If Samsung SmartThings shows washer remote start not available, the issue is usually tied to washer settings, app permissions, Wi-Fi connectivity, or a safety lock feature.
This guide explains the most common causes and the exact checks that usually restore remote start.
What “Samsung SmartThings Washer Remote Start Not Available” Means
In the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem, remote start lets you begin a compatible washer cycle from the app after the appliance is powered on and configured correctly.
When the option is unavailable, SmartThings is usually blocking the command because the washer is not in the correct state, not connected properly, or does not support that feature for the selected cycle.
This message is common on Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung washers that use SmartThings, especially models with Remote Start, Control Lock, Child Lock, or Smart Control functions.
The key is to separate an app problem from an appliance-side restriction.
Common Reasons Remote Start Is Unavailable
- Remote Start is not enabled on the washer. Many Samsung models require you to press and hold a physical button before the feature becomes active.
- The washer door is not fully closed. Safety interlocks often disable remote operation if the door is ajar.
- Child Lock or Control Lock is active. These modes can prevent changes from the app.
- The washer is already running. Remote start is usually only available before a cycle begins.
- The selected cycle does not allow remote control. Some settings disable app-based start for safety or performance reasons.
- Wi-Fi or cloud connection is unstable. SmartThings may show the appliance as connected but still fail to send commands.
- Firmware or app version is outdated. Older software can cause feature mismatches.
- The washer is not paired correctly in SmartThings. A broken device link can remove remote control options.
Check the Washer Settings First
Before troubleshooting your phone or router, confirm the washer itself is ready for remote operation.
On many Samsung washers, the Remote Start function must be manually activated on the control panel.
- Turn the washer on.
- Select a compatible cycle and desired settings.
- Close the door completely.
- Press the Remote Start button or the required combination on the control panel.
- Look for the indicator light or on-screen confirmation.
If the washer does not show that remote control is active, SmartThings may correctly report that remote start is not available.
This is often the simplest fix.
Verify SmartThings App and Account Status
SmartThings depends on a healthy app-account-device relationship.
If the washer was removed, reassigned, or logged in through a different Samsung account, the app may lose command access.
- Confirm you are signed into the correct Samsung account.
- Open the washer device card and check whether it appears online.
- Refresh the device list in SmartThings.
- Check for app updates in the App Store or Google Play.
- Force-close and reopen the app if controls do not load correctly.
If the washer appears offline, the app may hide the remote start control entirely until communication is restored.
Inspect Wi-Fi and Network Conditions
Samsung SmartThings washers rely on a stable home network.
Weak signal, router changes, or band compatibility issues can make remote features unavailable even when the appliance seems connected.
Network checks that matter
- Use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network if your model requires it; many smart appliances connect more reliably on 2.4 GHz than on 5 GHz.
- Move the router closer or improve signal strength near the laundry area.
- Restart the router and modem to clear connection faults.
- Avoid guest networks, which can block device-to-cloud communication.
- Check for WPA2/WPA3 compatibility if the washer recently stopped connecting after a router upgrade.
If your internet is unstable, the washer may remain locally functional but lose the cloud connection SmartThings needs for remote start commands.
Look for Lock Features That Disable Remote Control
Samsung washers often include multiple lock-related features.
These are designed for safety, but they can also prevent SmartThings from showing a usable remote start option.
- Child Lock: Prevents accidental changes by disabling buttons or inputs.
- Control Lock: Locks the panel during active use or after a setting is selected.
- Door Lock: Keeps the door secured during certain washer states.
If one of these is active, disable it using the washer’s control panel and then reopen SmartThings.
If the app still says remote start is unavailable, power-cycle the washer after unlocking it.
Confirm the Cycle Supports Remote Start
Not every cycle or option on a Samsung washer supports remote control.
For example, some specialty cycles, temperature combinations, or add-on settings may disable remote start because the machine requires a local confirmation step.
Try a standard cycle such as Normal or Delicates and see whether the remote start option returns.
If it does, the problem is likely cycle-specific rather than a failure of SmartThings itself.
Re-Pair the Washer in SmartThings
If the device card is present but remote start never becomes available, re-pairing can reset the connection between the washer and SmartThings.
- Remove the washer from the SmartThings app.
- Power off the washer for about one minute.
- Restart your router if needed.
- Add the washer again using the SmartThings pairing flow.
- Complete any on-device setup prompts.
This process is useful when the washer was moved, the home network changed, or the app updated and the device link became inconsistent.
Restart the Washer and Phone
Simple restarts can clear short-lived software and network issues.
Power-cycle the washer by turning it off at the console and, if needed, unplugging it briefly.
Then restart your phone and reopen SmartThings.
This step is especially effective after:
- a router reboot
- a SmartThings update
- a phone OS update
- a temporary cloud outage
When the Problem Is Model Compatibility
Some Samsung washers support SmartThings monitoring but not full remote start.
In those cases, the app may display status information, alerts, and cycle progress without allowing a remote command.
Check the washer’s user manual or Samsung’s product specifications for terms such as:
- Remote Start
- Smart Control
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- SmartThings support
If your model lacks explicit remote start support, SmartThings cannot enable it through software alone.
Troubleshooting Checklist for Samsung SmartThings Washer Remote Start Not Available
- Make sure the washer is powered on and the door is closed.
- Activate Remote Start on the washer panel first.
- Disable Child Lock or Control Lock.
- Use a standard cycle that supports remote control.
- Confirm the washer is online in SmartThings.
- Verify your Samsung account is correct.
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength and router compatibility.
- Update the SmartThings app and washer firmware.
- Remove and re-add the washer if pairing is corrupted.
When to Contact Samsung Support
If remote start remains unavailable after checking the washer, app, and network, the issue may involve hardware, firmware, or an account-level pairing problem.
Contact Samsung Support if the washer is brand new, if the Wi-Fi module never connects reliably, or if the Remote Start option disappeared after a firmware update.
Have your model number, serial number, SmartThings app version, and a summary of the steps you already tried ready before contacting support.
That makes it easier to identify whether the problem is with the appliance, the network, or the SmartThings integration.
