How do you automate your home security with SmartThings and Zapier?

2 Send alerts when doors or windows are opened

One of the simplest ways to automate your home security with SmartThings and Zapier is to send alerts when doors or windows are opened. This can help you monitor any unwanted or suspicious activity in your home, especially when you are away. To do this, you need to have smart sensors on your doors and windows that can detect when they are opened or closed. Then, you can create a zap that triggers an email, SMS, or push notification whenever a sensor is opened. You can also customize the message and the recipient of the alert.

3 Record video clips when motion is detected

Another way to automate your home security with SmartThings and Zapier is to record video clips when motion is detected. This can help you capture evidence of any intruders or incidents in your home, as well as check on your pets or family members. To do this, you need to have a smart camera that can record video and upload it to a cloud service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Then, you can create a zap that triggers a video recording whenever a motion sensor is activated. You can also specify the duration and the location of the video clip.

4 Lock or unlock doors remotely

A third way to automate your home security with SmartThings and Zapier is to lock or unlock doors remotely. This can help you control access to your home and avoid losing or forgetting your keys. To do this, you need to have a smart lock that can be controlled by SmartThings. Then, you can create a zap that triggers a lock or unlock action based on various conditions, such as time, location, or voice command. For example, you can lock your door automatically when you leave your home, unlock it when you arrive, or lock it with a voice command via Google Assistant or Alexa.

5 Turn on or off lights based on presence

A fourth way to automate your home security with SmartThings and Zapier is to turn on or off lights based on presence. This can help you save energy and create the illusion of occupancy when you are away. To do this, you need to have smart lights that can be controlled by SmartThings. Then, you can create a zap that triggers a light on or off action based on your presence sensor, which can be your smartphone, a smart watch, or a dedicated device. For example, you can turn on your lights when you arrive home, turn off your lights when you leave, or turn on some lights randomly when you are on vacation.

6 Create custom modes and routines

A fifth way to automate your home security with SmartThings and Zapier is to create custom modes and routines that combine different actions and devices. This can help you simplify and automate your daily tasks and preferences related to your home security. To do this, you need to use the SmartThings app to create modes, which are the states of your home, such as home, away, night, or vacation. Then, you can create routines, which are the actions that happen when a mode is activated or deactivated, such as locking doors, arming alarms, or adjusting temperatures. Then, you can use Zapier to trigger modes and routines based on various events, such as time, location, or voice command.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?