FAQ

What is Knocki?

Knocki is a small wireless device that transforms walls, tables, doors and other common surfaces into touch-based remote control interfaces for your favorite functions.

With Knocki mounted to a surface (even under or behind it) the entire surface comes to life.  Just tap simple patterns anywhere on the activated surface to control lighting, switches, TVs, locks, sound systems, thermostats, and more!

How do I set up and use Knocki?

It takes just a few minutes to set up a Knocki device using the free Knocki app available on iOS and Android.  The app walks you through the quick and easy process of getting Knocki connected to your WiFi, mounting it to a surface, and then adding tap gestures and actions.

Once Knocki is up and running, it works on its own, even if you're phone is turned off. 

Does Knocki include a warranty?

Knocki is backed by a three-year warranty, demonstrating our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This warranty is offered to the original purchaser of the product when purchased directly from the knocki.com website.  The three-year warranty includes:

• Free Hardware Replacement: In the unlikely event of a hardware defect, we’ll replace your Knocki device free of charge.
• Unlimited Software and Firmware Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements through regular over-the-air firmware updates, app updates, and an ever expanding list of smart devices that Knocki can integrate with.
• Free Technical Support: We are always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your Knocki device. Simply reach out to us at support@knocki.com and we’ll get back to you within 1-2 business days.

At Haptic, we stand proudly behind our product, offering a warranty that reflects our confidence in its reliability and performance. We are committed to ensuring our customers have a positive and worry-free experience with Knocki, both now and in the future.

What is your return policy?

For Knocki devices and accessories purchased on the Knocki website, we offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not delighted with your Knocki’s performance, return it to us within 30 days in its original condition for a full refund.

Are there any subscription fees or additional costs associated with using Knocki?

No, using Knocki comes with no hidden fees or subscriptions. We believe in providing a full, unrestricted experience right out of the box, ensuring that you can enjoy the powerful capabilities of Knocki without any additional costs. This includes access to all standard functionalities, such as setting up various tap patterns to control your smart devices and services.

While we might consider offering premium services in the future, these would be designed to expand and enhance the already robust capabilities of Knocki. Any such premium offerings would be entirely optional and aimed at providing additional value beyond the comprehensive suite of features that Knocki already offers today for free.

What are a few of the things I can do with Knocki?

The possibilities with Knocki are only limited by your own creativity, but here are just a few ideas:

Activate your nightstand to perform your favorite routines from the comfort of your bed, or stick Knocki on your front door and receive a message on your phone if someone knocks the door.  Stick knocki on the interior of a window and control your patio lighting from outside, even if your hardwired light switches are indoors. Bring your kitchen counter to life so that with just a few taps, you can ring your lost phone.  Activate workbenches in your workshop, kitchen countertops, breakfast tables, walls, windows, and so on. People also use Knocki for all kinds of purposes in work environments, such as switching slides in presentations, reserving conference rooms, requesting room service, and more. 

Do I need to have smart devices to use Knocki?

Nope! A smart home is not necessary.

Knocki is highly capable even if you don't already have smart devices. For example, you'll be able to make your lost phone ring, send notifications, use Knocki as a sensor to tell you when doors or drawers are opened, and more. If you own (or plan to own) smart devices like Philips Hue or Alexa, Knocki can easily link to them. The possibilities will continue to grow as we build-out new integrations and push out new app updates.

What smart devices & services does Knocki work with?

Knocki works with most popular brands of smart lights, switches, plugs, TVs, thermostats, locks and other smart devices. Some integrations with other products/services are direct, such as those with Alexa, IFTTT, Philips Hue, Lifx, TP-Link Kasa, Honeywell Lyric, Sonos, etc. Thousands of other integrations can be set up through Alexa Routines or IFTTT applets. In fact, every single device or service that can be controlled by Alexa or IFTTT can also be controlled by Knocki!

Does Knocki need to be in range of my phone to work?

A smartphone is not needed for Knocki to function. Once Knocki is set up, it works all on its own through WiFi. Just stick it on a surface and it's ready to work, even if your smartphone is turned off. Knocki runs on ordinary AAA batteries.

How does Knocki connect to other devices?

Knocki uses WiFi to connect to an automation server in the cloud, so when you transmit a command by knocking a surface, the server identifies the corresponding action and sends it to the appropriate device, software, or service.

Can Knock communicate with devices on a local network?

Yes, Knocki can send LAN HTTP commands on a local WiFi network!

What surfaces can I activate with Knocki?

Knocki works with almost any solid surface - wood, stone, drywall, and more. Mount Knocki to a wall, a door, or even hide it under a table top to add interactivity and automate an endless array of actions. Knocki's sensitivity can be adjusted via the companion app so it can even work with granite or marble countertops!

In what general locations can Knocki be used?

Knocki works anywhere it can access a WiFi web connection. This means it works throughout most homes and offices (even in garages or out-houses if within range of WiFi).

Can I have multiple Knocki devices in the same home or office?

Yes, multiple Knockis can be used in the same home, office, or other area. Because Knocki relies on mechanical sensors and not sound, separate Knocki devices on different surfaces will not affect each other. All of your Knockis can be managed from a single dashboard in the Knocki app, available for Android and iOS.

How does Knocki differ from using voice commands with smart speakers?

Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Home are popular, and many of our customers use Knocki to compliment the smart speakers that they already have.

However, Knocki offers many distinct benefits that cater to diverse use cases and preferences.  

• Background Noise: Knocki's technology excels where voice commands might falter. Whether you're enjoying music, watching TV, or in a lively room, Knocki’s performance is never affected by background sounds that can render voice control unusable.
• Privacy Concerns: Unlike voice-controlled devices that rely on microphones and potentially transmit your conversations to the internet, Knocki does not have microphones, so it never listens in. This ensures the privacy of your conversations and other audible activity is protected.
• Silent Operation: In environments where silence is golden, like shared offices or bedrooms, Knocki offers a discreet alternative to voice commands. Its advanced accelerometer technology detects gentle taps, allowing you to control your environment quietly without disturbing others.
• Reliability Across Users: Voice recognition can sometimes struggle with different speech patterns or accents, leading to misunderstandings. Knocki's simplicity lies in its use of tap and knock gestures, eliminating the confusion often associated with voice commands. Our technology is designed to recognize and respond to a variety of tapping rhythms, ensuring a reliable and inclusive experience for all users.
• Minimizing Distractions and Enhancing Focus: Knocki offers a significant advantage in situations where voice commands could be intrusive or distracting. For instance, during conversations, meetings, or while concentrating on tasks, issuing voice commands to smart speakers can interrupt the flow of discussion or thought. Knocki eliminates this disruption, allowing for unobtrusive and discreet control.

How does Knocki compare to smart buttons?

Knocki is superior to smart buttons in a large variety of ways.  Knocki understands far more commands, it's not confined to a small spot as buttons are, and Knocki can be mounted discreetly out of view.  For a deeper dive, see our comparison of Knocki vs. Smart Buttons.

How long is Knocki’s Battery life?

Knocki's battery life is typically 4-6 months. The app will notify you when the batteries run low.

We’re also excited to soon be launching a custom Knocki USB-C adapter designed to work with existing Knocki devices - this will be ideal for situations where you'd like battery-free operation.

How many gesture patterns can Knocki remember?

Knocki can remember up to 10 unique tap patterns, and each gesture can be assigned up to five simultaneous functions (called a task list).

For example, you can use one gesture to simultaneously dim the lights, boot up the TV, and start your Sonos speakers, and another gesture to simply lock your front door. 

What surfaces work with Knocki?

Knocki work with ordinary solid surface in your home or office including wood, stone, glass, metal, drywall, and more. Put it on a wall, a table, a door, even hide it under a table top to add interactivity and automate an endless array of actions. Knocki's sensitivity can be adjusted via the companion app so it will even work on granite or marble!

Do I need to have a smart home to use Knocki?

Nope!  A smart home is not necessary.

Knocki is ready to do things even if you don't already have smart devices. For example, you'll be able to make your lost phone ring, send notifications, order pizza, and more. If you own (or plan to own) smart devices like Wemo, Nest, or Philips Hue, Knocki can easily link to them. The possibilities will continue to grow as we build-out new integrations and push out new app updates.

Can I have multiple Knockis in the same home or office?

Yes, multiple Knockis can be used in the same home, office, or other area - each one with its own location-specific functionality. Because Knockis rely on mechanical sensors and not sound, multiple Knockis used on different surfaces will not conflict with each other. All your Knockis can be managed from one app, available for Android and iOS.

Is Knocki affected by sound?

Unlike smart speakers, Knocki does not rely on microphones or audio sensors, and does not respond to sounds.  Instead, it uses non-acoustic motion algorithms to intelligently decipher knocks or taps on a surface corresponding to the actions you specify.  

Knocki reminds me of the clapper. is it similar?

The Clapper was a low-cost and primitive infomercial product from the 1980s that could flip a switch when you clapped, but unfortunately it also turned the lights on when your dog barked. Despite its simplicity and shortcomings, the Clapper was enduringly popular because of its simplicity.

Knocki is far more intelligent, providing a vastly superior and more capable solution. Unlike the Clapper, the Knocki is a smart home device that can perform a huge variety of useful tasks.  Furthermore, it understands up to 10 unique gestures, and doesn't require a power outlet to function. Knocki can also control other apps and functions an unlimited distance away via its web connectivity.

What is the underlying technology behind Knocki?

Knocki utilizes Haptic's patented technology, enabling an accelerometer to transform entire areas of flat surfaces or structures into tap-based control interfaces, even extending beyond the sensor across the plane of a flat surface. 

Legacy surfaces including wood, glass, metal, and stone that are not traditionally capable of touch interaction can now become interactive.  The technology makes it possible for tap patterns on a surface to be reliably recognized and for unique tap patterns to control a variety of functions through a system that identifies the tap patterns and communicates out to corresponding functions.

Knocki’s innovative approach helped the product break records and garner international attention in its historic Kickstarter campaign. Today thousands of Knocki users around the world enjoy the capabilities of Knocki.

I cannot find the answer on this FAQ page.

Explore our support page or feel free to contact us directly at support@knocki.com.

 

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