If you’re using Shelly Uni devices to control gates and garage doors and experiencing intermittent issues, you’re not alone. Many users report these small devices work beautifully—until they don’t. In this blog, we’ll go over some common issues, such as lost configurations, Wi-Fi drops, and outputs locking unexpectedly. We’ll also discuss whether newer Shelly devices or alternatives using Z-Wave or Zigbee might offer a more stable solution.
Typical Issues with Shelly Uni Devices
Shelly Uni controllers are versatile, and when they’re functioning correctly, they make excellent gate and door controllers. However, they can be prone to:
- Losing Configuration or Settings: Some users report that their Shelly Unis unexpectedly lose their setup, which can be time-consuming to restore.
- Outputs Locking: Both outputs activating simultaneously can be problematic, especially if this locks your gate or garage door in a certain position.
- Wi-Fi Disconnects: Losing connection to the Wi-Fi network is another common issue, and it sometimes requires re-adding the device in the Shelly app.
- Forgetting Wi-Fi Settings: Devices occasionally lose network information, forcing users to reconfigure them from scratch.
Potential Solutions for Improving Stability
These connectivity and configuration issues can often be mitigated with specific adjustments to your Wi-Fi network and Shelly Uni settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and hopefully improving their reliability.
1. Router and Wi-Fi Settings
- Reboot Your Router: This simple step can sometimes resolve connectivity issues. Also, check if your Shelly devices are connected to the main router rather than an extender or access point.
- Fixed 2.4 GHz Network: Shelly Unis require a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Ensure they’re not connected to a 5 GHz network, as this can cause connectivity issues.
- Set Unique SSID for 2.4 GHz: If your router supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, name the 2.4 GHz network uniquely. This makes it easier for your Shelly devices to connect to the correct band.
- Disable 5 GHz When Not in Use: Temporarily disabling the 5 GHz network during setup can help ensure the device connects only to the 2.4 GHz band.
2. Assign Fixed IP Addresses
- Assigning fixed IPs can prevent issues where devices lose track of their location on the network. Configure a static IP for each Shelly Uni both on the router and within the device settings. This can make it easier for your network to keep track of these devices.
3. Network Security and Advanced Settings
- Set Security to WPA2: Some Shelly devices have trouble with newer security protocols. Using WPA2-only security on your Wi-Fi network can help prevent disconnections.
- Disable Band Steering: If your router uses band steering to switch devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz, try disabling it to keep the Shelly devices locked to 2.4 GHz.
4. Disable Unnecessary Features
- Turn Off CoIoT: If you’re not using CoIoT (Cooperative IoT), disable it through the local web interface. This reduces unnecessary network traffic that could contribute to connectivity instability.
5. Open Necessary Ports on Your Router
- Some users find that specific network ports need to be accessible for stable communication with Shelly devices. If your router’s firewall blocks any of the following, try opening ports: 6010, 6011, 6012, 6020, 6021, 6022, 6110, 6113, 5353, and 443.
Summary
Shelly Uni devices are versatile but may sometimes encounter connectivity issues. By optimizing your network and disabling unnecessary features, you can often improve their stability. However, if these adjustments don’t fully resolve your issues, consider upgrading to a newer Shelly model or exploring Z-Wave or Zigbee devices for more consistent gate and garage control.
By taking these steps, you can ensure a more reliable experience with your smart gate and garage door controllers and enjoy the full benefits of home automation!