Samsung SmartThings finally adds support for joining existing Thread networks. Your move, Amazon. This update brings a major step forward in making smart homes more unified, allowing Samsung devices to seamlessly integrate with Thread networks from other ecosystems. No more isolated setups or multiple networks cluttering your smart home.
With the new “two-way Thread network unification,” SmartThings hubs can now share Thread credentials. That means your Samsung Thread border routers can join existing networks instead of creating a separate one. This is a big win for smart home interoperability and a long-awaited feature for Samsung users.
Which Hubs Are Getting the Upgrade?
The support is rolling out first to select SmartThings hubs, including the Aeotec Smart Home Hub and Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2. Samsung promises more hubs will follow in the coming months.
This update leverages the Thread 1.4 specification, introduced last year, to enable smooth network unification across devices and ecosystems. Essentially, it’s a step toward a smarter, more connected home where devices play nicely together.
How the New SmartThings Feature Works
SmartThings now includes a “Manage Thread Network” menu in the app. Here’s what you can do:
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Connect a compatible Samsung hub to an existing Thread network using a QR code, one-time passcode (OTP), or your mobile OS credential locker.
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Add a third-party Thread border router to your SmartThings hub’s network via QR code or OTP.
The process is designed to be quick, secure, and beginner-friendly. No complicated setups or tech headaches—just more seamless connectivity.
Why This Matters for Smart Home Owners
Thread is one of the fastest-growing protocols for smart home devices, providing low-latency, reliable connections. Samsung SmartThings finally adding support for joining existing Thread networks means fewer network silos and smoother communication between devices.
For users invested in Matter and Thread-compatible products, this could be the start of a fully unified smart home experience. And for Amazon, it’s a clear signal that Samsung is ready to compete on interoperability.
What’s Next for SmartThings and Thread?
While this rollout is promising, full ecosystem unification might still take time. By 2026, we could see nearly all Thread border routers working seamlessly across ecosystems. Meanwhile, SmartThings users can start enjoying easier integrations and more flexible network setups today.
Samsung SmartThings finally adds support for joining existing Thread networks. Your move, Amazon. And for smart home enthusiasts, it’s a long-awaited upgrade that could simplify and supercharge the way your devices connect.
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