Somfy Remote Controls: The Complete Australian Guide
- Craig Radcliff
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
Somfy remote controls range from simple one-channel handsets to multi-channel, timer, tilt, sensor and smart-home controls. The right choice depends on the motor protocol first, then the number of blinds or groups and the functions you actually need.
Identify whether the motor is RTS or Zigbee before buying or programming a remote. Similar-looking controls can use completely different radio systems.
Choose a Somfy control quickly
What you need | Best starting point |
One RTS blind or one group | Situo 1 RTS |
Two independent RTS blinds or groups | Situo 2 RTS |
Up to five RTS blinds or groups | Situo 5 RTS |
Up to 16 named RTS channels | Telis 16 RTS |
Automatic time schedules without an app | Chronis RTS |
Fine Venetian or louvre tilt | Variation RTS |
Compatible sun or wind sensor control | Soliris RTS |
Zigbee motor control and feedback | Compatible Somfy Zigbee control and TaHoma |
App control, scenes and supported voice control | TaHoma Switch |
For a model-by-model decision, use Which Somfy Remote Do I Need?.
Step 1: Confirm RTS or Zigbee
Somfy RTS
RTS remotes such as Situo, Telis, Chronis, Variation and Soliris send one-way radio commands directly to compatible RTS motors. Normal remote operation does not require Wi-Fi or a hub.
Somfy Zigbee
Somfy Zigbee motors use compatible Zigbee controls and supported TaHoma systems. They do not pair directly with RTS Situo or Telis handsets. Zigbee adds supported two-way information such as blind position and battery level.
Read Somfy RTS vs Zigbee before ordering motors, remotes or a hub.
Step 2: Understand channels and groups
A channel is not necessarily one blind. It is a saved control group that can contain one motor or several motors. A five-channel remote can therefore operate five individual blinds, five groups, or a mixture.
Use an individual channel for each blind that needs separate control.
Use a group channel for blinds that should move together.
Multi-channel programming must be done on the intended channel before pressing PROG.
Programming from a group channel can place every motor in that group into programming mode.
Before adding or copying a remote, select a channel that controls only the intended blind wherever possible.
The main Somfy remote families
Situo RTS
Situo is the everyday RTS handset family. Choose the channel count from the number of independent blinds or groups you want to control.
Telis 16 RTS
Telis 16 provides up to 16 named RTS channels. It suits larger homes or projects where identifying rooms and groups on the handset is more useful than remembering numbered channels.
Chronis RTS
Chronis adds built-in schedules without relying on a phone app. Choose it when timed opening and closing are required but a full smart-home hub is unnecessary.
Variation RTS
Variation controls add a scroll wheel for fine slat or louvre positioning. They are designed for compatible Venetian and tilt applications, not because a roller blind needs more accurate up-and-down travel.
Soliris RTS
Soliris controls are intended for compatible sensor installations. Confirm the motor, receiver and sensor arrangement before choosing a Soliris handset.
The MY button
During movement, a quick press of MY stops the blind. When the blind is stationary, MY can recall a saved favourite position. Holding MY is also used in some programming sequences, so follow the exact motor procedure rather than experimenting.
Pairing, limits and additional remotes
Pair a remote to a new or existing motor using the correct scenario.
Set initial upper and lower limits only on a motor that is in commissioning mode.
Add a second RTS remote through a working remote whenever possible.
Avoid factory resets and power-cycle recovery unless the motor model and shared circuit are understood.
Use the detailed guides: pair an RTS remote, set motor limits, add or copy a remote and troubleshoot a non-working remote.
Adding TaHoma
TaHoma Switch adds app control, scenes, schedules and supported integrations for compatible Somfy devices. It can centralise compatible RTS and Zigbee products, but it does not make their handheld remotes interchangeable.
Read What Can the Somfy TaHoma Switch Hub Control? before planning a mixed system.
Frequently asked questions
Can one Somfy remote control several blinds?
Yes. One RTS channel can contain several compatible motors as a group. Multi-channel remotes can hold a mixture of individual motors and groups.
Can a five-channel remote control five blinds and an all-blinds group?
A five-channel remote has five selectable channels. You can use some for individual blinds and one for a group, provided the number of required channels fits.
Can an RTS remote control a Zigbee motor?
No. RTS and Zigbee controls are not interchangeable.
Do I need TaHoma to use an RTS remote?
No. A compatible RTS remote controls an RTS motor directly. TaHoma is added for app control and automation.
Should I reset the motor when a new remote will not pair?
Not as the first step. Check the battery, selected channel, motor power and protocol. If another remote works, add the new remote through it.
What should I photograph before ordering a replacement?
Photograph the front and back of the old handset, its label, the motor label if accessible, and any hub or wall control. Note which blinds each channel operates.
