HomeKit HomePod and Smart Lock on Homekit

[Itinj24]

Sure, I understand this is a security feature but is it possible to have Siri on the HomePod unlock a door without having to authenticate on my iPhone? I have two Yale Assure locks, one with August Connect/module and one with the iM1 module. Thanks.

 

[Carmenia83]

You would have to create a loophole automation that doesn't require authentication. Pick a light (I use the night light on an iDevices outlet) and set up an automation for the door to unlock when the light goes on and another for the door to lock when the light goes off. Unfortunately this means you also need two more automations for the light to go on when the door unlocks and to go off when the door locks so that the light and lock are always in sync.

You can then use that light in scenes or via Siri to control the door lock. I use this method to run a Leave Home scene that ensures all the doors are locked and garage door is closed whenever I leave the home via location services, and also a Goodnight scene to ensure everything is buttoned up when I go to bed.

It's a pain in the ass but once it's set up you don't have to deal with it anymore. Hopefully in the future, HomePod voice recognition will negate all of this nonsense.

 

[Itinj24]

You would have to create a loophole automation that doesn't require authentication. Pick a light (I use the night light on an iDevices outlet) and set up an automation for the door to unlock when the light goes on and another for the door to lock when the light goes off. Unfortunately this means you also need two more automations for the light to go on when the door unlocks and to go off when the door locks so that the light and lock are always in sync.

You can then use that light in scenes or via Siri to control the door lock. I use this method to run a Leave Home scene that ensures all the doors are locked and garage door is closed whenever I leave the home via location services, and also a Goodnight scene to ensure everything is buttoned up when I go to bed.

It's a pain in the ass but once it's set up you don't have to deal with it anymore. Hopefully in the future, HomePod voice recognition will negate all of this nonsense.

Yep, I use this method for my garage doors and door locks as well for when I leave and arrive.

However, it’s not practical in my situation. When I’m in my bedroom and I need to unlock my closet door, it would be nice to have Siri unlock the door when I ask on the HomePod. Suppose I can just leave it unlocked when I’m home and lock when I leave. It’s for the kids’ nanny and cleaning lady. They don’t need to be in my closet.

Maybe with the upcoming Siri voice recognition/multi user support.

 

[Carmenia83]

Yep, I use this method for my garage doors and door locks as well for when I leave and arrive.

However, it’s not practical in my situation. When I’m in my bedroom and I need to unlock my closet door, it would be nice to have Siri unlock the door when I ask on the HomePod. Suppose I can just leave it unlocked when I’m home and lock when I leave. It’s for the kids’ nanny and cleaning lady. They don’t need to be in my closet.

Maybe with the upcoming Siri voice recognition/multi user support.

You could probably create a scene called "Closet" that incorporates the light workaround. Then just say "Hey Siri, closet" and it should set that scene and unlock the door.

 

[Itinj24]

You could probably create a scene called "Closet" that incorporates the light workaround. Then just say "Hey Siri, closet" and it should set that scene and unlock the door.

Interesting... Now that you mention, I have scene for “open both garage doors” and “close both garage doors” that I’m pretty sure doesn’t require authentication. Then again I’m not sure it ever did for the garage doors. Now wondering if changing the name from “master closet door lock” to just “master closet door” would work. Wondering if the word “lock” in it makes a difference thru Siri... hmm

I just got the HomePod and discovered it requires authentication, probably so someone can’t unlock the door by yelling at it from outside the house. Siri from my watch and phone never required this.

Thanks much for the idea!!! Gonna give it a shot.

 

[Carmenia83]

Interesting... Now that you mention, I have scene for “open both garage doors” and “close both garage doors” that I’m pretty sure doesn’t require authentication. Then again I’m not sure it ever did for the garage doors. Now wondering if changing the name from “master closet door lock” to just “master closet door” would work. Wondering if the word “lock” in it makes a difference thru Siri... hmm

I just got the HomePod and discovered it requires authentication, probably so someone can’t unlock the door by yelling at it from outside the house. Siri from my watch and phone never required this.

Thanks much for the idea!!! Gonna give it a shot.

The garage door does require authentication for me unless I'm using my watch (which is unlocked while on the wrist) or an unlocked phone. That's why I originally set up the workaround with the lights. I don't think changing the name on it's own will work. The only way I've found is creating scenes with the lights. If you put a door opening or lock unlocking in a scene, it won't run without authentication. It will lock or close doors without authentication though.

It's annoying but like you said, it prevents someone from having Siri unlock the doors through an open window while you're not home or asleep, etc. so I guess it makes sense.