“I can barely open my SmartThings app. What should I do?”
The SmartThings app can, at times, not work.
Sometimes it’s due to a software or firmware error.
But most of the time, it’s due to a bad internet connection.
Regardless of which, a down SmartThings app can be easily fixed.
With just a few tweaks on your phone and router…
You’ll be able to navigate your SmartThings app again!
Read on to discover:
- How to update the WiFI router firmware.
- 10 causes of SmartThings app not working.
- Tips for a strong and stable WiFI connection.
- 10 quick fixes for an unresponsive SmartThings app.
- And that’s only the beginning…
Why is my SmartThings app not working?
The SmartThings app isn’t working because the WiFI is unstable, congested, obstructed, and has low bandwidth. It’ll not work if the app, phone, and router have outdated software and firmware. App maintenance, downed server, and enabled “Power Saver” mode can cause the app to shut down automatically.
SmartThings app not working – 10 causes & fixes
#1: Unstable WiFi connection
“I can open the SmartThings app, but it barely loads…”
If that’s the case, perhaps your WiFi connection is unstable.
The SmartThings app can only work with WiFi.
Once the WiFi connection becomes unstable, the app can fail to:
- Load.
- Follow commands.
- Pair with other devices.
- Register custom settings.
“Okay, but what causes it to become unstable?”
The most common culprit for that is an out-of-range router.
When your device is too far away from the WiFi router, it can fail to receive radio signals.
Meaning it barely receives any connection.
When that happens, your SmartThings app can fail to load. And so, you won’t be able to use it.
How to fix it
When using the SmartThings app, first ensure that it receives a stable connection.
Sure, you can move your device closer to your main router.
But if you want a stable connection throughout your home, here’s what you can do:
- Use a router that has a 2.4 GHz frequency band.
- If possible, place the router in the middle of the room.
- Install several extra routers in other areas of your home.
- If the router is on the upper floor, use your device directly below it.
- Avoid placing the router near huge wireless devices (e.g., smart TV).
#2: Congested WiFi network
If your phone is close to the router, but it still doesn’t work, then the network must be congested.
Yes, your WiFi network can get congested as well.
That can happen when there are too many devices connected to it.
Each device connected to the network fights to receive data.
And larger devices tend to eat up more data.
Your smartphone is considered a small, compact device.
So, it only receives a smaller amount of bandwidth compared to smart TVs.
Because of that, your SmartThings app slows down when in use.
How to fix it
Troubleshooting this problem is very simple.
You just have to lessen the devices that are connected to the same WiFi network you’re using.
And you can do that by disconnecting the devices from the WiFi.
There are 2 ways you can disconnect the devices from the WiFi:
- First is by manually disconnecting the WiFi connection on each device.
- Second is by resetting your WiFi router.
When you reset a router, all devices connected to it will be removed.
So, it’s an easy way to disconnect devices all at once.
Warning: Reset will remove the WiFi’s password, custom settings, and paired devices.
#3: Low internet bandwidth
“I’ve already disconnected other devices from the WiFi. What’s the problem this time?”
If disconnecting other devices doesn’t work, then maybe your WiFi bandwidth has run low.
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data you can use at a certain time.
In simple terms, it’s your data limit.
“But I’m paying for unlimited WiFi!”
Whether your internet is unlimited or not, your internet service provider (ISP) sets a data limit for you.
Once you’ve reached this limit, your ISP will throttle your internet.
Meaning, you’ll experience a slower internet connection because they’ve lowered your internet speed and bandwidth.
With a low internet speed and bandwidth, you won’t be able to use your SmartThings app properly.
Watch this video to understand more about bandwidth throttling!
How to fix it
The only way you can resolve this problem is by managing your data usage.
Ideally, you should monitor your data usage.
But there’s little to no way you can do that.
What you can do instead is to manage your data usage consciously.
Meaning, if you’re not using a certain device, disconnect it from the WiFi in the meantime.
You may also set a time limit for your streaming sessions and social media browsing.
#4: Connection interference
Are there any gadgets or home appliances near your WiFi router?
Because if yes, those devices may be interfering with your WiFi connection.
Most routers and other devices use a 2.4 GHz band.
The frequencies of these same-band devices sometimes clash.
As a result, their connection gets interrupted.
A lot of your devices at home can cause it to happen with your WiFi connection.
In fact, one study even proved that a residential microwave oven could interfere with it.
How to fix it
You only have one solution: to remove any devices that use frequencies away from your WiFi router.
Some of the common devices that can cause connection interference are:
- Baby monitor.
- Wireless radio.
- Antenna phones.
- Microwave ovens.
- Other wireless devices.
Learn more: Why connect devices to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network?
#5: Outdated app software
Have you tried opening other apps on your phone?
Are the other apps working just fine?
If yes, then the problem is with your SmartThings app.
Sometimes, an app can malfunction if its software is outdated.
For once, outdated apps are more prone to software bugs.
And sometimes, the app doesn’t work because the new updates are not compatible with it.
If the updates don’t match your app version, your SmartThings app can fail to follow commands.
Or worse, the app can not launch at all.
How to fix it
If the SmartThings app is the only app on your phone that doesn’t work, update the app immediately.
To update the SmartThings app:
- Go to the app store.
- Click the profile icon.
- Select “Manage apps and device.”
- Tap “Updates Available.”
- See if the SmartThings app is listed.
- If yes, click “Update” next to SmartThings.
Doing this ensures that your app is up-to-date. And that there are no software bugs present on it.
Check out: Do Eufy Cameras Work With SmartThings? The Complete Guide
#6: Outdated phone software
“I’ve checked the other apps on my phone. And some don’t work as well…”
Then, your phone software must be outdated.
If your phone is not up-to-date, it can fail to receive WiFi signals.
Therefore, you may not be able to use any app installed on your phone.
Outdated phone software can also cause your device to slow down.
It’s preventing you from performing any tasks using the device.
How to fix it
Check whether the software of your phone is up-to-date.
You can do that by navigating your phone’s settings.
Look for the “Systems & Updates” section or similar.
Click that and search for “Software Update.”
On that page, you’ll see if your phone’s software is updated.
If not, you can update it on the same page by pressing “Update Now.”
#7: Outdated WiFi router firmware
“Everything doesn’t work. I’m losing hope…”
Can you check if the WiFi works on other devices?
If not, then your WiFi router is the problem.
If it fails to send out WiFi signals, its firmware must be outdated.
Normally, routers update themselves automatically.
But they can sometimes fail to do so due to some system errors.
When its firmware is outdated, it can fail to connect with other devices.
So, you must keep your router up-to-date.
How to fix it
WiFi routers don’t come with an app.
So, you have to connect it first to a computer via Ethernet.
Once connected, follow these instructions:
- Go to the manufacturer’s website.
- Download the latest firmware update.
- Log in to your router’s web management page.
- Then, select the file you’ve just downloaded.
After this, you have to reboot the router to finish the updating process.
#8: “Battery Power Saver” is enabled
“My SmartThings app shuts down automatically…”
What’s the current percentage of your phone’s battery?
If it’s less than 15 percent, then your phone’s “Battery Power Saver” mode may have been enabled.
“Battery Power Saver” mode aims to slow down the battery life of your phone by shutting down energy-consuming apps.
Once your phone’s battery becomes low, this mode automatically enables itself. (Unless you force disabled it on your phone’s settings).
How to fix it
If your phone’s battery is low, check if the “Battery Power Saver” has been enabled.
To can easily do that by accessing your quick settings panel.
Look for the “Power Saver” or similar icon.
If it’s blue, meaning it has been enabled.
You can disable it by tapping the icon once.
But if you’re planning to use the SmartThings app longer.
Consider charging your phone first.
And just start using your SmartThings app once your phone is fully charged.
#9: App under maintenance
“My phone is fully charged. But why does it still keep on shutting down?”
If that’s the case, then maybe the SmartThings app is under maintenance.
Did you receive a text or email notification from Samsung?
Or did you see an in-app notification the last time you used it?
Developers always send notices to users before undergoing maintenance.
So, perhaps you’ve received a notice. But you accidentally deleted or left it unread.
How to fix it
Well, there’s really nothing much you can do but to wait.
Don’t worry, though, as app maintenance lasts for only several hours.
You can check Samsung’s website to double-check if there’s ongoing app maintenance.
You may also wonder: Is the Smart Life app safe to use?
#10: App server is down
If there’s no ongoing maintenance, the last possible reason is that the app server is down.
You’ll know if the server is down if you can’t launch the app at all.
Plus, you’ll see people talking about it online or on the Samsung Community page.
“What causes the server to shut down?”
A lot of things, really. And that includes:
- Cyberattack.
- Human error.
- Software failure.
- Natural disasters.
- Equipment failure.
All of these are out of the user’s control.
So, you don’t have to worry whether you’ve accidentally changed something on its setting.
How to fix it
Similar to app maintenance, you can’t do anything about it but wait.
Normally, developers immediately respond once they’ve received reports from users.
You can expect the SmartThings app to work again in a few hours.
SmartThings network error – what to do?
SmartThings is a great app that lets you automate your smart devices easily.
But what should you do when you receive a “Network Error” while using it?
Network error happens when any connection between devices has been interrupted or completely disconnected.
Perhaps the WiFi connection got lost.
Or the Bluetooth pairing with the device got disrupted.
Regardless of which, troubleshooting it is simple and easy.
If you receive a “Network Error” notice while adding a device in SmartThings, try to restart your phone first.
Doing this removes temporary data that may have been causing your app to malfunction.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall your SmartThings app.
This deletes any software bugs in the app.
Plus, it erases unnecessary data. Freeing the storage space of the SmartThings app.
Aside from these two, you must also ensure that the WiFi connection is unstable.
To help you out, here are some questions that you can use as your checklist guide:
- Is my phone close to the WiFi router?
- Is the WiFi connection strong and stable?
- Is the “Battery Power Saver” mode on my phone off?
- Is the room free from any device that can interfere with the connection?
- Is the software and firmware of my phone, app, and router up-to-date?
Suppose you’re experiencing network errors in the SmartThings app, head over to this checklist. And ensure that your WiFi connection is stable.
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