Adding smart home favorites is surprisingly simple. In Google Home, press and hold a device, tap Settings, then select Favorites. Android users can also add widgets for one-tap access. SmartThings users should open the app, go to Home screen, and tap Add to Favorites for frequently used devices. Creating scenes helps manage multiple gadgets at once. No more endless scrolling through a cluttered interface. The digital clutter ends now.
Every smart home enthusiast knows the frustration. You’ve got twenty-seven smart devices, but you only regularly use five of them. You’re constantly scrolling through a cluttered interface just to turn on the living room lights. It’s maddening.
That’s where Smart Home Favorites come in—they’re a sanity-saving feature available across platforms like Google Home and SmartThings.
Smart Home Favorites aren’t just a feature—they’re your front-line defense against the chaos of device overload.
The process is refreshingly simple. For Google Home users, just open the app and navigate to the Devices section. Find that smart thermostat you’re always adjusting, press and hold the tile, tap Settings, and select Favorites. Done. Your most-used devices now appear front and center. No more endless scrolling. Groundbreaking stuff, really.
Android users get an extra perk—widgets. Long-press an empty space on your home screen, tap Widgets, and find the Google Home option. Drag it where you want it, customize which devices appear, and you’ve got one-tap access to your smart home. The future is now, people.
SmartThings users aren’t left out either. The process mirrors Google’s approach—open the app, go to the Home screen, and tap Add to Favorites for devices you use constantly. You can even create Scenes for multi-device control. Turning off all your lights before bed just became a one-tap affair.
Room management matters too. Assign each device to the right room for better organization. Nobody wants to hunt for their bedroom lamp under “Kitchen Appliances.” That’s just chaos.
The benefits are obvious. Quick access. Less clutter. Time saved. These might seem like small conveniences, but they add up. Your smart home suddenly feels… smarter. Adding favorites aligns perfectly with the smart home principle of tailoring to lifestyle preferences, helping you create a personalized experience that matches your daily habits. Just like a concert where audience participation enhances the overall experience, your interaction with a well-organized smart home becomes more enjoyable and intuitive. A reliable setup ensures your favorites are always accessible, regardless of which network types your various devices utilize.
There are limitations, of course. Widget space constraints. Compatibility issues. The occasional app update that changes everything overnight. But these are minor inconveniences compared to the daily headache of a disorganized smart home.
Favorites aren’t just convenient—they’re essential.
Did You Know
Can I Add Smart Home Favorites Across Different Brands?
Yes, adding smart home favorites across different brands is increasingly possible. The Matter standard is a game-changer here.
It enables devices from various manufacturers to play nice together in ecosystems like SmartThings, Google Home, and Alexa. Users can centralize control without juggling multiple apps.
Still, challenges exist with older non-Matter devices. Some ecosystems handle cross-brand integration better than others—HomeKit remains more restrictive, while SmartThings offers broader compatibility.
Will Adding Favorites Affect My Device’s Performance?
Adding favorites barely impacts modern devices.
Might eat a smidge of memory—big deal. Processing speed? Negligible delay unless you’re hoarding thousands of shortcuts. Network impact is minimal, just occasional syncing. Battery drain? Not worth losing sleep over.
Older or budget devices might struggle more. Their processors wheeze a bit with each new favorite.
But seriously, unless your device is ancient history, you’ll never notice the difference.
How Many Favorites Can I Add to My Smart Home?
The answer depends on which platform you’re using. Google Home limits to five homes per account with customizable favorites in each.
For widgets, the number visible depends on screen size and widget dimensions. No hard number exists.
SmartThings defaults all devices as favorites. Most platforms let you customize based on what fits your screen.
Device compatibility matters too – some require specific firmware versions. Pretty flexible, actually.
Are Favorites Accessible to All Household Members?
Smart home favorites are typically accessible to all household members, but there’s flexibility.
Device settings control who sees what. Admins hold the power—they can limit or expand access. Some platforms offer personalization through unique profiles. Your voice or login? That’s how the system knows it’s you.
Privacy settings add another layer of control. Shared devices usually default to shared favorites. Makes sense, right?
Family collaboration is kind of the point.
Can I Organize Favorites Into Separate Categories?
Yes, favorites can be sorted into categories. Most platforms support this.
Amazon Alexa uses drag-and-drop for thermostats and cameras. Google Home organizes by room with a dedicated “Favorites” tab. Apple HomeKit groups by room or device type. SmartThings lets users customize arrangements.
Group devices logically—by room, type, or usage scenarios like “Morning Routine.” This cuts search time and creates a tailored interface.
Smart organization means faster access. Simple.
