Ikea smart blinds review - In depth look at the FYRTUR blinds & KADRILJ shades

Following the hands on first impressions of the FYRTUR blackout blinds video. I now take a look at the KADRILJ shades along with the FYRTUR blackout blinds. The blinds are available in most places across Europe and with the launch in the US is only days away. The review features various blinds paired together working with the Tradfri gateway and Ikea Home Smart app.
These eagerly awaited blinds are finally shipping in Europe and should hit the US by October.
So watch the video to find out if my first impressions have changed for these affordable smart blinds.
Written version of the review: www.activejr.c...
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#Ikea #Smartblinds #Smarthome

[@JRsReviews]

Checkout my other Channel - dedicated to everything HomeKit and smart Home - kzbin.info/door/Q7BOezizWbaS_ZFgThlO4g

[@JRsReviews]

Full written review here: www.activejr.com/ikea-smart-blinds-review-in-depth-fyrtur-kadrilj-blinds/

[@keithfriedlander7699]

Excellent comprehensive review. You clearly are a smart home enthusiast and your information seems quite trustworthy. Thank you.

[@JRsReviews]

Thank you for watching

[@PerMejdal]

You don't need two groups for your living room. A room can have both lights and blinds by using this trick: Setup blinds as normal. Add a new light-remote to the blinds group. Use the new remote to adds lights.

[@JRsReviews]

thanks for pointing this out. One question though... does this mean you cannot use the open/close remote?

[@JRsReviews]

Also, what happens if you use that remote with the lights, would they interact with the blinds?

[@UCRLifeLongLearner]

Hoping Alexa can be offered soon. I’ll hold off till then. Thanks for your reviews

[@martincarlberg9671]

5:10 - How is it possible to get them so uneven, one of them must been put on wrong?

[@andreasmyklebst]

Great review! I’ve also been having a lot of trouble adding the blinds to the IKEA home smart app. I keep getting the «Your device could not be added» pop-up. Any tips?

[@JRsReviews]

Unfortunately the only solution is to reset everything and start again. I was wasted time and effort trying to get past this

[@Giruno56]

Try replacing the battery of the remote or changing it

[@dotnetdevni]

I don’t see them on the U.K. site have they be taking off the market ?

[@daniel_s]

Can you attach the blinds to a door not on the wall?

[@TheYooToob2000]

It seems the shades could be a bit wider on the roller thus not letting as much light in on the sides. Is there something blocking the shade from being wider?

[@JRsReviews]

TheYooToob2000 just the material width

[@rysons]

Could I use all the extra remotes to pair the Trådfri Bulbs? That way I wouldn’t need to buy any of the other steering devices.

[@JRsReviews]

I have not tried, but in theory yes. However not sure how they would work though

[@caretaker962]

Great review thank you I have just purchased my first blinds and intend getting more. Can I use just one repeater for multiple blinds? Many thanks

[@JRsReviews]

Each repeater will support 10 blinds

[@cassio2999]

Hi anyone know off a hack were you can change the curtain to another one in another collor

[@e.schafer6121]

Is the HomeKit and Alexa Support now there?

[@hometheatereman5755]

Yes its available now.

[@e.schafer6121]

@@hometheatereman5755 thanks

[@theleftist]

We have the FFYRTUR blackout available us but not the Kadrilj shades . Which came first? I really want non blackout for my home in the US

[@JRsReviews]

Not available in the US, maybe later in 2020.

[@black_n_blue_2ss]

Nice review. I noticed the blinds fit very well above the couch, can they be made to fit? Not by ikea obviously, but could I do it myself?

[@JRsReviews]

It just happens they are the right size for that window. I do nothing to alter them

[@inderjitwassi1420]

Hi ActiveJR. Any tips on how to attach to a metal lintel? How to drill into it and then will the screw get a thread to get a purchase onto? Thanks for the vid btw. I have the same type of bifolds setup and want to install similar to your vid. Thanks

[@JRsReviews]

I would use some self drilling steel screws and a power drill.

[@TheAlikkio]

Since it’s the same protocol, can these be paired with the Philips Hue hub instead?

[@JRsReviews]

Some have said they have success doing it. I tried it and it didnt work

[@Silverwing_99]

Really superb review I absolutely found this so helpful. Like yourself I’m a gadget addict and after purchasing a new apartment, upgraded the lights to Phillips and added several smart sockets from ilea. I fully agree the tradfri system and the way u have to pair to a remote and then gateway is flawed and often has issues. I’ve had to reset everything a couple of times. As for my issue my current setup is as below: www.evernote.com/shard/s92/sh/18db3668-1e5b-4be7-a5cc-0b89f2d2f603/82a1c78394e6d2263442bc796a59aa7f My living room window/patio door is 240cm in length and will comfortably fit 140 and 100cm Ikea blinds. However As there is a patio door which opens inwards, it means I can’t fix the lkea blinds to the Frame as it would obstruct the patio door opening . Second issue is my window is 220 too to bottom, but the blinds being 195cm will come down to the base panel which would only leave a 0.3mm gap which I can live with. Finally. As per issue one, could I get a wooden beam and then attach the blinds bracket. Any suggestions on what I can get a frame to mount the Ikea blinds too would be much appreciated

[@JRsReviews]

Glad you found it useful. You may also like this video from my other channel on HomeKit support kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4LZp62cqr6AZrc

[@Bcori]

You can use hanging strips

[@franky8939]

How can you open the terrace doors with these blinds? Can you show it?

[@JRsReviews]

Yes you can, either with the open or closed. The doors and blinds are independent

[@kurtcarlton7544]

Do they work with SmartThings?

[@JRsReviews]

I have heard they do

[@graffmixer]

I asked this question on another video....They said yes!!!

[@schucker88]

Haven't even watched the full video yet but from the initial set of 'b-roll' raising and lowering and some of the camera still images - these look and operate almost exactly as expected, very cheaply.

[@JRsReviews]

Don’t look overly cheap. But operate because of the software on the cheap side

[@nzengin]

Apple HomeKit 🧐

[@JRsReviews]

Missing in action

[@Zaynt87]

Really "ands on" review

[@jasonstar9825]

Zaynt87 what you on about??

[@ObsessedN]

7:00 exactly, add blinds to an existing room?

[@myHomeKithome]

Great review! The delay in HomeKit support really makes me wonder what it is about the product category that is so difficult for developers to work out.

[@JRsReviews]

I suspect its down to the certification required and the software being so flacky

[@carpii]

I read that every homekit device has to include a chip which has to be purchased from Apple. Its used for MFi encryption and security. Would add a lot to manufacturing cost

[@Silverwing_99]

carpii I don’t think that’s fully true as the Ikea lights work and HomeKit integration came later Also wasn’t mifi to do with Apple charging and connectivity

[@carpii]

SuperJohnnyuk - MFi is Apples certification programme, different from MiFi. It turns out the encryption chip requirement was true at one point, but they abandoned it in 2017... www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/04/apple_drops_homekit_chip_requirement/

[@xoxcxsxm]

How were you able to cover the whole floor to ceiling french door when the max drop is only 195 ??

[@JRsReviews]

The drop was not a problem as the blind is fitted under the reveal

[@francescopulvirenti4099]

JR's Reviews what do u mean?

[@shakeynineteen-sixtyfour1559]

Great well-rounded review. Thanks for sharing!

[@JRsReviews]

Sorry, I thought I replied to say thank you for watching!

[@comeingaming1997]

Hello! Can you please make a video on how to pair the blinds to the phone/app. I am really struggling to get these blinds on the Ikea home smart app. Thank you🤓😫

[@dragonediver]

Great informational video. Do you know of anyone who replaced the original shade witb a longer shade?

[@antonbrevini]

I have a really small distance between the ceiling and the window, can you please tell me how thick is the unit when the blinds are completely upwards? Nice video by the way, I've learnt a lot

[@JRsReviews]

I would allow for about 10cm, this also includes the space for the mounting bracket.

[@abbofun9022]

Good review, thanks. A few questions though, how many full up-and-downs does one get out of a full battery charge? Have you experienced dropped or unstable connections? Have had quite some trouble with Ikea smart plugs, not looking forward to repeat that.

[@JRsReviews]

Once I got them connected I have experienced one of the blinds dropping out. Charge times is about 4 months based on one up and down per day. I have had 2 months so far

[@abbofun9022]

Active JR , thanks, that’s not too bad indeed.

[@JRsReviews]

Let me know how you get on if you buy them?

[@guspaz]

Am I the only one for whom none of the blind widths work? Every single window in my home needs narrower or wider than they make, or something in between. For example, in my office, I'd either need a 38" + 19" or 57" (they don't make 19" or 57"). In my living room, I'd need either a 45" + 20" or 65" (they don't make any of those three). The same is true for all other windows in the home.

[@mstaines]

Great review, thanks for sharing...subbed your channel

[@JRsReviews]

Thank you Mick, glad you enjoyed watching

[@peternystrom921]

Great review, but tbh it seems to suck ASS. Bad Software, to much shitty hardware left over etc. I hope they can sort Trådfri out. Even now almout a year later it dosnt seems to be worth it.

[@shaza4586]

How much bigger are the aluminium brackets than the blinds. Eg if the blind itself is 80cm how much big is the actual aluminium frame? I have a tight space and want to know if I can fit them in. Thanks

[@kimhammerum132]

Description is on the IKEA page. Can't remember the numbers though. I just got two of them and I absolutely luv them. Good luck!

[@jaybreisacher7836]

Ah man, killer review! You are easy to understand, logical order, and great points. Subscribed!

[@JRsReviews]

Thanks. If you are into HomeKit and smart home then this channel is dedicated I run - kzbin.info

[@ProjectBiehlmeister]

It would be great to hear the blinds in operation and measure the dB level. Also, how many up/down cycles do the batteries last / how often do they need to be recharged?

[@JRsReviews]

They go up and down every day and I have had them for a month and still ok for battery (I think)

[@ProjectBiehlmeister]

@@JRsReviews Can you see % battery remaining? It would be nice to know how often they will need to be recharged.

[@thappy0987]

Thanks a lot for very good review and sharing experiences. Looking forward to hear more

[@JRsReviews]

Thank you for watching, really appreciate it

[@SkywereProductions]

So an Ikea Gateway is not needed to control the blinds with the app and or google home?

[@JRsReviews]

You need a Gateway to control them with the app and Google Home

[@garrypresnall8474]

Got my blackout blind last week, took me 10 minutes to set the gateway up using the Ikea app and synchronising the remote to everything, guess I was lucky. I did read somewhere that to add the remote to the gateway, make sure the remote is very close to the top of the gateway. I did note that the software update for the blind took a long long time but just be patient and it will update itself in the end. Using Google Assistant no problems as yet.

[@hometheatereman5755]

Wish they sold the kadrilj in the US. I have the blackout version for the hallway stairs ,but want the solar shade kadrilj version for my family room. 😪

[@Andrea_Lucchetti]

i have a window-door that opens towards me and not towards the balcony.. do you know if is possible to fix them to the door and not to the superior wall .. this would allow me to still open the door 😅

[@gadgetboy38]

Hi with the shade blinds can you see in from the outside?

[@JRsReviews]

You can see outlines of things. But nothing overly clear

[@gadgetboy38]

@@JRsReviews Thanks

[@webcomment8895]

It would be good to record the motor noise and include it in the video instead of only stating your opinion of the noise.

[@knoxieman]

The blinds drop and so does your pronunciation of the letter H, Ands free? Ome App? Idden deep in the menus? great review though even without the letter H.

[@JRsReviews]

It’s a speech problem, thanks for watching

[@j.christy8449]

@@JRsReviews Or East London.

[@JRsReviews]

J. Christy I am from the north of England

[@guelinator]

great video. good information. no screaming.....

[@TheBooban]

Omg is there any review that will let me to the sound of the motor!?

[@SuperAmazingAnt]

So did they fix something?

[@staygulf83]

I really wanted to get these blinds but I have so many problems with the Tradfri app controlling the lights (keeps on crashing and the gateway can’t be found resulting in a reset each time) that I don’t think I’ll bother

[@JRsReviews]

The gateway does tend to let things down

[@YAMIYAD]

Hope they will add a 160cm to there products.

[@JRsReviews]

hopefully

[@romyla]

Great review! Do you think it could be possible to install them outdoors? Just bought a house with large south facing windows and I am thinking weather these could do the thing or should I go for something more serious.

[@JRsReviews]

romyla not for outdoor use

[@TenaciousTwinkle]

Hey JR how long does the battery last? I want to use them for a high up window and would have issues getting to them regularly.

[@JRsReviews]

Hey, they last about 2 months on average. Check out this long term review of the blinds kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWq9pWZrrriFqqM

[@LorneWechsler]

Would this unit be able to be installed on a door that opens and closes (there is a glass panel in the center of the door that I would like a blind for)? Or must this attach to the ceiling?

[@JRsReviews]

Cant see why not if the width fits given its battery charged

[@blu3mooon]

Can people see very clearly from the outside with kadrilj? Thinking of buying multiples for the living room, but are concern that it will not cover enough. Would like some light in, and still have my privacy.

[@blu3mooon]

Nvm, saw that you have answered that already in some comments.

[@JRsReviews]

@@blu3mooon Great

[@liutang]

Where is the shade version? I can't find it anywhere. is it discontinued?

[@endi7728]

nope i may be a bit late but it is there

[@Lill-Q]

“Good” to hear I’m not the only one having these issues, makes you wonder though why they kept delaying the blinds citing HomeKit and software compatibility. Seems like they had to release them when they realised the problem wouldn’t be solved as soon as they had hoped.

[@JRsReviews]

Yes, you are not alone. But I am confident Ikea will fix them eventually

[@Lill-Q]

Active JR Yeah, they have a track record of fixing things overtime, but likewise still delivering unstable software.

[@alexmills7447]

Great video, would you be able to do a smart home tour?

[@JRsReviews]

Yes, I will do one on my other channel dedicated to Smart Home - kzbin.info/door/Q7BOezizWbaS_ZFgThlO4g

[@techytime6197]

Nice review, shame about Homekit

[@JRsReviews]

Coming soon apparently

[@ABM261-zi2gl]

Again, Thanks for a honest review!

[@JRsReviews]

Thank you for watching both videos, hoped it helped you

[@Dragonsbane58]

People, we did it! Full blind extension on the video. A month long dream realized. I salute those madlads that made this journey with me.

[@JRsReviews]

Ha ha ha

[@jimbanville]

Still waiting for these to hit US stores 👎🏼

[@esalenchik]

Jim Banville They’re on the US website today, but only 30” or 32” sizes, - not available online, but in stock in about 6 stores around the US.

[@jimbanville]

Aviatrix But only the blackout versions. Ugg. And they require an additional $50 gateway. Guess I'll keep waiting.......

[@esalenchik]

Jim Banville Yup... very limited options and at quite the price 😏

[@fjs456]

You repeat that the see-through blinds give you privacy but in the video I can clearly see the outside and I reckon it’s also the other way around... or isn’t it?

[@JRsReviews]

fjs456 I say give you enough privacy and this is based on my preference. In the evening it’s fine

[@helloswapnanjan]

Great review!! Will I need to buy the IKEA hub additionally? I have Alexa, but seems like it’s not supported yet. You kept mentioning the repeater and hub, curious if those are extra $? Your reply will be appreciated.

[@JRsReviews]

You can use them without the hub. The blinds come with a repeater and a remote in the box. If you want to use Alexa when the functionality arrives, then you need an hub

[@tennsimpson8907]

I bought a pair. Totally rip off and no true black out blinds

[@antonbrevini]

You bought the wrong ones genius

[@tennsimpson8907]

Anton Brevini I bough the FYRTUR, which are the blackout versions! Dick head

[@JRsReviews]

Agree they are not perfect.

[@Lill-Q]

The material seems solid enough to be blocking out the light.

[@johnmanderson2060]

Thanks for the exhaustive review ✅👍🏻🙂

[@danielvago8688]

How private are the see through blinds from the outside in? For example, if they are down at night, what can you see inside exactly?

[@JRsReviews]

You can see outlines of things. Private enough