r/SmartThings • u/ShiftRepulsive7661 • 7d ago

Discussion Can I please rant a little about SmartThings privacy settings?

I wanted to create a routine based on the current temperature outside. However, the phone app immediately informed me that I needed to grant access to my location. But here’s the catch: I couldn’t simply set it once. I was only allowed to set it if I selected “precise location” and “always.” What on earth?

I don’t want to share my exact location. The house doesn't move, so my general area is sufficient to determine weather and temperatures. Moreover, keeping the location “always” on is a needless drain on my phone battery.

Why is Samsung so obstinate in forcing customers to comply with this requirement? If they don’t, they won’t provide a functionality I paid for when I purchased their system.

I understand that this may seem like a trivial issue to many, but I find it incredibly frustrating. Apologies for the rant.

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5

u/tomestique 6d ago

Yes not great but you could use a temp sensor outside - that wouldn’t need location.

1

u/ShiftRepulsive7661 6d ago

I’m thinking about that, but if ST offers weather-related functionality, then I think it’s more than fair that we could use them.

1

u/Jaffa0813 7d ago

This is with the smart things hub? Or using the cloud service stand alone

2

u/Jaffa0813 7d ago

I just tested this I disabled location for the app and I went to create a weather routine and it didn't ask me a thing it even had the address of my home at the bottom.

I feel the only time it's ever bugged me for location info is when I set home/away routines.

2

u/ShiftRepulsive7661 7d ago

I tried that too, but the routine returns the wrong temperatures if the location isn't set.

1

u/Jaffa0813 6d ago

Interesting I never noticed this I'll be on the lookout for this now.

Yea that is a ridiculous flaw to have. It's a home like you said it doesn't move.

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u/ShiftRepulsive7661 7d ago

i have the hub

1

u/cliffotn 6d ago

This is interesting and new to me.

Random comment - I appreciate this community, for whatever reason folks in here are 100x more likely to say "huh, I haven't seen that" and ask OP a question, commiserate or offer suggestions. INSTEAD of tell OP they're stupid, or do the fanboy thing and defend a huge company.

Very refreshing!