What You Will Need

SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor
SmartThings Hub v3 (already set up and online)
SmartThings app (iOS or Android) with a Samsung account
CR2450 battery (pre-installed)
Adhesive strip (included)

Understanding Vibration Detection

The SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor includes a built-in three-axis accelerometer that can detect vibration and movement. While the sensor is most commonly used as a door or window contact sensor, its vibration detection mode opens up additional use cases. You can attach it to appliances, doors, or surfaces where detecting physical movement or shaking is useful.

Step 1: Prepare and Pair the Sensor

Remove the Multipurpose Sensor from its packaging and pull the battery tab to activate the CR2450 battery.
Open the SmartThings app and tap the + icon, then select Add Device.
Tap SmartThings and choose Multipurpose Sensor.
Select your SmartThings Hub and wait for the hub to discover the sensor via Zigbee.
If the sensor does not appear within 60 seconds, press the reset button on the back with a pin to force pairing mode.
Once paired, name the sensor based on its intended use (e.g., "Washer Vibration," "Garage Door Knock," "Medicine Cabinet").

Step 2: Configure Vibration Mode

In the SmartThings app, select the newly added sensor.
Tap the three-dot menu or Settings icon.
If available, change the sensor's device type or configuration to prioritize vibration detection. In some app versions, the sensor automatically detects vibration alongside open/close events.
The sensor will now report vibration events in addition to open/close status and temperature.

Step 3: Choose a Placement and Mount

Common use cases for vibration detection include:

Washing machine or dryer — Attach the sensor to the top or side of the appliance. When the machine runs, it vibrates. When it stops, vibration ceases. You can create an automation to send a notification when the laundry cycle finishes.
Door knock detection — Mount the sensor on the inside of a door to detect knocking vibrations.
Safe or cabinet monitoring — Attach the sensor to a safe, medicine cabinet, or liquor cabinet to detect when someone handles or opens it.
Window break detection — Mount on a window to detect the vibration of glass breaking.

Use the included adhesive strip to mount the sensor body directly on the surface you want to monitor. For vibration detection, only the sensor body is needed — you do not need to use the magnet unless you also want open/close detection.

Step 4: Create Vibration-Based Automations

In the SmartThings app, go to Automations and tap + to create a new routine.
Set the condition to the Multipurpose Sensor's vibration status.
Choose an action — for example:
- Send a push notification when vibration stops (laundry is done).
- Turn on a light when vibration is detected (someone is at the door).
- Trigger a SmartThings Home Monitor alert when vibration is detected on a safe.
Save the automation and test it by physically vibrating the surface where the sensor is attached.

Step 5: Test the Sensor

Tap or shake the surface where the sensor is mounted.
Check the SmartThings app to verify a vibration event is registered.
If no vibration is detected, ensure the sensor is firmly attached to the surface. Loose mounting dampens vibration transfer.
Test your automations to confirm notifications or actions trigger correctly.

Tips for Best Performance

For washing machine monitoring, mount the sensor on a flat, hard surface of the machine (not on a flexible or padded area) for the most reliable vibration detection.
The sensor connects via Zigbee and has a range of approximately 50 to 100 feet from the SmartThings Hub.
Battery life is approximately two to three years with the CR2450 battery.
The sensor also reports temperature, so you can use it to monitor the temperature near appliances or in specific rooms.
If vibration detection is too sensitive, you may need to adjust your automation timing to avoid false triggers from normal household vibration.

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