# Smart Shades — user reviews > 80 indexed App Store user reviews of Smart Shades by Wazombi, rated 2.10/5 from 62 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-shades/id1016406862/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-shades/id1016406862.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 7 · 4★ 4 · 3★ 9 · 2★ 13 · 1★ 29 ## What do users think of Smart Shades? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Works with HomeKit - 👍 Automations and scenes work - 👍 Good product, great service - 👍 Easy to set up - 👍 Works well with HomeKit - 👍 Good app, reasonable price - 👍 Works well - 👍 Great bit of kit - 👍 Amazing technology - 👍 Good Alexa and HomeKit control **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes frequently - 🐛 App not opening - 🐛 Basic and poorly designed - 🐛 Unreliable connectivity - 🐛 Software awful - 🐛 Not iPad friendly - 🐛 Planned obsolescence - 🐛 Horrible app - 🐛 Total flunky app - 🐛 App needs updating desperately - 🐛 Completely unreliable - 🐛 Constantly disconnects - 🐛 Awful App. Needs updating - 🐛 Poor quality app - 🐛 Can’t finish set up - 🐛 App needs improvement - 🐛 Slow not much programming - 🐛 Pretty bad - 🐛 Hardware great..software awful - 🐛 The worst smart blinds - 🐛 Not working!!! - 🐛 Stay away - 🐛 Hobby - 🐛 Useless app for me now - 🐛 App keeps crashing - 🐛 Poor app, redesign made it worse - 🐛 Can’t open app at all - 🐛 Total flunky app - 🐛 Basic - 🐛 Software exactly as bad as hardware - 🐛 Not iPad Friendly - 🐛 Planned obsolescence - 🐛 Basic, poorly designed, virtually unsupported - 🐛 SCAM - 🐛 Matter and app update request - 🐛 No up/down button **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes with Smart Shades 3 - App crashes after update - App crashes instantly - App closes itself right away - App won't open at all - App crashes before it even opens - Sunset function stopped working - Sunset trigger doesn't work - Bluetooth stopped working - Not responding to Alexa - Soma Connect not working - Soma Connect shows WiFi numbers, not names - Soma Connect connection failed - Shade control only works on Android - Next button missing during calibration - Calibration deviation over time - Blind drifts out of calibrated position - Cog works its way off spindle - Battery status inaccurate - Motor is slow - Units open at different speeds - Blinds lose their position - Hub setup programmed poorly - Voice commands limited - App not updated for over a year - Easy to interrupt movement - Device forgets min/max heights - Pairing Soma Connect is almost impossible - Blinds slip and need reconfiguring - Motor is slow to respond - Ripped the gear cog to shreds - App crashes halfway through firmware update **Most requested features** - Matter support - Change app language - Change highest/lowest position - Recalibrate function - Simple up and down buttons - Dusk to dawn automation - Sunrise/sunset schedule - Siri Shortcut integration - Group triggers - Confirmation dialog when cancelling setup - Manual adjustment offset - Notification for low battery - Single screen for all battery levels - Support for iPhone X screen size - Rename groups/individual units - Speed control for motors - Temperature setting (Fahrenheit) - Dusk/dawn open and close - Edit shade name - Continuous open/close feature - Update for iOS 11 group creation - iPad version - Live power meter for solar panel - Secure version of product ## Newest reviews (15 of 80) ### 2/5 — Matter and app update request *2025-01-18, version 3.0.10* Matter support still not available on smart shades 3 and no news about when it will be released, is not possible to change the language in the app like spanish and was also removed the option to change the highest y lower position for smart shades 3, now is only available during the first configuration and not in the option of the device as before. ### 4/5 — 3.0.10 app crashes with Smart Shades 3 *2024-12-05, version 3.0.10* I have a number of Smart Shades, 1”s, 2”s and recently 3”s which are under app control only. After the latest update to version 3.0.10, the app crashes with my Smart Shades 3 units as soon as you enter the configuration mode with the little gear cog, it’s gone. No longer able to adjust any settings such as automatic opening times on the 3”s. Using iOS 18.1.1 on iPhone 14 Works fine with the older blind motors. I suspect it’s receiving extra parameters over Bluetooth it can’t process and dies. No log I can find. Please can you fix? ### 2/5 — Funktioniert nicht mehr *2024-08-15, version 3.0.9* Seit dem letzten Update lassen sich die smart shades mit dem iPhone 15 pro max nicht mehr ansteuern. Mit dem iPhone 11 meiner Frau funkpes weiterhin. Kann ich jetzt die Motoren wegschmeißen oder wird das wieder repariert? ### 2/5 — Crashes *2023-12-07, version 3.0.4* Doesn’t work on iPhone 15 / latest iOS ### 3/5 — App stürzt ab *2023-06-15, version 3.0.2* Leider stürzt die App, nach dem Update auf 3.0.0, ab. Auch das nachfolgende Update auf Version 3.0.1 brachte keine Verbesserung Nachtrag, mit dem Update auf 3.0.2 läuft es wieder. Danke für die schelle Reaktion ### 2/5 — App needs simple Up and Down capability *2022-08-10, version 2.3.6* Currently, app does “100% Closed” or “100% Open” and in between. That would be fine if actually was accurate, which it is not. The slippage adjustment simply doesn’t work. Would be happy if I could just manually open and close by simply pressing and holding up or down buttons like during calibration. Instead, I need to delete the module and go through calibration and setup each time I need to open or close my blinds. ### 1/5 — Not iPad Friendly *2022-02-16, version 2.2.6* First off the Sona Connect image for Raspberry pi doesn't expand the filesystem on first boot. Second I have to lay on my side because this app is portrait orientation only on the iPad. Third, "sudo passwd pi" doesn't change the password as expected. I'm still stuck with the default password Fourth, sudo apt update tells me the software repository is unsigned and that's a huge red flag Fifth, The app is also unable to find my Sona Connect, just a sideways message saying "Move Closer To Device", I've been trying for about 10 minutes now. In conclusion, it seems that this app and the Sona Connect are nothing more than a beta tester device at best, and at worst it's a botnet waiting to happen ### 1/5 — The worst smart blinds out there *2021-06-04, version 2.2.6* The product is awful, no controls to operate without your phone, installation not great very noisy, slow and now the app won’t work. Extremely dissatisfied after spending nearly £1000 to not the house out should have gone with axis. This is a very terrible product and even worse app you haven’t even got the fundamentals right. ### 1/5 — Dont waste your money on their products unless you are retired and don’t mind wasting hours *2021-04-24, version 2.2.5* There are no words to express my frustration with this product. Nothing works right. I’ve spent hours fiddling and following instructions on their website. I work in the home automation field and can’t get things to work, I really don’t see a non technical individual using this product. What a shame ### 2/5 — Sunset function stopped working *2021-04-04, version 2.2.5* The app worked well until March 2021 when the sunset closing function stopped working randomly. ### 1/5 — Connectivity issues *2020-12-19, version 2.2.2* Has lots of potential. Seems to experiencing a lot of connectivity issues with their soma connect and HomeKit. Works when I reset everything but isn’t reliable therefore afterwards. Hoping they can resolve this and make the connect and device more stable. Will update to 5 stars once resolved. ### 4/5 — Good app but needs some polishing *2020-11-14, version 2.2.2* Works well for individual shades but doesn’t allow triggers for groups. Once you group, you can’t even access the triggers to open or close the shades at a specific time and you have to ungroup to change anything. If the triggers were allowed on groups this app would be great. ### 1/5 — Not working!!! *2020-10-08, version 2.2.1* App crashes before it even opens!! Now I can’t even open my blinds ### 4/5 — It’s not just about the app *2020-10-05, version 2.2.0* I have several of these to control blinds in my home. The product is good. It does what you expect and is reasonably priced. I had a problem with signal but that turned out to be interference and nothing to do with the product or app. I have to say, the customer service team were very helpful. Firstly they actually replied unlike many. If not for them I would still be wondering what the issue was. The app.. So yes it could be quicker, and slicker but given that most people (I would expect) have a smart device to give voice commands too the app is perfectly adequate. The setup process for devices is quite quick, well explained and easy to do. I’ve given 4 stars for the overall experience because often when you have a issue with an app that’s it, your dead in the water. So it really isn’t just about the app. In short.. Good product, great service and reasonable app, or good if you are just using it to set up devices. ### 2/5 — Horrible *2020-10-04, version 2.2.0* If you have a continuous cord loop, you’re a blind beta tester. They claim they don’t even have non-beaded loops in their offices so how they intend to support it is beyond me. Kept saying they’ll update it in “two weeks” for a few months and I finally gave up. Thankfully they gave a full refund so that earned an extra star for at least not being a total scam. Just a tremendous waste of time. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — No up/down button *2026-04-11, version 3.0.10* No simple up/down. If your blinds slip you have to reconfigure every time ### 1/5 — SCAM *2024-12-14, version 3.0.10* AVOID AVOID AVOID This company is a scam. They sell faulty products that fail and they promise a warrant replacement but ghost your emails. Their software and Hub have questionable security and privacy with company employees having the ability to connect to the hub remotely. Their software also is very basic, stuck in the 2010s with no new features. The worst of the worst ### 1/5 — Basic, poorly designed, virtually unsupported *2024-05-24, version 3.0.6* This isn’t a good app. Matter support, which has been advertised for well over a YEAR now, has no ETA. Support is slow and unhelpful. Instructions in the app are inaccurate. Automations slowly drift to new times of day. You have to fully reset your blinds to change the start and end points. The list goes on. This app does the bare minimum, but nothing else. I regret my purchase. ### 1/5 — Planned obsolescence *2024-03-16* My Soma blinds broke and 2 of them died within the same week when upgraded the Soma bridge to the final v2.3.2. The blinds became incredibly unstable, slow and unbearable. I contacted the company several times and they just promoted their new $$$ product. I wouldn’t drop any money for this company - absolute amateurs. I’ve had to rely on Homebridge to get these blinds working in HomeKit. Downgraded to Bridge v2.3.1 and the blinds at least are more responsive and reliable now. It’s now just a ticking timebomb until my last 2 Soma blinds die. ### 1/5 — Stopped working after last update *2023-06-12, version 3.0.1* The app closes itself right away ### 1/5 — App crashing since latest update *2023-06-11, version 3.0.0* The app opens and immediately crashes. Please fix. ### 1/5 — Crash bang wallop *2023-06-08, version 3.0.0* App crashes instantly on iPad after new update June 7 2023 ### 1/5 — Total flunky app *2022-08-16, version 2.3.6* completely bug infested app—needs total rehabilitation. ### 1/5 — Need recalibrate function *2022-06-14, version 2.3.5* Every week one of the blinds drift damaging it. Add in recalibrate function! ### 1/5 — Software genau so schlecht wie die Hardware *2022-03-28, version 2.3.5* Hier passt einfach gar nichts! Selten so eine schlecht designte App gesehen. Total unintuitiv zu Bedienen und alles sehr träge. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Works Great *2023-09-09, version 3.0.4* New units work great with Homekit. Automations and scenes work great! I see a lot of bad reviews 2 and 3 years ago, I guess all that was improved! Would recommend!! ### 5/5 — App doesn’t work *2023-06-10, version 3.0.0* Since you did the lastest update for smart shades 3 the app will not open at all and crashes. Done the usual reboot of phone. Reinstalling app etc and it still will not function. Do you not test these things before putting them live? ### 5/5 — Highly Recommend Soma Smart Shades *2022-11-29, version 2.3.8* Two years ago I ordered 12 devices “Soma Smart Shades” and I motorized all binds in my home. I was able to move the blinds individually up and down via smartphone or using voice commands via Siri. I created in “Homekit” automated patterns and different schedules for every room to make our life even more convenient. Everything worked perfectly as advertised until 2 weeks ago when 1 device was unresponsive. So I contacted the company and they went above and beyond in their efforts to help repair and replace it. They were fast responsive and quick to provide solutions. If I find a need for additional shades, I will always go to “Wazombi”. I got the devices, I install them and everything is working perfectly. Thanks again! I wrote a good review as a sign of my appreciation. ### 5/5 — Works fine. *2021-06-27, version 2.2.6* Easy to set up. Using my own Pi 4 as a Connect and that had no issues. I don’t use the app for scheduling (as I use HomeKit) but I have no complaints. ### 5/5 — Works with HomeKit, all I need *2020-09-17, version 2.2.0* This app is perfectly sufficient. Configure the top / bottom, tweak as needed, and then it’s all HomeKit for me from there. I appreciate the morning mode update! ### 5/5 — Love the new interface *2020-03-04, version 2.0.6* I also love the fact that there is a percentage now to indicate how open are the shades. Much easier to setup. ### 5/5 — Great Blinds. But please keep the app fresh *2019-08-07, version 2.0.3* My electric blinds are fantastic and I have used the app to set them to open and close automatically based on time. Please give us a few more options with the app, Please let us adjust the blinds again without a full reset if they fall slightly out of alignment. ### 5/5 — Amazing technology *2018-07-08, version 1.7.7* Nothing but respect for this company. They’ve managed to ship a really good product at a very affordable price. Great honest and transparent support too. The rest of the review will refer to the products as well as the app as I figured people probably want to know about both! There are a few issues, namely they are vulnerable to anyone pairing with them from outside your window. I nearly didn’t get them based on this but I figured it’s so unlikely anyone would figure it out. I’ve also heard from Soma that they are developing a secure version. Not sure if this will be an update or new hardware but I figured we are in early adopter territory here and I’d rather support the development of the new version by buying in now and upgrading later if needed. I also had an issue with them loosing their start and stop position by a few inches but moving the chain a bit on the gear and re-calibrating has solved that. According to support this can happen if the sensor stops just been it’s two position counting magnets. But if you consider that there is zero competition for a HomeKit enabled retrofit blind controller we need to be fair in that this is a very new product from a small company in a new market with no other alternative! The fact is when you use this with HomeKit (the only reason you need this app then is to check battery life, which seems to be lasting very well indeed) you’ll have an amazing smart home that where blinds can close when you say ‘cinema mode’, open when you say ‘good morning’, close at sunset or just before etc etc. The fun and utility with all of this is just brilliant. I have my blackout roller blinds running on these and I have a translucent daytime blind that obscures the blackout one. This makes the effect of the automatic one in the window recess closing behind my daytime shades look really cool indeed. The units are a tad on the noisy side but nothing too bad. They are quieter when closing than opening. I have my bedroom set to close at 2am (so we continue to get good airflow through the curtains until then) without worrying it will disturb our sleep too much. It sometimes just wakes me up but it’s not really intrusive and of course I could just close it before I go to sleep if it ever was an issue. One tip with mounting the units. Place them slightly away from the center line below the roller, to allow more of a gap as the blind comes down. This stops the blind catching the unit. This happened to one of my blinds where the fabric didn’t hang dead vertically as it came down. I’m now going to swap to a 50cm loop chain and mount the units nearer the blinds so they’re not as visible. You get a 1m loop with each unit as well in case your blind chains have a join in the chain. ### 5/5 — Good alexa and HomeKit controlled blinds *2018-04-05, version 1.7.7* Happy with this app and the soma smart shades. Bit on the expensive side but I expect these will come down in price as time goes on and look forward to some app improvements. Simon (UK) ### 5/5 — Great blind control *2018-03-04, version 1.7.7* Had this for 5 months or so now and so far so good. Would like some more features like, dusk/dawn open and close but hoping an update soon will resolve this. I’m looking to buy more of these once there’s a update on the dusk/dawn feature, otherwise I’ll be looking elsewhere. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-21.*