Upcoming changes to Wink subscription

Dear Subscribers, 

We hope you are enjoying the convenience of Wink and the value of Wink app automations. We have always been driven to provide a meaningful and easy-to-use service that's everyday affordable. Over the years, this has become increasingly challenging as we absorbed the rising costs of hosting services and the added expense of some 3rd party integrations.

The impact we hope to have is great, but we’re always trying to keep your costs low. In order to keep you covered with convenient and meaningful features, we need to update the price of the Wink monthly subscription to $5.99. The new pricing for existing subscribers is effective starting on February 15th, 2024.

We look forward to expanding on our value through your continued support. Thank you sincerely for being a member of the Wink smart home community.

Manage your account online: subscription.wink.com

Contact Support: wink.com/help/contact  

-Wink

Wink Connectivity & Control Disruption

We apologize for the ongoing system disruptions. Our teams have identified the issue that is impacting the Wink Core API. The Wink app remote control, voice controllers, Wink Hubs, API device connectivity, password resets, and other systems are affected. We have updated the online status page with available updates and are working towards implementing a solution. We sincerely appreciate your patience while we reconnect systems.

We suggest that users refrain from troubleshooting at this time. It is best to keep the Hub and router powered on. Please do not log out, disconnect devices, or edit settings. Wink Hubs and devices could automatically reconnect after systems are operational, but in some cases, users might need to power them off and back on or perform additional troubleshooting.

Wink Hubs could have Local Control over compatible devices when the app is connected using the same wireless network as the Hub. The Hub 2 can also store some basic automations locally and continue to trigger them. The feature is enabled automatically by the app and functions in the background. Users should be able to manually tap an icon for a supported device to control it. Connect to the same wireless network as the Hub and then interact with the icon for compatible devices in the app.

If the Hub or network is powered off or the various devices become disconnected from the Hub itself, the system may no longer have Local Control capabilities. Not all devices connect directly to the Hub. If a user is logged out of the application, wait until systems are online before signing in or resetting the password.

Wink Support team members can assist with device and account issues after the Wink Core API is back online. Please message if assistance is still needed after the systems are operational, or utilize our FAQ and the device help page for self-help resources.

-Wink Support

Update on the upcoming Wink Subscription

Hello Wink Community,

We want to share updates about our Wink subscription - a vital change for Wink that will enable us to provide our customers with a strong and growing smart home experience. The change will bring about expanded support for new brand integrations and continue to bring enhancements through firmware and software updates.

Please know that we have adjusted our timelines since our initial announcement on May 6th to allow users more opportunity to make considerations. We were able to extend our service so that subscriptions will now begin on Monday, July 27th, 2020. All users who have not already subscribed will need to visit subscription.wink.com to sign up. Users with a Hub on their account should subscribe with the same email address that is registered with their Hub. Paid subscribers can continue using all of their connected devices, cloud services, automations, and 3rd party integrations.

Users who do not sign up will still have access to limited functionality without being charged. This will specifically allow for local control over select devices, such as those found in the Lights + Power menu, as well as Z-Wave connected Locks.

Our customer support team is available through email or messaging to help answer any questions. Sign up at subscription.wink.com today to access all of the great features in Wink.

Introducing Wink Subscription

• Note: Wink Subscription begins on Monday, July 27th. For more information, please see our latest post: Update on the upcoming wink subscription

Wink’s mission for the past 5+ years has been to provide users with a ‘Simpler, Smarter Home,’ while maintaining privacy for our customers. Our approach to simplicity and security has driven our design from the user experience to the technology behind the scenes.

We understand that a smart home is something that needs to be trusted and dependable, and we recognize that recent events have created some uncertainty around the reliability of the system. We apologize for these inconveniences and want to share some background information as well as the path forward.

Since 2014, Wink has grown to support more than 4 million connected devices. During this time, Wink has relied solely on the one-time fee derived from hardware sales to cover ongoing cloud costs, development, and customer support. Providing users with local and remote access to their devices will always come at a cost for Wink, and over the years we have made great progress toward reducing these costs so that we can maintain that feature.

Wink has taken many steps in an effort to keep your Hub’s blue light on, however, long term costs and recent economic events have caused additional strain on our business. Unlike companies that sell user data to offset costs associated with offering free services, we do not. Data privacy is one of Wink’s core values, and we believe that user data should never be sold for marketing or any purpose.

Wink has been in a very rough spot, but thanks to your support, we are able to keep moving forward! It was not an easy decision to switch to a paid service, and we know that the short timeline put a lot of pressure on all of you, but we had no other way to continue the Wink service as it is currently known.

The support we have seen for our subscription service has been incredible. We feel we can extend Wink's free service for the time being, confident that we can set a new start date for the subscription service to begin, giving you all more time to use Wink (subscription-free) whether you signed up or not.

Our user community is integral to Wink, and we want to continue to be your trusted smart home provider. More information will be provided soon about our future plans. Please visit subscription.wink.com and subscribe to support our mission.

Chamberlain Discontinuing Wink Integration

Dear Wink Community,

Effective June 1st, 2020, Chamberlain will be terminating its partnership with Wink. Newly proposed terms from Chamberlain would have required Wink to generate tens of thousands of new MyQ users each year as well as pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual licensing fees.

Wink would have liked to continue its partnership with Chamberlain, but we are unable to meet these demands. Chamberlain was unwilling to agree to more reasonable terms, and they will continue with the termination of all existing Wink + MyQ integrations. Please plan accordingly, as users will no longer be able to control MyQ devices from the Wink platform after June 1st.

We will continue to explore our options with Chamberlain. For questions about this decision and how it affects your Chamberlain products, we encourage you to contact their customer service at: https://support.chamberlaingroup.com/s/contact-us

Wink Hub Connectivity Requirement!

Dear Wink Users,

Wink takes your privacy very seriously, and we periodically update our software to protect our users. In order to continue to ensure the security and connectivity of your smart home, your Hub must be on version 4.1.23 (released on 08/28/2018) or higher. The latest version is 4.3.60. If your Hub has an "Update Required" banner in the Wink app, you will need to update your Hub by tapping on the banner.

Failure to update a Hub running software versions below 4.1.23 by May 30, 2020 will result in your Hub becoming permanently disconnected from the Wink network.

If you have a Hub that is currently disconnected, or has never been connected to the Wink network, it is important that you connect and update your Hub before May 30, 2020. 

For Hub 1 users, please move your Hub at least 15 feet away from your router if you are having trouble updating.

Please direct any questions to questions@wink.com.

Thank you for being part of the Wink network!

Important Update Regarding Works With Nest Integration

Back in May, Google announced a change to their Nest ecosystem. The Works with Nest program is being discontinued and they are encouraging their users to migrate their Nest accounts to Google accounts. Unfortunately, doing so will permanently sever connections between Nest, Wink, and other 3rd Party Platforms.  

Thanks to an overwhelming response by the user base, Google is still allowing these 3rd Party Integrations to continue after August 31, 2019 if you follow these steps.

You can follow these steps to ensure that Nest products will continue to work with Wink beyond this date.

• Do not migrate your Nest account to a Google account. Completing a Nest account migration will cause Wink and other Works with Nest integrations to be permanently disconnected. This process is not reversible.

• Do not disconnect Nest from Wink after August 31st. If you disconnect Nest after this date, you will not be able to reconnect it. This will also affect users that choose not to migrate their Nest accounts to a Google account.

Additional information can be found in this blog post from Nest.

Wink is still dedicated to providing a streamlined home automation experience for our users in a single, unified app. There are times when our partners may make business changes and system updates which can heavily impact our users. Though these changes are often out of our control, we will always try to minimize the disturbance they cause, even if they are often times unavoidable. 

We apologize for any inconvenience and will always notify the Wink community and present alternative options as soon as we have them available. Should you have any further questions about the Works with Nest program and how it will impact your Wink ecosystem, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Support team. Give us a call at 1-844-Wink-App, or email us using Questions@Wink.com

Nest Camera API Integration Security

As technology has grown to be such an integral part of our everyday lives, the security of our information and property has never been more important. Wink works closely with our partner brands to maintain our users’ security. We understand the importance of transparency in resolving such issues. If our users have any security concerns, we ask that they make an attempt at reasonable disclosure by immediately informing our team of their observations. You can find out more about Wink’s Security Researcher and Reporting Program on our page http://security.wink.com/.

On Wednesday, June 19th we received a report regarding our integration with Nest Cameras. A user appeared to have continued access to screenshots in the Wink app even after those cameras had been disconnected from the associated Nest account.

We immediately had our QA team work with several models of ‘Nest Cam’ and ‘Dropcam’ Wi-Fi cameras, as well as all other brands of supported Wi-Fi cameras, to determine if the issue could be reproduced. As our team was not able to reproduce the issue with any supported camera from any manufacturer, and the Wink/Nest integration relies exclusively on the Nest API, we also reached out to Nest and provided them with details of the incident.

As of 6/20/19 Nest had issued an update to all cameras in order to fix the issue. The patch requires no action from Nest or Wink users.

As always, the Wink support team is available to speak with users about any questions or concerns they may have. If you would like to speak with a representative, please reach out to our support center at 1-844-WINKAPP. To learn more about how Wink thinks about security, visit our site: https://www.wink.com/security/

NEW COMPATIBLE DEVICES

In the last few months, our teams have been focused on updates that maintain and improve the back end system and Wink Hubs. Our goal has been to ensure that all Hubs and connected devices perform reliably with minimal downtime or interruptions to our users. Moving forward, we will be focused on new integrations, features, and functionality. We are happy to announce today the addition of the following devices that are now compatible with your Wink Hubs.

• Sylvania RGBW Flexible Outdoor Strip

• Sylvania RGBW Under Cabinet Lighting

• Sengled RGBW Element Bulb

• GE In-Wall Toggle Smart Switch

• GE In-Wall Toggle Smart Dimmer

• GE In-Wall Fan Control

• GE In-Wall Touch Sensing Smart Dimmer

• GE In-Wall Duplex Receptacle TR

• GE Plug-In Switch (Single Plug)

• GE Plug-In Switch (Dual Plug)

• GE Plug-In Dimmer (Dual Plug)

• GE Plug-In Dimmer w/USB (Dual Plug, Independent Control w/USB)

• GE Plug-In Switch w/USB (Dual Plug, Independent Control w/USB)

• GE Plug-In Outdoor Switch

• GE Hinge Pin Smart Door Sensor

• GE Portable Smart Motion Sensor

Additionally, we will be adjusting our customer support hours for the summer. Our live technicians will be available Monday through Friday, from 11am until 9pm Eastern at 1-844-Wink-App. We look forward to this opportunity to better serve your smart home. Please follow @TheWinkApp on Twitter for news and announcements.

Wink Hub 2 Firmware Update

A new Wink Hub 2 firmware is rolling out! Version 4.3.46 will be available for some users starting today. As your Wink Hub 2 system becomes eligible for the update, a banner will appear in the Wink app on the “Hubs” page and when attempting to provision new devices. This new firmware improves the Hub’s capabilities, stability, and ease of use. Our teams will be hard at work building future releases to continue supporting your Wink Hub 2. There will be more updates to share as we move forward.

Version 4.3.46 includes the following fixes and improvements:

• Fixed issue in which the Hub is not found during set-up and when updating Wi-Fi information

• Detects and resolves Local Control shutdowns

• Fixed issue of prematurely reaching the 50 device limit for Lutron support

• Yale lock control improvements

• Z-Wave stability improvements

Our support team is available if you need any assistance with the update, or with your devices in general. You can contact us Monday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm Eastern. Call us at 1-844-Wink-App to speak with a live tech. You may also DM our team on Facebook, DM @WinkSupport on Twitter, or send an email to Questions@Wink.com. Thank you!

Wink App Android Updates

On 2/19 we released our Android app version 6.9.47.22883 with a whole slew of improvements. This afternoon we released app version: 6.9.47.22886. Today’s update fixed a bug which inhibited users from denying the location permissions prompt in the app.

Our teams continue working to streamline and improve the Wink experience and the app has been slimming down as well. The Wink app is now only about 60 MB for the initial app installation! We’ll keep making things faster, smaller, smarter, and even better than before.

App version: 6.9.47.22883

• Bug fixes, such as:

  • Various crash fixes

  • Fixed issue with Chamberlain MyQ by removing Chamberlain MyQ as an option for a robot effect

  • Fixed issue with Philips Hue local group control

  • Fixed issue where users were unable to modify Robots from using a timeframe to using no timeframe

  • Fixed issue where using Ecobee thermostat Robots did not have option to select set-point

• Changes, such as:

  • Several performance improvements

App version: 6.9.47.22886

• Bug fixes, such as:

  • Resolved an issue with the Wink app not allowing user to Deny the Location Services prompt.

We would love to hear your feedback. Please update and rate the Wink app today! You can contact our friendly support for questions and troubleshooting. Our team is available at 1-844-946-5277 from 11am-9pm EST, Monday-Saturday. You can also email questions@wink.com, or DM @WinkSupport on Twitter.

Wink iOS App Update Available

The newest version is listed below. You can see current release notes on the Wink app page on iTunes.

Version 6.10.1

• This update fixes an issue where network name (SSID) fields don't auto-populate when connected to WiFi.

Our friendly support team is available Monday-Saturday from 11am-9pm EST. You can reach us directly by calling 1-844-Wink-App (1-844-946-5277). You may also email Questions@Wink.com, or DM @WinkSupport for assistance. Follow us @TheWinkApp for news and announcements. Thank you everyone!

Wink App Android Update Available

Our latest update has some great improvements!

Version: 6.9.17.22594

This release includes bug fixes, such as:

• Fixed issues with how the Wink app interfaces with the Hub on the local network

• Improvements to Schlage user code management

• Various app crash fixes

Please rate the Wink app, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can contact our support team at 1-844-946-5277, 11AM - 9PM EST, Monday - Saturday. You can also email questions@wink.com, or DM @WinkSupport on Twitter.

NEW WINK APP UPDATES AVAILABLE

Wink has been hard at work with new improvements and we are very excited to announce that there are new app updates available for Apple iOS and Android mobile devices. Please check in your App Store for available updates. We have detailed the variety of fixes implemented for each app version below. We look forward to more updates and announcements in the new year!

Our customer service would be happy to help if you are having any difficulty. We are always interested in your feedback, so we ask that you please rate the Wink app. Thanks everyone for your support!

Apple iOS Version 6.10.0.15

Please Note: Apple iOS users running iOS 10 or greater will be able to update to the new app version.

• Fixed issue where eco-mode was not a selectable option for Nest automations

• Fixed issue with leaksmart valve UI showing incorrect color for open/closed LED

• Fixed issue with tab bar overlapping on newer versions of iPhones

• Fixed issue with Z-Wave Thermostat robots failing to turn off the thermostat

Android Version 6.9.6

• Fixed issue with not being able to add Lutron Connected Bulb Remote as a trigger

• Fixed display issue with Pivot Power Genius UI

• Fixed issue with being unable to sign to Philips Hue with Google

• Fixed issue with Philips Hue reconnection banner overlapping "Rearrange Lights" button

If you need any assistance, please call us at 1-844-WINK-APP, from 11AM to 9PM EST, Monday through Saturday. You can also email questions@wink.com, or DM @WinkSupport on Twitter. Our customer service team would be happy to answer questions, submit new feature and product requests, and work with you to get everything going.

NEW WINK HUB FIRMWARE UPDATE!

We’re pleased to announce the newest Wink Hub update is now available. This means the Hub to Hub 2 transfer option is now active. If you have a Wink Hub 2 with no devices connected to it, you may now transfer everything over from your original Wink Hub. We know many of you have been waiting for this update for a long time, so we wanted to make sure it was right. Thank you for your patience!

*Please note: We recommend placing your Wink Hub at least 15 feet away from your wireless router before you update to reduce interference.

Once you are up to date, you can go to the Hub 2 page and initiate the transfer by selecting “Yes, Replace Hub”.

We’ve also been working to improve the Z-Wave functionality of the Hub and will continue to make improvements to Z-Wave stability on future updates. If the Wink app shows an update is available for your Hub 2, we suggest you grab it! The update will contain the very same Z-Wave improvements.

Additionally, we have included updates for select Sylvania bulbs and lighting products. Please note that your Sylvania light will go from Off to On to let you know when it's done updating. The firmware update, version 0.0b10 / 2.3b02, applies to the following models:

• Sylvania A19 Dimmable (Model No. 74696)

• Sylvania A19 RGBW (Model No. 73693)

• Sylvania Flush Mount Adjustable White (Model No. 72567)

The firmware update, version 0.0b10 / 2.3b04, applies to the following model:

• Sylvania PAR38 Dimmable (Model No. 74580)

If you have any issues updating your Wink Hub, give us a call and let our friendly team assist. We're always here to address your questions or concerns, take feature requests, or help with anything along the way. Our real live Wink Support technicians are available at 1-844-WINKAPP, from 11AM to 9PM EST, Monday through Saturday. You can also reach out 24/7 via email (questions@wink.com) or on Twitter (@WinkSupport).

NEW WINK HUB 2 UPDATE AVAILABLE!

We're thrilled to announce our latest firmware release for Wink Hub 2. And you're thrilled too because we've listened to your feedback and concerns.

So what's in this release?

First, we've corrected the issue with Wink and Sonos control integration — they get along great now, keeping your smart home rockin' and rollin' just like before.

Second, we noticed some Yale lock users having issues with Z-Wave stability when adding or changing user codes. We've temporarily removed the code change feature while continuing to make improvements to Z-Wave stability across the board. You can still access your Yale user codes on the lock itself. We'll do our best to reintegrate this feature soon.

Third, this release also includes updates for select Sylvania bulbs and lighting products. Please note: your Sylvania light will go from off to on to let you know when it's done updating.

Finally, we usually release Wink Hub and Wink Hub 2 firmware updates at the same time. But after encountering some bumps in the road surrounding Hub database transfer, we are postponing the Wink Hub firmware release until later this year.

As always, we're here for your questions, comments, concerns, fave recipes, or anything else you'd like to share. You can talk to a real live Wink Support employee at 1*844*946*5277, from 11 AM to 9 PM EST, Monday through Saturday. You can also reach out 24/7 via email (questions@wink.com) or on Twitter (@WinkSupport).

Our new favorite way to use Wink Lookout

The Wink Lookout + Arlo experience just got better!

Last week we rolled out actionable Arlo notifications, giving you the ability to see exactly what’s happening at home without opening the Wink app. You can’t be in two places at once, but this is the next best thing.

iOS users can now view Arlo camera video clips directly in push notifications, while Android users will see a thumbnail image in their notifications. Both iOS and Android users can watch full Arlo clips within the Wink app.

These actionable push notifications are made for on-the-go updates about your home. Even if you’re at work, you can quickly glance at your phone to see if the motion detected by your Arlo Cam was a package getting dropped off, a neighbor stopping by, or a stranger on your property. If you determine something is suspicious, you have the power to immediately take action. If you recognize the activity, you can quickly “Dismiss Alerts” or “Turn Off Alerts” from your push notification without opening the Wink app.

In total, there are three places to see your Arlo clips within the app: push notifications on iOS, in the Lookout activity feed, and in the camera activity feed.

With Wink Lookout, actionable alerts give you the option to "Take Action" or "Turn Off Alerts." If you tap "Take Action," you’ll have the option to call a contact, dial 911, or dismiss the alert.

Wink currently works with three Arlo models: Arlo Cam, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Q. Wink Lookout stores your Arlo video clips in the Lookout activity feed for 24 hours for quick security alert verification. To view clips after 24 hours, look at your Arlo app activity feed.

We made this update with the intent to give users visual confirmation of what’s happening at home. Wink Lookout amplifies the power of your Arlo Cam because it gives you the ability to spring into action when needed.

Wink + Arlo provides you with an added layer of security and control when you really need it, minus the long-term contract and monthly fees. If you haven’t already, update the Wink app to version 6.8 to start receiving actionable alerts.

Wink + Sonos is here

Wink + Sonos is now live!

Wink + Sonos has been a top request from our users for quite some time. We’re thrilled to make it a reality while also expanding our ecosystem of partners into new product categories like media and entertainment.

The Wink Hub 2 is compatible with all Sonos products, which include:

• One
• CONNECT
• CONNECT:AMP
• PLAYBASE
• PLAYBAR
• PLAY:1
• PLAY:3
• PLAY:5

Wink’s seamless discovery process makes adding Sonos to your smart home incredibly simple. Just connect your Sonos system to Wink within our mobile app and start introducing your favorite Sonos playlists to your smart home automations. Make sure your Wink Hub 2 and Sonos system are on the same network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). 

If you a have a motion sensor on your front door, try setting up a Wink Robot that automatically starts playing your favorite playlist on Sonos as soon as you walk in the door. Here’s another idea: create a Wink Shortcut that helps you wind down after a long day. With one tap in the Wink app, Wink will dim your lights, adjust the temperature, and now, play soft, relaxing music throughout your home.

So how will you use Wink + Sonos? Let us know in the comments!

Wink Lookout is the smart start to a secure home

Your home should feel secure whether you’re there or not. That’s why we've created Wink Lookout.

Lookout is our collection of smart security essentials, and a comprehensive way to know what’s happening at home for only $199. It includes a Wink Hub 2, two door/window sensors, a motion sensor, and a siren & chime. 

This starter kit also includes a new in-app service called Lookout. It’s a free service that works with both the Wink Lookout kit and other Wink-compatible security products, such as additional sensors, garage doors, and cameras. 

Use Lookout in the app to monitor what’s happening at home when you’re away and quickly take action if needed.

Lookout hardware

Meet our newest hardware, three Wink-branded security products:

• Wink Door/Window Sensor (x2) - Discreetly keep track of your home’s windows and doors and receive alerts when they open or close. 
• Wink Motion Sensor - Easily mount or place around your home for motion alerts. 
• Wink Siren & Chime - If your sensors detect activity, sound the siren or chime and flash the built-in light to notify the household. It offers ten different sounds with adjustable volume and duration.

Lookout in-app service

Lookout’s in-app service helps you keep an eye on home activity when you’re away. Receive real-time alerts about doors, windows, locks, garage doors, motion, and more.

Lookout products use the latest wireless technology to securely communicate with your Wink Hub and send you alerts when activity is detected. Check sensor status in the Wink app when you're away and see recent alerts in the Lookout dashboard.

If you do receive an alert from Lookout, you have the option to sound your Wink siren, tap to call 911, or call a contact.

Using Lookout

Here are some of our favorite ways to use Lookout:

• Get notified when the dog walker enters and exits your house, so you know exactly what time your pet was given attention.
• Get alerts when there is unexpected motion in your home while you're away on vacation. Tap to call 911 if you are concerned about suspicious activity.
• When you're at work, get notified when your kids come home from school and enter the house, and easily contact them to check in.

Our goal in creating Lookout is to give you an actionable, confident way to protect your home from anywhere. Setting up Lookout is as easy as unboxing and powering on your sensors. And it’s even easier to use. 

Wink now works with Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-controlled assistant

With Wink + Cortana, you can command your lights, outlets, switches, and thermostats from anywhere using your Windows PC, Cortana on Android and iOS, and other Cortana devices like the Harman Kardon Invoke. 

What can I do with Wink + Cortana?

With a simple voice command, Cortana can dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, and more. Here are a few examples:

Lighting Products (bulbs, dimmers, switches, outlets):

Hey Cortana,

"Turn on the hallway light"
"Turn off the porch light"
"Set the dining room lamp to 50 percent"
"Brighten the kitchen light to 100 percent"
"Turn on the lights in the kitchen.”

Switches:

Hey Cortana,

"Turn on the coffee maker."
“Turn off the bedroom fan.”

Thermostats:

Hey Cortana,

"Set the bedroom thermostat to 70 degrees"
"Turn up the temperature by 3 degrees"
"Turn off the kitchen thermostat"

Cortana can control groups of products if they all share the same name. For example, naming your lights “Kitchen light sink” and “Kitchen light counter” allows you to control all the lights together by saying “Turn on kitchen lights”. 

Keep an eye on the blog for more ways to use Wink with your favorite voice assistant.