Integrating Tolgo to HomeKit

Integrating My Garage Door Opener with HomeKit

Juho Torkkeli

Juho Torkkeli

6/1/2024 · 3 min read

Graphic showing the ToloGo logo transitioning into the Apple HomeKit icon with an arrow.

The Initial Setup

Upon moving into our new home, I was excited about integrating the garage door opener with my car for automatic opening. However, I was disappointed that this feature wasn’t available; instead, the system offered a dedicated app for operation. While the app allowed door control via a verified phone number, it felt cumbersome over time, especially with its numerous unnecessary features.

Seeking a Better Solution

After a few months, the inconvenience of using the app became apparent. I began exploring better solutions and even discussed possibilities with the system developers. Although they didn’t provide a direct answer, our conversation sparked an idea. A friend had implemented a system where calling from a virtual number would open his gate. I thought this concept could be adapted for my garage door.

Implementing the Call-Based System

To test this idea:

  1. Acquiring a Virtual Number: I purchased a virtual number from Twilio and registered it with the garage door system.

  2. Automating the Call: The challenge was to initiate a call automatically or via an Apple HomeKit button. To my surprise, I turned to Home Assistant, which had a Twilio integration. After some straightforward configurations, I could open the garage door by pressing a button in HomeKit.

Introducing Automation

The next goal was automatic opening upon arrival:

  1. Location-Based Automation: With the door integrated into Home Assistant, I set up a simple location-based automation to trigger the door when I entered a designated area. This worked well, but the door also opened when I arrived home on foot or by bicycle.

  2. Detecting Car Presence: To differentiate between modes of transport, I considered monitoring my phone’s Bluetooth status, as it connects to the car’s system. However, Home Assistant couldn’t identify specific Bluetooth connections. After some thought, I realized iOS Shortcuts could trigger automation upon connecting to specific Bluetooth devices. I created a Home Assistant helper switch controlled by this automation, ensuring the door opened only when arriving by car.

Refining the Solution

While satisfied with the setup, maintaining it incurred a cost, as the Twilio number is about €5/month. Although not exorbitant, I sought a free alternative, considering the app’s API. I contacted the system developers about accessing the API. They didn’t provide direct access but hinted that a developer could figure it out. After some experimentation, I accessed the API and developed a simple Flutter app with a single button to open the door. However, other projects took precedence, and this solution remains on hold.

Future Plans

Next, I plan to dive deeper into Home Assistant plugins. By leveraging the API, I aim to develop a plugin for free garage door control, benefiting others interested in similar integrations. For now, this project awaits future attention.