MyQ Garage Door Opener Manufacturer Cuts Off Third-Party Access, Leading Users to Seek Alternative Solutions

MyQ's decision to limit API access is intended to enhance user experience, but leaves 20,000 users without smart home connectivity; alternatives like Meross, iSmartGate, and Tailwind emerge as viable options.

MyQChamberlain, a vendor of garage door technology, has discontinued third-party access to its MyQ APIs, affecting connectivity for around 20,000 users. This move follows the discontinuation of MyQ’s official Home Bridge Hub last year, which enabled HomeKit integrations.
Unofficial applications used by a small portion (0.2%) of MyQ users were previously responsible for over half the traffic to and from the MyQ system, causing resource strain and considerable DDOS events. The decision to limit API access aims to provide a better experience for the majority of MyQ's users.
Smart home users who previously used MyQ API for integrations with platforms like HomeBridge and Home Assistant are now left with only the MyQ app, the problematic IFTTT integration, or Chamberlain's authorized partners that require a fee. This includes 'Works with MyQ' partners like Vivint and Alarm.com, both of which entail monthly costs.
Several alternative garage door solutions are emerging in response to this change, including devices from brands like Meross, iSmartGate, and Tailwind. Notably, the Meross garage door opening remote is highly rated as an inexpensive, Apple HomeKit compatible alternative.
The developments reflect a larger trend in the potential of smart home technology in improving accessibility. The shift from more traditional technologies (such as keypads for garage door opening) to smart home systems can offer streamlined, adaptable solutions for disabled people and improve the accessibility of their homes.