SmartThings API: How to Access Device Locations for “View in Map”?

Samsung Developer Program
1

Hey SamsungCommunity! :waving_hand:

I’m working on a script to retrieve device locations using the SmartThings API, similar to the “View in Map” feature in the app. However, when I query my devices, the latitude and longitude fields return None, even for devices that should support location tracking.

:magnifying_glass_tilted_right: What I’ve Tried So Far:

  1. Checked device status via API (/devices/{deviceId}/status) – Location fields exist but are always None.
  2. Fetched device capabilities (/devices/{deviceId}/components/main/capabilities) – No clear geolocation-related capabilities.
  3. Sent a refresh command (/devices/{deviceId}/commands) – No change in data.
  4. Tested with different devices (e.g., Samsung SmartTags, Mobile Presence) – Same issue.

:red_question_mark: Questions:

  • Does the SmartThings API support GPS location retrieval for devices like SmartTags, Mobile Presence, or other trackers?
  • Is there a way to force a location update via API?
  • Are there permissions or settings that need to be enabled for location data to be exposed?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated! :rocket:

Thanks in advance! :blush:

2

Hi uhmedicaldevision,

Welcome to the Samsung Developer forum! I suggest that you head over to the SmartThings Community and ask your question there.

3

I did, no useful responses.

4

Hi uhmedicaldevision,

I’m going to contact you privately to get more information from you.

From my understanding, SmartThings does not expose detailed Map View data. However, see if you can use List Rooms.

5

I have tried it, it does not help because we have hundreds of devices and almost all of them are in the same room.

7

Hi uhmedicaldevision,

I see that the SmartThings support team responded to your post in their community:

The geolocation information isn’t shared through the API since it is considered sensitive information.

Since the engineering team mentioned not sharing this information is intended, there are no options for you to enable filling this information.

8

So is there no way to view all the devices on the map? We can’t be the only ones with this issue surly other organizations encountered this problem.