Home Connect: Manage your home appliances from wherever you are.

The Home Connect App also includes a demo version which allows you to try out applications before you decide to buy a home appliance with the Home Connect function. For example, you can see how the washing machine programs are set or how you can have a look inside your fridge while being at the supermarket. In addition, there is a selection of recipes as well as cooking tips and tricks.

The app can be downloaded and used free of charge. It is available from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

The Home Connect App works with all models and the new iOS 8 or Android 4.1 operating systems. In principle, the app is forward-optimized, i.e. it functions best with the latest device models and operating system versions in each case. These are currently the iPhone 6, iPad Air and the iOS 9 and Android 6.0 operating systems.

Basically, the costs for the necessary household infrastructure will be kept as low as possible. Acceptance of smart home appliance control depends on two factors: concrete added value that we can offer coupled with flexibility in everyday life and transparency of information, as well as an attractive price. The Home Connect App can therefore be downloaded and used free of charge – and there are no hidden additional costs.

With just 3 simple steps you can install Home Connect just by yourself.

1. Create your user account in the app with your name and your email address.

2. Connect your Siemens home appliance to your Wi-Fi. The Home Connect assistant on your appliance will help you with that.

3. Pair your appliance with the app. Get started and discover the surprising possibilities.

Visit the Home Connect Website for more information and details. Also discover our explanatory videos in which we guide you through the process.

The Home Connect system functions with all 'normal' Wi-Fi routers on the market that also work with standard smart devices (smartphone, tablet). These Wi-Fi networks must be encrypted (WPA or WPA2 key). If the consumer's Wi-Fi network is not encrypted, the home appliance cannot be registered. Use of Home Connect is meant to be as simple and, at the same time, secure as possible for the user.

There are apps, for example the Wi-Fi Analyzer, which show users whether reception will be sufficient at the appliance location. Users can also measure the Wi-Fi signal strength with their smartphone at the appliance location.

Retrofitting existing home appliances with connected intelligence is not recommended. Firstly, a solution installed later on is always less functional and relatively expensive compared to one that was integrated from the start. Secondly, home appliances are subject to special safety precautions which also have to be taken into account and checked when replacing electronics.

We do not recommend the use of so-called "smart plugs", i.e. controllable adapter plugs. They initiate a "hard" switch-off/on for home appliances, like with a power cut – it is not possible to provide such plugs with greater intelligence. Some home appliances do not like being cut off abruptly – for example, when they happen to be rinsing or heating. We therefore advise against such solutions.

The only Siemens products that can be retrofitted are fridges that are marked as „Home Connect Ready“. By purchasing an adapter, called dongle, you can remotely control your fridge via the Home Connect App. However, the available functions are only limited and you will not be able to look inside your fridge as the Cameras inside the appliance are missing.

At the moment, other home functions cannot be integrated. Home Connect will initially focus on the cross-brand integration of home appliances in an app.

Home Connect has developed and implemented a comprehensive security concept. This also includes regular system checks to guard against professional hackers. It relies on the latest encryption technology and its system is also checked thoroughly by independent experts. Home Connect App has been awarded the TÜV TRUST IT "Trusted App" label. This seal covers aspects such as encryption and data protection in accordance with the German Data Protection Act, as well as verification of internal and external compliance regulations.