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How Does SmartSlydr Work? A Complete Guide to Sliding Door Automation

Your sliding glass door already works. SmartSlydr simply makes it smarter.

SmartSlydr is a robotic device that attaches to your existing sliding door or compatible sliding window and automates its movement. Instead of replacing your door, cutting your glass, or installing a completely new door system, SmartSlydr adds intelligent control to the door you already have.

You can open and close it from the mobile app, use voice commands, give your pet independent access with Bluetooth PetPass, use a button or motion sensor, or make the door part of a larger smart-home routine.

One door. Multiple ways to control it.

Woman DIY installing the SmartSlydr automatic pet door opener onto her existing sliding door track

How Does SmartSlydr Work?

At its simplest, the concept is straightforward:

Existing sliding door

↓

SmartSlydr attaches to the sliding panel

↓

Connect SmartSlydr to the app and your preferred controls

↓

Choose how you want the door to respond

↓

SmartSlydr automatically moves the door

The result is an existing sliding door that can become part of your smart home.

SmartSlydr is designed for homeowners who want more convenience, pet owners who want to give their pets more freedom, people who want easier access to their homes, and anyone who wants to automate a sliding door or window.

SmartSlydr Doesn't Replace Your Door

One of the easiest ways to understand SmartSlydr is to think about adding a power mechanism to something that already works.

Your existing sliding door stays in place.

SmartSlydr attaches to the sliding panel and provides the motorized movement needed to open and close it.

There is no need to replace the entire sliding door simply to add automation.

The basic transformation:

Your existing sliding door

→ SmartSlydr

→ Automatic sliding door

This retrofit approach allows you to add smart functionality while continuing to use your existing door.

How Far Can SmartSlydr Open the Door?

SmartSlydr can open the sliding door from 1% to 100% of the available opening.

That means you're not limited to simply choosing between "closed" and "fully open."

You can choose the opening that makes sense for the situation.

For example:

  • Small opening: Give a pet access to the backyard.
  • Partial opening: Let fresh air into the home.
  • Larger opening: Create a comfortable passage for people.
  • Full opening: Provide maximum access through the available door travel.

This flexibility is particularly useful when the same door needs to serve both people and pets.

Multiple Ways to Control One Door

SmartSlydr isn't limited to one switch or one method of operation.

Depending on your setup, SmartSlydr can be controlled through:

This means you can choose the control method that fits your lifestyle.

Five ways to control the SmartSlydr smart pet door — PetPass tag, Apple Watch, iPhone app, DuoButton remote, and Google Assistant voice command

One door. Multiple control options.

Mobile App + Voice + PetPass + Button + Sensors + Smart Routines

↓

SmartSlydr

↓

Sliding Door Opens or Closes

Control Your Door From the SmartSlydr App

The SmartSlydr mobile app gives you control of your connected devices from your phone.

You can use the app to control your SmartSlydr and configure your system according to your needs.

And you're not limited to one SmartSlydr.

Multiple SmartSlydr devices. One account.

Imagine a home with:

  • 1 SmartSlydr on a sliding patio door
  • 1 SmartSlydr on a kitchen sliding window
  • 1 SmartSlydr on a bedroom sliding window
  • 1 SmartSlydr on another sliding window

All of these devices can be managed through the same SmartSlydr app and account.

This makes SmartSlydr useful not only for automating one patio door, but for creating a more connected home.

How Does Bluetooth PetPass Work?

PetPass is one of the most unique parts of the SmartSlydr system.

PetPass is Bluetooth-based, not RFID.

Your pet wears the PetPass, and SmartSlydr uses Bluetooth to detect the authorized PetPass according to your configured settings.

This allows your existing sliding door to function as a smart pet door without cutting a separate opening into the glass.

The basic PetPass experience:

Your pet approaches the door

↓

Bluetooth PetPass is detected

↓

SmartSlydr receives the authorized request

↓

The door opens according to your settings

↓

Your pet goes outside

Instead of installing a traditional flap-style pet door, SmartSlydr uses your existing sliding door as the opening.

PetPass Gives You More Control

A traditional pet door generally gives a pet a permanent physical opening.

SmartSlydr gives you different ways to manage pet access.

Automatic Pet Access

With the appropriate PetPass settings, your pet can trigger the door automatically.

This can be especially useful when you're working, away from home, or simply don't want to get up every time your dog needs to go outside.

Send Request Mode

Sometimes you don't want the door to open automatically just because your pet approaches it.

That's where Send Request Mode can be useful.

The PetPass can generate a request, allowing the owner to decide whether access should be granted.

This gives you greater control over when your pet can use the door.

automatic-vs-send-request-mode.jpg SmartSlydr PetPass Automatic and Send Request modes shown in the app for controlling dog door access

What Is Hub Mode?

Hub Mode is another advanced way to control pet access.

In Hub Mode, both the PetPass and DuoButton are required.

Hub Mode:

Bluetooth PetPass detected

DuoButton pressed

↓

Door opens

This provides an additional level of control for households that don't want PetPass detection alone to open the door.

Hub Mode is also one of the SmartSlydr features that many customers don't discover until they explore the system more deeply.

SmartSlydr + Amazon Alexa + Google Home

SmartSlydr can become part of your smart-home routines through Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

And this is where things get especially interesting.

SmartSlydr doesn't have to be triggered only by a person pressing a button.

A compatible smart-home device or event can trigger a routine, and SmartSlydr can become the action that opens or closes the door.

For example:

Camera or sensor detects an event

↓

Alexa or Google Home routine is triggered

↓

SmartSlydr receives the command

↓

Sliding door opens or closes

You can also use other triggers available through your smart-home ecosystem, such as schedules, sensors, or voice commands.

This makes SmartSlydr more than an automatic door opener.

It becomes part of your smart home.

Voice-Controlled Sliding Door

Imagine carrying groceries toward your patio door.

Instead of putting everything down to slide the door open manually, you can use a compatible voice command.

Voice command

↓

Alexa / Google Home

↓

SmartSlydr

↓

Door opens

This can be especially useful for:

  • Smart-home enthusiasts
  • Busy families
  • Seniors
  • People with limited mobility
  • Anyone who wants hands-free control

How Does SmartSlydr Work With Motion Sensors?

SmartSlydr can also be incorporated into smart-home routines using compatible sensors.

For example, a sensor can provide the trigger for an automation, while SmartSlydr performs the door-opening or closing action.

This creates possibilities beyond simple manual control.

Sensor

↓

Smart-home routine

↓

SmartSlydr

↓

Door movement

The exact behavior depends on how your smart-home routine is configured.

Built-In Anti-Pinch Safety

SmartSlydr includes a safety mechanism designed similar to the anti-pinch technology used in car power windows.

If an obstruction is pinched during door operation:

1. The door retracts

SmartSlydr retracts the door and attempts to close again.

2. If the obstruction remains

The door retracts once more and remains open.

3. You receive a notification

SmartSlydr sends an obstruction notification to the mobile app.

See the Anti-Pinch Safety Feature in Action

We've demonstrated this safety behavior on our website using a banana as the obstruction.

Watch the SmartSlydr Anti-Pinch Safety Demonstration

The demonstration lets you see how SmartSlydr responds when an obstruction is encountered during door operation.

SmartSlydr's Self-Locking Mechanism

SmartSlydr has a self-locking mechanism that helps secure the sliding door while the SmartSlydr head is attached to the sliding panel.

During installation, the existing sliding door lock is left extended so SmartSlydr's internal locking mechanism can serve as the locking mechanism while SmartSlydr is attached.

Once SmartSlydr is attached, the sliding door cannot simply be opened normally from the outside.

This is an important part of the SmartSlydr system because automation and security are designed to work together.

What If You Want to Operate the Door Manually?

SmartSlydr includes a pull cord that allows you to detach the SmartSlydr head from the sliding panel.

Once detached, the sliding door becomes a normal manual sliding door.

This can be useful when you need to manually operate the door—for example, during a power outage.

Manual operation:

Pull the cord

↓

SmartSlydr detaches from the sliding panel

↓

Door becomes manually operable

When the SmartSlydr head comes back into contact with the sliding panel, its self-attaching mechanism can engage again.

If you want to prevent it from re-latching, you can insert the provided fork into the SmartSlydr head to prevent the self-latching mechanism from engaging.

What Happens During a Power Outage?

If power is unavailable, you can use the pull cord to detach SmartSlydr from the sliding panel and operate the door manually.

This means you aren't permanently locked into automated operation.

SmartSlydr attached → automated operation

SmartSlydr detached → manual operation

Does SmartSlydr Work Without Wi-Fi?

SmartSlydr requires Wi-Fi to operate.

PetPass requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to operate.

For the best experience, SmartSlydr should be installed where it can maintain a reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Can One App Control Multiple SmartSlydr Devices?

Yes.

One SmartSlydr account can manage multiple SmartSlydr devices.

For example, a homeowner could automate a patio door and several sliding windows throughout the same home.

One home could have:

Patio Door

Kitchen Window

Bedroom Window

Office Window

↓

One SmartSlydr App & Account

This allows SmartSlydr to grow with your smart-home needs.

A Real-World Example: A Smarter Day for Your Dog

Imagine leaving home at 8:00 AM for work.

Your dog stays home.

Later that morning, your dog wants to go outside.

With PetPass:

Your dog approaches the sliding door.

↓

Bluetooth PetPass is detected.

↓

SmartSlydr responds according to your configured settings.

↓

The door opens to the selected percentage.

↓

Your dog goes outside.

You don't have to stop working, leave an appointment, or ask someone else to let your dog outside.

That's the convenience SmartSlydr was designed to provide.

Another Example: You're Entertaining Guests

You're hosting friends and spending time in the backyard.

Instead of repeatedly walking over to open the sliding door, you can use a voice command or another connected control method.

Command

↓

SmartSlydr

↓

Door opens

And because SmartSlydr can open the door partially or fully, you can choose the opening that makes sense for the situation.

Another Example: Smart Home Automation

Your smart home detects an event using a compatible sensor or camera.

↓

A programmed Alexa or Google Home routine starts.

↓

SmartSlydr receives the command.

↓

The sliding door opens or closes.

This is the bigger idea behind SmartSlydr:

Your sliding door becomes another device in your smart home.

SmartSlydr Is More Than a Door Opener

At first glance, SmartSlydr may look like a motor that moves a sliding door.

But the system combines several technologies and control options:

  • Robotic door movement
  • Mobile app control
  • Bluetooth PetPass
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Home
  • Smart-home routines
  • DuoButton
  • Motion sensors
  • Adjustable opening from 1% to 100%
  • Send Request Mode
  • Hub Mode
  • Self-locking mechanism
  • Manual release
  • Anti-pinch safety response
  • Multi-device app control

Together, these capabilities allow the same product to solve very different problems.

A dog owner can use it to give a pet more freedom.

A wheelchair user can use voice or button control to operate the door more independently.

A smart-home enthusiast can incorporate the door into routines.

A homeowner can automate sliding windows.

And a busy family can simply eliminate one more daily task.

SmartSlydr at a Glance

Feature SmartSlydr
Automates existing sliding doors ✓
Sliding window automation ✓
Mobile app control ✓
Amazon Alexa ✓
Google Home ✓
Bluetooth PetPass ✓
RFID PetPass No — Bluetooth-based
Adjustable opening 1%–100%
DuoButton ✓
Motion sensor automation ✓
Smart-home routines ✓
Send Request Mode ✓
Hub Mode ✓
Multiple devices per account ✓
Manual release Pull cord
Self-locking mechanism ✓
Anti-pinch safety response ✓

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SmartSlydr replace my sliding door?

No. SmartSlydr attaches to your existing sliding door and automates its movement.

Does SmartSlydr require cutting the glass?

No. SmartSlydr is designed to attach to the existing sliding door rather than requiring a new opening to be cut into the glass.

Is SmartSlydr PetPass RFID?

No. PetPass is Bluetooth-based, not RFID.

Can SmartSlydr open the door partially?

Yes. SmartSlydr can be configured to open the door from 1% to 100% of the available opening.

Can I use SmartSlydr with Alexa?

Yes. SmartSlydr can be incorporated into Alexa smart-home control and routines.

Can I use SmartSlydr with Google Home?

Yes. SmartSlydr can be incorporated into Google Home smart-home control and routines.

Can a camera or sensor trigger SmartSlydr?

SmartSlydr can act as the door action within compatible Alexa or Google Home routines, allowing triggers such as cameras or sensors to initiate the automation.

What is Hub Mode?

Hub Mode requires both a Bluetooth PetPass and DuoButton to be detected/pressed before the door opens.

What is Send Request Mode?

Send Request Mode allows the pet's PetPass interaction to generate a request for the owner rather than simply allowing automatic access.

What happens if something is caught in the door?

SmartSlydr's anti-pinch safety mechanism retracts the door and attempts to close again. If the obstruction remains, the door retracts again, remains open, and sends an obstruction notification to the mobile app.

Can I manually operate the door?

Yes. The pull cord can detach SmartSlydr from the sliding panel, allowing the door to be operated manually.

What happens if the power goes out?

You can use the pull cord to detach SmartSlydr from the sliding panel and operate the sliding door manually.

Does SmartSlydr work without Wi-Fi?

SmartSlydr requires Wi-Fi to operate. PetPass requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Can I control multiple SmartSlydr devices?

Yes. Multiple SmartSlydr devices can be controlled through one SmartSlydr app and account.

What Can SmartSlydr Automate?

SmartSlydr can turn more than just a patio door into an automated part of your home.

It can be used with compatible:

  • Sliding glass doors
  • Sliding windows
  • Pet access
  • Smart-home routines
  • Accessibility solutions

Whether your goal is pet freedom, hands-free access, smart-home automation, easier accessibility, or simply more convenience, SmartSlydr gives your existing sliding door a new level of control.

Explore More SmartSlydr Guides

Want to learn whether SmartSlydr will work with your door?

→ Will SmartSlydr Work on My Door? The Complete Compatibility Guide

Learn about sliding-door types, drag force, door sizes, opening dimensions, and other compatibility considerations.

→ Bluetooth PetPass Guide

Learn how PetPass works, how to set it up, and how to optimize it for your pet.

→ Hub Mode Explained

Learn how PetPass and DuoButton work together to provide dual-control access.

→ Send Request Mode Explained

Learn how to give your pet access while keeping the final decision in your hands.

→ SmartSlydr Installation Guide

Learn how to install SmartSlydr on your existing sliding door or compatible sliding window.

→ SmartSlydr Knowledge Base

Explore the complete collection of SmartSlydr guides, tutorials, compatibility information, troubleshooting resources, and smart-home solutions.

About SmartSlydr

SmartSlydr is a robotic sliding-door automation system from LycheeThings designed to automate existing sliding doors and compatible sliding windows.

By combining robotic movement with mobile control, Bluetooth PetPass, voice assistants, smart-home routines, sensors, and multiple access-control options, SmartSlydr helps homeowners make their existing sliding doors more convenient, accessible, and connected.

Your door already slides. SmartSlydr makes it smart.

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FAQs

What’s the Difference Between SmartSlydr and SmartSlydr Regal?

SmartSlydr Regal is a customized version of the standard SmartSlydr, tailored to fit your specific sliding door or window.

Key Features of SmartSlydr Regal:

✔ Custom Fit – Built to match your door’s full length (up to 71 inches).
✔ Quieter & Smoother Operation – Features an upgraded motor for silent compared to standard version, seamless movement.
✔ Supports Outside-Moving Panels – Custom adapters available for special door setups.
✔ New Color Options Coming Soon – A black version is in development.

If you need a custom-sized, quieter, and fully tailored sliding door opener, SmartSlydr Regal is the perfect solution!

Does SmartSlydr Work with an Outside Moving Panel?

Yes! SmartSlydr Regal supports sliding doors with an outside moving panel. We provide a custom adapter to ensure compatibility with this setup.

For installation guidance, please refer to our step-by-step instructions to help visualize the setup.

What Should I Order & What’s Included?

When you visit the Smart Pet Door or SmartSlydr Door/window page, you can customize your order by selecting the SmartSlydr automatic door opener based on your door type and adding accessories like PetPass or DuoButton for additional functionality.

The SmartSlydr package includes:

  1. SmartSlydr device
  2. Power supply
  3. All necessary installation accessories

With a SmartSlydr device, you can control your sliding door using:
✅ Mobile App
✅ Alexa
✅ Google Home
✅ Apple Watch

Note: PetPass, OneButton tags, and DuoButton are optional add-ons that can be selected based on your needs.

What’s the Difference Between SmartSlydr Door window and SmartSlydr Pet door?

Both are the same device but marketed for different use cases:
✅SmartSlydr– Designed forsmart home automationandaccessibility,
integrating withAlexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watchto enhance
convenience for all users, including individuals with disabilities.
✅SmartSlydr Pet Door– Focuses on its use as asmart pet door,
featuringPetPass and DuoButtonfor pet-friendly access, allowing dogs
and cats to enter and exit independently.

ls SmartSlydr Compatible with 3-Panel Sliding Doors?

Yes! SmartSlydr is designed for standard horizontal sliding doors and can automate the first moving
panel of a 3-panel sliding door.

✅ Supports One Moving Panel – SmartSlydr automates a single sliding panel in your 3-panel door configuration.
✅ Maximum Opening Width: 45 Inches – The device can open the door up to 45 inches wide for convenient access.

If you're unsure about compatibility, feel free to send pictures of your door setup to communications@lycheethings.com. Our team is happy to assist!

Is SmartSlydr Compatible with 4-Panel Sliding Doors?

Yes! SmartSlydr is designed for standard horizontal sliding doors and can automate a single or double  moving panel in a 4-panel sliding door setup.

✅ Supports One Moving Panel – A single SmartSlydr can automate one sliding panel in a 4-panel door configuration.
✅ Automate Two Moving Panels – If you want to automate two moving panels, you will need two SmartSlydr devices.
✅ Maximum Opening Width: 45 Inches – Each SmartSlydr can open the door up to 45 inches wide for convenient access.

If you're unsure about compatibility, feel free to send pictures of your door setup to communications@lycheethings.com. Our team is happy to assist!

What’s the Difference Between Send Request Mode and Automatic Mode?

PetPass offers two modes for controlling the SmartSlydr door: Automatic Mode and Send Request Mode. You can only use one mode at a time, and both are customizable via the mobile app.

Automatic Mode: This mode enables automatic opening and closing based on your pet's proximity to the door. When your pet is near, the door will open automatically and you will get notification.

Send Request Mode: In this mode, when your pet approaches the door, you will receive a smartphone notification to approve or deny the door opening. This gives you more control over when the door opens, allowing you to decide whether to grant access or not.

Both modes are designed to offer flexibility, depending on your preferences for convenience or control.

Will SmartSlydr work with a heavy sliding door?

SmartSlydr is designed to work with sliding doors that move smoothly, regardless of their weight. The key factor is how easily your door slides. If you can open your door with one hand, SmartSlydr should work seamlessly for you.

SmartSlydr includes a quick cleaning and lubrication kit to help ensure smooth operation. Many heavy doors simply need a bit of cleaning and lubrication for optimal performance.

For reference, SmartSlydr can handle doors with up to 18 lbs of drag force, while most well-maintained doors with clean tracks typically require only 5-10 lbs of force.

For more information, check out our YouTube video.

What is the Noise Level Difference Between SmartSlydr and SmartSlydr Regal?

The standard SmartSlydr operates at approximately 55±3 dB from a 1-meter distance, while the SmartSlydr Regal features a quieter motor that runs at 48±3 dB.

The actual noise level you experience may vary based on factors such as door condition, room size, and ceiling height.

How Can I Operate SmartSlydr Manually? 

SmartSlydr includes a convenient pull cord feature that allows you to detach the device from the window panel for manual operation. This feature works similarly to a garage door opener, making it especially useful in emergency situations or when manual operation is needed.

Once the manual operation is complete, the SmartSlydr head will automatically reattach to the door.

If you prefer to prevent the automatic reattachment, you can use the pull cord fork to securely hold it in place.

Is the "PetPass" the Same as the "OneButton" Wireless Remote?

Yes, the PetPass and OneButton are the same hardware, but you can configure them to function in either PetPass mode or OneButton mode—but only one mode can be active at a time.

  1. PetPass mode: This mode is for pets and enables automatic opening of the SmartSlydr door when your pet approaches, making it perfect for hands-free access for your dog.
  2. OneButton mode: This mode works as a remote control, similar to a keychain, and is designed for human use. It can be attached to a walker, wheelchair, or carried for easy access to open or close the door.

How Do I Set Up SmartSlydr? Do I Need Special Tools or Professional Help for Installation?

No special tools or professional assistance are required! Thanks to our patented custom design, installing SmartSlydr is as simple as installing blinds or shades.

  1. Easy Installation – SmartSlydr attaches using two brackets, requiring only a screwdriver for setup.
  2. Corner Cap Attachment – The corner cap sticks to the moving door/window panel and connects to SmartSlydr for smooth operation.
  3. Handyman-Friendly – If you prefer assistance, any handyman can easily install it.

For step-by-step guidance, refer to our installation guide or video tutorials https://lycheethings.com/install-steps/

Does SmartSlydr Have Safety Features?

Yes, SmartSlydr is designed with safety in mind, incorporating a safety feature similar to the anti-pinch mechanism found in car power windows.

If an object is pinched during door operation: The door will retract and attempt to close again.

If the obstruction persists, the door will retract once more, remain open, and send a notification to your mobile app about the obstruction.

For a demonstration of this feature, check out the Safety Feature Video. on our website, where we use a banana as an example.

Does SmartSlydr Work if I Have Blinds Installed on My Sliding Door or Window?

Yes, SmartSlydr can work with most types of blinds, provided there is sufficient clearance. The SmartSlydr unit itself has a width of 2 inches, but we recommend a 5 inch clearance between the door frame and the blinds for proper installation. If additional space is needed, extender brackets are available to move the blinds outward, allowing SmartSlydr to be installed properly.

For detailed instructions, please refer to the https://lycheethings.com/install-steps/

Is SmartSlydr available to ship outside of the USA?

SmartSlydr only ships to the USA right now, due to the logistics of international shipping. If you are outside the USA, we suggest using a shipping address of a friend or family member within the USA, and then they can send it to you.

Does SmartSlydr Need a Hub or Any Other Device to Operate?

No, SmartSlydr does not require a hub or any additional devices. As long as you have a stable2.4GHz Wi-Finetwork and asmartphone with the mobile app, SmartSlydr can easily connect to your home Wi-Fi network for seamless operation.

Which Side Will the Power Supply Be Placed?

The power supply will always be placed on the opposite side of the moving panel. The power adapter cable is 8 feet long, and if you need additional length, you can order a DC extension cord.

Example : If the moving panel is on the left, the power supply would be positioned on the right side, and vice versa.

Can I Schedule SmartSlydr to Automatically Open or Close?

Yes, you can schedule SmartSlydr to automatically open or close at a set time using the Alexa app by setting up routines. Please refer to the guide below for instructions on setting up Google Home, Alexa, scheduling operations, and other routines: SmartSlydr Voice Control & Automations

This feature is perfect for tasks like airing out your home in the morning or ensuring the door is securely closed while you sleep. You can set daily or custom schedules to fit your needs, providing you with greater convenience and automation in your SmartSlydr experience.

How Long Does SmartSlydr Take to Open the Window/Door?

In normal mode, SmartSlydr moves the window/door at a speed of approximately45 mm per second. The total time to open the window or door depends on the amount of opening you’ve selected (ranging from 1% to 100%). Therefore, the larger the opening, the longer it will take for the door/window to fully open.

How do I open the door/window partially?

With the smartphone app or voice commands, you can open the door or window to any width between 1% to 100% (in increments of 1% so you can fine-tune it to your needs). For e.g. with voice command, you can say "Set the door to 20%".

Can I fully open the door for human use?

Yes! With the SmartSlydr smartphone app or voice commands, you can open the door or window to any width (maximum opening 45 inches) between 1% and 100% in 1% increments. This allows you to customize the opening size to fit your needs. For example, with a voice command, you can say, "Set the door to 20%."

How much electricity does SmartSlydr use?

SmartSlydr consumes less than 1kW for the whole year, based on average daily usage. This totals less than 1 hour of air conditioner electricity consumption. Every minute past that is pure savings - if you're using SmartSlydr to let in fresh air!