MyQ works with HomeKit without a bridge using a Homebridge hub or device. However, MyQ does not offer native integration with HomeKit without a Homebridge Hub.
MyQ & HomeKit: Bridge-Free Compatibility?
Let’s admit it, garage door openers with MyQ capabilities are a boon to us all. I love it because it does the job perfectly.
Never disconnects, easily controlled, and effortless to give access to your kids when they come back from school.
The only one issue I have with them is that they do not support HomeKit.
How and When to Use MyQ Homebridge Hub to Integrate MyQ With HomeKit?
MyQ is not designed to work with Apple HomeKit. Alternatively, a HomeBridge hub (on Amazon) can be used to link it, extending HomeKit capability.
Currently, the only way to combine your MyQ garage door opener with HomeKit is to use a Homebridge hub.
The technique is quite simple and uncomplicated with the MyQ Homebridge Hub:
- Step 1: Downloading and installing the MyQ app, and if you haven’t already, create a user account.
- Step 2: Verify that your MyQ-enabled garage door system is connected to your MyQ account and configured in the app.
- Step 3: Using the HomeKit access code provided with the product, add a new device to the MyQ app. Alternatively, you can also scan the accessory code label on your HomeBridge device. The devices sync in pretty soon after this.
- Step 4: Follow any additional instructions on the app. You might be asked to name the connection and select the devices you wish to add.
- Step 5: Select the ‘Learn’ button on all the devices you want to sync and Viola! The devices will be automatically synced, and in no time, you’ll be at My House.
Note: Using the MyQ Homebridge Hub to link MyQ garage door openers to HomeKit is a viable alternative. Nevertheless, instead of using the HOOBS home bridge hub, I would urge you to use the HOOBS home bridge hub for the simple reason that you get to connect 2000+ accessories with HomeKit instead of a single MyQ garage door opener. Read on to find how you can do it.
Connecting MyQ With HomeKit Using HOOBS Hambridge Hub
If you decide to go for a HomeBridge Hub to set up your smart devices, one of the most convenient options is HOOBS.
HomeBridge Out of the Box System (HOOBS) is an acronym for HomeBridge Out of the Box System and is a play and plug hub to make your devices compatible with the HomeKit.
The best part about HOOBS is that it will integrate with whichever ecosystem you prefer, and your choices won’t limit you.
For $169.99, it is an essential and worthy product, giving you hassle-free HomeKit integration with thousands of accessories, including Ring, Sonos, TP-Link Kasa devices, SimpliSafe, and Harmony Hub.
Why HOOBS to Connect MyQ With HomeKit?
1. The biggest advantage of HOOBS is that you will have a HomeBridge connection up and running without undertaking the hassle of setting it up yourself. One of the easiest options for connecting your MyQ with HomeKit is definitely through HOOBS.
2. The HOOBS gadget is 17 14 12 cm in diameter. Because of its small size, you may easily position and keep the device nearby your router. You can link it to your Wi-Fi after it’s placed correctly.
3. Installation is as easy as it can be. The device app will walk you through the primary steps of setting up an account and have you integrate it with your HomeKit within minutes.
4. If you especially happen to look forward to turnkey additions and the latest updates, HOOBS comes in handy with regular updates, support, or online problem-solving forums through its plugin developers.
5. You can use HOOBS to integrate other devices apart from MyQ as well.
The same fundamental techniques can be used to add all of your accessories, and HOOBS acts as a one-source solution for all your compatibility issues with the HomeKit.
How to Set Up Hoobs For MyQ-HomeKit Integration?
Now that we have established how HOOBS is a pre-packaged hardware and software solution that can be plugged in directly for a HomeBridge let’s see how you can set it up in a way that will integrate MyQ with your HomeKit.
The process is simple. Following are the basic steps of setting up all your MyQ devices on HomeKit using HomeBridge:
Step 1: Connect HOOBS to your home network
You can simply connect your HOOBS to your home Wi-Fi, or you can manually attach it to your router using ethernet cables.
In any case, do ensure HOOBS is properly synced in with your home network.
Step 2: Set up a HOOBS account
You must create an admin account on HOOBS to get it up and to run.
You can create by visiting https://hoobs.local. Simply enter your desired credentials and click ‘Next.’
Step 3: Connect to HomeKit
On the next slide, you will see two options. Select the first one that says ‘Connect to HomeKit, ’ which will allow you to connect your HOOBS to your HomeKit.
Select the ‘Add’ button > Add Accessory > Scan the QR code, and within minutes, HOOBS will be added to your Home app.
Step 4: Install MyQ Plugin
You must install specific plugins on HOOBS to integrate specific devices.
On your HOOBS homepage, go to the HOOBS plugins screen.
This screen will also display the plugins already installed or the latest updates for newer versions. Find your MyQ plugin and install it.
Step 5: Configure the MyQ plugin.
Once the plugin is installed, the screen will display the option to configure your MyQ plugin.
You can configure it by adding MyQ as a platform on your HOOBS Config page.
Head over to the config page and paste the following code:
“platforms”: [{
“platform”: “myQ”,
“email”: “email@email.com”,
“password”: “password”
}]
HOOBS provides explicit guidance on the process to be followed in specific situations of defining configuration settings, backing up or restoring the configuration and logs.
So in case, you have any trouble getting it to work, feel free to check out the resource provided by HOOBS here.
Once the configuration is complete, proceed to add accessories.
Step 6: Add MyQ accessories on the HomeApp
You will have to manually add the features that you wish to use through your Apple Home.
The process of adding accessories is similar to other devices. Choose ‘Add Accessories’ on My Home screen and choose ‘I do not have a code or cannot scan.’
Further, add the setup pin requested, which can be found under Home Setup Pin on your HOOBS home screen.
Continue by following any further prompts on the screen and select ‘Add’ to complete the process.
Your MyQ devices should now have been synced and ready to use through your HomeKit.
Nevertheless, keep reading if you are looking for a deeper insight into what exactly is HomeBridge and what all you can use it for.
What is Homebridge?
Not all smart home devices will be compatible with the Apple HomeKit.
For such a situation, HomeBridge acts as a ‘bridge’ to link the non-HomeKit smart home devices to your HomeKit settings.
It’s worth noting that a centralized server manages many smart gadgets. These can be operated through phone apps.
Since they lack direct communication with the device, HomeKit stands redundant.
This is where HomeBridge comes into the picture to break the communication barrier by integrating it with your home network.
It uses a NodeJS framework to run its services. In simpler terms, HomeBridge utilizes a fast, efficient, and highly scalable backend environment to streamline compatibility between devices and ensure their smooth functioning.
Thus, as can be seen, the role of a HomeBridge is pretty simple. It transmits messages between your HomeKit and other smart home devices in order to allow them to operate and integrate into any technical ecosystem.
Homebridge on a Computer or Homebridge on a Hub For MyQ-HomeKit Integration
There are two ways to use a HomeBridge to integrate MyQ with the HomeKit.
First, HomeBridge can be installed on a Computer. This can be on Windows, macOS, Linux, or even the micro-computer, Raspberry Pi.
The important point to note is that the device that you install the HomeBridge on has to stay running at all times for the HomeBridge to function. This is as inconvenient as it can be.
The HomeBridge replies on the computer to receive a signal to transmit messages to your HomeKit further.
This means that if your computer sleeps or shuts down even for a bit, the transmission will stop, and you won’t be able to operate any device integrated with the HomeKit.
Keeping the system on at all times might turn out to be expensive and highly ill-suited.
To counter this challenge, there exists an alternative method of using a HomeBridge.
Second, A hub, which is a device with pre-loaded and configured HomeBridge settings, can be used to operate HomeBridge.
It is a small device and can simply be purchased to be connected to your home network.
Using a HomeBridge hub saves you from all the problems and struggles of installing it accurately on a computer.
In a few basic steps, you can use the hub to integrate any device or accessory with a HomeKit.
You need to download and install the plugin for the accessory you want to connect, follow simple instructions on the app, and immediately sync with your other smart home devices.
What Can You Do With MyQ-HomeKit Integration
Now that you have an idea of how to install and integrate support and compatibility for your MyQ-HomeKit integration, you might want to explore the possibilities it brings.
The following are some of the best uses of such integration:
- Open or Close the Garage Door: The basic purpose of a MyQ installation is to be able to open and close your garage door remotely. The smart home feature works through the app. Users can operate this more efficiently through the Apple Home app.
- Operate your Home Lighting: Once the integration is successful, you will be able to operate your smart home lights remotely as well. Similar to Garage door operation, the features of your smart lighting will appear on the Apple Home and can be switched on or off from your phone.
- Check Device Status: You can also use it to quickly check the status of all your devices at one go through ‘My Home.’ It assures the user of appliance efficiency and the safety of the property. Isn’t it always great to know if your garage door is open or closed? Are the lights turned off? If not, exactly which one is on?
- Putting your home on autopilot: Just like operating appliances, you can use MyQ+HomeKit to automate the environmental changes of a particular room or your property as per requirement. Activities such as switching on the security lights at night or adjusting the thermostat automatically when the garage door opens; can be systemized using the HomeKit automation tab.
- Siri Voice Control: Since MyQ will now appear on your Apple home, you can use the Siri voice command to check in on your MyQ devices. This includes requesting the status of your integrated devices or operating them remotely. Get all your devices synced at one place through the HomeKit, and leave the rest to Siri!
Conclusion
MyQ is a terrific technology that makes it a breeze to control any WiFi-enabled garage door opener.
Now, with Homebridge, you can control your MyQ garage door directly from the Home app on your iPhone.
I think it’s a much-needed integration that is going to make a lot of HomeKit fans happy.
Link: https://robotpoweredhome.com/myq-chamberlain-liftmaster-garage-door-opener-apple-homekit/
