MyQ Alexa Integration: Mastering Smart Garage Control in 2024

The myQ Alexa app lets you manage your garage door from afar. Though it doesn't work directly with Alexa voice commands, there are three different ways you can link your garage door opener with Alexa.

1. Beginner Option – You can use the IFTTT service connected via a myQ subscription (cannot open with this option)
2. Intermediate Option – You can use the SimpleCommands app
3. Advanced Option – You can wire in a piece of hardware to act as a controller.

It's very disappointing that myQ won't play ball and just provide an Alexa skill to achieve this. There's a claim that it's for security reasons which I don't buy as there are plenty of Alexa integrations with Smart Lock manufacturers which require passcodes when issuing voice commands.

So what's the best option?

Option 1, which utilizes the IFTTT platform can only close the garage door and cannot open it. Also, it relies on myQ APIs, and in the past myQ has charged for the subscription to connect it to IFTTT. While it's currently free, they could easily charge for it in the future.

Option 2, which utilizes the SimpleCommands platform allows you to open and close the garage door which is a major plus. However, in my view, this solution has too much reliance on myQ's APIs. (Which they have a track record of messing with, like when they removed SmartThings access). SimpleCommands has also had its own issues in the past, with changes to its authentication on iOS.

Option 3, is my personal preference, which is to use a hardware controller. The reason is, once you have this set it up, it'll just work and you can then forget about it. This does however require the most effort and up front cost.

Option 3 Hardware Controller

Does Chamberlain myQ Work with Alexa & Amazon Echo?

Chamberlain myQ garage door openers do not have a direct, official integration with Amazon Alexa or Echo devices. However, you can still use Alexa to control your myQ garage door opener through various workarounds such as third-party software (IFTTT or SimpleCommands) or a third-party hardware controller.

No official compatibility – third-party solutions available

Option 1: Use IFTTT

Difficulty: Beginner

MyQ officially integrates with IFTTT as one of its “Smart Partners“. myQ has previously charged for this integration however as of the time of writing, it is currently free. However, they may charge again in the future.

Note: It’s not possible to open your garage door with IFTTT, which is why I recommended using a third-party controller instead.

Steps to set up the myQ IFTTT Connection

To get started, download the IFTTT app on your phone or use the web app on your computer by going to https://ifttt.com/.

Then, create an IFTTT account. There is a premium version of IFTTT from $2.50 per month, however, you only need 1 applet so you can use the free version. So you can skip any free trials.

Now connect to your myQ account here and Alexa account here or search in the Explore menu.

Then log into your Amazon and myQ accounts and provide permissions.

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

This will let you create applets that connect the two services.

To connect myQ to Alexa, you need to create an applet that tells myQ to close the garage door when you give a specific voice command to Alexa.

You can find pre-made applets on the myQ IFTTT website like this one here.

Or you can create your own under “My Applets” by clicking “Create your Own”, then choosing “If This” and selecting “Alexa” as the trigger service. Then, select the available triggers and tie them to a variety of myQ triggers.

Once you have your applet set up, you can use Alexa to close your garage door by giving a voice command like “Alexa, close the garage door.” If you don't want to say “trigger” in your command, you can set up a routine in Alexa that directly triggers the IFTTT applet instead.

It's important to note that the only action available for garage doors through IFTTT is to close the door, not open it.

IFTTT can trigger an action based on the garage door opening and closing. So it's possible to daisy chain another action when the door is opened. Such as closing it 5 minutes later. Closing it that evening. Turning on a smart bulb when it's opened etc.

Supported Commands

• Alexa, trigger close garage door
• Alexa, close garage door

The shorter command requires an Alexa routine to respond to that specific phrase and in turn trigger the IFTTT applet.

Below are my screenshots of this process

Then populate the routine fields and pick your IFTTT applet

Option 2: SimpleCommands

Difficulty: Intermediate

SimpleCommands is a free cloud-based solution for connecting different smart gadgets in your home. Once the connection is complete, you can connect your gadgets, i.e. smart bulbs, smart thermostats, and importantly garage door openers, using simple voice or text commands. https://www.simplecommands.com/garage-door-sc

SimpleCommands App on Android & Live Key App on iOS

As you can see from the comments on this article along with various Reddit threads, the SimpleCommands platform has had numerous issues over the last few years. At one point myQ updated its APIs resulting in the integration failing. In late 2021 SimpleCommands changed how they authenticate between systems and now require the “Live Key” app on iOS.

While some people have had issues with this new app, the old SimpleCommands iOS app seems to still work! So, some trial and error may be required for your particular setup.

There is no Live Key app for Android so I recommend trying the SimpleCommands App here. As of the time of writing, some people have recently had success with this app, while others haven't.

How to set up Alexa to control your Chamberlain myQ garage door with SimpleCommands?

In summary, to integrate MyQ with Alexa through the SimpleCommands application, you need to follow the steps below.

How to fix your old integration

If your previous SimpleCommands integration isn't working for you, I recommend you delete the MyQ integration and any associated routines from the Simple Commands/Live Key app, as well as any scenes generated through the Simple Commands skill or the newer “Kloee for SC” skill in the Alexa app.

Then add the MyQ integration again to the Live Key app and set up phrases for opening and closing your garage door. Enable Alexa and add the phrases as scenes in the Alexa app, and create routines for opening and closing each garage door.

Massive shout out to mccarronkevin on Reddit for this hack!

MyQ Alexa Option 3: Use a Third-Party Controller

Difficulty: Advanced

A third-party controller is a piece of hardware that is connected to both the opener power head and your garage door. Independently powered, you communicate with this device which then relays signals to your garage door opener, allowing full control.

A controller can be integrated with a number of voice assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Update: I previously had the Nexx garage door opener listed however it seems to be out of stock for the last few months. Also, the below “Meross” opener is also white-labeled under the “Refoss” brand among others.

Supported Commands

• Alexa, open garage door.
• Alexa, close garage door.
• Alexa, is my garage door open?

The Meross Smart Garage Door Opener lets you control your garage door from anywhere using the Meross app or a connected voice assistant.

The device works with over 200 different brands and models of garage doors, so you can be sure it will be compatible with your setup. You'll be alerted about any changes to your garage door status through different notification modes, such as when the garage door is open or closed.

While installation requires wiring, it is relatively straight forward with clear steps to follow. It also doesn't rely on myQ APIs which is a major benefit.

Insights

The customer feedback for the product is generally positive. Users appreciate the easy installation process of the product, which takes about 20 minutes on average. The integration of the product with Alexa is also a positive aspect mentioned. Users report that the product works well and is responsive, providing quick and seamless operation. 

Some had negative feedback such as the wires being too short, making it challenging to connect the product to their garage door opener. Others have mentioned that the sensor to indicate whether the garage door is open or closed can only "align" when the door is closed, which is inconvenient. A handful of users faced issues with the reliability, with some reporting that it stops working after a period of time.

The device comes with a 1-year warranty which is a bit of a safety net.