🔎 How to automate a garage door

Introduction

Being able to control the garage door is essential for any smart home! With this in mind, SONOFF developed the SONOFF MINI-D, a compact, easy-to-install module with Wi-Fi and compatibility with the new Matter protocol.

In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step through how to automate your garage door using the MINI-D, including a standard wiring setup.

What You´ll need?

• 1x SONOFF MINI-D
• Electric tools

How to install

In terms of installation, it’s quite simple.

With SONOFF MINI-D the user has two options to power up the module:

• By AC (Alternating  current) source
• By DC (Direct current) source

For this guide, we will use AC input source.

Power-up the module using the AC input source

1. 1. The Live (L) wire connects on terminal marked with letter "L".
   2. The Neutral (N) connects on terminal marked with letter "N".

As you can see by the image, the module is power with AC module using a live wire connected to L terminal, and neutral wire on terminal market with letter N.

Wires to control the garage door

For this step, you'll need two wires that will connect the MINI-D module to the garage door motor.

1. 1. Connect a wire from the COM terminal on the MINI-D to the COM terminal indicated on the garage door motor.
   2. Connect the second wire from the NC terminal of the MINI-D to the corresponding terminal on the garage door motor.

NOTE: The installation may vary depending on the motor, so always consult the garage door motor’s manual.

Pairing with eWelink app

After installation and powering up the module, it will automatically enter pairing mode. However, if it doesn’t, or if the timer expires, you can enter pairing mode again by simply pressing the button for 5 seconds until the LED starts blinking.

To add the MINI-D device to eWelink app follow these steps:

1. Click on the plus (+) button on top of the screen and select scan
   
   
   
   
2. Scan the QRCode on the back of the device
3. Follow the instruction on the screen

Once inside the app, you can control the gate using the button in the center of the screen. 

MINI-D settings

For proper garage door operation, you need to adjust some settings, such as Inching Settings and Switch Mode.

Inching function

The Inching function on SONOFF devices is used to automatically turn the relay on for a short period of time and then turn it off by itself — like an electrical "pulse." It's very useful for controlling devices that only need a quick command, such as:

• Electric locks

• Automatic gates

• Doorbells

• Remote reset buttons

To enable the inching setting options follow these steps

• Select the MINI-D that will be used on garage door and click on settings (3 dots).
  
  
• Find and open the "inching settings" option.
  
  
  
  
• Now, enable the inching setting, set the inching value to 0.5 and status "Auto-Off". After that, save the changes. 
  
  
  
  
  

Switch Mode

In the Switch Mode option, the user should select the mode that best fits their setup. Here, it's possible to choose the switch type: Pulse Mode, Edge Mode, or Following Mode. The selected option will determine how the external switch behaves.

You can choose from three options in Mode menu.

• Pulse Mode allows you to control devices with a short-duration action, meaning the device performs an action only while the switch is pressed. When you press the switch, the device performs an action (like turning on or off), but as soon as you release the switch, the action is undone. Pulse Mode is useful in situations where you need temporary or momentary control, without the device staying on or off after pressing the switch

  • Garage door switch: When you press the switch, the device (like a garage door opener) performs the action of opening or closing, but as soon as you release the button, the movement stops.

• Edge Mode: the relay toggles its state (ON/OFF) every time the external switch changes position — regardless of whether the switch is currently in the ON or OFF state.

This mode uses signal edge detection, meaning it reacts to both:

• • a falling edge (when the switch goes from open to closed)

  • and a rising edge (when the switch goes from closed to open)

• Following Mode: the relay status mirrors the physical state of the connected external switch. This creates a direct and synchronous relationship between the switch and the device, meaning the smart relay will always follow the manual switch's current state:

  • When the external switch is ON (closed) → the relay turns ON

  • When the external switch is OFF (open) → the relay turns OFF

Conclusion

With the SONOFF MINI-D, automating your garage door becomes a simple, affordable, and efficient task. By following this guide, you’ve successfully connected the device to your Wi-Fi network, configured it in the app, and ensured reliable and secure remote control of your garage door.

This solution not only adds convenience to your daily routine but also contributes to a smarter home tailored to your lifestyle.

If you're looking to expand your smart home setup, the SONOFF MINI-D is compatible with various ecosystems and can be easily integrated with other devices to create customized automation scenarios.