How do you control blinds by voice?
You need three things working together: a motorised blind, some kind of bridge or hub that connects it to your home network, and a voice assistant that knows how to talk to that hub. The motor on its own usually only responds to a remote or a button. The bridge is the piece that lets Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Home send it a command. Whether a given blind works with a given assistant depends on the motor system, so it helps to check before you buy.
What compatibility really means
When a product says it is compatible with a voice assistant, it rarely means the blind connects directly. More often it means a separate device translates between the two. The blind may use a radio protocol that your router cannot speak, so a bridge converts it into something your smart home understands. Compatibility may also be limited. Some systems let you open and close the blind by voice but not set it to a specific percentage, or the other way round. The maker's current compatibility information is the best guide, because these lists change over time.
The pieces explained
The motor
The motor sits inside the blind and moves it. Somfy is a well-known maker of motors, and these are used inside many different brands of blind. Somfy makes motors, not the blinds themselves. See Somfy motorised blinds.
The remote or wall switch
Most motorised blinds come with a handheld remote. This works over radio and does not need wifi, so it keeps working if your internet drops.
The bridge or hub
This plugs into your router and talks to the blinds over their radio system. It links the blinds to an app on your phone and to voice assistants. Not every motorised blind has one available, and some are sold separately from the motor.
The voice assistant
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home each have their own setup process. You usually add the blind brand or bridge as a skill, action or accessory, then name each blind and group them into rooms.
A typical setup, in broad terms
- Get the blinds installed and working with their own remote.
- Plug in the bridge and connect it to your router.
- Install the maker's app and pair the blinds with the bridge.
- Add the connection in Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home.
- Name each blind clearly, such as “bedroom blind”, so commands are unambiguous.
- Test a spoken command and an app command.
Exact steps vary by product, so the maker's own instructions are the best guide.
Things worth checking first
- Your assistant. Does the bridge support the one you use, and is it supported in the UK?
- Wifi coverage. The bridge needs a stable connection, and the blinds need to be in radio range of the bridge.
- Home Apple devices. Apple Home may need a home hub device to control accessories when you are out.
- Updates. Software changes can break or add features, so it helps to keep apps current.
- Privacy. Voice assistants involve cloud services, so it is worth reviewing the settings so they suit you.
Routines
Once voice control works, you can set routines such as lowering the blinds at sunset or opening them with an alarm. Routines are useful, and it is best to start simple and add them gradually, since it is nicer when blinds move just as you expect. Child and pet safety is worth keeping in mind too, and keeping the manual remote close helps in case the network is down.
Plan it before you order
It helps to decide whether you want smart control before the blinds are made, because the motor and accessories chosen at the start affect what you can add later. Our overview of motorised blinds and our motorised blind basics guide cover the groundwork.
If you're unsure, tell us which assistant you use and we'll help you check what suits.
Book a free measure
If you would like a second pair of eyes on the window, book a free measure and we'll talk it through with you at home, with the actual glass in front of us. Or call us on 01642 424250.
