Nowadays, most devices are “smart.” In other words, the devices are capable of connecting to the internet. Even your garage door may need to be connected to WiFi to operate correctly. One such program that controls garage doors is MyQ Garage, but does it need to be connected to WiFi to operate?
MyQ Garages require a strong wireless internet connection to operate properly. Owners must download the MyQ app to monitor or operate their smart garage door. As long as the garage door and the owner’s phone are connected to the internet, the door can be opened or closed from anywhere in the world.
Before making the transition from a traditional garage door to a smart garage door, learn more about how these systems work below! This article will teach you how to connect your MyQ Garage to the internet.
The MyQ Garage and How It Works
A smart garage door doesn’t necessarily need an entirely new door, so breathe a sigh of relief and put your checkbook down. When converting from a traditional garage door to a smart garage door, the only thing that changes is the garage door opener.
Traditional garage door openers transmit a signal to the garage door opener, causing it to open or close. Since these garage door openers are on the more affordable side, they have a very limited range for signal transmission.
While this limited range acts as a security feature in some ways, it also limits your ability to interact with the system from other locations. There are a few situations where you might want to open the garage while not at home, including lending the lawnmower to your neighbor, letting your house sitter or children inside, and so much more.
With a smart garage door opener, you can increase your interactions with the system and open the garage door from anywhere in the world, but how do smart garage door openers work? Like the traditional system, smart garage door openers transmit a signal opening or closing the door. Rather than limiting its range, the signal is broadcasted via a wireless connection.
With a smart garage door opener like the MyQ Garage, you can do more than just open or close the garage door. With the MyQ garage, you can monitor the status of your garage door. Is it open? Is it closed? Did it suddenly open without your approval? When using the MyQ app, you get instant notifications about the status of your garage door. This feature helps protect your and your belongings.
Another feature associated with the MyQ Garage is the simple BlueTooth set-up. In the MyQ app, connect to your garage door opener via BlueTooth. Share your network with the device and interact! We will discuss how to connect your MyQ Garage to WiFi in more depth in the next section.
The third feature of the MyQ Garage is what truly sets it apart from the traditional garage door opener. With the MyQ garage, you can schedule the garage door to open or close at certain times. Additionally, you can connect it to some MyQ lights, allowing you to schedule the lights to turn on or off at specific times.
Some garage door openers also include a camera system. With all these features in your garage door opener, you can ensure the safety of your home and proper use of your garage.
You can share ownership of the MyQ Garage with five other devices. This feature allows you and your entire family access to the garage.
You can purchase these garage door openers from Amazon. Some devices can be self-installed while others may require professional installation.
If you already have a BlueTooth garage door opener but want all the capability of a MyQ Garage, simply connect it using the Smart Garage Control. This product costs only $30 and is compatible with most garage door openers. However, your garage door opener has to be compatible with the MyQ system.
You can also determine if your device is compatible by looking for a “WiFi” or “MyQ” logo on it. If the device doesn’t have a “WiFi” logo on it, you will need to purchase a MyQ Home Bridge to connect the device to the app. Some older garage door openers may require other devices to connect to the WiFi.
How to Connect Your MyQ Garage to WiFi
Now that you know how the MyQ Garage works, let’s discuss how easy it is to connect the device to WiFi.
The MyQ Garage requires at least a 2.4 GHz wireless network. Make sure the garage still has access to a strong WiFi signal. While most routers cover 100 to 150 feet, this range may be reduced due to walls and other appliances. Use your phone to check the strength of the internet connection in your garage.
If you are experiencing poor WiFi signal at your garage, we have a separate article on how to extend WiFi to Garage and outside build.
You will need at least 2 bars of WiFi to control your garage door properly. While one bar will work, you may experience periods of lost connection. If your garage receives less than one bar of WiFi signal, you’ll need to make some changes.
If you do not receive enough WiFi signal from the garage, consider moving the router closer to the garage. This should improve the signal. Watch the following video to learn more about testing the WiFi connection in your garage as well as ideas to improve a weak signal.
Once you have established a strong internet signal inside your garage, you’re ready to connect your MyQ Garage to the WiFi.
The first step is to create a MyQ account. Once you have an account, download and log in to the MyQ app. If prompted, enable Location settings. Follow the instructions below to connect your MyQ Garage to the internet:
- Click “Devices” and then the “+” symbol
- Click “Garage Door Opener with Wi-Fi Ceiling Installed” and then “Next”
- Select the type of Wall Control that most resembles your system. Follow the instructions for that system and click “Next” in the app
- When you hear a beep, click “yes”
- Look in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings for the myQ-XXX network
- Go back to the MyQ app and click “Next”
- Find and select your internet from the list. Enter the password when prompted and click “Next”
And just like that, your garage door opener should be connected! For extra help, contact Chamberlain support.