Cover control with Shelly
Control awnings, shutters, blinds and other two-way motors with Shelly. Get position tracking, scheduling, weather-based automation and remote control — all from the Shelly Smart Control app.
Last updated: April 2026
What this guide covers
A cover in Shelly’s vocabulary is any two-way motor that opens and closes a physical barrier — awnings, roller shutters, exterior shutters, venetian blinds and curtain motors. The cover device profile gives you position tracking (0–100 %), calibrated travel times, and built-in protection against driving both directions at once.
Using the cover profile is safer and more capable than wiring two independent switches: the firmware enforces interlock, exposes a position slider in the app, and stops automatically when the motor reaches its end stops.
Requirement: a 230 V AC two-way motor. DC motors are not supported by Shelly cover devices.
Choose your device
Compatibility table
Match your installation method and accessories to the right Shelly device.
| Component | Recommended | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-wall relay | Shelly 2PM Gen4 | 110–240 V AC | Power metering on both channels, compact in-wall design. |
| DIN-rail relay (1 cover) | Shelly Pro 2PM | 110–240 V AC | 2-module DIN form factor, power metering. |
| DIN-rail relay (2 covers) | Shelly Pro Dual Cover/Shutter PM | 110–240 V AC | Controls two independent covers from one device. |
| Motor | 230 V AC two-way motor | 110–240 V AC | DC motors are NOT supported. Check motor nameplate before installation. |
| Optional: weather station | Powered By Shelly Ecowitt WS90 | Battery + solar | Local wind/rain measurement for automated protection. |
| Optional: remote control | Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB / BLU Remote Control ZB | Battery | Bluetooth pairing for handheld control. |
Installation
The steps below use Shelly 2PM Gen4 as the example. The principle is identical for Shelly Pro 2PM and Shelly Pro Dual Cover/Shutter PM — only the form factor changes.
Wire the device
Wire the Shelly device according to the diagram below. The motor’s two control wires (one per direction) connect to the relay’s two output channels. Power supply connects to L/N as usual.
Important: verify the motor is 230 V AC. DC motors cannot be controlled by Shelly cover devices — they require a different relay topology.
Add the device to the Shelly Smart Control app
Once wired and powered on, the device broadcasts a WiFi access point. Open the Shelly Smart Control app and follow the standard pairing procedure to add the device to your account and home network.
For detailed steps, see How to add devices.
Update firmware
Before configuring anything else, update the firmware to the latest version. New cover features and bug fixes are added regularly, and calibration relies on up-to-date motor behaviour profiles.
- Open the device in the app.
- Go to Settings → Firmware version.
- Tap Update if a new version is available.
Set the device profile to “cover”
By default, Shelly devices with two outputs are configured as switches. For cover control you must change the profile.
- Open the device in the app.
- Go to Device settings → Device profile.
- Select cover (the alternative is “switch”).
- Tap Save.
Run calibration
Calibration teaches the device how long it takes to fully open and close the cover, and how much power the motor draws during operation. Without calibration, position tracking will not work.
- Make sure nothing is blocking the cover’s path.
- Open the device in the app.
- Go to Device settings → Calibration.
- Tap Start calibration.
- The cover will automatically run a full open–close–open cycle.
Test and verify
After successful calibration:
- Tap Open in the app — the cover should extend fully.
- Tap Close — the cover should retract fully.
- Use the slider to position the cover at, e.g., 50 %.
- Confirm the cover moves to the correct position.
Troubleshooting calibration
If calibration fails or produces a wrong result, walk through these settings in order.
Movement time limits
The maximum time the motor is allowed to run in one direction. If the motor takes longer than the configured limit, it is stopped automatically — and calibration fails.
- Go to Device settings → Movement time limits.
- Set While opening and While closing higher than the actual time the motor needs for a full open/close.
- The default is 60 seconds — large awnings may need 120–180 seconds.
Idle Power Threshold
The power level (in watts) below which the motor is considered stopped. If the motor has a small standby draw when stopped, Shelly may think the motor is still running — and calibration fails.
To find the correct value:
- Open the device’s local web interface (Settings → web UI).
- Read the motor’s actual standby draw in the stopped position.
- Set Idle Power Threshold to 0.2–0.4 W above the value you read.
Example: if the motor uses 1.2 W in standby, set the threshold to 1.4–1.6 W.
Other settings worth checking
- Input type: configure this if you have a physical wall switch wired to the SW inputs.
- Control button mode: defines how the buttons control the cover (momentary vs. toggle, depending on switch type).
- Reverse directions: swaps which output is open/close — useful if directions are inverted after wiring.
Optional: Weather automation
Protect your awning from wind damage with automated retraction.
Use a Powered By Shelly Ecowitt WS90 weather station to measure local wind speed and rainfall. Create an automation in the Shelly Smart Control app that retracts the awning when conditions exceed your motor’s safe limits.
Why a local weather station?
- Real-time wind measurement at the awning location.
- Triggers immediately when wind exceeds the threshold.
- More accurate than forecast-based automation.
- Combines with rain sensor for full weather protection.
Most awning motors handle 20–30 km/h wind. Check your motor’s spec sheet for the exact maximum, and set the automation threshold 5–10 km/h below that limit for safety margin.
Tip: if you have Shelly Premium, combine the local station with forecast-based scenes that retract the awning X minutes before predicted strong winds — adding a proactive safety buffer.
Optional: Wireless remote controls
Pair a Bluetooth battery remote directly with the Shelly device for handheld control — no WiFi or app needed for everyday use.
Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB
A compact 4-button remote with magnetic backplate. Mount it on a fridge, near the door, or anywhere a magnetic surface is available. Take it with you to use as a handheld remote.
Ideal for: terrace doors, single-room covers, day-to-day use.
Shelly BLU Remote Control ZB
A traditional remote-control form factor. Larger buttons, longer battery life, designed to feel like a TV remote.
Ideal for: living rooms, users who prefer a classic remote feel.
Note: pairing is done via Bluetooth directly with the Shelly cover device. See the BLU Wall Switch pairing guide for the general procedure.
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Tips & best practices
- Re-calibrate after motor service. Run calibration again after any motor service or replacement — power profiles change with mechanical condition.
- Re-calibrate periodically. If position tracking drifts over time, run calibration again. Motors slow down slightly as they age.
- Be generous with movement time limits. For double-leaf shutters or wide awnings, set the limits well above the actual run time — the safety cutoff is meant as a backstop, not the normal stop trigger.
- Pair multiple BLU remotes. Pair more than one BLU remote with the same Shelly device — useful for households where several family members want individual remotes.
- Combine with door sensors. Add a Shelly BLU Door/Window on the terrace door to auto-retract the awning when you go inside.
- Shared covers in apartments. Use the Shelly Smart Control app’s user permissions to give residents access without sharing your account.
- Schedule daily routines. Automatic awning extension at sunset for evening privacy, retraction at sunrise.