MyQ is a smart home subscription that controls your garage door and other devices remotely, and it has both free and paid tiers

MyQ is a mobile app and connected system made by The Chamberlain Group that lets you open and close your garage door from your phone, check whether it's open or closed, and receive alerts. The basic app is free, but Chamberlain also sells a paid subscription called MyQ Premium that adds features like video recording, person detection, and integration with other smart home systems. Whether you need the paid version depends on what you want to do and what garage door opener you own.

MyQ works with most modern garage door openers made by Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Craftsman, and some other brands. Older openers may need a separate device called a MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener to connect to the system. The subscription itself does not control the door — your existing opener does. MyQ is the software layer that lets you talk to it remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • The free MyQ app lets you open and close your garage door and see its status, but does not include video or person detection.
  • MyQ Premium adds video recording, person detection, and longer video storage, and costs a monthly or annual fee that varies by region and retailer.
  • You need a compatible garage door opener or a separate MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener device to use the system at all.
  • MyQ Premium is optional — the free version works for basic remote access and status checks.

What the free MyQ app includes

The free version of MyQ gives you remote access to open and close your garage door from anywhere you have internet, and it shows you whether the door is currently open or closed. You can set up notifications so your phone alerts you when the door opens or closes, which is useful if you want to know when someone else uses it. The app works on iOS and Android phones.

Free MyQ does not include video recording, person detection, or integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. If you want those features, you need MyQ Premium or you need to buy a separate device that adds them.

What MyQ Premium adds and what it costs

MyQ Premium adds video recording from a built-in camera (if your opener has one or if you buy a separate camera), person detection that tells you who is at your garage, and longer video storage. Premium also unlocks integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, so you can control your garage door by voice or through those platforms' apps.

The cost of MyQ Premium varies. Chamberlain typically charges a monthly subscription fee, but the exact amount depends on your region, which retailer you buy through, and whether you choose monthly or annual billing. Annual plans are usually cheaper per month than paying month-to-month. Check the MyQ app or Chamberlain's website for current pricing in your area, because rates change and differ by location.

Whether you need a separate MyQ device

If your garage door opener was made in the last several years by Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Craftsman, it may already have MyQ built in. You can check by looking for a MyQ logo on the opener itself or by trying to add your opener to the MyQ app — the app will tell you if it recognizes it.

If your opener is older or made by a different brand, you will need to buy a MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener, which is a separate device that attaches to your existing opener and connects it to the MyQ system. This device costs extra and is sold separately from the subscription. Once you have it installed, you can then use either the free or paid MyQ app.

How to set up MyQ and start using it

Download the MyQ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account with your email address and a password. Open the app and add your garage door opener — the app will walk you through connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network. This usually takes a few minutes.

Once your opener is connected, you can open and close the door from the app right away, even on the free plan. If you want to add Premium features, you can start a subscription from within the app. You can cancel Premium at any time, and your free access continues.

MyQ and other smart home systems

MyQ Premium works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. This means you can control your garage door by voice ("Alexa, open my garage door") or through those apps without opening MyQ itself. You will need to link your MyQ account to whichever smart home system you use, and you will need an active Premium subscription to unlock this feature.

If you do not have a smart home system or do not want to use one, the MyQ app alone is enough. The integration is optional and only useful if you already use Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit for other devices.

Common reasons people choose Premium or stick with free

People choose MyQ Premium mainly for video recording and person detection — knowing who opened your garage and when, and being able to watch video of the event. This matters most if you share garage access with family members, have contractors or delivery people using it, or want a record of activity for security reasons.

Many people stay on the free plan because they only need to open the door remotely when they forget their remote, or they want to check whether they left it open. For that use case, video and person detection add cost without adding value. The free version does everything those users need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use MyQ if I rent and don't own my garage door opener?

You can use MyQ if your landlord or property manager allows you to install the MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener device. If the opener is already compatible with MyQ, you can use the app without installing anything. Check your lease and ask your landlord before buying or installing any equipment.

What happens if I cancel MyQ Premium?

Your subscription ends and you lose access to video, person detection, and smart home integration. You keep the free MyQ app and can still open and close your door remotely and see its status. No equipment is removed or disabled.

Does MyQ work if my internet goes down?

No. MyQ requires an internet connection to your garage door opener and to your phone. If either loses internet, you cannot use the app. You can still use a physical remote or keypad to open the door if your opener has one.

Is there a contract or commitment period for MyQ Premium?

Most MyQ Premium subscriptions are month-to-month or annual, with no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime. Check the terms when you sign up, because some retailers or promotions may have different terms.

Can multiple people use MyQ on the same garage door?

Yes. You can invite other people to your MyQ account from within the app, and they can then control the door from their own phones. You control who has access and can remove people at any time.