Oh noes! They will know how many times I open/close my door! Whatever shall I do?
This lock has a regular lock built right in - it’s still going to operate fine… even without batteries.
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Review: Aqara's U100 Smart Lock Offers Home Key Support, Fingerprint Unlocking and More
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Oh noes! They will know how many times I open/close my door! Whatever shall I do?
This lock has a regular lock built right in - it’s still going to operate fine… even without batteries.
You can also set it to lock after a certain time - which is how I do it. Just put a couple minutes on it.
I always wonder, do these digital door locks count as „securely locked“ when it comes to insurance claims? E. g. someone breaks into your house and steals stuff, if you did not lock the door properly, they can talk themselves out of paying
Let's say there's a murder in your house and you're innocent. Courts can force the company to hand over data on when the door was opened (and maybe by who), proving that you were the only other person in the house.
Anyways, it's a more sinister example. But you get the point.
A more likely scenario is that the company collects data on when you leave and come home, sells this data to advertisement companies, and now you get targeted ads for products that people who stay at home too much use.
I installed one of these over a month ago, I think after I came across an article on 9to5 about it. I have a Level Lock+ (the recent one with HomeKey), and was about to buy another when I saw this Aqara for significantly less money.
Obviously it’s bulkier than the Level Lock, but it still has a decent design and install process. I added it to HomeKit directly, I didn’t want to use the Aqara app at all, though I did at one point just to update firmware, and then removed it. I was pleasantly surprised to see additional features show up in the Home app, like pass code access (which I thought was going to be in the Aqara app only), and I was able to create additional codes for other people. It was cool as when a friend uses their code, I get a Home app notification “Mike has opened the Door”.
Only thing is, after 5 weeks the batteries died. In fairness the Level Lock (while it uses a single battery) died after 1 month.
Obviously it’s bulkier than the Level Lock, but it still has a decent design and install process. I added it to HomeKit directly, I didn’t want to use the Aqara app at all, though I did at one point just to update firmware, and then removed it. I was pleasantly surprised to see additional features show up in the Home app, like pass code access (which I thought was going to be in the Aqara app only), and I was able to create additional codes for other people. It was cool as when a friend uses their code, I get a Home app notification “Mike has opened the Door”.
Only thing is, after 5 weeks the batteries died. In fairness the Level Lock (while it uses a single battery) died after 1 month.
Maybe I missed something earlier up, but was this in regards to HomeKit specifically? Or home automation in general?
My opinion only, but I dislike the feeling of home products that connect to the internet outside of HomeKit. I like to use HomeKit Accessory Security too.
Hello. Which firmware did You used ? Mongoose?Built my own homekit lock for less than half the price.
About €60 for an electric lock and €12 for a shelly 1
Installed custom firmware on the shelly and...voila, homekit support.
This all, wait for it....more than 2 years ago.
Best regards
Meh.
I'm just going to get the battery replaced in my iPhone.
It does everything I need/want right now.
I'm just going to get the battery replaced in my iPhone.
It does everything I need/want right now.
Ahh, I thought they were equivalent. Shoot. (thanks for the correction)
Yeah as long as iOS’ battery report shows hours of background activity (12% of my day’s battery usage) attributed to the August app, we’ll have to disagree on how efficient it is polling location data.
Dunno about you but positioning my hip or my wrist close to the lock seems minimal.
I have read ALL THE COMMENTS and I SUMMARY them so that you can save your valuable time (if you want, you can pin the comment above, also maybe someone in charge of AQARA will read it and take note 😜)
IN FAVOR: Everything mentioned in the article, in summary multiple ways to unlock including "HOMEKEY" and ease OF INSTALLATION. Although it clarifies an error in the article, this lock does not include 2 NFC cards in the box. They have given them to you. But normal consumers will NOT find any NFC card when they buy their lock.
AGAINST:
1. IT IS NOT "MATTER over Threads". That is, you will need an AQARA HUB to work with MATTER. (For all of you who are confused, basically this means that what is compatible with Matter is the HUB (Matter over Wifi) and the Hub acts as a MATTER translator with the U100 Lock. If the U100 lock were directly compatible with "MATTER over Threads" we would not need third-party hubs (of the brand in question). I hope I have clarified this issue that has created so much confusion is the comments. In summary, it is compatible with MATTER but you will need the HUB, THAT IS WHY one of the great defects of this lock is that it is not compatible with "MATTER over THREADS".
2. It includes all unlocking methods EXCEPT ONE. The one known as "AUTO UNLOCK". That works with the use of GEOCERCA, WITH AUTOMATIC OPENING WITHOUT HANDS, that is, the lock opens directly when it detects that you have left (usually mark that you have left when you are 200 meters away from home, this is done so that the lock does not open if you walk around the house near the lock) and then detect again that you are returning home because the bluetooth signal This could be done even with greater precision if the lock included a U1 UWB chip (like the AIRTAG) to detect that you are approaching the lock, obviously with your iPhone or Apple WATCH. Many Brands use this "AUTO UNLOCK" by GPS and Bluetooth (that I know none by UWB that would be even more accurate). Brands such as Nuki, AUGUST, ULTRALOQ, etc. I don't understand why AQARA hasn't included this useful method in its repertoire of unlocking methods to cover as many methods as possible (even if it's as an option for anyone who wants to use it). Let's hope that in a future software update you will include it, because it is really comfortable when you are loaded with packages!!
3.1 One thing that is missing, and it is always super nice to see, is NOT to be able to add new users without using an app of the brand, simply through the keyboard, reader or buttons of the same lock. For example, the ULTRALOQ Smart Locks, you can add user codes and also fingerprints, just using the buttons and reader of the same lock. This is super good, because if the company goes bankrupt you can continue using your smart lock and you will not be left with an expensive paperweight (usually any lock, at least the classic ones, are made to last at least 2 decades, which most small businesses, startup, or simply version of the App supported in the operating system I doubt will last. Hence, the importance of them being autonomous devices at least for the introduction of user codes and fingerprints. You already know there that you always have to fight against planned obsolescence.
3.2. As a result of the previous comment. It is also not possible to add fingerprints through HomeKit and we will need the Aqara App, yes or yes, to be able to add the fingerprints of the different users. This seems to me a huge mistake on the part of HomeKit, (because apart from giving our biometric data to a Chinese company), because although most people in the Apple ecosystem the greatest attraction they see to this lock in principle, is the incorporation of Apple HOMEKEY (my case included), with the use they realize that the fastest and most comfortable method is that of fingerprints (it works really well and Therefore, it is a mistake of the big ones, to need, yes or yes, the AQARA app to manage user footprints.
3.3. And we will also need the Aqara App to see the record of the history of opening the lock by the different users (I hope that the latter will change with IOS 17 that finally includes the activity history in the Home App (it is almost the only improvement that IOS 17 has brought to the Home app).
4. At the HARDWARE level, I find two major shortcomings in BASIC SECURITY to this lock.
4.1. NOT BEING ABLE to change the Cylinder for a safer one. I understand that the Cylinder of the lock (the mechanism that makes the mechanical key functional), is one of the most expensive elements of a lock, and putting a high-end and safety would make the product very expensive, but as an idea, to incorporate one of standard size and measures with a double eyelet, for the interior and exterior. So that the user who wants to increase the security of his lock can easily replace the cylinder that comes standard with a high security one. I think we would all win, those who want more security and those who do not want to pay a higher price and are satisfied with the basics. Well, the mechanical cylinder that it incorporates as standard is very basic, and anyone with a YouTube tutoring, can open the door in a few minutes, and if you are an expert like the famous YouTuber LPL it is open in a few seconds !!
4.2. THERE IS NO WAY TO LOCK THE LOCK FROM THE INSIDE. What a simple classic double-entry key (interior and exterior) can do. If you do NOT have the key, you can NOT open the door from the inside, period and end. In this smart lock (to tell the truth in all smart locks on the market, I think it is a good opportunity for manufacturers to get a different producer and stand out from the competition, the first manufacturer to include LOCK FROM THE INSIDE will be a good point in their favor). And we must not forget that many doors have small windows and just by breaking a small piece of glass in a second and putting my hand in, I can open the door in seconds from the inside. This would be very useful for doors with windows or with iron bars where the hand fits. It is more often that thieves sneak into the house through hard-to-reach sites, balconies, chimneys, roofs, upper windows, climbing, etc. But the exit would be very easy and also little suspicious through the front door with everything stolen (laptops, cameras, tablets, televisions, etc.) even one of the thieves would even have to sneak in and easily open the main door to the other companions. Because I repeat from the inside you can open any key, without a key, without a fingerprint, without anything. From the inside I can always open manually if I need absolutely nothing. For those of you who argue that it has to be like this for a quick exit in case of emergency, this has an easy solution, since they are smart locks, they would only be locked from the INSIDE if we want or if we are away from home, but today we do not have that option in any smart lock on the market, which can be done with a simple double-entry key.
5. As a complement to this type of locks, as some have commented here, it would be great if they included a small solar panel like the Garmin watches or cycle computers have and thus forget to change the batteries forever. This type of locks if placed on the main doors of single-family homes will probably spend many hours in the sun and should be enough to have it always loaded. If this is so, why not include a small solar panel in the style of Garmin watches and we already forget to be charging the battery of one more device at home.
That's all. I hope you liked the summary of all the comments and my own analysis of this U100 lock
IN FAVOR: Everything mentioned in the article, in summary multiple ways to unlock including "HOMEKEY" and ease OF INSTALLATION. Although it clarifies an error in the article, this lock does not include 2 NFC cards in the box. They have given them to you. But normal consumers will NOT find any NFC card when they buy their lock.
AGAINST:
1. IT IS NOT "MATTER over Threads". That is, you will need an AQARA HUB to work with MATTER. (For all of you who are confused, basically this means that what is compatible with Matter is the HUB (Matter over Wifi) and the Hub acts as a MATTER translator with the U100 Lock. If the U100 lock were directly compatible with "MATTER over Threads" we would not need third-party hubs (of the brand in question). I hope I have clarified this issue that has created so much confusion is the comments. In summary, it is compatible with MATTER but you will need the HUB, THAT IS WHY one of the great defects of this lock is that it is not compatible with "MATTER over THREADS".
2. It includes all unlocking methods EXCEPT ONE. The one known as "AUTO UNLOCK". That works with the use of GEOCERCA, WITH AUTOMATIC OPENING WITHOUT HANDS, that is, the lock opens directly when it detects that you have left (usually mark that you have left when you are 200 meters away from home, this is done so that the lock does not open if you walk around the house near the lock) and then detect again that you are returning home because the bluetooth signal This could be done even with greater precision if the lock included a U1 UWB chip (like the AIRTAG) to detect that you are approaching the lock, obviously with your iPhone or Apple WATCH. Many Brands use this "AUTO UNLOCK" by GPS and Bluetooth (that I know none by UWB that would be even more accurate). Brands such as Nuki, AUGUST, ULTRALOQ, etc. I don't understand why AQARA hasn't included this useful method in its repertoire of unlocking methods to cover as many methods as possible (even if it's as an option for anyone who wants to use it). Let's hope that in a future software update you will include it, because it is really comfortable when you are loaded with packages!!
3.1 One thing that is missing, and it is always super nice to see, is NOT to be able to add new users without using an app of the brand, simply through the keyboard, reader or buttons of the same lock. For example, the ULTRALOQ Smart Locks, you can add user codes and also fingerprints, just using the buttons and reader of the same lock. This is super good, because if the company goes bankrupt you can continue using your smart lock and you will not be left with an expensive paperweight (usually any lock, at least the classic ones, are made to last at least 2 decades, which most small businesses, startup, or simply version of the App supported in the operating system I doubt will last. Hence, the importance of them being autonomous devices at least for the introduction of user codes and fingerprints. You already know there that you always have to fight against planned obsolescence.
3.2. As a result of the previous comment. It is also not possible to add fingerprints through HomeKit and we will need the Aqara App, yes or yes, to be able to add the fingerprints of the different users. This seems to me a huge mistake on the part of HomeKit, (because apart from giving our biometric data to a Chinese company), because although most people in the Apple ecosystem the greatest attraction they see to this lock in principle, is the incorporation of Apple HOMEKEY (my case included), with the use they realize that the fastest and most comfortable method is that of fingerprints (it works really well and Therefore, it is a mistake of the big ones, to need, yes or yes, the AQARA app to manage user footprints.
3.3. And we will also need the Aqara App to see the record of the history of opening the lock by the different users (I hope that the latter will change with IOS 17 that finally includes the activity history in the Home App (it is almost the only improvement that IOS 17 has brought to the Home app).
4. At the HARDWARE level, I find two major shortcomings in BASIC SECURITY to this lock.
4.1. NOT BEING ABLE to change the Cylinder for a safer one. I understand that the Cylinder of the lock (the mechanism that makes the mechanical key functional), is one of the most expensive elements of a lock, and putting a high-end and safety would make the product very expensive, but as an idea, to incorporate one of standard size and measures with a double eyelet, for the interior and exterior. So that the user who wants to increase the security of his lock can easily replace the cylinder that comes standard with a high security one. I think we would all win, those who want more security and those who do not want to pay a higher price and are satisfied with the basics. Well, the mechanical cylinder that it incorporates as standard is very basic, and anyone with a YouTube tutoring, can open the door in a few minutes, and if you are an expert like the famous YouTuber LPL it is open in a few seconds !!
4.2. THERE IS NO WAY TO LOCK THE LOCK FROM THE INSIDE. What a simple classic double-entry key (interior and exterior) can do. If you do NOT have the key, you can NOT open the door from the inside, period and end. In this smart lock (to tell the truth in all smart locks on the market, I think it is a good opportunity for manufacturers to get a different producer and stand out from the competition, the first manufacturer to include LOCK FROM THE INSIDE will be a good point in their favor). And we must not forget that many doors have small windows and just by breaking a small piece of glass in a second and putting my hand in, I can open the door in seconds from the inside. This would be very useful for doors with windows or with iron bars where the hand fits. It is more often that thieves sneak into the house through hard-to-reach sites, balconies, chimneys, roofs, upper windows, climbing, etc. But the exit would be very easy and also little suspicious through the front door with everything stolen (laptops, cameras, tablets, televisions, etc.) even one of the thieves would even have to sneak in and easily open the main door to the other companions. Because I repeat from the inside you can open any key, without a key, without a fingerprint, without anything. From the inside I can always open manually if I need absolutely nothing. For those of you who argue that it has to be like this for a quick exit in case of emergency, this has an easy solution, since they are smart locks, they would only be locked from the INSIDE if we want or if we are away from home, but today we do not have that option in any smart lock on the market, which can be done with a simple double-entry key.
5. As a complement to this type of locks, as some have commented here, it would be great if they included a small solar panel like the Garmin watches or cycle computers have and thus forget to change the batteries forever. This type of locks if placed on the main doors of single-family homes will probably spend many hours in the sun and should be enough to have it always loaded. If this is so, why not include a small solar panel in the style of Garmin watches and we already forget to be charging the battery of one more device at home.
That's all. I hope you liked the summary of all the comments and my own analysis of this U100 lock
Last edited:
It has an attractive feature set, but I remember from other video reviews that the motor is quite loud, and that rules it out for me.
Changing batteries every 8 months? More chores! No thanks.
A lock should be fit and forget. A rechargeable battery and a solar cell built-in would probably do it.
A lock should be fit and forget. A rechargeable battery and a solar cell built-in would probably do it.
Smart home accessory maker Aqara recently released the HomeKit-enabled Smart Lock U100 with support for Apple's Home Key feature. Home Key is an iOS 15 feature that's still in the process of being adopted by smart home manufacturers, so it's relatively new.
Home Key adds a digital key for the Aqara lock to the Wallet app on the iPhone and the Apple Watch, allowing it to be unlocked using NFC just by bringing the device close to the lock. There are also multiple other modes of entry for the Aqara lock, including a keypad and a fingerprint reader. Note that this is a Matter-enabled product, so in addition to working with HomeKit, it also works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Aqara's products are designed to use a hub, similar to how the Philips Hue system works. The USB-A Aqara E1 Hub I tested with connects to your HomeKit setup, and Aqara products, including the U100, connect to the hub using Zigbee. So technically, this is "Matter over Zigbee," but Apple users just need to know that it's HomeKit and that a hub is necessary for full functionality. Some people aren't fans of HomeKit devices that need hubs, but I don't mind because they can be more reliable and hassle-free than products that connect directly to WiFi.
Note that the U100 can be used sans hub, but without a hub, the lock only works over Bluetooth and will be slower to function. To use all of the features, you need a hub, and you'll also need an Apple device that serves as a home hub for options like Home Key for all family members. Home hubs include the HomePod mini and the Apple TV, which most people in the HomeKit ecosystem probably own.
Design wise, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 looks like a standard keypad-based lock. It's not as slim as some other smart locks on the market, with a large rectangular brick for both indoors and out. It comes in silver and gray finishes to match handle hardware, though my door had gold hardware that I could not match.
The look of the U100 is probably my least favorite aspect of the lock. It's big and bulky, both indoors and out. I don't mind it so much outside, but I do wish the indoor component was more streamlined similar to other HomeKit locks like the Level Lock.
There are probably more ways to get into this lock than anyone needs, but if you like options, this product delivers. You can use the keypad, the built-in fingerprint sensor, the hidden key compartment (using a traditional key), Home Key using an iPhone or Apple Watch's NFC, an NFC card (sold separately), the Home app, or the Aqara app. You can provide temporary codes to people who need access to your home through the Aqara app, and you can remotely lock and unlock the U100.
Of these entry methods, the Home Key and the fingerprint sensor are the quickest to use. The fingerprint sensor was accurate and unlocked the U100 almost as quick as Touch ID unlocks an iPhone. I didn't have it fail, and I was able to register several fingers so multiple people could save a fingerprint. There is a hidden key compartment that allows access to the lock even with no power in case the battery runs out.
The U100 uses four AA batteries that last for up to eight months (allegedly, I did not get to test this), and you do get warnings when the battery is low. I'm not a fan of standard batteries in electronics, and would have preferred something rechargeable as an option.
In terms of security, the U100 is a straightforward lock like a lot of consumer deadbolt locks on the market. A skilled lockpicker can get it open in a few minutes, but someone who really wants to get inside your house is going to do so even if you have the most secure lock on the market because there are other points of ingress like windows.
One of my favorite U100 features is the auto lock function that locks the door when it's closed. It can detect when the door shuts using a gyroscope, which ensures that the door re-locks every time I close even if I don't remember to manually lock it. This can be disabled if you prefer to have the lock left open.
There are a couple of NFC keyfobs that come with the U100 in case you need to give a key to someone, but guest options also in... Click here to read rest of article
Article Link: Review: Aqara's U100 Smart Lock Offers Home Key Support, Fingerprint Unlocking and More
I'm sorry to say that these types of locks are extremely easy to pick and take like three seconds to get in so anybody that is a regular opportunist who easily get in to the lock they are not safe at all.
Sorry, we usually add a note at the bottom of a review, and I forgot. It doesn't speak numbers aloud, to be clear. More voice navigation during setup, which I didn't make clear enough.
Aqara sent me the U100 lock to test, we did not receive any other compensation. I've updated the article with the disclaimer information.
For clarification, the article is not sponsored. I have not experienced these issues with the lock, but I do not have other Aqara devices.
4.2 This is likely considered a residential lock, and keyed interior locks are against code for fire safety reasons.
Which cylinder does it use? Basic Kwikset or Schlage?
Oh and if you need to copy the key included, you will likely to have trouble. typical key copying machines from the hardware stores recognize it as a certain type of key but it’s not the exact match and copied keys wouldn’t work most in case.
Even if it is considered a residential lock, being a smart lock, there would be no emergency problem because it would only be blocked from the inside when there is no one at home, when we are inside the house it would be unlocked from the inside. So there would be no problem in that aspect.
Anyway, not all houses are residential, some are single-family homes, etc. But there is no model of Smart Lock on the Market (When of the classics it is as easy as buying a double lock). There should at least be some model for those of us who don't want to get in a second as easily as breaking the glass and putting your hand in to unlock. Or for those of us who have iron gable doors equally, it's just putting your hand in and unlocking. Even if the thieves have accessed the house by climbing or skipping the go, they will go out through the front door with everything stolen comfortably instead of having to take everything out by climbing again. Anyway, it's an option that we don't have in the market right now and I think it's fair and necessary.
I repeat again for emergencies such as fires, being intelligent they could be unlocked if there is someone at home, and only be blocked from the inside if there is NO one at home. That way we would have the good thing about that two worlds, anti-fire security and in front of thieves.
By the way, you have not corrected the article indicating that this lock DOES NOT INCLUDE TWO NFC CARDS in the Box so as not to lead to confusion
P.S.1: answering your question, I usually use European double-lock cylinders, much safer and I also include invisible locks to my door, so that there is no way to lock it
P.S.2: I add to my list of improvements for smart lock of this type, the extra commented by a colleague. And it would certainly not be bad, if they had a small solar panel like some Garmin watches or cycle computers and thus forget to change the batteries forever. Since it is a device that if you have it at the front door it will stop many hours in the sun
Bye
1. If they can prove I was the only other one in the house… then I was the murderer… and it’s good the company helped to catch me.
2. I _like_ targeted ads. I’ve never understood the issue with them. For instance: targeted ads on YouTube are WAY better than seeing a million random ads on regular TV. Why wouldn’t I want to see ads that are relevant to my life?
I wrote that "you're not the murderer". But it seems like you want to be framed as the murderer. You do you then.
