An Ecobee thermostat measures temperature where it is mounted. SmartSensors let Ecobee consider other rooms, and some sensors also report occupancy so comfort follows where people actually are.
These steps apply to Ecobee SmartSensor and SmartSensor for doors and windows paired with Ecobee thermostats that support remote sensors, generally Ecobee3 and later.
Does this affect you?
Use this if the hallway thermostat does not represent the bedroom, office, nursery, or living room where people spend time. Pair sensors before placing them permanently.
Pair a new SmartSensor
- Remove the plastic battery tab from the SmartSensor.
- On the thermostat, tap Menu.
- Open Sensors.
- Choose Add Sensor.
- Or open the Ecobee app and go to Settings > Sensors > Add Sensor.
- Follow the prompt while the thermostat searches.
- Name the sensor by room, such as Bedroom or Living Room.
- Wait for its temperature reading to appear.
Ecobee SmartSensors do not join Wi-Fi directly. They use their own wireless connection to the thermostat.
Assign sensors to Comfort Settings
A paired sensor does not automatically control every schedule block. Choose where it counts.
- Open the Ecobee app.
- Go to Settings > Sensors.
- Open a Comfort Setting such as Home, Away, or Sleep.
- Select which sensors should participate in that setting.
- Repeat for each Comfort Setting.
For example, include the bedroom sensor for Sleep and the living room sensor for Home. When multiple sensors are selected, Ecobee can average readings and weight occupied rooms depending on settings.
Turn on Follow Me and place sensors well
Follow Me uses occupancy detection so Ecobee favors rooms where people are present. Turn it on under Settings > Preferences > Follow Me, then make sure the sensors are included in the active Comfort Setting.
Place sensors around chest height, away from direct sun, supply vents, doorways, lamps, TVs, and appliances. Bad placement can make a room look warmer, cooler, or more occupied than it really is.
SmartSensors commonly use a CR2477 coin-cell battery and can last for years. If one disappears, check battery first, then move it closer to the thermostat to test range. SmartSensor for doors and windows reports open/closed state rather than comfort temperature in the same way.
Sources
- Ecobee Support – Add a SmartSensor to your thermostat (2025)
- Ecobee Support – Follow Me and comfort settings (2025)
- Ecobee Support – SmartSensor placement and battery replacement (2025)