Chamberlain Group has introduced a new communication platform for its garage door openers, and it’s not great news for smart home users. This platform, called Security+ 3.0, blocks third-party accessory makers from letting you integrate your garage door opener with popular smart home devices like Apple Home and Amazon Alexa.
Instead of using these integrations, users end up in Chamberlain’s ad-heavy MyQ app. Many of the app’s connections require paid subscriptions, and almost none are linked to major smart home ecosystems. While you can control your door in the MyQ app for free, the limited options feel restrictive.
Chamberlain’s new approach seems to push users into a closed system. The company recently withdrew from the Connectivity Standards Alliance, which promotes interoperability in smart home devices. This move comes as the Standard, Matter, has begun supporting garage door controllers.
For a bit of context, back in 2014, Chamberlain released MyQ Garage, allowing users to control their garage doors via smartphone. This innovation quickly attracted competitors, including third-party controllers that connected directly to the openers. But as Chamberlain updated its technology with Security+ 2.0, these controllers started to face compatibility issues. Many had to create workarounds to keep their products functioning with updated Chamberlain devices.
Chamberlain has expanded its control in the market since being sold to Blackstone in 2021. The firm began restricting its MyQ technology more, discontinuing integrations with systems like Apple HomeKit and blocking unofficial connections. Now, most of its supported integrations require subscriptions or are linked to specific security services like Alarm.com and Vivint.
Security+ 3.0 further complicates matters by shutting down the workarounds those aftermarket controllers developed. Scott Riesebosch, president of Tailwind, pointed out that any aftermarket device won’t be able to connect with Security 3.0 products. Chamberlain’s focus has shifted to providing approved integrations, such as those with Ring and IFTTT.
The technological leap with Security+ 3.0 involves switching to fully wireless communication, supplementing wired connections only for power and safety features. This new system leverages advanced rolling code encryption along with Bluetooth Low Energy, aiming for a more secure connection. However, this change means that past workarounds won’t work anymore — locking users into the Chamberlain ecosystem.
Many users find the MyQ app acceptable despite the ads, but there’s a growing frustration among those who want an integrated home system. As things stand, MyQ doesn’t connect with popular home automation platforms. Currently, it largely operates through subscription-based services or partnerships with car manufacturers, leading to additional yearly fees.
Chamberlain holds a commanding share of the U.S. garage door opener market, over 70%. Yet, there are alternatives. Brands like Genie offer more openness with their Aladdin Connect platform. Kwikset has even jumped into the market with an opener aiming for Matter compatibility.
For users with a Chamberlain Security+ 3.0 garage door opener, aftermarket solutions are in the works, but they will face challenges. One concern is a new validation check that verifies if a remote or accessory is a legitimate Chamberlain product.
If you’re tech-savvy, you could potentially modify a Security+ 3.0 remote to work with other controllers. But there may be easier options available. For example, Third Reality has a $50 smart garage door controller that works with popular smart home ecosystems, maximizing flexibility for users.
In short, Chamberlain’s latest move may limit user control in favor of a subscription model. While some appreciate the features of the MyQ app, its lack of open connectivity and increased costs could leave many searching for alternatives.
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