Frequently Asked Questions

Note

This page covers the most common questions. For technical support, visit the Support Portal or the Community Forums.

General Questions

Q: What is OpenGarage?
OpenGarage is an open-source, WiFi-enabled smart garage door controller that works with most existing garage opener system. It provides:

  • Remote Access: Check and control your garage door and opener light from anywhere.
  • Advanced Features: Intuitive web interface, event log, automation rules, and native support for Security+ 2.0/1.0.
  • Flexible Integration: Cloud connectivity (optional), MQTT, IFTTT, a well-documented HTTP API.

Q: What types of garage openers are compatible with OpenGarage?
It works with most openers that come with a wall-button terminal. It supports both traditional, dry-contact openers, and modern Security+ 2.0 or 1.0 systems.

Q: Who is OpenGarage for?
Homeowners, business owners, makers who want remote status and control of their garage doors, with an easy-to-install, low-cost, feature-rich solution.

Q: Does it require a cloud connection?
No. By default it connects only to your local WiFi network and does NOT rely on the Internet. Cloud connection is optional and only needed for remote access.

Q: Is there a subscription fee for cloud access?
No. Cloud access is completely free.

Q: Where can I find documents and source code?

Purchase and Installation

Q: Where can I buy it?
You can purchase it directly from the OpenGarage product page

Q: How long does it take to ship? What are the terms and conditions?
Please check our shipping policy and other terms

Q: What's included in the package?
The package includes one OpenGarage controller with a 3D printed enclosure, screws, a USB power cable, and a 2-wire cable. A USB power adapter is an optional add-on.

Q: How is it powered? What's the power consumption?
OpenGarage is powered by a 5V USB adapter rated for at least 1A. The power consumption is 0.35~0.5W.

Q: Does it have built-in wireless?
Yes, OpenGarage has built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (based on ESP8266).

Q: Does it have built-in wired Ethernet?
No, it doesn't.

Technical Questions

Q: How do I update its firmware?
Firmware can be updated through the built-in web interface. In the unlikely event the device becomes unresponsive (e.g. by uploading an incorrect or corrupted firmware), you can recover it by reflashing the firmware using a USB-serial programmer.

Q: Will firmware update erase my settings?
No. OpenGarage preserves your WiFi credentials, settings, and logs during a firmware update. Settings are only erased if you perform a manual factory reset.

Q: How can I integrate it with Home Assistant or other smart platforms?
See the Integration Guide

Q: What is the main difference between hardware v2.2 and v2.3+?
v2.3+ can communicate directly with Security+ 2.0 and 1.0 systems (commonly used by LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman brands). This allows for detailed status reporting (e.g., opening, closing, stopped (partially open)) and control of the opener's light and lock. Earlier hardware versions (v2.2 and below) rely solely on the distance sensor for detecting door status.

Q: Tell me more about Security+ and how v2.3+ handles it.
We have a detailed blog post explaining the technology.