How to Create Smart Home Scenes

Learn to set up automated smart home scenes that control multiple devices with one command. Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

1. Choose your smart home platform. Open your primary smart home app: Alexa app for Amazon Echo devices, Google Home app for Google Assistant, or Apple Home app for HomeKit. Ensure all devices you want to include are already connected and functioning in this app.
2. Access the scenes or routines section. In Alexa app, tap More > Routines. In Google Home, tap Routines. In Apple Home, tap the + icon and select Add Scene. Samsung SmartThings users should tap Automations > Scene.
3. Create a new scene. Tap the + or Create button to start a new scene. Give your scene a descriptive name like 'Movie Time' or 'Good Morning' that clearly indicates its purpose.
4. Add devices and set their actions. Select each device you want to control and specify its action. For example, set living room lights to 30% brightness, turn on the TV, set thermostat to 72°F, and start your streaming device. Configure each device's specific settings like color, brightness level, or temperature.
5. Set activation triggers. Choose how to activate your scene: voice command, specific time of day, sensor detection, or manual button press. For voice activation, test the phrase to ensure it's recognized correctly.
6. Test and refine the scene. Run the scene manually to verify all devices respond correctly and timing is appropriate. Adjust device settings, add delays between actions if needed, or remove devices that don't perform as expected.
7. Enable and activate the scene. Save your scene and enable it in your smart home platform. Test voice activation by saying your trigger phrase, or verify it runs at the scheduled time if you set a time-based trigger.