How to Control Your Garage Door with Your Phone
Updated: Mar. 10, 2022
Did you remember to close the garage door? Did it stay closed? Would you like to have your garage door(s) automatically close at a certain time? You can with a retrofit Wi-Fi controller kit.
Mount the Door Sensor
Attach the door sensor to the top panel using screws or double-face tape. The sensor tells the controller whether the door is open or closed.
Mount the Controller
Locate the controller near the AC outlet and screw it to the ceiling. The controller receives commands from your phone or tablet and relays them to your garage door opener.
Installation is easy
You can install the system yourself in about 30 minutes. Retrofit Wi-Fi kits come with only one door sensor. You can buy additional sensors if you have more than one opener (about $37 each). We chose the Chamberlain MyQ Garage unit for this application (about $80 at electronics stores) because it controls two garage doors and doesn’t require any additional wiring. Search “Wi-Fi garage door controller” online to see other brands.
Check the signal strength
Use your smartphone or tablet to check the Wi-Fi signal in your garage. If you get a good signal, jot down the makes and models of your openers and check the controller manufacturer’s website to be sure they’re compatible.
Download the app
Download the app, plug in the controller and synch it to your home’s Wi-Fi. Next, install a sensor on each garage door (Photo 1). Mount the controller on the ceiling above one of the openers (Photo 2) and plug it in. Follow the app commands to pair the controller to the sensors and to each garage door. Once paired, the MyQ Garage controller opens and closes the garage door wirelessly using the app.
