Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers

2026-01-23T03:03:19Z

Justaskier155: Finished page

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Chamberlain Group
|StartDate=2023-11
|EndDate=2024-03
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Cloud, Privacy, Ownership
|Description=Chamberlain Group removed third party API access to new and existing garage door openers (forcing cloud connection and data collection).
}}
"If companies can modify internet-connected products and charge subscriptions after people have already purchased them, what does it mean to own anything anymore?" - The New York Times

==Background==
In late 2023, Chamberlain removed third party API access of their garage door openers. Their official reason was that third party applications were creating a DDoS-like strain on their servers. However, this is likely not the real reason behind the removal, because this strain can be mitigated by enabling local access, and there was a sudden increase in data collection and ads on the app after this happened.

==Removal of API access==
Chamberlain now requires subscriptions for features such as opening your garage door from your car. They get payments from partners and also have targetive ads on the app. They also collect your personal data and share it with their affiliates. Removal of API access also breaks any third party ways to get around this, meaning if you want any of their promised cloud features, you must use their MyQ system.

==Consumer response==

Consumers have severely rejected this. There are alternatives available that bring back this local control and get around the app (albeit in a complicated way). One example is RATGDO, a microcontroller developed by Paul Wieland, that takes back control of your garage door opener. There are also other options made by companies such as Meross, that achieve similar goals.

You can read the New York Times article linked in the references for more info.
==References==
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/technology/personaltech/why-one-man-is-fighting-for-our-right-to-control-our-garage-door-openers.html?searchResultPosition=1

Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers

2026-01-23T01:47:15Z

Justaskier155:

Chamberlain removes API access from new and existing garage door openers

2026-01-23T01:16:31Z

Justaskier155: Created page with "{{IncidentCargo |Company=Chamberlain Group |StartDate=2023-11 |EndDate=2024-03 |Status=Active |ArticleType=Product |Type=Cloud, Privacy, Ownership |Description=Chamberlain Group removed third party API access to new and existing garage door openers (forcing cloud connection and data collection). }} {{Ph-I-Int}} ==Background== {{Ph-I-B}} ==[Incident]== {{Ph-I-I}} ===[Company]'s response=== {{Ph-I-ComR}} ==Lawsuit== {{Ph-I-L}} ==Consumer response== {{..."