Make Any Garage Door Opener Smart

You don't need a brand new opener to get smartphone control. We can add smart functionality to most garage door openers made after 2011—even basic chain-drive models. Here's what you get:

Three Ways to Add Smart Control

What You Can Do With a Smart Garage Door Opener

1. Open/Close From Anywhere

Forgot to close the garage? Close it from your phone while at work, on vacation, or in bed.

Need to let someone in? Open the garage remotely for delivery drivers, contractors, dog walkers, or guests. No need to leave keys or codes.

Real-world scenario: You're at the office and get an Amazon delivery notification. Open the garage via your phone, watch the camera (if integrated), and close it once the package is inside. Your package is secure, and you didn't leave your garage open all day.

2. Get Instant Alerts

Your phone notifies you when:

  • Garage door opens (know when kids get home from school)
  • Garage door closes
  • Door has been left open for X minutes (customizable—5, 10, 30 minutes)
  • Someone attempts to open without authorization (forced entry alert)

Peace of mind: Never wonder "Did I close the garage?" again. Check your phone in 2 seconds.

3. Check Door Status Anytime

Open the app and instantly see if your door is open or closed. No more pulling around the block to check, or lying in bed wondering if you forgot.

4. Activity Log / History

See exactly when your garage opened and closed:

  • "Garage opened at 3:42 PM" (kids home from school)
  • "Garage closed at 7:18 AM" (spouse left for work)
  • "Garage opened at 2:15 PM" (contractor arrived)

Great for monitoring teenager driving habits, verifying contractor arrival times, or security records.

5. Voice Control (Alexa, Google Home, Siri)

"Alexa, close the garage door."
"Hey Google, is my garage door open?"
"Siri, open the garage."

Hands-free control when carrying groceries, letting the dog out, or heading to bed.

6. Scheduled Auto-Close

Set your garage to auto-close at a specific time (e.g., 10 PM every night) if you forget. Great for forgetful teenagers or busy mornings when you rush out.

7. Geofencing (Auto-Close When You Leave)

Your garage automatically closes when you drive away (phone detects you've left geofenced area). Optional feature—some love it, others prefer manual control.

8. Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

Amazon delivery drivers can open your garage, place packages inside, and close it. You watch live via doorbell camera. Eliminates porch pirates. (Requires MyQ-compatible opener + Amazon Prime subscription.)

MyQ vs. Universal Smart Controllers: What's the Difference?

MyQ System (LiftMaster/Chamberlain Openers)

Compatible with: LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman openers made 2011 or newer

Pros:

    )
  • Seamless integration (designed by opener manufacturer)
  • Amazon Key compatible (secure in-garage delivery)
  • No monthly fees—ever
  • Best app interface (4.5+ star rating)

Cons:

  • Only works with LiftMaster/Chamberlain/Craftsman brands
  • Requires 2011+ opener (older models not compatible)

Universal Smart Controllers (Any Brand)

Compatible with: Any garage door opener from any manufacturer, any age (1980s+)

Pros:

  • Works with ALL opener brands (Genie, Overhead Door, old Sears, etc.)
  • Works with ancient openers (even 1990s models)
  • Same core features (open/close, alerts, status, voice control)
  • No monthly fees

Cons:

    )
  • Not Amazon Key compatible (workaround: pair with smart lock)
  • Installation is slightly more complex (wires to opener terminals)

Smart Opener Security: Is It Safe?

This is the #1 concern we hear: "Can hackers open my garage?" The short answer: It's extremely secure, far safer than traditional remotes.

How Smart Openers Protect Against Hacking

  • End-to-end encryption: Communication between your phone and opener is encrypted (same tech banks use)
  • Rolling codes: Every command uses a unique code that can't be replayed
  • Authentication required: Must enter password to access app
  • Activity logging: You see every open/close event with timestamp
  • Multi-factor authentication: Optional biometric or 2FA for added security

Safer Than Traditional Remotes

"code grabber" device from eBay. Modern smart systems use rolling encryption—virtually impossible to hack without physical access to your smartphone AND password.

What About WiFi Outages?

If your internet goes down, you can still:

  • Use physical remotes (still work)
  • Use wall button inside garage (always works)
  • Use keypad (if installed)

You just lose remote smartphone control until WiFi returns. The opener itself continues functioning normally.

Setup Process (We Handle Everything)

Step 1: Compatibility Check (5 Minutes)

We'll verify your opener is compatible with MyQ or recommend a universal controller if needed. For MyQ, your opener needs:

  • LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Craftsman brand
  • Manufactured 2011 or later (we can check model number)
  • WiFi signal strength in garage (we'll test)

Step 2: Hardware Installation (15-20 Minutes)

  • Mount smart hub near opener
  • Connect to opener (plug-in for MyQ, wired for universal controllers)
  • Install door sensor (tells system if door is open/closed)
  • Plug hub into power outlet

Step 3: WiFi & App Configuration (10-15 Minutes)

  • Connect smart hub to your home WiFi network
  • Download MyQ app (or compatible app) to your phone
  • Create account and pair device
  • Test open/close functions
  • Configure alerts and preferences

Step 4: Voice Assistant Integration (5-10 Minutes, Optional)

  • Link MyQ to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit
  • Set up voice commands
  • Test: "Alexa, close the garage"

Total setup time: 30-45 minutes. You'll be controlling your garage from your phone before we leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there monthly fees for smart garage control?

NO. MyQ and most universal smart controllers have zero monthly fees. ), and you get free app control forever. /year), but that's for Prime benefits—not specifically for garage control.

Will this work with my 20-year-old opener?

Maybe. MyQ requires 2011+ LiftMaster/Chamberlain openers. BUT universal smart controllers work with virtually any opener from the 1990s forward—even old Sears, Genie, and Overhead Door brands. We'll check your opener model during the consultation. If your opener is too old, adding smart control estimates varies. )—you get smart features + much quieter operation + 5-year warranty.

What if my WiFi doesn't reach my garage?

We'll test signal strength before installation. from Amazon—we can recommend models), or (3) Use a mesh WiFi system (Google Nest WiFi, Eero). Most homes built after 2000 have adequate signal. Detached garages 50+ feet from the house may need an extender.

Can multiple people control the garage (family members)?

Yes! You can add unlimited users to your MyQ account. Each family member downloads the app and you send them an invitation. They get full control (or view-only access if you prefer). Perfect for households with teens, elderly parents, or frequent guests.

What happens if I change phones or get a new WiFi router?

New phone: Just download the app and log into your existing account—all settings transfer. New WiFi router: You'll need to reconnect the smart hub to the new network (takes 5 minutes via the app). Or call us—we'll walk you through it or come out (usually free for existing customers).

Can I set it to only allow closing remotely, not opening?

Yes! Many smart systems have "close-only" mode for remote access. You can close from anywhere, but opening requires being home (or entering a PIN). Great for security-conscious users who want to close a forgotten door but don't want remote open capability.