SmartThings Auto Tech: What’s Next

Samsung SmartThings is moving beyond the smart home and into your car. The platform now connects vehicles to your home and phone, letting you start your car, check its fuel level, or see its location from the SmartThings app. This article explains how SmartThings auto tech works today, what’s coming next, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

How SmartThings Auto Integration Works

SmartThings is Samsung’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform. It connects devices—lights, locks, cameras, sensors—through a central app. Auto integration adds your car as another connected device. This is done through partnerships with car manufacturers. For example, BMW and Hyundai have integrated their vehicles with SmartThings. When you link your car account to SmartThings, the app can read data from the car’s systems and send commands to it.

The connection typically uses the car’s built-in telematics system, which has its own cellular connection. That means your car can communicate with the SmartThings cloud even when you’re not nearby. Commands like remote start, lock/unlock, and climate control are sent through the cloud to the car. The car then confirms the action, and you see the status in the app.

This is different from Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which mirror your phone’s screen onto the car’s display. SmartThings auto tech is about the car as a smart device itself, not just a screen for your phone.

What You Can Do with SmartThings Auto

The exact features depend on your car model and manufacturer. But common capabilities include:

Remote start/stop: Start the engine or turn it off from your phone.
Climate control: Set the cabin temperature before you get in.
Lock/unlock: Lock or unlock the doors remotely.
Vehicle status: Check fuel level, battery charge (for EVs), tire pressure, and odometer.
Location tracking: See where your car is parked on a map.
Smart home routines: Trigger home automations when you leave or arrive. For example, when you leave your home, the lights turn off and the thermostat adjusts.

Some manufacturers go further. Hyundai’s integration lets you control the car’s smart cruise control and lane-following assist from the SmartThings app, though these are more about monitoring than control. BMW’s integration allows you to use the car as a power source for your home (vehicle-to-grid) in some regions.

How SmartThings Auto Connects to Your Home

The real value of SmartThings auto is the bridge between car and home. Here are practical examples:

Arrival routine: When your car enters a geofenced area around your home, SmartThings can unlock your front door, turn on the porch light, and start your robot vacuum.
Departure routine: When you leave, it can arm your security system, turn off lights, and lower the thermostat.
Charging an EV: If you have a smart charger, SmartThings can start charging when your car plugs in and stop when it reaches a target level.
Energy management: Some EVs can share battery data with SmartThings to help you schedule charging when electricity rates are lower (if your utility supports it).

These routines are set up in the SmartThings app under “Automations.” You choose a trigger (like car arrives home) and an action (like turn on lights). The car must be linked to SmartThings first, and the geofence uses your phone’s location, not the car’s GPS, unless the car has its own location reporting.

Which Cars Support SmartThings Auto

Not every car works with SmartThings. The main partnerships are:

Hyundai and Kia: Many recent models with Blue Link or Kia Connect support SmartThings integration. This includes EVs like the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
BMW: BMW ConnectedDrive integrates with SmartThings in certain markets, allowing remote functions and vehicle-to-home scenarios.
Ford: FordPass has some SmartThings integration, but it’s limited to certain features and regions.
Others: Jeep, Ram, and other Stellantis brands have shown interest, but support varies.

You can check the SmartThings website for a list of compatible models. Even if your car isn’t listed, you might still use SmartThings with a third-party OBD-II dongle, but that’s unofficial and not recommended for security reasons.

How to Set Up SmartThings Auto

Setting up is straightforward if your car is supported:

Install the SmartThings app on your phone and create a Samsung account.
In the app, tap “Add device” and select “Car” or “Vehicle.”
Choose your car brand from the list.
Log in to your car manufacturer’s connected services account (e.g., Blue Link, Kia Connect, BMW ConnectedDrive).
Authorize SmartThings to access your car’s data and controls.
Follow the prompts to link the car. You may need to verify your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Once linked, the car appears as a device in SmartThings. You can then use it in routines or control it manually. If you have multiple cars, you can add each one.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that SmartThings auto works like a remote start from a key fob. It does, but it requires a cellular connection. If your car is in a parking garage with no signal, remote commands may fail. Also, some features require your car’s subscription to the manufacturer’s connected services. If your Blue Link or BMW ConnectedDrive subscription lapses, SmartThings integration may stop working.

Another issue is battery drain. Remote start and climate control use the car’s battery. If you have a hybrid or EV, that’s less of a concern, but on a gas car, repeated remote starts could drain the battery if the engine doesn’t run long enough to recharge it.

Privacy is also a concern. Your car’s location and status are stored in the cloud. Samsung and the car manufacturer can see this data. You can revoke access at any time by unlinking the car in the app. It’s a good idea to review your privacy settings.

Costs and Subscription Requirements

SmartThings itself is free to use. The app and basic automations don’t cost anything. However, the car manufacturer’s connected services often require a subscription after a free trial period. For example, Hyundai Blue Link offers a free trial (usually 3 years) and then charges a monthly fee for remote features. BMW ConnectedDrive has similar tiers.

Some features, like vehicle-to-grid, may have additional costs or require special equipment. Always check your car’s subscription status and what features are included in your plan. If you cancel the subscription, SmartThings auto integration will stop working.

Alternatives to SmartThings Auto

If your car doesn’t support SmartThings, you have options:

Manufacturer’s own app: Most car brands have their own app (e.g., MyHyundai, BMW App) that does many of the same things. They just don’t integrate with your smart home.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These are for infotainment, not remote control. But they can access some car data if the app supports it.
Home Assistant with custom integrations: For tech-savvy users, Home Assistant can connect to some car APIs, but it’s not official and requires technical knowledge.
Other smart home platforms: Amazon Alexa and Google Home have some car integrations with certain brands, but they are less comprehensive than SmartThings.

If you’re heavily invested in Samsung’s ecosystem, SmartThings is the most seamless choice. If not, the manufacturer’s app might be enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SmartThings auto work with any car?

No. Only cars from manufacturers that have partnered with Samsung and have the necessary telematics hardware. Currently, that includes many Hyundai, Kia, BMW, and some Ford models. Check the SmartThings compatibility list for your specific car.

Is SmartThings auto free?

The SmartThings app is free, but the car manufacturer’s connected services usually require a subscription after a trial period. Without an active subscription, remote features and SmartThings integration will not work.

Can I use SmartThings to start my car from anywhere?

Yes, as long as your car has a cellular connection and you have an internet connection on your phone. The command goes through the cloud, so you can be anywhere in the world. However, if the car is in a dead zone, it won’t work.

Is my car’s location shared with Samsung?

Yes, when you link your car to SmartThings, the car’s location and status data are sent to Samsung’s cloud. This is necessary to provide the service. You can unlink the car at any time to stop sharing. Review Samsung’s privacy policy for details.

What happens if my car’s subscription expires?

SmartThings integration will stop working. You’ll lose remote start, location tracking, and other connected features. You can renew the subscription through the car manufacturer to restore them.

Can SmartThings auto control my home when I drive?

Yes, that’s a key feature. You can set up automations that trigger when your car arrives or leaves a geofenced area. For example, when you drive away, your lights turn off and your security system arms.

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