How do you audit and update your smart home devices regularly?

We keep track of the items for our clients. But it is a good idea to know what is installed and running in your home. In some instances we are able to monitor these devices remotely to ensure they are still online.

Many manufacturers will send alerts if a device needs to be updated. But the best way is to get in the habit of checking your devices for updates or even setting up alerts to remind you to check OR alerts that an update is available. We can monitor our client's devices so we can remotely push through an update, if that is what the client wants.

I believe it is a good practice to check for updates periodically. However, for users, I recommend to always read through the changelogs and update details: sometimes the update comes with some specific action which must be performed to get the device back to properly working. This can be a hassle if your system is already running fine, so always weigh the advantages of a firmware update against the potential effort of resetting your device. That said, it is highly recommended to update your devices immediately when a security issue is addressed.

Be careful with settings to allow for remote updates. You don't want to open your network to third parties with nefarious intent. We also recommend parts that can monitor your network.

First of all you should ensure that the devices you want to integrate are compatible with each other and with your smart home ecosystem (e.g., Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit). An updated firmware for all your devices and a stable Wi-Fi network with good coverage are key preconditions. In my experience, the functionality you get from devices integrating them may be less than what they provide with their proprietary apps. However there are big advantages in the integrations, as the potential of smart home is really in the interactions between the devices.

Troubleshooting and Feedback You may find useful to keep a log of any issues or inconsistencies you encounter during testing, so that you can later look up solutions in user manuals, online forums, and the manufacturer’s support resources. Participating in forums and user groups will also be very helpful and you can share your experiences and learn from others. It is also important to provide feedback. Reporting any persistent issues to the device manufacturers will push them to improve the product and your overall experience.