Virtual switches allow you to control your smart devices through your SmartThings app.
If you’re looking for a way to control everything through your phone, this app will allow you to do just that.
However, setting up a virtual switch on SmartThings isn’t easy, so we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how you can create a virtual switch in SmartThings in 5 steps:
- Start by signing into the SmartThings Groovy IDE.
- Go into your “Locations” and select your home.
- Go to “My Devices” and add a new one.
- Set up your new device.
- Click “Create” and ensure your new virtual switch is listed.
Let’s take a look at these steps in a little more detail.
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How To Make a Virtual Switch in SmartThings
Creating a virtual switch can be tricky without knowing the right steps.
However, they can make life easier by giving you control of your home from your smartphone.
Below are the steps to follow to ensure your switch is set up correctly.
1. Start by Signing Into the SmartThings Groovy IDE
SmartThings Groovy IDE is a hub where you can manage your Samsung smart devices. It allows you to add and remove devices as you wish.
Log into the IDE by going to this link.
Once there, you can log in or create a new account if you don’t have one set up already.
Once you finish setting up your account, take a look at your new hub for controlling your SmartThings.
Groovy IDE is an enhancer for programs like SmartThings.
It allows a user to integrate other options in their programs, giving them options like virtual switches.
Now that you’re logged in, let’s get started.
2. Go Into Your “Locations” and Select Your Home
If this is your first time logging in, you may need to set up your home location. This needs to be set up on your device within your app.
To do this, go into your app and go to the menu. From there, access your locations and choose “Manage locations.”
This will allow you to add a location, rename your location, and remove it.
Once you have your location set up and named, head back over to your SmartThings Groovy IDE.
Once logged in, check for the “Locations” option at the top of your screen.
From the menu that appears, select the name of your home. This will bring up a menu allowing you to make changes to your home hub.
3. Go to “My Devices” and Add a New One
Once you’ve selected your location, you now have some new options at the top.
Select “My Devices” to view any devices you have already connected to your SmartThings.
In the “My Devices” menu, you’ll have the option to view, edit and remove any devices. You can rename your devices here if needed.
This hub gives you full control of the devices that are attached to your SmartThings app.
Within this menu of your listed devices, you’ll have the option to add a new device.
Look for the plus sign to show where you can add your device and go there. This is where you’ll be able to add a new device.
4. Set Up Your New Device
When creating your new device, you’ll be asked to fill in several details about it.
Start by naming your switch. You can go with a basic name like “Switch 1,” or you can be a little more detailed with the name.
Make sure it’s unique to this device.
Using a simple name isn’t recommended for this if you may have more than one switch.
Try being more specific about what your switch will control when you name it to avoid confusion in the future.
Next, you’ll need to create a Network ID. This will be how the SmartThings system recognizes your new device.
It should be unique to your device, so the app can communicate with it properly to do what you’re requesting.
To make things easier, you can choose the same name and Network ID for your virtual switch.
This will make it easier to keep up with your switch and not get any devices confused.
After your name and ID are sorted out, you’ll need to choose the type of device you’re setting up.
It’s very important to choose the correct device in the list, or it may not work properly.
If you’re setting up a virtual switch, you want to choose the option “Simulated Switch.”
Also, make sure the version you’ve selected is “Published.” It may be selected for you automatically, but make sure you check it.
Next, select your location. Depending on your setup, there should only be one option here.
If not, make sure you select the correct location, or the Virtual Switch won’t work properly.
After the location, you want to select the hub. Your “SmartThings Hub” should be selected here.
5. Click “Create” and Ensure Your New Virtual Switch Is Listed
Once you’ve completed all the steps above, double-check to make sure everything is filled out properly.
Remember that some options are going to be left blank, and that’s okay.
After reviewing your details above, click “Create” to finish.
If you didn’t miss anything or incorrectly entered something, you’d be taken to a page with details on the device you just added.
Look for a green bar at the top of the screen. It’ll confirm that your new Virtual Switch device has been created.
Take this time to review the details again to ensure you entered everything correctly.
After you’ve reviewed the page, return to the “My Devices” menu.
Your list of devices should now have your new Virtual Switch listed.
Make sure the display name matches the name you provided, and the device type should be listed as “Simulated Switch.”
If all the information matches, then you’ve correctly set up your Virtual Switch.
Now, your Virtual Switch will be connected to your SmartThings app and is ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between a Virtual Switch and a Simulated Switch?
When setting up your Virtual Switch, you have to choose the option for a Simulated Switch. That can be confusing, but they’re actually very similar.
The only difference between a Virtual Switch and a Simulated Switch is what they use to run. A Virtual Switch runs off of a local connection in your home. A Simulated Switch runs off of your internet connection instead.
This is why when setting up your device, it’ll read your Virtual Switch as a Simulated Switch.
Since they’re so similar, there’s no need for the SmartThings app to set them apart.
How Do You Use Your Virtual Switch With Your SmartThings App?
You can use your virtual switch by logging into your SmartThings App. Virtual Switches are made to work as a physical switch but by pressing a button on your device. Turn your lights on without ever leaving your bed by just tapping the option on your phone.
You can set up entire scenes with a Virtual Switch that go off once the switch is flipped.
So, with your switch, you can control more than one object in your home at a time.
Once you log into your app, you can access all of your switches and devices from there with just the press of a button.
You can also set up your Alexa to recognize your devices and activate your switches by voice commands.
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Final Thoughts
Creating a virtual switch can be a difficult process. But the ease of controlling your devices all in one place makes the setup process worth it.
So, follow these easy steps to get your switch set up and start controlling your devices from your phone.
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