This Smart Garage Door Controller is No Longer Very Smart

MyQ Garage Door Controller

The Chamberlain Group — owners of the MyQ smart garage door controller tech — has announced it’s shut off all “unauthorized access” to its APIs. This move disrupts the smart home integrations of thousands of users who relied on platforms like Homebridge and Home Assistant for various automations, such as closing the garage door when locking the front door or flashing a light if the door remains open for 10 minutes.

The decision comes a year after Chamberlain discontinued its official Apple HomeKit integration and a few months after it ceased support for Google Assistant. This pattern highlights the company's ongoing reluctance towards an interoperable smart home ecosystem.

Official Statement and Rationale

In a blog post, Dan Phillips, Chief Technology Officer of Chamberlain, explained the rationale behind this decision:

“Chamberlain Group recently made the decision to prevent unauthorized usage of our MyQ ecosystem through third-party apps. This decision was made so that we can continue to provide the best possible experience for our 10 million+ users, as well as our authorized partners who put their trust in us. We understand that this impacts a small percentage of users, but ultimately this will improve the performance and reliability of MyQ, benefiting all of our users.”

On November 7th, the company added more detail, claiming that unauthorized access to its APIs was generating high traffic and “at times constituted a substantial DDOS event that consumed high quantities of resources.”

Impact on Users

Chamberlain’s MyQ was the first connected garage door controller, launched in 2011. It aimed to solve common issues, like worrying if you left the garage door open. Today, it’s integrated into Chamberlain and Liftmaster garage door openers, which are used by many due to Chamberlain's dominant market position.

However, users relied on “unauthorized integrations” because Chamberlain doesn't offer many useful authorized ones. This shift means if you own a Chamberlain door opener with built-in MyQ tech, you now have to buy a new opener or a third-party controller device like the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener remote to regain the lost functionality.

Verge reader Mike Dougherty shared his frustration:

“Out of general principle, it irks me to know that my garage door opener has built-in smart functionality that I will no longer be using. I hate that I have to add an additional device (and yet another IP address on my network) to serve the purpose of functionality that I have had for years. But if I want HomeKit as well as Amazon Key, this looks like the way it has to be.”

This situation underscores the risks of buying cloud-integrated products, which manufacturers can alter at any moment.

Limited Authorized Integrations

Despite being a major partner for Amazon Key, MyQ has never worked with Amazon Alexa. Its limited Google Assistant integration (only allowing you to close the door) was eventually phased out. MyQ’s earlier support for Apple HomeKit ended with the discontinuation of the $70 MyQ Home Bridge Hub. The only open platform MyQ now supports is IFTTT, which requires a paid subscription for more than two “applets.”

When asked for recommendations for affected customers, Chamberlain’s spokesperson Christina Marenson pointed to their partner webpage, which mainly lists smart security companies with monthly subscriptions and car manufacturers.

Interestingly, Chamberlain has increased its focus on car company integrations with a new MyQ software solution, MyQ Connected Garage, which integrates directly into a car’s software. This move suggests a strategic pivot towards lucrative partnerships rather than individual consumer flexibility.

Alternatives to MyQ

For those seeking alternatives, several other smart garage door controllers offer robust features and integrations:

1. Tailwind iQ3 Pro Smart Garage ControllerTailwind’s $90 controller integrates with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and more. It includes a commercial-grade wired sensor and supports up to three doors. It’s one of the few alternatives compliant with the UL safety standard for remote garage door controllers.

2. Meross Smart Garage Door Opener Remote ControlMeross offers a $60 smart opener compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. There’s a $36 version without HomeKit compatibility and a $70 model for three doors. Users with newer Chamberlain Group openers may need additional hardware.

3. iSmartgate Garage Door ControllersiSmartgate’s controllers work locally and support various platforms. The iSmartgate Mini ($40) is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and SmartThings. For HomeKit support, the iSmartgate Lite ($140) or iSmartgate Pro ($200) is needed. The Pro version also complies with UL safety standards.

4. Ratgdo Wi-Fi Control BoardHome Assistant user Paul Wieland developed Ratgdo, a $30 hardware device that allows local control of Chamberlain and Liftmaster openers. It integrates with Home Assistant, opening access to other platforms like Apple HomeKit and Alexa.

Conclusion

The Chamberlain Group’s decision to shut down unauthorized access to its MyQ APIs has left many users seeking alternatives. As Home Assistant founder Paulus Schoutsen aptly puts it, “Buy products that work locally and won’t stop functioning when management wants an additional revenue stream.” This advice is crucial in an era where manufacturers can change cloud-based product functionalities at will.

As the new Matter standard promises more reliable local control, smart home enthusiasts should look forward to more robust and user-friendly integrations in the future. However, given Chamberlain’s track record, it remains to be seen how they will adapt to this evolving landscape.