Original topic:

Cannot upload photos to Samsung Family Hub using SmartThings

(Topic created: a month ago)
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Jamielyn2503
Constellation
Options
Kitchen and Family Hub

The wifi and Bluetooth connection are fine. Smart Things app is definitely connected to the fridge. When I try to upload photos, the progress bar shows and goes up to 100% then disappears, but no pic ever show up on the fridge. I've already checked the file size. Everything should be fine.

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4 Replies
InTheNickOfTime
Cosmic Ray
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Kitchen and Family Hub
It's frustrating when technology doesn't work as expected, especially when it seems like everything should be fine! You're describing a common issue where the SmartThings app indicates a successful upload (progress bar to 100%), but the photos never appear on the Family Hub.
Here's a comprehensive troubleshooting guide based on your description and common issues:
1. Double-Check the Display Location on Family Hub:
* Gallery App: After uploading, photos usually appear in the "Gallery" app on your Family Hub.
* On your Family Hub screen, navigate to Apps.
* Tap Gallery.
* Look for a "Pictures" or "Downloads" folder. This is where uploaded photos through SmartThings typically go.
* Notifications: When an upload is successful (even if it's not appearing in the gallery), a notification usually appears on the Family Hub. Swipe down from the top of the Hub's screen and tap the notification to see if it prompts you to view the photo.
* Adding to Home Screen: To display them on the Home screen, you usually need to explicitly add them from the Gallery. Tap an empty space on a Home screen, and then tap "Pictures" to select from your uploaded photos.
2. Specific Photo/Video Considerations:
* File Format: While you've checked file size, sometimes the format can be an issue.
* HEIF/HEIC: If your phone (especially newer Samsung Galaxy phones) is saving photos in HEIF/HEIC format by default, the Family Hub might not fully support it or have issues processing it. Try converting the photos to JPG/JPEG format on your phone before uploading, or change your phone's camera settings to save in JPG directly. This has been a reported issue for some users.
* Batch Uploads: While you can upload multiple files, some users have reported better success uploading one or a few at a time rather than a large batch. Try uploading a single photo as a test.
* Video Uploads: Remember you cannot upload photos and videos together at the same time. They need to be done separately. Also, there might be a size limit for videos (e.g., less than 100MB for a single video).
3. Reset and Reconnect:
* Clear SmartThings App Cache:
* On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > SmartThings.
* Tap Storage.
* Tap Clear Cache (and potentially "Clear Data" if cache clearing doesn't work, but be aware this will log you out and you'll need to re-add devices).
* Restart SmartThings App: Force close the SmartThings app and reopen it.
* Restart Family Hub: Power off your refrigerator (unplug it from the wall for a minute or two) and then plug it back in. This can often resolve temporary glitches on the fridge's system.
* Forget and Reconnect Wi-Fi on Family Hub:
* On your Family Hub, go to Settings > Connections (or Wi-Fi).
* "Forget" your Wi-Fi network.
* Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, ensuring you enter the password correctly.
* Check Samsung Account Sync: Ensure both your phone and the Family Hub are logged into the exact same Samsung Account. This is crucial for SmartThings functionality.
4. Storage on Family Hub:
* Internal Storage: Family Hubs have a finite amount of internal storage for photos and other media. While you mentioned checking file size, it's worth checking the overall storage capacity on the fridge.
* On your Family Hub, look in Settings or the Gallery app for information on storage usage. If it's nearly full, that could prevent new uploads. You might need to delete some existing photos or videos from the Family Hub to free up space.
5. Software Updates:
* SmartThings App: Ensure your SmartThings app is updated to the latest version from your phone's app store.
* Family Hub Software: Check for software updates on your Family Hub.
* On your Family Hub, go to Settings > About Refrigerator (or Software Update).
* Install any available updates. New updates often include bug fixes and improved compatibility.
6. Advanced Troubleshooting/Contact Support:
* Factory Reset Family Hub (Last Resort): As a last resort...
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Jamielyn2503
Constellation
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Kitchen and Family Hub

I have tried everything except unplugging my refrigerator or performing a factory reset. The photos are the correct format and there is plenty of room on the fridge. They are not being uploaded in batches. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the app, checked for updates, etc. everything listed. Nothing is working. I’d prefer not to have to go the extreme route of factory reset or unplugging the entire refrigerator. 

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InTheNickOfTime
Cosmic Ray
Options
Kitchen and Family Hub
you could perform a factory reset on your Family Hub. Be warned: This will wipe all data, settings, and downloaded apps from your refrigerator. You would then need to set it up again from scratch. Only do this if you've exhausted all other options.
* Samsung Support: If none of the above works, it's time to contact Samsung Support directly.
* They can remotely diagnose issues with your Family Hub.
* They might be aware of specific firmware bugs or compatibility issues for your exact model.
* Provide them with details: your Family Hub model number, SmartThings app version, phone model, and the exact steps you've taken.
Given that the progress bar reaches 100%, it strongly suggests an issue with the Family Hub's ability to process and display the received file, rather than a connectivity issue between your phone and the fridge. The HEIF/HEIC format incompatibility is a very strong candidate for this kind of behavior.
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silent5
Constellation
Options
Kitchen and Family Hub
Remis one:fire:
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