I made ALL my Blinds SMART! (2023 update!)

[@sfchipster]

Thanks for all your hard work on here. Never miss an episode or live stream. The community really appreciates you!

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@williammartinez8381]

Shane, thanks for all the great you give us each week. This is a project that I have been planning for a while now but my wife has always been hesitant to make our shades Smart until today. She really loved your video and saw how beautiful they look after you installed them. Thank you for helping me convince my wife and doing this project. Continue the great work you always do each week. I look forward to what comes next!!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey William, that great! I'm glad the video helped! Thank you both for watching! 🙏🏼

[@xaviera8761]

@@ShaneCreates have you had issues recently with Siri? I’ve asked her to open living room blinds which is yet in total and she only will open one. Seems to not be sending commands to both however it will show opening in homekit but never does.

[@Polkster13]

A great and thorough video. I really like the way you cover the little gotchas instead of just saying how great they are.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thank you Frederick! 🙏🏻

[@treyprewitt7085]

Great video. Definitely something I want in my smart home sooner than later.

[@m.j.r.technologyreveiws1075]

Great detailed review! The solar charging ability is an awesome plus for those high-up windows!

[@badsomething]

Just ordered 7 off Amazon clicking through on your link. Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

🙏🏼 Thanks for the support! I hope you enjoy them!

[@badsomething]

@@ShaneCreates that next day shipping does wonders. Got the 7 installed downstairs and it was super easy but they are slightly an eye sore since my blinds are not white. I need to look into painting them

[@Mourad1EL]

Was looking for somthing exactly like this, and your video pointed me at the right direction, thank you 👍

[@ShaneCreates]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@brianminton6461]

I literally just set up mine yesterday, thanks for the video Shane

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@uniqueflh2941]

This video is great. It just so happens I have six (6) Tilt devices that, literally (not even joking), got delivered while I'm watching this. They'll be added as Groups to an exiting Group of 3 Tilts I currently have in my Dining Room. Having Automated control of blinds makes things VERY nice around the house. Thanks, as always, for the content. Good stuff.

[@ShaneCreates]

Hey that’s awesome!! I actually just order a few more last night to install for a friend soon. I agree…automating the blinds might be one of my top 3 favorite automations in the house!

[@MrDawg]

When you calibrate the blinds could you set 100% open to be closed up then 50% would be fully open horizontal?

[@fangtimothy5655]

Thanks for the great review. Is there any solution for HomeKit that can not only tilt but also control up and down through home app and Siri ?

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

Very nice! We’re actually filming a switchbot tour at a viewers home here in MN next week. Good to know about the tilt mechanisms for corded style blinds

[@blakewillard7922]

I just bought my first Switchbot blind tilt and put it in Apple Home through matter. I love it! Does Switchbot tell you how far away it can be from the hub and still work over Bluetooth? Thanks!

[@TheSlowpC]

Thank you. Been wondering about doing mine but had the pull ones like you had there and now I know!

[@CreativeKolia]

awesome Shane!!! need this at home!!

[@ShaneCreates]

Agreed!! 😃

[@Aether-Entropy]

Hi Shane, this is great, my wife and I are looking for exactly something like this! However, we need to replace our blind first. Which ones did you wind up going with?

[@lifeguardfl101]

Great review! I have some of mine closing up via HomeKit. I accomplished this by running the calibration again in the SwitchBot app for each of the blinds I wanted to close up. When the calibration starts off saying to close the blinds down, I closed up instead and followed the process from there. Been working perfectly for a few weeks now.

[@mrtsb3061]

Hi Shane, great videos !!! quick question re the Switchbot Blind Tilt - In your video the Wife (of course) noticed that the units hang off center, is this the weight of the unit making it hang down at an angle or does it need slight adjustment. Or is this just something one must live with? Thanks in advance Mike

[@sfchipster]

Hey Shane. Great video as always! In regards to the way HomeKit portrays the blind position, I have experienced the same thing with the Lutron Serena Wood blinds throughout my place. The Lutron app will show 50% as open whereas the Home app will show 100% as open. If you go beyond the open mark in HomeKit it does get a little confused. Lutron Wood Blinds have never been advertised as HomeKit compatible although they do show up in HomeKit as a bonus. The Lutron Shades work exactly as prescribed as they are advertised as HomeKit compatible and obviously a different animal. I always thought the Lutron Wood Blinds positioning issue was just a side effect of them not being 100% HomeKit compatible but after seeing your video it appears it may be an Apple thing in general and has been an issue since I had the blinds installed close to a year ago. Hopefully one day they’ll get it fixed. For this I do find it easier to use the Lutron app for basic scheduling as they have a light optimization feature for the wood blinds that works really well. For more advanced scheduling for the blinds and shades I use the home app.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience. I haven't used the Lutron wood blinds yet personally, so it's good to hear. I'm sure they're really nice, like all the other Lutron stuff.

[@Delyn]

Another banger. I currently have one in my office and love the set it and forget it scheduling and using it in automations. Mine however, did not pass the wife approval test, so looks like I’m stuck with the one for now 😂

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Delyn! Yea having them open and close every day without any input is awesome. We have a lot of blinds that I would have to open and close one by one every day. These automations make me very happy. Guess I’m lucky they passed the wife approval test in my house.

[@johnosstyn8690]

Nice review Shane. I wonder if you can close the blinds up in HomeKit if you calibrated them backwards ?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! I don't see why that wouldn't work. I have not tried it personally though.

[@scotttuttle4705]

Hey Shane. I wondered if you might have a solution for this. Installed tilt blinds. They are calibrated good in SwitchBot but in HomeKit they only open to about 90% when they should be fully open and conversely on the close side. Any ideas how to fix that? Thanks for any help!!

[@om1701d]

Any updates with the tilt homekit integration? Like opening 50%, quiet function, up/down

[@dennisdelorme]

I purchased 3 they are all on same window wall. Had to run a few times to get them to open fully at same level. But % is slightly different for each. As long as you save the settings when you select fully open they are all equal and flat. Just got Hub 2 turned on Matter added natively to HomeKit, not as good as Homebridge SwitchBot Plug-in for now.

[@1hondaluver]

Great video. I would install these. When I was thinking about smart blinds, I considered something like this, but my Venetian blinds really needed to be replaced, so I decided to go with Ikea smart cellular shades. I have had them for 6 months and they have been excellent. I am still trying to find a smart solution for the blinds that I have over the side light windows at my front door. They have a little slider on the side that you use to open them. I would love to find a smart device that could open/close those.

[@jack5mikemotown]

workaround, but if you only want to close them up and not down, you can recalibrate them in the switchbot app but do the instructions in reverse. when it says to close your blinds down, close them up, and vice versa for down. close down should then close up, etc

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Is it possible to use those for roller shades? As in attach it to the tube on one of the sides and use the same turning motion.

[@D3codes]

What would happen if you configured the blinds in the switchbot app to recognize closed up as open? Then in HomeKit you could theoretically open the blinds to 50% for full open and 100% for closed up?

[@ShaneCreates]

Hmm interesting idea. Hadn’t thought about that. Might try it out and see what happens. Thanks for the idea.

[@tharais]

True but, you'd loose the close down capability?

[@jeffhoward6497]

Or can you do 0% for fully closed down, 100% for fully closed up, then full open is at 50%?

[@megajoel]

Thanks for the video! I’m still on the fence. I don’t love the look of the Blind Tilt devices.

[@D3codes]

So these connect to the hub over bluetooth? How is the range and reliability? I've been waiting for a native HomeKit smart blinds solution for my house, but the device limit makes it an immediate no go for me. I'm gonna need way more than 6, even if I grouped them all together.

[@ShaneCreates]

Yea they connect via Bluetooth but range has been quite good in my house. Not a very big house, but I’ve had the hub upstairs in a separate room, basically opposite side of the house with no connection issues.

[@Dr_Cole]

Great video with all of the details, Shane. I have three sets of blinds in my home office and have been considering converting to a Home compatible set. Seeing all of the details you undertook was very helpful, as I now know I will be hiring someone to do this for me! The only concern I have is the weight of the blinds. They are all real wood which gives them some heft, though the windows are not massive (maybe 6’x4’). Have you seen any stated limits on the weight limits for the SB motors?

[@ShaneCreates]

I'm glad the video was helpful. I haven't seen any weight restrictions, only width. They state blinds up to 3 meters wide can still be used, which is pretty big and I'd imagine quite heavy.

[@gp5173]

Shane, have there been any FW updates since this video ? The tilting up issue and more importantly the number of tilts (think you said 6 max) that can be associated with 1 hub, have those been fixed / addressed yet ? Thanks

[@Grantham86]

Any update on it the HomeKit issue with the blinds not closing in the upward position?

[@FlyingFlynn95]

Is this better than the soma tilt 2 with soma connect?

[@technithusiast]

Great info as usual!

[@sneymom]

Any recommended solution for Roman shades? Corded or cordless?

[@cazbantu4233]

I like these but I can’t get my Apple home hit to work, do I need to buy an Apple hub?

[@brugle1973]

Hello. I am trying to create an automation with Fridge door sensor - alert if open for 1 or 2 mins, and that Siri says that the fridge is open and the temperature is x degrees. Do you know how this can be done

[@cheapme1850]

This might be one of those smart home products that works pretty well on its on. My main concern with my blinds is that in fall and winter, it’s gets dark so early that I’d be out and the blinds would be wide open. I got one without the hub and using the associated app to set up just simple routine open/close times, it’s been perfect. Honestly, how many times a day do you really need to open and close blinds? I also bought the cheap remote because I didn’t realize I could still twist the rod manually.

[@warpony123]

Bro your comment makes no sense.

[@cheapme1850]

@@warpony123 Only to you.

[@djnemesisdjnemesis]

Is there an option for vertical blinds on a sliding door that does not have the rope open or close. It has a push rod to open.

[@yheard5807]

Do you know of a motorized system for vertical blinds?

[@Dan-xj9vd]

Hey Shane, after I watched your review of the new Switchbot hub2 a few weeks ago, I ran to buy the Switchbot tilt blinb for my blinds and windows. Works great and happy to finally have it functional in Homekit. The only issue I discovered with Homekit is 25% or 75% is the same opening position wich is a bit annoying when you need to control the blinds according the position of the sun. Maybe a bug to be corrected with Homekit like you said for the close up position. Great video and well detailled.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks Dan!!

[@warpony123]

The product is great I just wish it had a feature that opened up blinds rather than twisting. I have it for my blackout curtains

[@tharais]

Shane: Like you, we have a house with many, many windows and blinds. And, I spend way too much time opening and closing some 20+ of them every day. These SwitchBots appear to be a perfect answer. I'm ready to throw down the cash and get moving. A couple of questions: 1) The front face of the headrails on many of my blinds is not flat. It is slightly rounded. (HD Cordless Room Darkening 2.5 in. Premium Faux Wood blinds). Do you think that this will prohibit attaching the SwitchBot bracket to the face of the headrail? 2) All our blinds are inside mounted like the ones you show, with the factory valances attached using the provided valance clips that came with them. This leaves only a finger's width gap between the face of the headrail and backside of the valance. How much space does the SwitchBot mount require? (I'm guessing I can replace the valances and mount them differently if I have to.) And finally, I'll add this comment: Blind automation can enhance security when one leaves home. In fact, the first thing the burglars did when they forced entry was close all the blinds tight so outsiders could not see them ransacking our house! Take it from someone who's home has been burglarized twice and talked with a few cops and security pros. Blinds or draperies shut tight all the time are an indicator of the residents being away. Being able to have the blinds open in the morning and close at night on an automation when we aren't home can act as a deterrent. Or, at least give them pause about hitting the place.

[@gaillehmann7198]

I bought one and love the info

[@JamesPhilippi-q5y]

Hey Shane, Can you recalibrate your blinds so that closed is closed, full open is 50%, and finally closed up is 100% open. You just have to remember to use 50% for full open, and 100% for close upward. Please let me know if that works out. Great videos.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks James! Yes, that is a reasonable solution. I may give it a try!

[@MattWilson02]

Only closing down in HomeKit might be a dealbreaker. During calibration could you just make switchbot believe up is down and down is up? Only 6 matter devices kind of sucks. The group workaround may do the trick.

[@doxdoomsday4948]

Any suggestions on a HomeKit plug and play IR blaster?

[@ShaneCreates]

None that support homekit natively. Only Homebridge. There are some that support Siri Shortcuts, like the Switchbot Hub 2, but not homekit.

[@Hedrakk1]

Could you setup your limits so at, let say 0% they are fully down and at 100% they would be fully up. Then you would have a way to control if you want them closed down or up. And when you want to have them “open” horizontally, you just set them at 50%

[@glukoagkalitsas]

how about roller blinds? any suggestions

[@ShaneCreates]

Lutron Serena are my favorite, but very expensive. Next are Eve MotionBlinds and Smart Wings. Both are high quality, customizable, but not as expensive as Lutron.

[@Jonathan-pz3zb]

The “SwitchBot Hub Mini” says it has “Siri Shortcuts” on the box. Has anyone tested this, or do I still need Hub 2 for HomeKit?

[@ShaneCreates]

"Siri Shortcuts" and "Works with HomeKit" are two different things. Siri Shortcuts works with both the SwitchBot Hub mini as well as the new Hub 2. But for native HomeKit/Matter support, you will need the SwitchBot Hub 2.

[@dhurogizta]

I want these❤❤

[@compudude]

These look great! I just wish there was a way to do this with plain up+down honeycomb shades, since we don't have venetian blinds. Lutron Serena would be a great option, but holy cow those are pricey. Our windows are too big (and non-standard sizes) for the cheap Ikea route, so I'm still stuck raising and lowering shades by hand like a savage, in my otherwise fairly smart home. :(

[@ShaneCreates]

Have you checked out the Eve Motion Blinds? I consider them a good "mid-level" option. About half the cost of most Lutron Shades, but still very customizable unlike the Ikea options. Eve also offers the roller shade upgrade kit now... not sure if they would be compatible with your existing shades.

[@compudude]

@@ShaneCreates I have looked, thanks. I checked out their site based on your earlier review of them. Promising, but not yet an option. They seem nice, but unfortunately they're still fairly pricey compared to easy solutions like this SwitchBot stuff, or the cheap Ikea options, but not as customizable as the Lutron. Here's hoping they bring more options!

[@theycallmemk123able]

@@compudude aqara e1 roller shade driver seems promising, though not available in US

[@Bigglare]

Well if Amazon and google supported Matter Bridges...but there's the normal cloud api for those. Welcome to the Matter-verse!

[@cazbantu4233]

I hope this new hub 2 works.

[@charleswilliamson85]

These things don’t work well in HomeKit. Maybe its the lousy connectivity of the Hub2, but their operation is bad in my home. The Home app doesn’t control them reliably, automations aren’t reliable and Home doesn’t correctly show me what their position is. I’ve moved the Hub2 to within 6’ of the units, which helps, but not enough to make Home my controller of choice for them. Also, there is too much beta in their app to make it a good experience. I’ve got lots of automation using hubs in my home which work very well. This one’s not ready.

[@ShaneCreates]

PURCHASE THE SWITCHBOT BLIND TILT ► geni.us/SB_Blind Get 10% off with Code: *10SBSHANE* Effective 2023/4/29 - 2023/5/31 Can be use on Web store US/UK and Amazon US/UK Follow me on Social Media for more smart home content! ► Instagram - instagram.com/shanecreates ► Twitter - twitter.com/shanecreates ► TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@shanecreates ► Website: shanewhatley.com​

[@timmy8784]

Unfortunately I reached out to SwitchBot and they confirmed that there is no option to close up and here is their response “HI, i just confirmed with our team, and currently we don't have plan for this, thanks for your understanding.” No close up even being worked on ☹️

[@tharais]

Too bad. I close my blinds up sometimes. For two reasons: First, I've found that by cycling the mechanism to full stop in both directions like that, it remains functional and moves with ease. Whereas, when it just gets closed down all the time, I start encountering a "stiffness: in the opening and closing operation. Second: For windows (and doors with glass) that are at eye level, a partial close upward allows some light but blocks a person outside from being able to scan large areas of my rooms. They can only drop to their knees and see up to the ceiling vs seeing the Christmas presents under the tree. 🙂

[@timothymason5545]

I wish I could automate mine. But the issue is they are ones that you just pull or push up.

[@phuckinggraphicdripdotcom]

some smart blinds have night and day automations you can make biased on light received by the solar panel, why hasn't anyone invented a hub that will talk to all devices and determines their actions through out the day biased on weather, sunlight, motion, presence? "the ultimate trigger device" If i was a company that had those means I'd be the richest one.

[@ericritter2257]

Hey Shane - any recommendation for roller blinds?

[@ShaneCreates]

Lutron Serena is my favorite, but very expensive. Eve MotionBlinds are a good mid-level that's still great quality, customizable and not as expensive. Those are my favorites that I've tried so far.

[@BMar1andonly]

I’ve always seen “shades” as cheap (the flat fabric roll up blinds) and “blinds” look much better (the one featured in this video). However I don’t want to look through slits all day. Find me away to open and close the blinds by moving it up and down completely I don’t need it to twist the wand.

[@warpony123]

EXACTLY WHAT I WANT. I have Switchbot for the blackout curtains in my rooms and it’s good, but I really want a way to open and close my blinds not tilting them open.

[@8Arachne8]

Hopefully those few peculiarities get worked out. Might get these before the Texas summer moves into full death mode.

[@ShaneCreates]

Full death mode 🤣🤣 I hear that. We have our own version of that during summertime here in SC.

[@parkermoore5981]

Bought two of these and they both popped out after a day of use. 3M tape is crap. Mechanism is decent but unless you have a perfectly straight rod it will move the entire mechanism. It’s a cheap product. Lasted me a week before I ripped it off my blinds.

[@That_Black_Menace]

3m tape is literally the best money can buy. Sounds like you didn't clean or install it properly or otherwise are an idiot who set it up wrong

[@nicholas790]

No Vertical blinds allowed? What with that plus another hub? No thanks, I'll pass! Eventually there will be a native Homekit blind controller that doesn't require a hub...I'll wait for that day.

[@The_tedinator]

First here

[@SamMott16]

These things don’t work for shit. It just twisted the entire thing until it almost broke my blind and the adhesive just came off.

[@ShaneCreates]

Still working for me almost a year later. Just bought two more for some other windows.

[@mikebob4195]

What about those that have the ropes instead of the bar for tilting their blinds, any work around it?

[@ShaneCreates]

See 3:06

[@mikebob4195]

@@ShaneCreates Thank you