A device handler in SmartThings acts like a physical device, which can be used to send and receive messages between another device and the SmartThings platform. Device handlers can add extra functionality and features to your smart devices depending on what the device handler is made for.
This tutorial will show you with images how to create a custom device handler in SmartThings from code using the SmartThings Ide. This method will allow you to copy the custom device handler code that you find online from places such as Github and paste it into the SmartThings Ide with ease.
Follow these 16 simple steps to set up your custom device handler.
If you don't already have a Samsung Account, follow my quick tutorial on how to make one for SmartThings by clicking on the video above.
If you haven't set up a location for your SmartThings hub, check out my tutorial on how to create one by clicking on the video above.
Go to the SmartThings Ide https://graph.api.smartthings.com and click on the Login button in the top right-hand corner.
Click on the button that says SIGN IN WITH SAMSUNG ACCOUNT.
Enter in your Samsung email and password and click SIGN IN
Click on My Locations at the top left-hand corner of the screen.
Under locations, click on the name of your location that you set for your smart hub.
At the top of the screen towards the center, click on My Device Handlers.
Click on the blue button with a plus sign that says Create New Device Handler.
Click on the button that says From Code.
Go to the website where your custom device handler code is located and copy all of the code into your browser's clipboard.
Now come back into the SmartThings Ide and paste all of the custom device handler code into the text editor. When you have done this click on the Create button right below it.
If everything was successful you will see a message that says Created SmartDevice.
Click on the drop down menu named Publish and then click on the option called For Me.
You should now see another message saying Device type published successfully. Now click on My Device Handlers at the top of the page.
Under the section titled Namespace/Name you should see the name of your custom device handler and under the Status column it should say Published. If you see those two things your custom device handler should be up and running.
My name's Charles and I love how technology is making life easier and more convenient. I created this website to share everything I've learned about smart devices and show off cool ways to automate your life. If you're looking for in-depth information, tutorials, reviews and ways to make your life smarter, not harder, then you've come to the right place.