HomeKit Smart lock automation question (two locks)

[Ankaa]

So,

I've been eyeying to upgrade to smart locks for a while and am finally ready to pull the trigger. I'm particularly intrigued by the Level products because not only do they *look* great, I like that you can still just regularly use a key (really important feature to me) and while I like number locks, I like that with the Touch you don't need to punch in anything, just touch the lock ... great when you routinely have your hands full. Also really intrigued with geofencing and just general automation (I'll never have to rush back home again because I'm not sure whether or not I actually locked the door - and yes, I'm forgetful like that).

However... we have a double door and both have locks. We're renting, so I don't think removing one is an option and I really wouldn't want it either (security-wise). But, this essentially renters any smart lock pointless if it's only in one of the doors, because you'd still need to unlock the second the traditional way.

Getting two Level Touch's is out of the question right now because...pricy!

So, I was wondering ... I'm still fairly new to Homekit and automations, but is it possible to couple two smart locks, essentially telling one to automatically unlock when the other unlocks? My gut feeling is no, because it reduces security.

But if that was an option, I' m thinking of getting the Touch for the outer door and the bolt for the inner one.

Any and all suggestions, including other brands, are welcome.

My "requirements" for a smart lock are:
- key entry possible
- HomeKit enabled (no additional bridge needed - we use our AppleTV as our HomeKit hub)
- not too ugly

my nice-to-have is NFC -- because I'm dreaming of being able to unlock with my Watch, i.e. when coming back from a run, and being able to just leave my phone at home... (Level Touch has NFC and I'm secretly hoping they'll develop an Watch App, eventually) - but just in general geo-referencing. If I have to pull out my phone to unlock, I can just as well just use a key.

 

[bennetbecker]

I have both august and level and I like them both for different reasons. August says you need the august connect bridge, but if you have an Apple TV and the Gen 2 locker or newer you don’t need their dedicated hub.

The august lock is more compatible - i have used it on three different doors and it works perfectly with all of the deadbolts.

Level is great because you don’t see it and it works well (although sometimes it takes longer to respond than the august lock)

If I had to replace either of them, I would go with the August lock. Just all around better product, in my opinion.

For the dual-lock question... you could setup an automation to unlock one when the other is unlocked, but because HomeKit views locks as a “secure accessory” it would need user authentication every time it runs that automation - it will prompt you to unlock your phone, faceID, or Apple Watch passcode (depending on the device that is originating the request).

Hope that helps!

 

[Ankaa]

I was afraid of that 😬 The August routinely comes up as the winner for smart locks (though to be fair, the Level is still fairly new) and I just really dislike the look ... it's just ... ugly. I'd rather go with a number lock over the August, to be honest 😬

@bennetbecker would you mind elaborating a little bit more on how the August is the overall all around better product?

And you mentioned the Level Touch is slow... like...how slow?

I was afraid of the "secure accessory" limitation - which is kind of pushing me into just getting two Level Touches after all.. because again, passcode on the watch may still be fine (but is limiting the "hands-free" operation), but if I have to pull out my phone (to authenticate myself)...just looses it's "smartness". A key may even be faster...

So I guess geo-fencing doesn't work with automating two locks either because you'd still have to authenticate yourself... I get it, it's a security risk otherwise. But...dang.

 

[bennetbecker]

I think I like the August just a little bit better because of it’s ease. The install itself is just much more straight forward. The Level, although looks like it would be, wasn’t. For us, the level strike was just a hair larger than the previous strike, so I had to chisel out part of the door for it to fit. Same with the strike-plate - didn’t line up perfectly with the plate the was existing and one so I had to move the plate slightly; so while on paper it seems “plug and play”, my experience was not. The level sometime takes 10 seconds to receive current status within HomeKit, as where the august shows in no more than 2 seconds for me. Not a huge deal, but there have been a few times I have gotten frustrated waiting for me door to unlock - probably because the whole thing is encased in a metal door.

Hope that helps

 

[richie510]

You can trigger lock automations, but they will not work without a prompt unless done indirectly.

My setup:
One single door with a Gen2 August lock, no connect.

The necessary man in the middle: homebridge "dummy switch", or you can use a physical switch like a wall outlet.

When I leave home I have an automation that triggers the "dummy switch" to change state. I have a complementary automation that locks the door when this dummy switch goes to that state.

I have a similar but reverse process for unlocking when I get home.

I also have two automations that will sync the "dummy switch" when the lock is manually turned.

 

[Ankaa]

Again,

thank you for your replies!

I'm really just not a fan of the August ...at least anything <4th generation. They're just too bulky for my taste. The 3rd one is currently on a really big sale on amazon which is extremely tempting .... but it's just ugly and our living room is where our front door is and our couch is facing that door... you'd be staring at that constantly...

@bennetbecker Do you have the Level Touch or the Level Bolt?

As I mentioned, I'm still new to HomeKit overall, so a couple more questions re automation.

For geofencing (i.e. automatically unlocking/locking when entering/leaving the area), I would need to authenticate myself as well? Or does it unlock just by the phone entering/leaving the area, even if it's locked?

@richie510 so your door looks/unlocks automatically without you needing to authenticate yourself on your phone/watch because it's tied to the automation of that switch?

I'm getting mixed messages here, guys

 

[bennetbecker]

Level bolt.

Only have ever tried to have one lock trigger the other lock. Never tried adding a non-secure device unlock a different secure device. Just tried it and it works! Helpful!

 

[Ankaa]

Thank you!

It's still not ideal and preferred would be if one lock could unlock the other (since I'm eyeing the Touch, I'd like to keep that Touch functionality, not necessarily going the geofencing route, haven't decided yet) but it's good to know that's an option.

 

[Ankaa]

Does anyone know... those smart locks that don't have WiFi but are HomeKit abled through Bluetooth .... does all the normal automations work with them?

I'm eyeing the Kwikset Premis right now - our AppleTV is close enough to our door that this shouldn't be a problem, I just have zero experience since all other of our smart devices work with HomeKit through WiFi.

Like, would geo-fencing or indirect coupling or timed automation still work?