 2023–2025 models (Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame, or QLED 8K). |
| iPhone or iPad | iOS 16 or later, with the SmartThings app from the App Store. |
| SmartThings Account | Sign up free using your Samsung or Google account. |
| Wi-Fi Network | Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with stable internet connection. |
| Compatible Smart Devices | Lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, and smart plugs that support SmartThings or Matter. |
3. Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Step 1: Install the SmartThings App on iPhone or iPad
- Download SmartThings from the App Store.
- Sign in with your Samsung account (create one if you don’t already have it).
- Allow permissions for Bluetooth, Local Network, and Notifications.
Step 2: Connect Your Samsung TV
- Turn on your TV and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- Open the SmartThings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “+ Add Device” → “TV” → “Samsung.”
- Select your TV from the list (ensure both devices share the same Wi-Fi network).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your TV and app.
- Once added, your TV will automatically appear as a SmartThings Hub in the app.
GearBrain Tip:
If your TV doesn’t show up automatically, check that SmartThings Hub Mode is enabled under Settings → General → SmartThings Hub on your TV.
Step 3: Add Smart Devices
Now that your TV is a SmartThings hub, start adding compatible devices.
- In the SmartThings app, tap “+ Add Device.”
- Choose the device type (light, plug, thermostat, etc.).
- Follow the pairing instructions — most devices connect automatically via Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Matter.
- Once paired, you can see and control them from your TV’s SmartThings dashboard.
Popular Compatible Devices for iPhone Users:
- Philips Hue Lights (via Hue Bridge)
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
- Yale Assure Lock 2 (Matter Edition)
- TP-Link Tapo Smart Plugs
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Arlo Pro 5S 2K Security Cameras
Step 4: Set Up Scenes and Automations
SmartThings lets you create “Scenes” — groups of device actions triggered together — and “Automations” that respond to time, presence, or activity.
Example Scene: “Movie Night”
- Dim Hue lights to 25%
- Set TV input to HDMI 1
- Turn on Samsung Q990D Soundbar
- Lower thermostat by 2°F
- Lock front door automatically
Example Automation:
“When I start watching TV after 7 p.m., turn on backlight, set temperature to 72°F, and arm Arlo cameras.”
Your SmartThings hub can be controlled by BixbyBixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant — and works perfectly with Siri Shortcuts on iPhone.
To use Siri:
- Create Shortcuts that trigger SmartThings Scenes.
- Example: “Hey Siri, it’s movie time” → launches your Movie Night Scene.
To use Alexa or Bixby:
- Link your SmartThings account in your Alexa or Bixby app.
- You can now control all devices hands-free through your TV or speaker.
4. Optimizing Your SmartThings Entertainment Experience
Once your SmartThings setup is live, you can expand your entertainment system for even deeper integration.
Enhance with These Devices:
- Samsung Soundbar Q990D: Immersive Dolby Atmos sound with SmartThings and AirPlay 2.
- Philips Hue Gradient Lightstrip: Syncs with content on your Samsung TV.
- Govee Matter Light Bars: Dynamic lighting that responds to on-screen visuals.
- SmartThings Smart Bulbs: Add color and dimming for immersive ambiance.
Why It’s Perfect for Apple Users:
SmartThings works seamlessly on iOS, letting you manage everything from your phone or tablet while still enjoying AirPlay streaming and Siri voice triggers.
5. Adding Home Security and Comfort Devices
SmartThings also functions as a full home monitoring system when paired with compatible smart security products.
Recommended Security Add-Ons
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: View your front door feed directly on your Samsung TV.
- Arlo Pro 5S 2K Cameras: Receive motion alerts and check live video from your couch.
- Yale Assure Lock 2: Lock doors automatically when leaving the house or starting a “Goodnight” routine.
- Moen Smart Water Detector: Detect leaks and get alerts in SmartThings app.
Comfort Add-Ons:
- ecobee Smart Thermostat: Adjust automatically based on occupancy or scenes.
- Shelly Plug & Energy Monitor: Track energy usage from your iPhone or TV dashboard.
Compatibility Notes for Apple Users
Even though SmartThings is a Samsung ecosystem, it’s remarkably friendly to iOS users. Here’s what you should know:
| Feature | Supported on iOS? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SmartThings App | ✅ Yes | Full feature access, including scenes and routines. |
| AirPlay 2 | ✅ Yes | Stream audio/video from iPhone to Samsung TV or Soundbar. |
| Apple HomeKit | ⚠️ Partial | Use Matter-enabled devices for native Home app integration. |
| Siri Shortcuts | ✅ Yes | Trigger SmartThings scenes by voice. |
| SmartThings Hub Controls | ✅ Yes | Manage directly through your TV or iPhone SmartThings dashboard. |
6. Troubleshooting & Tips
If your TV doesn’t show up in SmartThings:
- Verify both are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Ensure SmartThings Hub functionality is turned on in TV settings.
- Restart both the TV and your iPhone, then retry pairing.
If devices don’t respond to commands:
- Check device firmware updates in SmartThings.
- For Matter-enabled devices, confirm your TV and app are updated to the latest firmware.
- Reboot your router if there’s lag or offline devices.
If AirPlay doesn’t work:
- Ensure your iPhone and TV are on the same network.
- Enable AirPlay → On under Settings → General → Apple AirPlay Settings on your TV.
7. Summary
Samsung’s SmartThings platform has evolved into a truly cross-platform smart home system — and now, Apple users can take full advantage of it. By using your Samsung Smart TV as your home’s central hub, you can unify entertainment, comfort, and security in a single, seamless ecosystem.
From controlling your lights and thermostat during movie night to checking your Ring Doorbell feed on-screen, SmartThings offers the flexibility, compatibility, and control that today’s mixed-device households need.
Whether you’re team iPhone or team Galaxy, SmartThings ensures your home feels connected, intelligent, and effortless — just the way it should.
Remember to use The GearBrain, our product find engine, which can help you easily find and buy any smart device and find compatible devices with your existing ones.
