If your house is full of smart speakers and app-controlled lights, it makes sense to bring the gate into it too. "Alexa, open the gate" is very doable – with a couple of sensible precautions.
What you need
- A working gate automation system with a control board that accepts an external input.
- A smart module – Wi-Fi or GSM – wired into the control board. This is what lets the gate talk to an app.
- The module's app on your phone.
- Optional: linking that app to Alexa, Google Home or another smart home system.
Some video intercoms have their own apps that can open the gate too.
Wi-Fi, GSM or something else?
| Wi-Fi module | GSM module | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | Good Wi-Fi at the gate | Mobile signal at the gate |
| Ongoing cost | None | A SIM plan |
| Works in a broadband outage | No | Yes |
| Smart speaker integration | Often supported | Depends on the system |
Some people also use Z-Wave or Zigbee smart home hubs. These can work, but the gate side still needs a compatible module, and I'd only recommend it if you're already set up with one of those systems.
Safety first
Opening or closing a gate you can't see is a safety question. Before adding remote or voice control:
- the gate's photocells and safety edges must be working and correctly set up
- think about whether you really want to close the gate remotely, or only open it
- consider adding a camera so you can see the gate from the app
- make sure children can't trigger the gate by talking to a smart speaker
Security
- use strong passwords and two-factor login where the app offers it
- keep firmware and apps updated
- don't share your main login – give people their own access
Fitting it
Wiring a module into the control board means working inside the gate's electrics and safety circuits, so it should be done by an engineer. I'll fit it, check it's compatible, set up the app with you and make sure the gate's safety devices are working properly.
Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
Can Alexa open my electric gate?
Yes, with a compatible smart module linked to Alexa.
Will smart control work if the internet is down?
Wi-Fi systems won't. GSM systems use the mobile network, so they keep working.
Can I see whether my gate is open from the app?
Many modules show the gate's status if they're wired to a position sensor.