[Electronics-Talk] Accessibility of Honeywell red link

[Publisher]

Yes, you can make many Honeywell RedLINK-enabled thermostats accessible by adding the RedLINK Internet Gateway and using the Honeywell (Resideo) Total Connect Comfort app or website. In many cases, the app or website is at least somewhat screen-reader friendly, allowing you to change temperature settings and schedules. Additionally, using a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant can give you another way to control the thermostat hands-free if you integrate it properly.

1. Understanding Honeywell RedLINK

What It Is: Honeywell’s (now Resideo’s) RedLINK system is a proprietary wireless protocol used by certain Honeywell thermostats (often labeled VisionPRO, Prestige, etc.).

Why You Need the Gateway: Some older Honeywell touchscreen thermostats do not have built-in Wi-Fi; the RedLINK Internet Gateway plugs into your home router and then communicates wirelessly to the thermostat.
Once set up, you can typically use the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort (TCC) app (or website) to monitor and control the thermostat from a phone, tablet, or computer.

2. Accessibility of the RedLINK System

Total Connect Comfort Website: You can log in to mytotalconnectcomfort.com (region may vary) to control your thermostat. Many visually impaired users report that the website is workable with screen readers, though it may have a few quirks.

Total Connect Comfort Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android. Some users find it quite accessible with VoiceOver or TalkBack; others report that certain parts of the interface might need some patience to navigate.

Voice Assistant Integration:

Amazon Alexa: The “Honeywell Home” or “Total Connect Comfort” skill (depending on your model) allows you to link your account and say things like “Alexa, set the [thermostat name] to 72 degrees.”

Google Assistant: Similar approach if you prefer Google devices—link your Honeywell Home/Resideo account.

Using a voice assistant can simplify day-to-day control, as you won’t have to dive into the touchscreen or the app at all once everything is set up.

3. Setting It Up

Purchase or Locate the RedLINK Internet Gateway

Sometimes called the “RedLINK Gateway” or “Honeywell Internet Gateway.” Make sure your particular thermostat model is listed as compatible.

Physically Connect the Gateway

You’ll typically plug the gateway into your router via Ethernet.

Create a Total Connect Comfort Account

Follow instructions to register and link the thermostat to your account. This is usually done on a computer or via the mobile app.

Install and Test the App

Download the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app.

Log in with your new account.

Confirm that you can see and adjust your thermostat.

(Optional) Integrate a Voice Assistant

Enable the appropriate skill (Alexa) or link the account (Google Home).

Give a name to your thermostat that’s easy to say, like “Hallway Thermostat.”

Test voice commands.

4. Tips for Accessibility

Use the Website as a Backup: If an area of the mobile app is not fully labeled or has unlabeled buttons, the website’s simpler layout might work better with a screen reader.

Label Buttons in iOS/Android: If you find any unlabeled buttons in the app, on iOS you can sometimes use VoiceOver’s custom label feature to relabel them.

Check Compatibility: Not all older Honeywell touchscreens are RedLINK-capable; confirm the exact model number of your thermostat to ensure you get the right gateway and can indeed connect it.

Firmware/Software Updates: If your app or thermostat firmware is out of date, an update might resolve accessibility issues.

5. If You Can’t Use RedLINK

You mention you may not be able to replace your thermostat with something like a Nest or other known accessible model. However, if your HVAC setup allows it, you might want to consider a newer Honeywell (Resideo) Wi-Fi thermostat (T6, T9, T10, etc.) that claims better accessibility. If your system is locked down or you have a proprietary HVAC system preventing a swap, the RedLINK gateway is likely your best bet.

Bottom Line: In many cases, the RedLINK Internet Gateway plus the Total Connect Comfort app/website (and possibly a voice assistant) provides a workable accessible solution. You should be able to control your thermostat without ever touching the touchscreen, which is crucial for anyone relying on screen readers or voice control. Good luck, and let us know how it goes if you give it a try!

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

“The greatest barrier to accessibility is indifference.” 💡

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-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jim McCarthy via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 1:11 PM
To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jim McCarthy <bmoresoxfan at gmail.com>
Subject: [Electronics-Talk] Accessibility of Honeywell red link

Honeywell red link is a gateway that brings Wi-Fi   connectivity to
Honeywell thermostats. Does anyone have experience with it to know if it is accessible? We just moved into a house that has a Honeywell thermostat that is touchscreen and so the only way we can operate it is if we can find Wi-Fi access. To my knowledge, we cannot replace it with a nest or a known accessible thermostat. All ideas are welcome.
Jim McCarthy
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