My appliances have apps… what can I do with them?

You leave home with a task waiting and can start it from your phone. Or a notification tells you the laundry is finished, without repeated trips to check. Appliance apps let you organise tasks, check their status and, on compatible models, send commands remotely. Heating can become part of that routine too. [1][4]

In my case, I have a Samsung tumble dryer that I can start remotely and that uses sensors to determine whether drying needs more time. That everyday use prompts a broader question: which other household tasks can we manage this way?

Washing machines and dryers: start, schedule and get alerts

For example, Samsung describes remote start, stop and delay through SmartThings, alongside end-of-cycle alerts, for its 2025 Bespoke AI laundry range. Compatible appliances, Wi-Fi and a Samsung account are required. Its dryer guide also explains choosing cycle options through the app, with differences between models. [1][2]

This can help you decide when to start a load you have already prepared. Your phone sends a command to the appliance; the laundry, detergent where needed and initial setup must be ready. Check your appliance’s manual for how to enable remote start.

Sensors do a different job from the app

Automation also happens within the appliance. For example, Samsung explains that selected Bespoke AI models use sensors to assess the load and determine wash settings and drying time. Detection capabilities and limits depend on the model and programme. [1]

It helps to distinguish the two features when reading a specification: remote control lets you send a command or check the status; sensors provide information for adjusting the process. An app does not establish that an appliance has drying sensors, and sensors do not establish that it accepts commands over the internet.

In the kitchen: ovens, dishwashers, coffee machines and fridges

For example, Bosch’s North American Home Connect brochure describes remote preheating for compatible ovens and control of dishwashers. It also includes coffee machines that receive drink orders through the app and fridges that allow temperature adjustments or warn when a door is left open. These are features of particular appliances, with availability depending on the market. [3]

The benefit depends on the task: getting preheating started, knowing when the wash finishes or receiving a useful alert. Before activating an appliance, prepare it as its manual requires. To make coffee, for example, the machine needs the necessary ingredients and a cup in place. The app cannot perform that physical preparation.

A robot vacuum with schedules and areas

Cleaning provides another everyday use. For example, iRobot’s Roomba Home release notes document schedules, map-based routines and keep-out zones for compatible robots. They also describe starting tasks through the app and checking the robot’s status. [6]

You can organise a routine for an area or a time of day, depending on the available features. Check which application your model uses: the manufacturer provides separate documentation for Roomba Home and the classic app. Mapping and cleaning options vary between robots. [6]

Turn on the heating before you get home

A compatible connected system lets you request heating or change the temperature while you are out. For example, tado° explains how its thermostats and internet bridge allow heating control through its app. It also offers a controller for certain air conditioners that use an infrared remote. [4]

You can therefore adjust the temperature before returning. The outcome will depend on the starting temperature, installation and time your home needs to warm up. Before adding a thermostat, check its compatibility with your existing heating system.

Start with a feature you will actually use

Choose a familiar task: getting a drying alert, scheduling cleaning or adjusting the heating when your plans change. Then check your model’s specification and manual, install the official app and follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions.

Check local controls too. For example, tado° says losing internet prevents app control, while options for control on the devices remain; the specific behaviour depends on the equipment and installation. [5]

To look after that access, review permissions and updates. The ICO, the UK regulator, recommends checking what information a connected product requests, how it is used and which options you can limit. [7]

The useful question is which task you want to make easier and which feature of your devices could help. Save this guide to explore their possibilities. For more content, visit: https://redes-jdonascimento.pages.dev/en/