Tesla's myQ WiFi Garage Door Support, Its Cost, Features and How It Compares to HomeLink

By Nuno Cristovao
The myQ settings menu in a Tesla
The myQ settings menu in a Tesla
Not a Tesla App

In late 2022 Tesla added the ability to control your garage door over WiFi or cellular data through its myQ integration. For vehicles that do not include HomeLink, such as newer Model 3s and Model Ys, this is a great alternative to adding HomeLink to your vehicle, especially if your garage door already supports myQ.

Vehicles Supported

Almost all Teslas support myQ, which includes the Model 3, Model Y and the 2021+ Model S and Model X. Unfortunately, it currently does not support the legacy Model S and Model X, but support could be added at a later point.

Supported Regions

Tesla supports myQ integration in a wide variety of regions, but the feature is not available in every country. The list of supported countries includes the U.S. and Canada, although it leaves out other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. It's not clear why it's only available in some regions, but it could be due to where myQ currently supports their devices.

Supported Devices

Tesla's current myQ integration is exclusively for garage doors. Although myQ does support other devices such as gates in their app, Tesla's integration will not work with myQ cameras, lights or gates.

MyQ Hub

Newer garage door openers support myQ natively, but you can also add myQ to older garage door motors. The myQ hub works by connecting your garage door to the internet through the use of a wireless hub. The myQ hub is an affordable device that turns almost any garage door motor into a WiFi-capable garage door opener. The hub can be bought on Amazon for $30 or less.

Chamberlain's myQ hub turns your garage door opener into a Wi-Fi capable one
Chamberlain's myQ hub turns your garage door opener into a Wi-Fi capable one
myQ

Subscription Cost

Although myQ does not charge a fee to remotely open and close garage doors through their mobile app, they do charge to use myQ integration in a Tesla and other vehicles. This is a similar model to how some software it free to use on a computer, but requires a subscription on your mobile phone.

MyQ offers various price points depending on the length of time. They range from $45/year to a 10-year subscription for $299. MyQ also offers a 5-year plan for $179. Although the subscription cost is high, it is still cheaper than Tesla's $350 installation cost for HomeLink.

Unfortunately, for owners who already have a HomeLink module installed, paying for myQ doesn't make a lot of sense. However, there are some advantages to having myQ instead of HomeLink.

MyQ Settings

Tesla's myQ integration is very similar to HomeLink, and better in some ways. On the myQ settings screen, you have a list of supported devices running down the left side. On the right side, you'll see options about the device selected, such as its current state, and options such as auto-open, auto-close and auto-fold mirrors.

You'll be able to set or reset your garage door's location, which uses your vehicle's current GPS location. You'll want to set this when your vehicle is directly in front of your garage. You can also have your vehicle chime when the auto-open or auto-close feature is about to activate.

If you've used HomeLink before, this integration is very similar. Although the UI is slightly different, the features are almost the same as the ones offered through HomeLink.

Differences Between myQ and HomeLink

There are a few differences between myQ integration and HomeLink. Neither system is the clear winner, and the one that is right for you will depend on various factors.

Advantages of myQ

MyQ is a smarter system with additional sensors, so it offers a few advantages over the older HomeLink standard.

MyQ Fixes the Auto-Open Feature

During installation myQ has you add a sensor to each of your garage doors. This sensor lets myQ know whether your garage door is open or closed. Your Tesla will even display the state of the garage door, letting your check whether your garage is open or closed from anywhere in the world. Although myQ also keeps track of how long ago your garage door was opened or closed, this information does not show up in your Tesla.

Since myQ knows the state of your garage door, it can help prevent some issues that are seen in HomeLink. One of the biggest issues with HomeLink is due to it not knowing whether your garage door is already open. With myQ you will no longer arrive home when your garage door is opened, only to have your auto-open feature close the garage door on you. Since myQ knows the state of your garage door, it will only trigger the open and close commands when needed.

MyQ Works From Further Away

Another advantage of myQ is that it leverages your Tesla's internet connectivity. MyQ will send the signal to open or close your garage door over the internet, letting you open your garage door from anywhere in the world. However, the most practical advantage of using the internet to open your garage door is that you set your garage door to auto-open from much further away. This gives your garage door time to fully open before you arrive. MyQ does not require you to have Tesla's Premium Connectivity feature in order to use it.

Additional Devices

HomeLink has a hard limit of three devices. Although this is enough for most people, you may find yourself hitting the limit if you also have gates you may want to open or would like to program your Tesla to open the garage door at your parent's house. MyQ does not have a limit to the number of garage doors you can program, giving you additional flexibility. If your vehicle also supports HomeLink, this could free up some HomeLink presets, letting you use it for devices that myQ doesn't support.

Disadvantages of myQ

Although myQ is certainly the smarter garage door system, HomeLink does have some advantages over myQ as well, mainly around reliability and setup.

MyQ Subscription

HomeLink is free to use, so if your vehicle already has HomeLink integration, it could be the obvious choice. Nowadays many of us already have more monthly subscriptions than we'd like to, so myQ's subscription cost will certainly be a turnoff for some owners.

Requires Internet

Since myQ uses the internet to control your garage door, it could be less reliable than HomeLink. Not only is myQ relying on your vehicle's cellular connection, but it's also relying on your home's internet connection and the hub's connection to WiFi. If you live in an area with poor cellular reception, have a weak WiFi signal in your garage, or have frequent internet outages, HomeLink may be the more reliable system.

Hub Setup

If your garage door doesn't support myQ already, then you'll need to add a myQ hub. This requires an additional device and setup, whereas the HomeLink module works directly with your garage door. HomeLink is essentially an additional remote for your garage door that is built into your Tesla.

If you're adding a hub, myQ also requires you to mount a wireless sensor on your garage door. This sensor lets myQ know whether your garage door is opened or closed. MyQ also requires you to set up a myQ hub that will communicate with your home's network, your garage door and the wireless sensor.

The hub needs to be placed in your garage, although it does not require you to wire anything to your garage door motor or buttons. The hub only requires access to WiFi and a power outlet.

The myQ hub does various things. First, it's the device that will receive the signal over the internet to open your garage door. It will also communicate wirelessly with your myQ garage door sensor and your garage door motor. Although myQ's setup is painless, it does introduce additional points of failure that HomeLink simply doesn't have.

MyQ Signal Delay

MyQ will often introduce a delay when closing your garage door for additional safety. When you close your garage door you may often hear beeping and see the light on your myQ hub flash, alerting any bystanders that the garage door is about to close.

The delay between when you tap to close your garage door and when it starts to close is about 8 seconds. If you're leaving home and close the garage door from your car, it can often leave you wondering if the system is working. There is never a delay when opening your garage door using myQ.

Although myQ integration is well executed and provides some advantages over HomeLink, it does have a few drawbacks of its own. For owners who don't have a HomeLink module installed in their vehicles, it offers a more affordable and easier solution than adding HomeLink to their cars.

Tesla Launches AI Agent to Improve Tesla Service Communications

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

One of Tesla’s greatest weaknesses, as it has quickly become one of the world’s most ubiquitous cars on the planet has always been service. Escalating issues to managers and sometimes even reaching a Tesla Service employee can be a total coin flip, depending on your Service Center.

Tesla is continuing its push to integrate AI across its customer support channels in an effort to improve customer service. According to Raj Jegannathan, Tesla’s VP for IT, AI Infrastructure, Apps, Infosecurity, and Vehicle Service Operations (that’s a lot), Tesla is launching a pilot program for a new AI designed to improve customer interactions with Service.

This new initiative follows other recent AI deployments across Tesla’s customer-facing channels, including the personalized AI assistant within the Tesla App, the ability to ask questions to AI on Tesla’s website, and the biggest one, the new voice-based AI customer representative introduced for Tesla Insurance.

Proactive AI Support

At 10 pilot service locations, this new AI agent will begin working behind the scenes at Tesla Service, to help with customer communications. It will provide three key features:

Detect Communications Delays: The AI will actively monitor service interactions to identify potential delays in communication or progress. These are often a key pain point for customers who reach out to Tesla Service and don’t receive a response for several days, as Service has nothing new to add. The AI can now step in and let the customer know Tesla is still waiting on parts or something else.

Monitor Customer Sentiment: By monitoring the tone and content of the messages between the customer and Service agents, Tesla will be able to identify situations where a customer might be dissatisfied or facing difficulties.

Auto-Escalate: If either a communications delay or negative sentiment is detected, the AI can automatically escalate issues to human managers for review. This helps to address problems before customers need to seek escalation themselves or become upset about an issue.

Customer Escalation Requests

Alongside the new AI tool, Tesla is also introducing a more direct way for customers to get higher-level attention. According to Tesla, within the next two weeks, customers can simply type “Escalate” in order to have their issue routed directly to management.

Raj’s team is currently working on implementing guardrails to prevent abuse, but this will soon make its way to improving Tesla’s service offerings. We’re glad to see Tesla taking steps to identify and correct deficiencies in the process - it has always been a sore tooth for Tesla in the last few years.

Exclusive: A Look Inside the Tesla Diner [PHOTOS]

By Karan Singh
Thomas Adamian

Over at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Tesla’s stainless steel-clad retro diner is really coming together. Most recently, we saw the gigantic 45-foot LED screens for the outdoor theater come to life, but there’s been more going on inside than we originally knew about.

Now, thanks to photos shared with us by Thomas Adamian, who ventured over to the site, we have our very first look inside the nearly completed Tesla Diner.

While we knew the concept aimed for a retro-futuristic theme, blending a diner with Superchargers and a modern open-air theater, the initial stages of the interior are well beyond a mere nostalgia project.

Interior Explored

Inside, we’ve got a seamless blend of classic circular diner-style seating accompanied by distinctly modern lighting and fixtures. This definitely brings to life that modernist art-deco feel and feels right at home alongside Tesla’s Robovan, rather than a period set-piece.

The facility is still clearly under active construction in these images, with materials and equipment visible, but they provide the best and most detailed glimpse so far of what the indoor dining experience will look like.

Front Door / Diner Logo

The circular spaceship-like entrance
The circular spaceship-like entrance
Thomas Adamian

The circular entrance looks like something out of this world - and while we’re hoping the doors slide inside the walls, like a pocket door, they likely open in or out like a standard door.

This is also one of our first looks at the Tesla Diner sign, which hangs inside the doorway. The logo itself also has an art-deco look and feel. On the door, there’s also a sign confirming that the diner will be open 24/7.

Windows & Artwork

Shutters, Stealth Fighters, and Cybertrucks
Shutters, Stealth Fighters, and Cybertrucks
Thomas Adamian

Tesla really nailed the style with the windows and shutters, matching the diner’s vibe. In the background, you can also see the concept art for the Cybertruck. We hope Tesla includes artwork for other vehicles as well, as they help tell the Tesla story and give diners an inside look at the company.

Exterior Seating

The exterior seating
The exterior seating
Thomas Adamian

There’s also an exterior seating space, which seems to be in the early phases of being laid out. None of those pallets have been disassembled yet, but they likely have outdoor furniture, letting customers sit outside and enjoy a meal.

The Tesla Diner in Hollywood is shaping up to be much more than just a restaurant with chargers. It’ll have in-app functionality with the Tesla app and offer room for 200 diners inside, along with the ability to use a drive-in theater with in-car service. Tesla’s original plans also include rooftop seating, so there’s likely more to come once the construction phase continues.

The idea for a Tesla Diner began in 2023, when it was announced at Tesla’s Investor Day. While the diner has yet to open, it already seems like it’ll be an iconic establishment for the area. Amid recent brand turbulence tied to politics, this project has the potential to refresh Tesla’s image—offering a fun, memorable place to charge.

If there’s one thing we’re hoping for, it’s that the food matches the creativity of the design. Ideally, what Tesla is building in Hollywood becomes a blueprint for similar diners across North America—and eventually, the world.

With its unique concept and prime location, the Diner is poised to become a true LA landmark and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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