Gotta love all the lock haters in the comments. It’s a first defense, to hopefully deter someone, not meant to stop someone who is determined to break in. The beauty of these style of locks is the convenience for the homeowner and ability to give a code to family, friends, etc. No one buying this is expecting to keep a three letter agency occupied for days while they rally the troops. 😂
exactly lol. i mean, if a determined person wants to he can just smash the window and jump right in...plus im sure that if they are stupid enough to commit crimes or breaking and entering here in texas...then i would think it would be safe to assume they are not smart enough to take the time to learn about these.
I dont hate it but I'd rather have lock picking lawyer open it with a chicken bone than buy a $200 paperweight that even your 5 year old niece open without a code.. it makes the lock pointless if you can open it with a chicken bone or a paperclip. having good security isn't something to stick your nose up for convieance
@@8Arachne8 They don’t; they live on an island that can only be accessed during certain months. They live 1000 feet underground, and they have a bunker built out of 10 different kinds of metals and then encased in concrete.
Making you press the lock button after putting in the code is actually a good security feature, and shouldn't be criticized as a shortcoming. If someone trying to brute force your lock isn't aware of your code length they cannot know exactly when they should press the lock button. If they get a failure upon pressing it they have no idea whether it failed because they got the sequence wrong or if they even had the right number of digits.
Say your code was 6 digits long and you type in any other combination of 6 digits it should just do nothing and allow you to enter more digits unless it's the correct 6 digits. This way it's convenient for the user and it doesn't give away how many digits is in the code to an attacker.
This is a super slick smart lock. I love that it has a fingerprint reader. I really do wish it connected over Thread as opposed to Bluetooth, but as long as you have an Apple Home hub nearby, you should be good. HomeKey is BOSS too!
Yeah Thread would be nice but going to be honest, it doesn't really matter once its setup and running. Fingerprints and passcodes are stored locally and Home Key uses NFC so I prefer it being cheaper and missing out on Thread.
@@StrifePulse Good point. Thread would have definitely increased the price, but if your using HomeKey or the fingerprint sensor, it shouldn't make much of a difference, if any.
TIL "Tail Finger" is a thing! Me" "Man, Jeff's battery is pretty low for this demo..." Jeff: "Home Key in express mode means you can unlock even if your phone's battery is dead which I will show you later..." Genius... This looks rad. Thanks, Jeff!
Tip I’ve always been taught is to use longer screws for your side plates. If anyone was ever to try it would make it way harder. I use about two inches on the door and super long dry wall screws on the frame
Great to see more content from Jeff, though it has been a long time since his last video. I'd love to see more from Jeff on the software/OS side of things!
I really like this smart lock!! HOWEVER … I think I would feel weird/scared not locking the door knob lock! Lol. I’ve been so conditioned into locking the door knob AND the deadbolt..to leave the door knob unlocked and only the deadbolt would take some major getting used to! Am I alone in this thinking? Lol
This is what I was thinking too loll. It’s muscle memory for me to lock the doorknob as I’m walking out. I think about what I’m doing at all so I’d have to severely adjust (as well as my family)
I have it and everytime I share the passcode it never works. It looks so simple on this video but in real life.. all I can ever use is the app or my finger. Which is not so nice when you’re an Airbnb host 🤦🏾♀️
Good review. A couple of quick questions: Can you confirm that the physical key will unlock even when there is no power? Would love to know how this works with a hub? It’s Bluetooth so does the hub need to be very close to it? (Such was the case with August which was a deal breaker for me.)
Does it have anti-peeping password mode? so for example you can enter a fake password before the real password to avoid someone peeping at your entering
I always lol when I see deadbolts where the inside turn knob is literally right next to a small glass window that can easily be reached after breaking the glass Fancy box that is easily circumvented
i would love to see a bolt/latch along with the lock bar, so you can make the old lock obsolette. that way it can detect too when to lock from the other sensor. maybe a Aqara U200 has it and then i am gonna think about it…. :D imagine installing this to your main door, and a friend leaves and don't press the "lock button"….(asumming you want to throw away old lock)
You say you can rekey but every other reviewer says although it can be done it’s difficult. Have you actually tried rekeying? Also you never mentioned it’s build. Is it all plastic? Metal?
12:12 Yup, your trim has the exact same little deadbolt-level ding in it that mine has from previous “smart” locks auto locking at a specified time while the door just happens to be open. Then you walk by and see an open door that needs closing and… BOOM! The door bounces back and now there’s a nice little ding in the door trim…
The average person isn’t going to be able to rekey it, like they could with a Kwikset smarkey, but a locksmith will be able to rekey it easily. The brass ring, at the base of the tailpiece, just unscrews and the lock cylinder slides out, which provides access to the pins… It’s obviously more involved than that, but that’s the simplified process
@@RandomBogey I know what re-keying entails. What I meant to say was that it can’t be re-keyed AT ALL. Another TH-camr took it to a locksmith and they couldn’t do it.
@@watch_your_six I don’t have one, and I haven’t looked into it, so I can’t say 100%. But based on the looks of it, I’d say it is rekey-able, if it is the schlage cylinder it looks to be.
Very insightful review thank you. Any updates after months of using this lock. I’m about to buy a smart lock and this is in my short list. Btw, does it come with a doorknob? Or it’s something you buy separately? I’m new to the SL game. Thanks again
@@scottwass the question is would this work via Matter on both Ring and Homekit. I prefer not to tinker to much I drew the line at Homebridge I rather not over complicate my setup I already get lost in what scene or shortcut does what lol
Just tried to add an additional fingerprint code and screwed up EVERYTHING. Nothing works now, AND the labels in the app don't make sense and are NOT intuitive what I did six months ago means nothing and I cannot logically follow my way back. So I'm ripping it out and getting a simpler way less expensive 'fingerprint' door lock. UGH!!!!
This is a good looking lock, but Bluetooth is a no for me with bad experience with Level Lock battery life. This lock does not look as secure physically compared to the Schlage Encode Plus.
What will happen if someone steals my phone and express mode is enabled? That means the thief can unlock the door right? How can I disable the home key feature without my phone?
Hmm the problem is actually like losting the key, but the goodthing is that you can log in to the Home app on another device and then delete the lock (requires a homepod/apple tv and make sure you bring the key).
@@kinseycreategoods replacing a traditional lock is much cheaper than buying a new smart lock. I’m just wondering if this is a security glitch. But if you can login from another device, I guess you are good.
What is the privacy of the app? Is it a Chinese company spying on you? This is crucial information for smart devices. I use my own server and avoid cloud service as much as possible.
When you have typed the password in wrong, have you tried just continuing with the correct code as this is a brilliant security feature on one of my devices incase someone is watching you type it in.
My only complaint that I can see is there is the physical key backup. I personally believe an all digital lock is safer than one that has a physical key. I ordered one anyway through and plan to super glue the key hole door shut.
Considering that it uses HomeKit, I wonder if you truly need their hub to make use of the remote features. HomeKit should have you covered if you have a home hub like a HomePod or an Apple TV.
I am surprised the smart lock does not have a flashing indicator when the battery is low or at least a battery meter on the app or lock itself. Great job on the review, please bless us with more smart lock reviews💯
I have the Schlage Encode Plus and an iPhone 15 with ios 17. After a month I still can’t connect the lock with home. Its driving me crazy. I will buy this over the level
I got this lock after watching Jeff’s review. Have it all setup, but it keeps not responding to HomeKit. 😡 It will work for a few minutes and then I’ll use Apple Home or Siri to unlock it and it will say it’s not responding. Any ideas?
1:53 Are you sure it can be rekeyed? Shane Whatley did a review of this lock and says it cannot be rekeyed He even shows video of a locksmith trying but saying it cannot be done.
I know it’s just the rig holding the iPhone stable, but my mind keeps seeing it as a drill with a black bit extension and a silver screw behind the phone…
The key is very insecure. Easy to pick. The wide range of access options also adds to the vulnerabilities. Impressive lock with all the features but insecure as a lock.
Gotta love all the lock haters in the comments. It’s a first defense, to hopefully deter someone, not meant to stop someone who is determined to break in. The beauty of these style of locks is the convenience for the homeowner and ability to give a code to family, friends, etc. No one buying this is expecting to keep a three letter agency occupied for days while they rally the troops. 😂
Lol, good comment. It’s ridiculous how much hate these locks get. You’d think some of these people live in Fort Knox. C’mon son. Be serious. 🧐
exactly lol. i mean, if a determined person wants to he can just smash the window and jump right in...plus im sure that if they are stupid enough to commit crimes or breaking and entering here in texas...then i would think it would be safe to assume they are not smart enough to take the time to learn about these.
I dont hate it but I'd rather have lock picking lawyer open it with a chicken bone than buy a $200 paperweight that even your 5 year old niece open without a code.. it makes the lock pointless if you can open it with a chicken bone or a paperclip. having good security isn't something to stick your nose up for convieance
@@Ellarian_Liara So, what brand lock do you have?
@@8Arachne8 They don’t; they live on an island that can only be accessed during certain months. They live 1000 feet underground, and they have a bunker built out of 10 different kinds of metals and then encased in concrete.
Making you press the lock button after putting in the code is actually a good security feature, and shouldn't be criticized as a shortcoming. If someone trying to brute force your lock isn't aware of your code length they cannot know exactly when they should press the lock button. If they get a failure upon pressing it they have no idea whether it failed because they got the sequence wrong or if they even had the right number of digits.
Say your code was 6 digits long and you type in any other combination of 6 digits it should just do nothing and allow you to enter more digits unless it's the correct 6 digits. This way it's convenient for the user and it doesn't give away how many digits is in the code to an attacker.
This is a super slick smart lock. I love that it has a fingerprint reader. I really do wish it connected over Thread as opposed to Bluetooth, but as long as you have an Apple Home hub nearby, you should be good. HomeKey is BOSS too!
Yeah Thread would be nice but going to be honest, it doesn't really matter once its setup and running. Fingerprints and passcodes are stored locally and Home Key uses NFC so I prefer it being cheaper and missing out on Thread.
@@StrifePulse Good point. Thread would have definitely increased the price, but if your using HomeKey or the fingerprint sensor, it shouldn't make much of a difference, if any.
For 18:58, you can now lock the U100 via Home Key after updating to the latest firmware on the lock
Man Aqara is killing it this year
If interested, you can get the Aqara U100 here amzn.to/3J0iCMH.
Promo code not working :(
@@lalohuicochea1 no working
Does this lock allow HomeKit to know if the door is open/closed in addition to being locked/unlocked or is that only accessible within the Aquara app?
Yes
TIL "Tail Finger" is a thing!
Me" "Man, Jeff's battery is pretty low for this demo..."
Jeff: "Home Key in express mode means you can unlock even if your phone's battery is dead which I will show you later..."
Genius...
This looks rad. Thanks, Jeff!
Tip I’ve always been taught is to use longer screws for your side plates. If anyone was ever to try it would make it way harder. I use about two inches on the door and super long dry wall screws on the frame
The long screws is one factor that actually differentiates the ANSI grade 1 (360 lb weight test) vs a grade 2 or 3.
Drywall screws shear easily, do not recommend.
Awesome review, I really appreciate the HDR too!
I am always surprised how simple locks in America are built.
ya, because most come with an ar15 or shotgun of choice...
Great to see more content from Jeff, though it has been a long time since his last video. I'd love to see more from Jeff on the software/OS side of things!
Any Lock with a keyhole can be picked in seconds. No go for professionals! Nice lock though - clean modern look!
I really like this smart lock!! HOWEVER … I think I would feel weird/scared not locking the door knob lock! Lol. I’ve been so conditioned into locking the door knob AND the deadbolt..to leave the door knob unlocked and only the deadbolt would take some major getting used to! Am I alone in this thinking? Lol
This is what I was thinking too loll. It’s muscle memory for me to lock the doorknob as I’m walking out. I think about what I’m doing at all so I’d have to severely adjust (as well as my family)
This is the best smart lock that I never seen
Do you know anything on the availability for german locks? This deadbolt design is not used here.
I have it and everytime I share the passcode it never works. It looks so simple on this video but in real life.. all I can ever use is the app or my finger. Which is not so nice when you’re an Airbnb host 🤦🏾♀️
Good review.
A couple of quick questions:
Can you confirm that the physical key will unlock even when there is no power?
Would love to know how this works with a hub? It’s Bluetooth so does the hub need to be very close to it?
(Such was the case with August which was a deal breaker for me.)
Yes the physical key will work with no power. Its a physical turn.
That is better than my keywe. And it’s the same price too. Thank for this. I ordered it
If the batteries die, i'll use the key lol... it's nice that the product designers gave another option as well tho.
A great option for theives to pick it real quick.
Wait what 20:37 it can not lock the door only unlock what do you mean?
Does it have anti-peeping password mode? so for example you can enter a fake password before the real password to avoid someone peeping at your entering
Yup, but I think you won't use the passcode most of the time.
Is this device or any other able to be connected to house electric and not batteries?
Do you need a hub for the Aqara?
I always lol when I see deadbolts where the inside turn knob is literally right next to a small glass window that can easily be reached after breaking the glass
Fancy box that is easily circumvented
Aaaah man, this is freaking Awesome! I need this in my life!
It it possible to lock and unlock if you are away from home?
Only if you have an Aqara hub or use it with HomeKit and have a HomeKit hub (like an Apple TV).
i would love to see a bolt/latch along with the lock bar, so you can make the old lock obsolette. that way it can detect too when to lock from the other sensor. maybe a Aqara U200 has it and then i am gonna think about it…. :D
imagine installing this to your main door, and a friend leaves and don't press the "lock button"….(asumming you want to throw away old lock)
Then turn then auto lock on
so question do u actually need to have the aqara app installed or set up to use the lock or can u just use homekey?
Thanks for a great video! Is there ANY way I can install it on a 2.75-inch thick door? My door seems too thick for smart locks :(
I guess you could inset the lock in? You would lose the USB port but it could work as a solution?
Agreed on the design. I like the Encode Plus but presser aqara’s
Can IPHONE 15 unlock/lock door without using "HomeKit"??
Now i need similar thing in my car soi can ditch my keys s well. Already ditched wallet long time ago
can we use this outside US...like in India?
Do you also have a weekly User for your cleaner ?
Downside of keypads, if you can see finger prints you can guess the pin.
Even if you can, if you use 6 digits, there is still plenty of combinations to be used.
You actually don't need to use the keypad at all. You can rely entirely on fingerprint, Home Key and Apple Home for example.
Why do you want to lock with HomeKey ? Just press the lock button, so you don't even have to take your iPhone out of your pocket when you leave
Does it support Mater? Not going to purchase any IOT device until it supports the Mater protocol.
It’s supposed to with an Aqara hub
I can confirm it does support Matter, but you must install a firmware update first.
You say you can rekey but every other reviewer says although it can be done it’s difficult. Have you actually tried rekeying? Also you never mentioned it’s build. Is it all plastic? Metal?
Love your voice and sharing
12:12 Yup, your trim has the exact same little deadbolt-level ding in it that mine has from previous “smart” locks auto locking at a specified time while the door just happens to be open. Then you walk by and see an open door that needs closing and… BOOM! The door bounces back and now there’s a nice little ding in the door trim…
Works with Samsung ?
Will this work with Apple Watch series 8!
Can I install without the outer panel?
How is the visual match with your brushed nickel knob? I don't think the Aqara U100 would match well with a matte black knob either....
Why? It's keypad is black matte finish
Can I have some former thieves to tell me is this smtg easy to break? Like u would laugh when u see this and say what an easy night kind of lock.
I thought this lock couldn’t be re-keyed? I’ve seen other views where they state it cannot be re-keyed.
Same. Clarification would be appreciated!
The average person isn’t going to be able to rekey it, like they could with a Kwikset smarkey, but a locksmith will be able to rekey it easily. The brass ring, at the base of the tailpiece, just unscrews and the lock cylinder slides out, which provides access to the pins… It’s obviously more involved than that, but that’s the simplified process
@@RandomBogey I know what re-keying entails. What I meant to say was that it can’t be re-keyed AT ALL. Another TH-camr took it to a locksmith and they couldn’t do it.
@@watch_your_six I don’t have one, and I haven’t looked into it, so I can’t say 100%. But based on the looks of it, I’d say it is rekey-able, if it is the schlage cylinder it looks to be.
What did you do with your level lock
Very insightful review thank you. Any updates after months of using this lock. I’m about to buy a smart lock and this is in my short list. Btw, does it come with a doorknob? Or it’s something you buy separately? I’m new to the SL game. Thanks again
If the batteries have died, can you use the key to open the door or does that also need battery for some weird reason?
You can use the keys without power in the lock.
updated the firmware but HomeKit not responding, can't add it and when I did the home key doesn't work, any ideas?
Try resetting it and setting up from scratch.
Does it pair with Ring Alarm as well so I can use Apple Key and the lock and unlocking Arm and disarm my ring?
Ring doesn't support HomeKit natively, so no. However, you could set up Ring with HomeBridge and configure an automation to make that work.
@@scottwass the question is would this work via Matter on both Ring and Homekit. I prefer not to tinker to much I drew the line at Homebridge I rather not over complicate my setup I already get lost in what scene or shortcut does what lol
@@BMar1andonly as far as I know, there aren’t any surveillance cameras compatible with Matter yet.
@@ggogins not looking for camera looking alarm sensors to trigger with the lock is locked.
Just tried to add an additional fingerprint code and screwed up EVERYTHING. Nothing works now, AND the labels in the app don't make sense and are NOT intuitive what I did six months ago means nothing and I cannot logically follow my way back. So I'm ripping it out and getting a simpler way less expensive 'fingerprint' door lock. UGH!!!!
How many codes can you have saved on it?
You can lock the door with Home Key as long as you have remote lock feature turned on.
Do you still need the Aqara hub for that or does it work through thread? -Looking to upgrade my Level Bolt Lock
I’d love to know battery life. We’re a household of 4 I wonder how often the batteries would need to be changed.
Should be 6-8months but it will be affected by the weather
Loved this, I need it
Of all the locks which one do you use for your home?
Nice review.
Does this also read RFID card?
Wish it supported thread. Bluetooth is too unreliable over time.
If you use Home Key, its local and doesn't go through Bluetooth and most of the time you would probably use either Home Key or fingerprint to unlock.
@@StrifePulse I’m talking about remote control.
I need it but says currently unavailable 😓
Psst. Schlage is pronounced SHlegg. like you're hushing someone and then adding "leg" to the end.
This is a good looking lock, but Bluetooth is a no for me with bad experience with Level Lock battery life. This lock does not look as secure physically compared to the Schlage Encode Plus.
If you think 8 months is poor battery life, then sure.
What will happen if someone steals my phone and express mode is enabled? That means the thief can unlock the door right? How can I disable the home key feature without my phone?
Hmm the problem is actually like losting the key, but the goodthing is that you can log in to the Home app on another device and then delete the lock (requires a homepod/apple tv and make sure you bring the key).
@@kinseycreategoods replacing a traditional lock is much cheaper than buying a new smart lock. I’m just wondering if this is a security glitch. But if you can login from another device, I guess you are good.
What is the privacy of the app? Is it a Chinese company spying on you? This is crucial information for smart devices. I use my own server and avoid cloud service as much as possible.
When you have typed the password in wrong, have you tried just continuing with the correct code as this is a brilliant security feature on one of my devices incase someone is watching you type it in.
No threads ?
Next I'll use an app to control my toaster
Does this lock support geofencing for auto-unlocking/locking based on location?
My only complaint that I can see is there is the physical key backup. I personally believe an all digital lock is safer than one that has a physical key. I ordered one anyway through and plan to super glue the key hole door shut.
Considering that it uses HomeKit, I wonder if you truly need their hub to make use of the remote features. HomeKit should have you covered if you have a home hub like a HomePod or an Apple TV.
The level lock looks way better and natural
And discharges after a couple of weeks lol
And doesn't have a fingerprint reader
I’ve had mine on for months and not changed the battery yet
Super simple, super easy but super lucky it fits your door ;)
I am surprised the smart lock does not have a flashing indicator when the battery is low or at least a battery meter on the app or lock itself. Great job on the review, please bless us with more smart lock reviews💯
There are voice notifications and give you a messager when the lock is low battery
@@kinseycreategoods Appreciate the response, thank you for the information.
@@kinseycreategoods as in when someone outside your house is walking can hear that the battery is low?
Hi ! It will give you voice notifications after you open the door. You will be able to use the lock 1-2week after the first notification @@tygs
Does it work with Google Home
How is it taking to homekit though? Over wifi?
Bluetooth with HomePod/Apple TV
I have the Schlage Encode Plus and an iPhone 15 with ios 17. After a month I still can’t connect the lock with home. Its driving me crazy.
I will buy this over the level
The phone being low battery the whole time has been stressing me out, I know I saw it down to 2% at one point.
John, that was on purpose. I had to test Express Mode with dead iPhone 😅
I got this lock after watching Jeff’s review. Have it all setup, but it keeps not responding to HomeKit. 😡 It will work for a few minutes and then I’ll use Apple Home or Siri to unlock it and it will say it’s not responding. Any ideas?
Did you also get one of the Aqara Hubs? My U100 is working flawlessly in HomeKit.
Do you have two "Home" in home app ? Also You may need a homepod / Apple TV for remote lock/unlock
1:53 Are you sure it can be rekeyed? Shane Whatley did a review of this lock and says it cannot be rekeyed He even shows video of a locksmith trying but saying it cannot be done.
That's what Aqara tells me directly.
Nah, don't want another hub. Will wait for a better solution.
you said this lock can be re-keyed. what type of key is it? KwikSet or Schlage format? thanks.
Better than the Yale lock? Such a good vid 👌🏼
100% better than the Yale
It should have door sensor built in
Looks great, but you just can't get them in the UK. You don't see Apple launching a phone without having them in stock.
Home kit not working
I know it’s just the rig holding the iPhone stable, but my mind keeps seeing it as a drill with a black bit extension and a silver screw behind the phone…
is this LPL proof ?
The dream HomeKit lock for me with Home Key and fingerprint. But its from Xiaomi, so I will not buy it
Why not?
@@Il_correttore_grammaticale. if you want xiaomi to capture your data or even control it, you can give it a try
I see someone easily breaking into your home with this smart lock.
How so?
Omg so cute
The key is very insecure. Easy to pick. The wide range of access options also adds to the vulnerabilities. Impressive lock with all the features but insecure as a lock.
*unsecure
Why? August lock works better and is cross platform
No Apple Home Key support, no fingerprint.
Awesome 👏🏻
so what on earth do you do when the batteries die
lmfaoooooo usb c with an external power source jokes
Physical key or use a power bank with USB-C cable.
If you watched the video, the answer was said and shown.
Do you really need the Aqara Hub?
Anyone with a security perspective that would love to comment on this product review?
Bummer missed the Promo Code.
Nice but too much bulk
Sold out :(