SmartThings MyQ Lite SmartApp
Current Notes
- Please note this SmartApp cannot read the status of the MyQ door using the MyQ tilt sensor. Getting the door status will require a separate SmartThings-compatible sensor. It's an unfortunate hassle but is the only way we can do this without polling MyQ for status (which they will not allow done from the SmartThings cloud).
- This SmartApp generally works with the new SmartThings app but still has some bugs when viewing the door tiles (a fix for this is in progress). It is still fully supported in the Classic mobile app.
- If you get an error saying "No supported devices found," the most likely cause is you're running an older version of the SmartApp. Double check to see you're using the latest code. If you're still having trouble, there's a small chance your IDE info is not sync'd properly across all SmartThings cloud shards. One way to tell this is by checking the Hubs link and noticing your hub missing. Another way to check that is to reset all cookies and log in again (or try from a different computer) to see if it logs you into a different shard at that point, which will let you verify if things are out of sync. If there's a problem with that, SmartThings support can help.
Overview
This SmartApp integrates Chamberlain/LiftMaster MyQ doors and plug-in lamp module controllers into SmartThings. It creates a garage door device and/or a light device in your list of Things and allows you to control the device...
- By tapping the device in the SmartThings mobile app
- Automatically by your presence (coming or going) in a Routine or other SmartThings rules app
- Via tiles in an ActionTiles dashboard
- By asking Alexa or Google Home to turn the device on (open) or off (close)
Device and ActionTiles
Setup
Sensor Selection
This SmartApp works best when you have a Tilt/Contact sensor on the door to keep an accurate status in SmartThings. Unfortunately, the MyQ included tilt sensor will not work as SmartThings cannot communicate with it. That said, you can maintain most functionality without a sensor at all (see no-sensor special notes below).
This SmartApp can control MyQ lamp modules (not the actual lights in the garage door openers) For the lamp controllers, there's no way for SmartThings to know the status, but as long as you only control the light from SmartThings, the status should stay in sync.
Previous versions of this app (known as simply SmartThings_MyQ) relied on polling MyQ for status updates; however, MyQ/SmartThings have restricted the ability to poll the MyQ servers, although sending open/close/on/off commands via API still works as normal.
SmartThings thread here: https://community.smartthings.com/t/beta-myq-lite-for-liftmaster-chamberlain/49150
Credit to copy-ninja, whose version I branched off to create this app to integrate without the need to poll MyQ for the device status.
Optional Tilt/Contact Sensor
This app has the (strongly recommended) option of interfacing with a tilt sensor on the garage door. When present, a sensor will allow the door status to be known and displayed on the device. This also allows for the "switch" capability on the device, which is necessary for routines, ActionTiles dashboard, and Alexa use. Here's an example of one you can purchase from Amazon.
Using MyQ Premium with IFTTT and Virtual Sensors
If you have a subscription to MyQ premium, you can use IFTTT and virtual sensors to use the full "sensor version" device handler that knows the door status. You can find a good write-up of that here: https://community.smartthings.com/t/how-to-smartthings-myq-smartapp-using-myq-sensors-with-ifttt/149601
Special notes when using routines with the no-sensor door version
We have discovered that the no-sensor version of the garage door does not work well with SmartThings routines. This is because routines only take action if the device's status is in the correct position. For example, the no-sensor version of the door has no way to accurately track whether the door is open or closed, so it defaults to "unknown." In this state, a routine will never close the door because it believes the door to always be in a "closed" state.
You have two options to work around this limitation: 1.) Use the mometary push-button devices that will generate if you choose that option during setup. Then, when setting up a routine, have the routine "turn on" the corresponding push button to either open or close the door. 2.) Use the CoRE SmartApp and select the option to disable status optimization. This tells CoRE to always send the desired command regardless of whether SmartThings thinks the door is already opened/closed.
Garage Door Usage with Alexa/Google Home (Without a door sensor):
For Alexa to respond to commands to open/close the door, make sure you choose the option during setup to create the Pushbutton switches. This will create an "Opener" and "Closer" switch. Once setup is done and you see those switches in your Things, go back into Alexa and run the discovery process. Those switches should show up in the Alexa app and should respond to "Alexa, turn ON [garage door name] Opener" and "Alexa, turn ON [garage door name] Closer."
If you want a less-awkward way to open the door, you can set up an Alexa routine or a Google Home shortcut that translates something like "Alexa, open the garage" to the full "Alexa, turn on..." phrase from above.
Garage Door Usage with Alexa/Google Home (With a door sensor):
If your door has a sensor, Alexa will respond simply to "Alexa, turn ON [garage door name]" or "Alexa, turn OFF [garage door name]" once you've completed the setup and done the discovery process in the Alexa app. This is because the MyQ door device has a on/off switch capability that can be used and kept in sync since the sensor updates the door's status. It's not necessary to use the Pushbutton switch in this case.
If you want a less-awkward way to open the door, you can set up an Alexa routine or a Google Home shortcut that translates something like "Alexa, open the garage" to the full "Alexa, turn on..." phrase from above.
Special notes when using Light Controllers:
Since we have no way to keep an exact on/off status on the light, it is strongly recommended that you ONLY control the light via SmartThings (not through the MyQ app or manually at the physical device itself). As long as SmartThings is the only thing making changes, it will essentially always have the correct status. If for some reason the status does get out of sync, you may just need to turn it off and back on in SmartThings to sync it back up.
Alexa should be able to control the light device just like any other switch in your environment.
Lock Door Functionality (BETA and Highly Experimental - For advanced users only)
During SmartApp setup, you have the option to enable your doors to be treated with lock functionality (sensor is required for this). This adds lock capability to the garage door device while removing switch capability. The main use case for this is to have the door show up in Alexa as a lock. This allows you to set a PIN to unlock the door, which is more secure than allowing someone to simply say "open the garage door." This option is not used in most setups but is here if you really want an extra layer of security. Beware it's considered highly experimental and may break other automations that use the standard door control.
Installation Instructions:
SmartThings Community Installer (Strongly Recommended install/update method)
By far, the easiest way to install this Smartapp (and many other popular ones) and keep it updated is to use the SmartThings Community Installer. Instructions for that can be found here. If you go that route, you can find MyQ on the list of apps, tap to install, and ignore the other install information below. The same goes for installing updates in the future.
Code Needed:
There are 6 code files available for the installations of this app - 1 SmartApp and 5 Device Handlers. At minimum, you need the main SmartApp and at least one of the device handlers. Note that you only need to install the device handlers you'll plan on using (ex: you can leave off the light controller if you don't have any lights).
Code Type | Name | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
SmartApp | MyQ Lite | Link | Required |
Device Handler | MyQ Garage Door Opener | Link | Needed if using door sensors |
Device Handler | MyQ Garage Door Opener-NoSensor | Link | Needed if NOT using door sensors |
Device Handler | Virtual Switch Tile | Link | Helpful for no-sensor installs to add buttons in routines/ActionTiles/Alexa |
Device Handler | Light Controller | Link | Only needed if using a plug-in MyQ Lamp Controller |
Device Handler | MyQ Lock Door | Link | Only needed if using the lock-type door functionality |
Manually:
- Log in to the SmartThings IDE. If you don't have a login yet, create one.
- The first step is to create device handlers for both door types.
- Click on My Device Handlers -> Create new Device Handler -> From Code.
- Copy contents of Door Opener (original sensor version) and paste into text area. in SmartApps section. Click Create. Click Publish > For Me (you can ignore this step if you don't have a door sensor)
- Repeat the previous step for this door type code: Door Opener (no sensor version) (you can ignore this step if using a sensor)
- Repeat the previous step for the Virtual Switch Tile device type code: Virtual Switch Tile
- Repeat the previous step for the Light Controller device type code: Light Controller
- Now we create the SmartApp code. Click My SmartApps -> New Smartapp -> From Code.
- Copy contents of SmartApp and paste into text area. in SmartApps section. Click Create. Click Publish > For Me
- In your SmartThings mobile app, tap Automation -> SmartApps -> Add a SmartApp. Scroll down and tap My Apps. Tap MyQ Lite.
- Enter in your login details and pick your gateway brand. If login is successful, you'll see a list of doors available for you to pick. After you choose your doors, you can select optional sensors to be tied to those doors.
SmartThings IDE GitHub Integration:
If you have not set up the GitHub integration yet or do not know about it, take a look at the SmartThings documentation here. Note that if you do not have a GitHub account or are not familiar with GitHub, the manual method of installation is recommended.
- If you haven't already, click on enable GitHub button (upper right). Add a new repository with user
brbeaird
, repositorySmartThings_MyQ
, and branchmaster
. This can be done in either the "My Device Handlers" or "My SmartApps" sections - Go to "My Device Handlers". Click "Update from Repo". Select the "SmartThings_MyQ" repository. You should see the device types in the "New (only in GitHub)" section. Check both boxes next to them. Check the "Publish" checkbox in the bottom right hand corner. Click "Execute Update".
- Go to "My SmartApps". Click "Update from Repo". Select the "SmartThings_MyQ" repository. You should see the SmartApp in the "New (only in GitHub)" section. Check both boxes next to them. Check the "Publish" checkbox in the bottom right hand corner. Click "Execute Update".
- In your mobile app, tap the "+", go to "My Apps", furnish your log in details and pick your gateway brand, and a list of devices will be available for you to pick.
In the future, should you wish to update, simply repeat steps 2 and 3. The only difference is you will see the device types/SmartApp show up in the "Obsolete (updated in GitHub)" column instead.
Donate/Sponsor:
If you love this app, feel free to donate or check out the GitHub Sponsor program.
Platform | Wallet/Link | QR Code |
---|---|---|
GitHub Sponsorship | https://github.com/sponsors/brbeaird | |
Bitcoin | 1gLEpa5VUpYx77p4nfqHkWrpZK4opFrgV | |
Paypal |