My lock in this video is silver. Aqara told me the silver color won't be shipping for about another month. The black color they are shipping now looks good too, but silver is a better fit for my door.
To secure screws just use some Loctite. That said I own the U200 (European lock) and I’m really happy with it. Aqara makes great products for doorlocking.
@@EricWelander See my other comment, even better than Loctite (but categorically similar) is Vibra-TITE VC-3. It's a non-hardening thread compound that is specifically designed to resist loosening from vibration or shock. I use it on all my door hardware and small PITA screws that keep coming loose. It's been part of my toolkit for 5 years and boy does it work great. It allows screws to be easily adjusted and removed. You can remove and install them a couple times before needing to add more compound. I ordered some tiny art paintbrushes to apply because the one built into the cap is huge for really small screws. It's gold for door hardware.
this is perfect for my in a back door access as it doesn’t have a dead bolt! auto locking seems great for me but in time will tell if it annoys me. quick question can a m2 hub work or do i need a m3 hub??
Sorry to bother you, but if you have some time, I would appreciate one measurement to see if it will fit on my door. My deadbolt is pretty close to my latch lock and I want to see if this would fit. Could you measure from the center of the fingerprint reader to the top of the lock? Thanks!
Your one last thing about the auto lock passenger mode is a big problem for me. I'm fine with an auto lock mode but I want a manual mode that doesnt auto lock. Pretty much the functionality I have with my existing non smart locks.
So what parts are metal and what parts are plastic? As in will the plastic parts break down in UV light and look like crap after a year on a front door
My U300 automatically locks after just 8 seconds when unlocking via Apple Home. Does yours do this too? That feels more like a bug compared to Passage Mode which seems like a deliberate decision.
The passage mode limitation is pretty frustrating. I’m not sure this is a good buy now at launch unless it’s addressed via future update. Come on Aqara!
I could never get it to work via Matter without the M3 hub ( which I ended up purchasing…) even though I have multiple Homepod Minis including one about 16ft from the door lock. Also, it says the device is not certified in the Home app and I dont have the Homekey capability ?!
i’m sorry i still don’t really get what the difference in experience is with and without the m3 hub. i have another aqara hub and would love to know what i’d be missing without the m3 hub
Fair review. id really like to know how this works with a Aeotec v3 hub using smartthings. This matter ecosystem leaves so much to be desired. imagine a communication protocol like matter, but its useless if all the features of the device cant be controlled if youre not using the Aqara hub and app.
Can I use this with only the part for on the inside? In Europe we usually don’t have a door handle on the outside to prevent people from simply entering your home. I assume I have to use only the handle with the keypad for the insight?
I just want to make sure I understand. Without the M3 hub, you can’t use thread over matter? Or you just can’t access it via the aqara app? I’m hoping we can use thread because it uses a lot less battery than Bluetooth.
Great and balanced review, Eric. Your joke about Phillips Hie not changing their hub in a hundred years made me co sides what this would look like. It would either be a set of linked moving parts (e.g., the beginning of Back to the Future) or, going back further, a valet who listens for a bell to be rung and runs around the house turning various lights on or off, while maybe adding diffused colored glass to change their color. While not suggesting anything vial, I think either option would be pretty fun!
@@KarmaParmar I heard that if you have a HomePod mini, that the Hub3 isn’t needed for the lock but I’m just trying to confirm that. This lock on Amazon is 183 right now vs the 229 original price
You technically don’t need an Aqara Thread hub like the M3 to use this lock. As I mention in the video you can add it straight into Apple Home. I just mentioned that I think the best idea long term is using it with an Aqara M3 hub as you will probably get the best performance and software updates that way. I would say buy it in your situation provided the HomePod mini is nearby and consider getting an M3 hub down the road.
@@EricWelander Sounds good , thank you. This lock will be outside to a garage door , so we will see what the weather does to it here in Oklahoma. Thanks again, I enjoy your channel👍
Nice review. I think the auto-locking functionality is a bit of an oversight by Aqara. It's not every use case where we need the door to automatically lock by default. I would need the same type functionality as your garage door (by default remain unlocked, unless triggered by a scene or automation.) The passage mode seems a bit useless and cumbersome if it can't be controlled remotely. I hope the Aqara product team watches your videos and rolls out some software fixes for this. :)
I wish passage mode was controlled in the app. I would rather repurpose that interior button to be a “lock toggle”. All it does is lock, or unlock, the lock. That’s it. It’s just software so this should be possible if Aqara listens to customer feedback. 😅. I just think a Lock/Unlock button is much simpler to understand.
I have this on lock on the door for my garage. The weirdest thing for me is that I can open the door to leave the garage, but I have to unlock it to close the door from outside. I can’t just pull the door shut as I leave.
So I purchased one. The autolock is dumb. But more frustrating is that, although it is accurate and fast to unlock, it only actually unlocks (engages the lock so you can open the door) about half the time. In other words, even though it indicates the door is unlocked (via fingerprint, code, or homekey), when you go to turn the handle it just randomly does not actually unlock so you can open the door. I have requested a replacement from Amazon but the shipment is delayed. Maybe just got a defective one.
I wonder if this would work with a mobile home door. Also, is this reversible? My front door faces the other way. Strange, I know. I did see the short video from CES 2024 where the door handle was facing the other way. Great video!! ❤
Thanks! I think a mobile home would be fine provided you have a Thread border router. Yes you can reverse the direction of the handle. It uses one screw for that on each side during installation.
@@EricWelander awesome! I have two Apple TV 4k’s and my HomePods. And of course my Aqara hub. This will definitely my favorite smart home purchase of this year.
@2:40 use Vibra-TITE VC-3! It's like loctite (thread locker) except it never fully sets so it's easily removable and adjustable, while at the same time being *exceptionally* good at resisting against vibration, shock, thermal movement driven loosening of small fasteners. I use it on all of those small fasteners that tend to come loose (cabinet hardware, door locksets, certain furniture joints). There are fasteners that you can "torque to spec" and the torque alone causes enough frictions to keep from coming loose (like lug nuts on a car) and then there are fasteners that you simply cannot torque to the point that the friction and tension on the threads cause them to lock. Like door hardware. Or the tiny screws in keyfobs or glasses. You go too tight, and things jam, even outside of smart locks. That's where vibra-tite comes in ;)
Aqara posted on reddit that beta firmware has been released which provides a re-lock delay setting with options “30s, 1min, 5min, 10min, 30min, never.”
Really just wish there was another handle or knob that was just smart. No key code entry or anything like that. Make it simple. Level Lock has them, but hesitant to buy given their new ownership. Not to mention everyone seems to complain about that brand.
Wait, do you seriously need to rely on a piece of battery operated Chinese electronics to open your door from the inside in case of a fire? If it malfunctions you’re toast?
Paid around $173 before taxes with promo code . ( bought 2 amazon gift cards that saved me another 10% bringing the before tax total of around $173) . Great value with all the tech that is included . Used your provided link . I had to enter the code manually . The link did not auto add the promo code .
My lock in this video is silver. Aqara told me the silver color won't be shipping for about another month. The black color they are shipping now looks good too, but silver is a better fit for my door.
To secure screws just use some Loctite. That said I own the U200 (European lock) and I’m really happy with it. Aqara makes great products for doorlocking.
That’s a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@EricWelander See my other comment, even better than Loctite (but categorically similar) is Vibra-TITE VC-3. It's a non-hardening thread compound that is specifically designed to resist loosening from vibration or shock. I use it on all my door hardware and small PITA screws that keep coming loose. It's been part of my toolkit for 5 years and boy does it work great. It allows screws to be easily adjusted and removed. You can remove and install them a couple times before needing to add more compound. I ordered some tiny art paintbrushes to apply because the one built into the cap is huge for really small screws. It's gold for door hardware.
Trying to decide between the u300 and the A100 any tips
this is perfect for my in a back door access as it doesn’t have a dead bolt! auto locking seems great for me but in time will tell if it annoys me. quick question can a m2 hub work or do i need a m3 hub??
Can the nfc tag be programmed to open multiple Aqara doors? Front, back, linen cabinets?
I was really considering this. Until I learned you need M3 hub. What’s the point of matter then
Sorry to bother you, but if you have some time, I would appreciate one measurement to see if it will fit on my door. My deadbolt is pretty close to my latch lock and I want to see if this would fit. Could you measure from the center of the fingerprint reader to the top of the lock? Thanks!
Do you think the U300 or U50 would be better for the garage door? Looks like the U300 would be faster to get in and out, but less secure?
So, the G3 Hub won't work as a bridge for this lock?
Your one last thing about the auto lock passenger mode is a big problem for me. I'm fine with an auto lock mode but I want a manual mode that doesnt auto lock. Pretty much the functionality I have with my existing non smart locks.
So what parts are metal and what parts are plastic? As in will the plastic parts break down in UV light and look like crap after a year on a front door
What are the dimensions? I want to run this in conjunction with a google nest yale deadbolt
Will this work in the uk
You should have a torque screw driver and a x number of newton meters should be recommended
My U300 automatically locks after just 8 seconds when unlocking via Apple Home. Does yours do this too? That feels more like a bug compared to Passage Mode which seems like a deliberate decision.
The passage mode limitation is pretty frustrating. I’m not sure this is a good buy now at launch unless it’s addressed via future update. Come on Aqara!
I could never get it to work via Matter without the M3 hub ( which I ended up purchasing…) even though I have multiple Homepod Minis including one about 16ft from the door lock. Also, it says the device is not certified in the Home app and I dont have the Homekey capability ?!
i’m sorry i still don’t really get what the difference in experience is with and without the m3 hub. i have another aqara hub and would love to know what i’d be missing without the m3 hub
Fair review. id really like to know how this works with a Aeotec v3 hub using smartthings. This matter ecosystem leaves so much to be desired. imagine a communication protocol like matter, but its useless if all the features of the device cant be controlled if youre not using the Aqara hub and app.
Can I use this with only the part for on the inside? In Europe we usually don’t have a door handle on the outside to prevent people from simply entering your home. I assume I have to use only the handle with the keypad for the insight?
The handle isn’t optional. I think Aqara has other locks for the European market that would be a better fit
Does it support ultra Wideband ?
When you connect it without a M3 HUB, does it connect via wifi or Bluetooth over Matter?
Did i miss the price
I just want to make sure I understand. Without the M3 hub, you can’t use thread over matter? Or you just can’t access it via the aqara app? I’m hoping we can use thread because it uses a lot less battery than Bluetooth.
You would need a thread over matter hub, an apple tv and some homepods are hubs also.
@@tackleviewchannel3620 perfect, thanks for the clarification
If leaving from the inside of the room is the door unlocked from the inside or do you have to press the button on the top to unlock it?
The door is always unlocked from the inside. Opening it from the inside doesn’t unlock the door, but it will open it.
Great and balanced review, Eric. Your joke about Phillips Hie not changing their hub in a hundred years made me co sides what this would look like. It would either be a set of linked moving parts (e.g., the beginning of Back to the Future) or, going back further, a valet who listens for a bell to be rung and runs around the house turning various lights on or off, while maybe adding diffused colored glass to change their color. While not suggesting anything vial, I think either option would be pretty fun!
Would a HomePod mini be alright to use for this lock if you don’t have an Aqara hub3? We already have a hub2 for our other Aqara devices
I have the same question! Would love to hear what the answer is
@@KarmaParmar I heard that if you have a HomePod mini, that the Hub3 isn’t needed for the lock but I’m just trying to confirm that. This lock on Amazon is 183 right now vs the 229 original price
You technically don’t need an Aqara Thread hub like the M3 to use this lock. As I mention in the video you can add it straight into Apple Home. I just mentioned that I think the best idea long term is using it with an Aqara M3 hub as you will probably get the best performance and software updates that way. I would say buy it in your situation provided the HomePod mini is nearby and consider getting an M3 hub down the road.
@@EricWelander Sounds good , thank you. This lock will be outside to a garage door , so we will see what the weather does to it here in Oklahoma. Thanks again, I enjoy your channel👍
Nice review. I think the auto-locking functionality is a bit of an oversight by Aqara. It's not every use case where we need the door to automatically lock by default. I would need the same type functionality as your garage door (by default remain unlocked, unless triggered by a scene or automation.) The passage mode seems a bit useless and cumbersome if it can't be controlled remotely. I hope the Aqara product team watches your videos and rolls out some software fixes for this. :)
I wish passage mode was controlled in the app. I would rather repurpose that interior button to be a “lock toggle”. All it does is lock, or unlock, the lock. That’s it. It’s just software so this should be possible if Aqara listens to customer feedback. 😅. I just think a Lock/Unlock button is much simpler to understand.
Would love to see you review the Eufy S3 Pro Cameras!
Nice video Eric, I’m thinking this is a great door lock for interior doors.
I have this on lock on the door for my garage. The weirdest thing for me is that I can open the door to leave the garage, but I have to unlock it to close the door from outside. I can’t just pull the door shut as I leave.
So I purchased one. The autolock is dumb. But more frustrating is that, although it is accurate and fast to unlock, it only actually unlocks (engages the lock so you can open the door) about half the time. In other words, even though it indicates the door is unlocked (via fingerprint, code, or homekey), when you go to turn the handle it just randomly does not actually unlock so you can open the door. I have requested a replacement from Amazon but the shipment is delayed. Maybe just got a defective one.
I wonder if this would work with a mobile home door. Also, is this reversible? My front door faces the other way. Strange, I know. I did see the short video from CES 2024 where the door handle was facing the other way. Great video!! ❤
Thanks! I think a mobile home would be fine provided you have a Thread border router. Yes you can reverse the direction of the handle. It uses one screw for that on each side during installation.
@@EricWelander awesome! I have two Apple TV 4k’s and my HomePods. And of course my Aqara hub. This will definitely my favorite smart home purchase of this year.
@2:40 use Vibra-TITE VC-3! It's like loctite (thread locker) except it never fully sets so it's easily removable and adjustable, while at the same time being *exceptionally* good at resisting against vibration, shock, thermal movement driven loosening of small fasteners. I use it on all of those small fasteners that tend to come loose (cabinet hardware, door locksets, certain furniture joints). There are fasteners that you can "torque to spec" and the torque alone causes enough frictions to keep from coming loose (like lug nuts on a car) and then there are fasteners that you simply cannot torque to the point that the friction and tension on the threads cause them to lock. Like door hardware. Or the tiny screws in keyfobs or glasses. You go too tight, and things jam, even outside of smart locks. That's where vibra-tite comes in ;)
@3:13 Vibra-TITE on all door knob screws ;) @EricWelander
@EricWelander
Aqara posted on reddit that beta firmware has been released which provides a re-lock delay setting with options “30s, 1min, 5min, 10min, 30min, never.”
Really just wish there was another handle or knob that was just smart. No key code entry or anything like that. Make it simple. Level Lock has them, but hesitant to buy given their new ownership. Not to mention everyone seems to complain about that brand.
That passage mode not working once to lock the door is a dealbreaker for me.
I want one, two actually
Promo Code doesnt work.
It does work , just enter the code manually . I just ordered it now and got around $45 off
3:35 what kind of hand is that?😂😂😂😂
You CANT just add this into the apple home unless you have the newer apple products that supports Matter thread boarder router. Huge oversight
Wait, do you seriously need to rely on a piece of battery operated Chinese electronics to open your door from the inside in case of a fire? If it malfunctions you’re toast?
If the battery dies I don’t think the country of origin comes in to play.
Paid around $173 before taxes with promo code . ( bought 2 amazon gift cards that saved me another 10% bringing the before tax total of around $173) . Great value with all the tech that is included . Used your provided link . I had to enter the code manually . The link did not auto add the promo code .