I honestly like the idea of no key or no rekeying of the lock. From a security standpoint that makes it physically more secure. Would love to see this lock get Matter over Thread though.
Let me start off by saying, I LOVE this lock. I bought this lock with the wifi module when it first came out but the batteries died every few weeks. Reached out to yale and they sent me a Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge to use instead. I recommend going this route instead of the wifi module. Wifi is too power hungry, imo, for battery powered devices like these. The bridge just plugs into an outlet next to your door and connects to the lock via Bluetooth LE. Batteries last months now. In fact I don't think I've changed them since getting the bridge ~3-4 months ago
i have 4 assure 2 plus wifi use the home key all the time but is super unreliable in homekit. You think the hub will help? where can I buy it? do you remove the wifi module? do you have to buy bluetooth module?
I bought this lock because of HomeKey but had to return it because it kept unlocking itself. Sometimes it would happen overnight, sometimes it unlock immediately after I locked it and wouldn’t stay locked.
I did. I never setup the auto-unlock feature and made sure that feature was off so that wasn’t it either. I did find some complaints on Reddit with others experiencing something similar. There wasn’t a dedicated post about it, just people commenting on other Yale posts. I really tried to save this lock. It checked all of my boxes. I love the lack of a key(I’ve seen the lock picking lawyer videos and seems like anything with a key can be picked pretty easily)and it had HomeKey.
@@aaronchan9624 I thought I'd feel the same way but I bought this lock and got the yale connect bridge instead of the thread module and it's been rock solid.
Do you need the Wi-Fi module to setup or change people’s passcode access remotely? I believe you can do that via Bluetooth, but is it possible to do via the Apple integration without the Yale app?
Yes, u can bypass the Yale app and manage guest access codes in the Apple Home app through HomeKit. You just can’t setup temporary passwords or get some of those extra features found in the Yale app.
I will need to see how to add someone that way. Have only had the original Yale Assure locks and the only way I could give guests access was to generate a key code in the Yale app. Have no clue how to do that with HomeKit
@RickSeidenstein it’s simple. In the Apple Home app, go to your lock and access the device settings. There is a “manage access” option where you can add new guests. You can also manage guest and family access from the Home Settings in the Apple Home App.
@@ShaneCreates I would love it if you could verify that works with Yale Assure Lock with HomeKey. I have 3 regular Assure Locks that don't have this manage access option. I also just installed this HomeKey version hoping to no longer need the Yale app, but couldn't find the Manage Access option anywhere.
After adding a couple of these Assure 2 locks with my Yale Assure locks I still do not get an option for "Manage Access" in Apple Home app in lock settings or Home Settings. It appears the only way to do this is via Bluetooth via Yale app when at home and impossible to remotely manage access whether temporary or not temporary. Seems a big miss from Yale for an Apple Home Key lock.
Is it actually available? I'm remember a previous Yale lock (may even be this same one) that came out with HomeKey support and you couldn't actually buy one anywhere. I ended up going with a Level lock and quite frankly the HK support almost NEVER works. I don't know if that is on Level or Apple but it definitely makes me cautious about HK support/
Yes it's available now. Even on Amazon. Links are in the description. I'd say your issues are likely on Level, unless there is a Bluetooth connection/range issue. I've used various locks in HomeKit for years.
@@ShaneCreates It isn't the lock entirely, just the HomeKey part. 90% of the time I hold my phone up to the lock and nothing happens. Even if I manually open HomeKey it doesn't unlock. I can manually open the Home app and unlock the door fine there, so it isn't a "connection" issue per se, it's just the HomeKey functionality
@@JohnVanderbeck Have you contacted Level support about this? I have a Level Lock and it has worked with HomeKey very well. I use both my iPhone and Apple watch and haven’t had any issues. I would definitely reach out to Level support and see what they suggest.
Smart locks seem cool, but I haven’t unlocked a door from the outside in many decades. Garage door openers have been functioning as smart locks forever. If you need a smart lock because you lack a garage, I’d wait for the Lockpocking Lawyer to review, a lot of the smart devices seem to have terrible security. Once everyone on the internet knows it can be opened with a strong magnet, a piece of a Red Bull can or a sharp wack to the side… you’ll be putting the old lock back on.
@@htz70 with lock picking tools and a lot of skill with security pins, yeah. Your mileage may vary with your local thief or locksmith. But at least they can’t open standard locks by smacking them on the side to bounce an internal spring.
I would probably just setup a passcode specifically for that person. Then they don't need to use a phone at all. They can just enter their custom code.
Most doors where I live I are steel and if not they are fiberglass. I can’t remember the last time I saw a wood door. I’m so tired of foreigners making stupid comments about things in the US.
I honestly like the idea of no key or no rekeying of the lock. From a security standpoint that makes it physically more secure. Would love to see this lock get Matter over Thread though.
No key is a feature, not a bug. Thanks for the nice concise video
Let me start off by saying, I LOVE this lock. I bought this lock with the wifi module when it first came out but the batteries died every few weeks. Reached out to yale and they sent me a Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge to use instead. I recommend going this route instead of the wifi module. Wifi is too power hungry, imo, for battery powered devices like these. The bridge just plugs into an outlet next to your door and connects to the lock via Bluetooth LE. Batteries last months now. In fact I don't think I've changed them since getting the bridge ~3-4 months ago
Thanks for sharing!
i have 4 assure 2 plus wifi use the home key all the time but is super unreliable in homekit. You think the hub will help? where can I buy it? do you remove the wifi module? do you have to buy bluetooth module?
Nice that they added Apple key support!
Just purchased the eufy s330 and loving every moment of it
Man wish they allowed pin setup on Apple home
Finally a brand that has a lot of EU lock options
Also for added security change out the strike plate for a kick box
What’s a kick box?
@@CSMaaaann it’s a metal box that u csn install instead of a strike plate thst adds a bit of strength to the door so it can’t be easily kicked in
Nice video Shane. I think the Aqara is the better choice though.
Dang. This lock with fingerprint and I buy it. Aqara it is. Great review!
I’ll still take Aqara over this. The ability to unlock with a fingerprint is unmatched.
U100 is peak
Smart locks should not include a physical key. The physical key is most unsecure part of a lock
How well does the Auto Unlock feature work? Is it reliable?
I bought this lock because of HomeKey but had to return it because it kept unlocking itself. Sometimes it would happen overnight, sometimes it unlock immediately after I locked it and wouldn’t stay locked.
woah, that's not good. Thanks for sharing. I haven't had that experience. I assume you tried a recalibration, reset, and all that before returning?
I did. I never setup the auto-unlock feature and made sure that feature was off so that wasn’t it either. I did find some complaints on Reddit with others experiencing something similar. There wasn’t a dedicated post about it, just people commenting on other Yale posts. I really tried to save this lock. It checked all of my boxes. I love the lack of a key(I’ve seen the lock picking lawyer videos and seems like anything with a key can be picked pretty easily)and it had HomeKey.
Kinda pissed they don’t have an update cartridge for home key on the first gen locks.
Could you do a video on the Yale approach retrofit smart lock ?
Unfortunately that one doesn't support Apple HomeKit, so I probably won't be using or reviewing it.
Get open path. Detects Bluetooth on your phone and opens without even taking your phone out of your pocket
The last part 😂I know which one you actually pointed out!🤭😝👍🏻 Aqara 🎉
14:52 in the Yale app…
too bad they still don’t have a matter/thread module yet, otherwise i’ll be buying it for sure
Not sure the current Matter spec supports locks? Even if it did it wouldn't support HomeKey.
@@JohnVanderbeck yes it does i assume. the newest aqara lock is matter thread compatible
@@aaronchan9624 I don't see how Matter which is an open standard is going to support HomeKey which is an Apple specific thing.
@@aaronchan9624 I thought I'd feel the same way but I bought this lock and got the yale connect bridge instead of the thread module and it's been rock solid.
Go with Aqara u200 , that one got everything , he tested on his new videos lately , I do think he is even prefer Aqara too🤭
Hey Shane! Which Smart Lock with Apple Home Key would you say is your favorite?
Do you need the Wi-Fi module to setup or change people’s passcode access remotely? I believe you can do that via Bluetooth, but is it possible to do via the Apple integration without the Yale app?
Yes, u can bypass the Yale app and manage guest access codes in the Apple Home app through HomeKit. You just can’t setup temporary passwords or get some of those extra features found in the Yale app.
I will need to see how to add someone that way. Have only had the original Yale Assure locks and the only way I could give guests access was to generate a key code in the Yale app. Have no clue how to do that with HomeKit
@RickSeidenstein it’s simple. In the Apple Home app, go to your lock and access the device settings. There is a “manage access” option where you can add new guests.
You can also manage guest and family access from the Home Settings in the Apple Home App.
@@ShaneCreates I would love it if you could verify that works with Yale Assure Lock with HomeKey. I have 3 regular Assure Locks that don't have this manage access option. I also just installed this HomeKey version hoping to no longer need the Yale app, but couldn't find the Manage Access option anywhere.
After adding a couple of these Assure 2 locks with my Yale Assure locks I still do not get an option for "Manage Access" in Apple Home app in lock settings or Home Settings. It appears the only way to do this is via Bluetooth via Yale app when at home and impossible to remotely manage access whether temporary or not temporary. Seems a big miss from Yale for an Apple Home Key lock.
Is it actually available? I'm remember a previous Yale lock (may even be this same one) that came out with HomeKey support and you couldn't actually buy one anywhere.
I ended up going with a Level lock and quite frankly the HK support almost NEVER works. I don't know if that is on Level or Apple but it definitely makes me cautious about HK support/
Yes it's available now. Even on Amazon. Links are in the description.
I'd say your issues are likely on Level, unless there is a Bluetooth connection/range issue. I've used various locks in HomeKit for years.
@@ShaneCreates It isn't the lock entirely, just the HomeKey part. 90% of the time I hold my phone up to the lock and nothing happens. Even if I manually open HomeKey it doesn't unlock. I can manually open the Home app and unlock the door fine there, so it isn't a "connection" issue per se, it's just the HomeKey functionality
@@JohnVanderbeck that definitely sounds like it's the lock. I have this one in the video and never have an issue with home key.
@@JohnVanderbeck Have you contacted Level support about this? I have a Level Lock and it has worked with HomeKey very well. I use both my iPhone and Apple watch and haven’t had any issues. I would definitely reach out to Level support and see what they suggest.
Smart locks seem cool, but I haven’t unlocked a door from the outside in many decades. Garage door openers have been functioning as smart locks forever.
If you need a smart lock because you lack a garage, I’d wait for the Lockpocking Lawyer to review, a lot of the smart devices seem to have terrible security.
Once everyone on the internet knows it can be opened with a strong magnet, a piece of a Red Bull can or a sharp wack to the side… you’ll be putting the old lock back on.
But lockpicking lawyer can open any standard / non-smart home door lock too, right?
@@htz70 with lock picking tools and a lot of skill with security pins, yeah. Your mileage may vary with your local thief or locksmith. But at least they can’t open standard locks by smacking them on the side to bounce an internal spring.
Do you need WIFI version if you want to give access to an Adroid user who takes care of my pets?
I would probably just setup a passcode specifically for that person. Then they don't need to use a phone at all. They can just enter their custom code.
If it has physical key means it can be opened in old fashion robbery attempt! Don't buy locks with keys, no sense in smart world
don‘t understand why american doors are just made of simple wood. how is this safe in 2024..?
My doors are steel... Stop generalizing
@@ParkerTyler Generalising*
@@xMaNSoooLL not in the US it isn't.
Mine is steel. I’m in the US
Most doors where I live I are steel and if not they are fiberglass. I can’t remember the last time I saw a wood door. I’m so tired of foreigners making stupid comments about things in the US.
What’s wrong with your eyes?? You always look high