Connect MyQ with Google Home & Google Assistant (2023 Update)

New users now hit a snag when giddy to connect MyQ with Google Assistant for the first time. They're all ready to enjoy voice commands and boost their Google Home smarts but face a turning point. Thinking about standalone apps like IFTTT or adding more hardware might be the way to go.

In this article, I talk through both approaches and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Does Chamberlain myQ work with Google Assistant?

Does not natively work for new users.

There is an official integration with Google Assistant via the MyQ Subscription Service. However, access to this Google Assistant integration is now restricted to existing myQ users and is not accessible to new users.  

In addition, if a myQ user decides to log out of their Google account, it will become impossible to relink the myQ account to Google Assistant. 

So it looks like myQ is sunsetting this native Google Assistant support. Their article on “How to link myQ to Google Assistant” in their official knowledgebase now shows a “404 not found” page and an other page in their knowledgebase aimed at supporting existing users is also now unavailable.

Update: MyQ has now officially confirmed to 9to5google that it is discontinuing its Google Assistant integration. Full statement here

It’s possible for new myQ users to control their garage door with Google Assistant via the two approaches outlined below.

Does Chamberlain myQ work with Google Home?

Not compatible

No, myQ does not natively work with Google Home. myQ Chamberlains' official website states that a “myQ garage door opener does not appear in the Google Home app”.

This is confirmed from my testing, where when I search for myQ under “Add Devices” in Google Home, there are zero results found.

It is possible to get myQ to work with Google Home via the two approaches outlined below.

Option 1: Connect via IFTTT

Difficulty: Beginner

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a web-based automation service that enables users to create applets to automate routine tasks. It functions as a bridge between multiple internet-connected devices and services, allowing them to communicate with one another. 

IFTTT supports a wide range of devices, services, and platforms, (including Google Assistant and IFTTT) making it a versatile tool for home automation.

There is a new Google Assistant v2 service on IFTTT which provides users the ability to create applets on IFTTT that can be executed in the Google Home app as part of routines. So this solution works for both Google voice assistant and Google Home.

Note: Older configurations of IFTTT for Google Assistant and myQ may need to be updated as of August 2022. Info here.

Important: You can only close your garage door via IFTTT. There is no option to open it, which myQ claim is for security reasons.

To connect myQ with Google Assistant (and therefore Google Home) via IFTTT, follow these instructions.

Go to IFTTT.com

Begin by logging in to your IFTTT app (or create a free account)

Hook up your Google Assistant account.

And connect your myQ account (You will need to subscribe to myQ’s subscription service over in the myQ app or website. This was previously $10 per year but at the time of writing is now free)

Sign in to your myQ account.

You'll get a “Service Connected Successfully” message when connected.

Then in IFTTT select ‘Explore'. From here you can look for a pre-made applet like this one here.

Or click ‘Create' to create a new applet.

Generate a trigger for the applet by selecting the ‘+' icon and then choosing ‘Google Assistant'.

From there, choose ‘Say a simple phrase' and input a statement of your choosing, such as ‘Close garage', to activate the trigger.

Select the ‘+' icon once more to activate the ‘Then That' command.

Search for ‘myQ' and choose ‘Close door' or the corresponding voice command you have entered.

Pick the garage door and click on ‘Create action'.

Finally, give your applet a name, and you are all set.

By completing these steps, you can easily control your garage door using your voice with the help of Google Assistant. 

Google Assistant Command

• OK Google, close garage door

You can also create other applets with IFTTT such as automatically closing your garage door a set time after it opens, triggering an announcement on your Nest Speaker when it opens, or get it to close at a certain time each night.

Once you have the above set up, you can then set up a device in Google Home by tapping “Works with Google” and then selecting IFTTT and then the applet you just created. Below are some screenshots of this …

And then you need Authorize the connection with IFTTT

That applet can then be included in routines or can be triggered directly in Google Home.

Option 2: Install a Hardware Controller

Difficulty: Advanced

As you can see the IFTTT integration is limited as you cannot ask Google Assistant to open the garage door or tie this action into a Google Home routine.

If you need these actions then I recommend installing a third-party hardware controller, which will give you the flexibility you need.

This also means you won’t be relying on myQ’s API connection or subscription, which they a history of making changes that break backward compatibility.

Is it safe for Google Assistant to be able to open my garage door with a voice command?

To avoid someone shouting in the window to “open your garage door” and then stealing all of your belongings, a passcode is usually required to go along with the “OK Google, open garage door” command.

This dramatically improves the security around voice-controlled openings.

This device from Refoss is a smart way to control your garage door from anywhere. You can use your phone or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant to open or close the door, as well as receive notifications about the door's status or any unusual activity. 

It works with most popular garage door opener brands and models, and there are no hidden fees or monthly charges to worry about. Setting it up is straightforward if you’re in any way competent at DIY.

What is myQ?

MyQ is a cloud-based platform that provides users with the ability to control and monitor their garage door opener and related accessories remotely. It’s compatible with a wide range of garage door openers and allows users to control their garage door opener using a smartphone or tablet app. 

With the app, you can open and close your garage door with the touch of a button. You can receive real-time notifications when it's opened or closed. You can schedule to open your garage door when you arrive home and close it when you leave. If you’re expecting visitors, you can also share limited-time access to the garage door with them.

About Google Assistant and Google Home

Google Assistant is virtual assistant AI technology engineered by Google. You can speak to Google Assistant and ask it to complete tasks such as opening Spotify, ordering Postmates, browsing through Etsy, or making a Snapchat photo.

Google Home is an ecosystem for home automation with Google Assistant at its heart. With a linked smart speaker, you can play music, set timers, and control your smart devices. Speak to your speaker in simple commands and enjoy the freedom of not having to click or switch anything!

Conclusion

As you can see, Chamberlain myQ is not directly compatible with Google Home, and also no longer works for new myQ users for Google Assistant. 

So you are left with the option of connecting via IFTTT and the myQ Subscription service, or by installing a hardware controller.

Citations

https://support.chamberlaingroup.com/s/article/Features-and-Benefits-of-Google-Assistant