Wi-Fi Garage Door Openers
Updated: May 24, 2019Operate your garage door from anywhere with a smartphone. These wi-fi garage door openers will help you do just that!
Wi-Fi Garage Door Openers: More than just Operating the Door
The smart device apps also alert you if the door has been open too long, opened manually (indicating a break-in), or opened by a friend or neighbor from the wireless keypad. Plus, you can program the app to close the door after a set number of minutes or on a set schedule, like bedtime.
The Latest Openers and Controllers
ATOMS No. AT1723B opener plus No. HU100 Skylink hub
This belt drive unit works remotely with the add-on hub. It also has a soft open/close feature that’s easier on your door hinges and track hardware. Add an optional backup battery at any time. $280 including the hub.
CHAMBERLAIN No. WD100WF
This opener has built- in Wi-Fi and a door sensor and comes with a backup battery. The 1-1/4-hp similar DC motor and belt drive system help it run quieter than a chain drive unit. $270
GENIE SilentMax Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
This Genie Wi-Fi garage door opener has 3/4-hp HPc motor unit, built-in Wi-Fi and a door sensor. The belt drive provides quieter operation, and the soft start and stop feature reduces wear. $198
RYOBI Ultra-Quiet No. GD200
This belt drive opener comes with all the usual features plus the option to add on accessories such as laser parking beams, Bluetooth speaker, fan and a backup battery. $248
Figure A How a hub-operated opener works
Figure B How a Wi-Fi opener works
Three Ways to Remotely Control Your Garage Door Opener
Make an existing opener work with Wi-Fi
The Chamberlain MyQ Garage and Genie Aladdin Connect controller kits cost about $120. Each kit comes with one door sensor. Additional sensors cost about $35 each. The MyQ Garage controls two openers, and the Aladdin Connect controls up to three openers. Check the company’s website to make sure your opener is compatible with the Wi-Fi kit before you buy.
The Atoms/Skylink opener and hub shown on the previous page work as a standalone, remotely controlled garage door opener or as part of a Skylink home security and home automation system. To learn how a hub-operated opener works, see Figure A.
Buy a new opener with built-in Wi-Fi
The Chamberlain, Genie and Ryobi Wi- Fi openers shown earlier in this article have a built-in door sensor, and the units communicate directly with your home’s Wi- Fi.
Improve the Wi-Fi Signal in Your Garage
Wi-Fi openers and controllers need a good Wi-Fi signal to work properly. Check the signal strength in your garage using your smart device. If you don’t get a good signal, try moving your router closer to the garage or buy a Wi-Fi extender or a more powerful router. Or buy a hub-operated opener instead of a Wi-Fi unit.
How does a Wi-Fi range extender work?
A range extender receives the Wi-Fi signal from a wireless router. The extender then amplifies the signal and rebroadcasts it. An extender ($80 to $100) can double your Wi-Fi coverage. Locate it halfway between your garage and your router. Range extenders vary in strength; higher priced models offer the longest range.
Click here to see How to Install a Garage Door Opener.
