In the era of smart homes, having the ability to control various devices through a centralized hub like Alexa is a game-changer. While MyQ, particularly Chamberlain’s smart garage door opener, is a top-tier choice in its category, you might wonder if it can seamlessly integrate with Alexa. The short answer is no, as MyQ doesn’t natively support Alexa. However, there are workarounds to bridge the two, and this article will guide you through the process.
Connecting MyQ to Alexa Using SimpleCommands.
Step 1: Connect MyQ to SimpleCommands
To begin, you must already have a MyQ account. If not, create one. Then follow these steps:
- Install the MyQ app from the Play Store or the App Store.
- On the MyQ app’s home screen, tap “Add/Remove Items.”
- Select “myQ – Openers” from the list and click “Add.”
- Enter your MyQ account credentials, and you should see a “Manage” button instead of “Add” next to “myQ – Openers.”
- Go back to the MyQ app’s home screen, where your installed devices will be displayed.
- Choose the specific device you want to set up with Alexa.
- At the bottom of the device’s menu, click “Enable Voice Companion Alexa and/or Google Assistant.”
- Select the functions you want to enable, enter unique phrases for each function, and save them. These phrases will appear as scenes in the Alexa app.
Step 2: Connect SimpleCommands to Alexa
To set up MyQ with Alexa through SimpleCommands, follow these steps:
- Open the Alexa app on your mobile device.
- Tap the “More” menu in the lower right corner.
- Select “Skills & Games” and press “Search.”
- In the search bar, type “kloee for SC” and enable the skill.
Please note: There is another skill called “SimpleCommands” by the same company, but it serves different functions. Make sure you enable the skill mentioned earlier.
- After enabling the skill, link your SimpleCommands account to Alexa by entering your login information.
- Once the accounts are linked, press “Close.”
If Alexa doesn’t automatically discover your MyQ scenes, navigate to the “Devices” menu at the bottom, select “Scenes” from the top slider menu, and press “Discover Scenes.”
Now, you can control your MyQ garage door using voice commands through Alexa.
Creating Alexa Routines
After integrating Alexa and SimpleCommands, you can control your MyQ device by creating routines for various scenes. Here’s how:
- In the Alexa app, go to the “More” menu and select “Routines.”
- Tap the “+” button in the upper right corner to create a new routine.
- Name the routine and choose “Voice” as the trigger option.
- Enter the exact phrase you want to use to control your MyQ device and add variations if desired.
- Select “Smart Home” and then “Control Scene.”
- Find and select the scene you want to activate with this routine.
- Save the routine and repeat the steps to create additional routines for other tasks if desired.
Test the routine by saying the trigger command. If the Alexa routine doesn’t work, try power cycling the device or recreating the routine.
Using IFTTT as an Alternative
If you prefer an alternative to SimpleCommands, you can use IFTTT (If This Then That) to connect MyQ with Alexa. However, please note that the functionality is somewhat limited. With IFTTT, you can only close the garage door via voice commands, not open it, which is a security precaution.
Step 1: Connecting MyQ to Alexa Using IFTTT
To connect your MyQ garage door to Alexa using the IFTTT app, follow these steps:
- Download and install the IFTTT app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an account if you don’t have one.
- On your IFTTT page, click “Explore” in the upper right corner and then click “Create” to make your applet from scratch.
- Click the “+” button and search for the Alexa service. Select “Say a Specific Phrase” and type the phrase you want to use to trigger the MyQ device, e.g., “Close Garage Door.”
- Create a MyQ action by clicking the ‘+’ sign. Search for the MyQ service, select the trigger, and choose the device.
- Name your IFTTT applet and finish.
Once this process is complete, you can use voice commands to control MyQ devices. For example, to close your garage door, say, “Alexa, Trigger close garage door.”
Creating an Alexa Routine with IFTTT
To eliminate the need to use the word ‘Trigger’ in voice commands, you can create an Alexa Routine:
- Open the Alexa app and click the hamburger menu in the upper left corner. Select “Routines.”
- Click the ‘+’ button to create a new routine and name it.
- Add the voice trigger, specifying the exact phrase for controlling your garage door.
- Add an IFTTT action to close your garage door by tapping the ‘+ button by “Add action,” selecting IFTTT, and choosing the applet you created to link MyQ and Alexa. Save the routine when you’re done.
Ensure Secure Commands:
MyQ does not require a voice PIN or security code for actions, which could pose a security risk. It’s essential to consider security when setting up voice commands for MyQ, especially for a garage door opener. To enhance security, consider using voice commands only to close the garage door, which is a safer option. Avoid using commands to open the garage door.
FAQs:
Does MyQ have a monthly fee?
Yes, myQ offers additional features like motion alerts and video history, which may come with a monthly fee.
How does the MyQ Internet gateway work?
The MyQ internet gateway connects to your home router and allows you to control the garage door remotely.
Does MyQ work without Wi-Fi?
No, myQ requires an active internet connection, so Wi-Fi is necessary to operate the device.
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Conclusion:
While MyQ doesn’t natively integrate with Alexa, you have options like SimpleCommands and IFTTT to bridge the gap, enabling voice-controlled access to your garage door. It’s essential to prioritize security and use secure commands to ensure your smart home remains safe and convenient.