Happy Saturday everyone! Matter is actually starting to Matter! BUY THE AQARA U200 HERE As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you :) UK: amzn.to/4cM5PKR (20% Discount: UK02U200 (July 13-15)) US: amzn.to/3WbGmEB (20% Discount: US04U200 (July 13-15))
Nice video Paul, yale make a multipoint autoengage for those people with lifting handles. I can do users/còdes, battery level, scenes and automations with SmartThings.
I replaced my SwitchBot lock pro with this after watching your review and the unlock speed difference is huge, by the time I’ve moved my watch from the keypad to the door handle the door is unlocked, homekey support already puts this lock miles ahead of the SwitchBot lock but the speed of it really was the biggest surprise for me
@HassanDibani I had nothing but issues with it, some days it would stay connected just fine, others it would constantly go offline/online/offline, it also loses calibration so the thumb turn keeps turning when it shouldn't or wouldn't lock fully when it should so I'd have to recalibrate it quite often, I still have it in a box in the hopes that it'll get better over time with updates and I'll try it again as there are a lot of positives but for now I'm using the switchbot lock pro again which I've had no issues with
@@louleechew1 Thanks a lot for the reply, this is very valuable to know as I was planning to get it for an airbnb unit. sounds like doing so would be asking for problems with guests.
Oh my goodness I am so thankful a ran across your channel a long time ago now. I have learned so much from your videos while always being entertained. They keep getting better and better! Thanks for all you do!
"No hub required": Matter is starting to make a difference. "Who in their right mind would carry around something in their front pocket...": Good point on keys. Sometimes folks look at a high-tech solution and raise issues with it that are exactly the same as any low-tech solutions. "Apple phone or Apple watch": [sigh] What about Android? Ah well, I can use Home Assistant anyway. "Use your own house key": Very good. I try to cut down on the number of keys I have to carry around and using the same key I already have helps a lot. Thanks for the comparison between this and the SwitchBot lock. I always appreciate your thoroughness and especially appreciate it when you anticipate a question like this. Thanks again for a great review. See you next Saturday.
@@ru2225 I see your point, but I disagree a bit. There are a lot of apps on Android watches from relatively niche markets that don't seem to have a problem. At any rate I can use Home Assistant . They have an watch app.
I used to fit time locks on Safes and they had a system that allowed the person under duress to open the safe but all they needed to do was put a number in above or below the last digit to send a duress alarm but it still went through the countdown for whatever the time was set at and open to keep the staff safer.
I have to lift the door handle before in can lock the door. Also when unlocking, there is an extra turn to then open the door. Guessing this will not work with doors like this, especially the latter without a key. Seem to have issues with Aqara, as much as I like the tech. When the SD card in the hub fills up, things go wrong. Currently trying to sort out why camera motion notifications have stopped
Good video. As with others, I wish you'd been able to address what the situation is with both locks and the lift handle doors that most of us have. At very least e need to know that it can alert if someone forgets to lift the handle. A lock that sits there silently unable to lock, or worse burns out its motor trying to lock an unlockable door is a non starter.
I swear I addressed this, but I’m wondering if cut the section to streamline the video 🤷🏻♂️ You just lift the handle as you leave in the same way as you do now. The motor won’t burn out, you’ll get a notification it jammed so t out know to turn back and sort it
That’s my issue as well. I am assuming I will have to change the whole lock mechanism for it and replace with something with non-pull up lift handle. Do you have any suggestions? I want to operate it remotely.
Great video as always Paul! I had the original switchbot lock and it wasn't powerful enough to hold the latch back on my slam shut door. Does your thumb turn need a fair bit of pressure to hold the latch open? Looks like the aqara had no problems with it.
Reasonably tough I guess. Locking the door is probably the grindiest, but the switchbot lock pro was able to cope with that too. Not sure how the original switchbot lock would fair.
What if you don't have a door like you? A door with a normal handle which has to be pulled up to be able to lock the door? Does it recognise that you've pulled the handle up?
I am beta testing switchbot geofencing and it does work. The lock uses your Bluetooth to unlock. But uses location to prime the lock for high power scanning
If I only have the U200 lock and Apple HomePod mini, does that allow me to have features that you mention require thread boarder router? Can I have Apple home key using this connection method?
You said you can use your existing key, which will be great for some people. But can you disable the use of old keys if you completely want to deprecate them?
Does this work without the keypad? Might seem a random ask!! Ubiquiti have just released NFC and Fingerprint reader for the G4 Doorbell Pro so I just need something I can trigger in home assistant to actually unlock the door!!
Hi, can this be used on multi-point locks where you don't have to use your hands at all. I'm disabled and would need to be able to operate them via my Alexa. Have been looking online but is very confusing. Would really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance. Mark
Exciting product - Really useful video as always, thanks Paul. Would this work if I already have a thumb turn instead of a keyhole on the inside of my front door? Or would it need to be converted back to standard key use first? Thanks!
Great video, but please give more advice on what doors these smart locks fit, I have tried SwitchBot lock but can’t fit it without making alterations same with nuki lock, so if possible bit more info
Great vid - the SwitchBot lock can hold the latch for doors like mine that dont have a handle on the outside. Does anyone know if the u200 can do the same? The speed of this lock would tempt me to switch lol
Also interested in this. Happy to have to lift the handle to lock, but need the lock to hold open the latch as split spindle systems mean the outside handle can only engage and disengage the multipoint locks, but the key is needed to open the latch from the outside. That said, the auto locking on this would remove the benefit of split spindle, so would just revert back to a regular spindle.
Great video as always Paul, love your stuff. This will work for me as I have a similar door to yours. I’ve been watching your videos for a good few years now, and you were one of the very first I found, subscribed to and still watch. Keep the great content coming!!
My door does not have an external handle, you unlock by turning the key to withdraw the deadbolt and also the latch. Does this have enough torque to turn the lock fully to activate the main latch?
You’re both right. You only need a hub for remote access to things like setting up PIN codes. As far as I can tell you need the m3 hub specifically because it’s their only current thread hub. I’ve pointed out to aqara what a large expense this would be and recommended they release a cheaper thread hub mini similar to switchbot
Great video again and hoping you are enjoying your leave. I'm guessing this has the same problem as the Switch bot one, ie needing independent locks each side or removable thumb turn,
I like this better in general but would prefer a magnet sensor. That said I'm pretty happy with a simple combination style. I set some extra one time pins I keep in my password manager so I can give one out in an emergency. No need for all the cloud stuff. The cloud features were fun but I never found any of the cloud features useful day to day on my last lock.
Just for options, I have the Nuki lock, does most of the same features, is quick, is well built, also includes geo sensing, and is integrated into Home Assistant.
I ordered one to replace an old Kwikset Z-Wave lock that is eating up batteries and I am excited for the features but not excited about how loud it seems and I’m not a fan of the separate battery powered keypad that someone can just rip off my door.
One question, here in the UK have double glazed doors where you have to lift the handle to engage the lock. However as this is HomeKit compatible it’s an amazing thing, Aqara stuff is truely awesome
So Dutch doors work with ehhhh well you need to turn it with a bit of force to open and then it turns back with a bit of a spring if you know what I mean. Does this work for those as well?
Hi all, can this be fitted on the type of door handle that has the the lock barrel as part of a vertical handle assembly with the handle just above the barrel?
I would really appreciate the install video. I do not actually have that this on key but on the knob. That I need to manually turn to unlock rods that ate in the floor and in the frame of the door. I am really curious If this setup can work. Massive aqara fan. Almost everything I have at home is aqara based.
Yeah you nailed how I feel about the Switchbot Lock Pro. Yes it works and has a lot of unlock options which I love. But it doesn't give me that super snappy smart home experience that I got when I switched from cloud control to local. I have the Lock Pro and it bums me out when it takes a few seconds for the gears to turn, then it turns at a basic slow speed that's pretty standard for everything other than the U200. I didn't know if I could resist getting the U200 since I already bought the Lock Pro. But I don't think I can. I want the satisfying feeling I would get with the U200 of unlocking and locking being super fast and responsive. I know I won't ever get that from the Lock Pro.
Hopefully the next version of SwitchBot lock will be faster. Also, does anyone know how to get these smart locks to work with deadbolt locking that requires the handle to be lifted? Or are there deadbolt locks available that don’t require the handle to be lifted?
So I’ve got a typical Uk door, looks very much like your door with I think it’s a euro lock. Basically to open the door, even when it’s not fully locked you need to push the door to open it. I assume this wouldn’t work?
Mine needs to be pushed to open too. There’s no handle. As long as turning the key in your door opens the door then it should work the same as mine does if the lock mechanism physically fits the product 😊
Hi Paul, another cool vid, am i correct in thinking that this won't work for me as i can't have a key on the inside of my door & still unlock from the outside? Thanks
Good to hear your an Aqara fan, I am now expecting a review of their crazy g5 hub camera and new lightbulbs (if the lightbulbs are comparable, Aqara might actually move me away from Philips hue [I know I know, boo me] )
I have the Aqara Smart Lock U100, and we like it a lot. The batteries on mine last about 6 months, and they are easy to change while inside the house without tools. It has a voice alert on the lock as well as phone alerts saying the battery is low, so there's little chance it will be forgotten. I do keep my physical key with me just in case, but haven't needed it since we installed it. There is one feature I was actually surprised didn't already exist in the app for it. I would like to set it to lock itself if it's been left unlocked for say, 10 minutes. If that could be set to have different behaviors at different times of day it would be even better. At night, it locks if left for 2 minutes.
Curious how the outdoor unit handles weather. I currently have a Lockly device on my front door. I live in mid-usa and summers are lots of hot sunlight. As a result, the Lockly has suffered lots of weathering. The paint (looked like chrome when I first installed it) is flaking off, keypad numbers are much harder to read now too. I think I've had the lock for about 6-7 years now? Second issue I see with the Lockly - my wife and daughter have a hard time getting it to read their fingerprints to unlock it. It works fine for me. The NFC unlock would fix this problem.
Nice video. Concise and informative packed. Well done Aqara for making it a more sensible size. I wonder if they could add a magnet in tape like thickness to sort the ajar alert issue?
One issue I have with my NUKI Lock, is that if I use the key to open the door from the outside, then it doesn't realise the door is open and doesn't want to close it any longer. I wonder if/how Aquara solved this issue?
Nuki smart lock - I'm using it for over a year. Everything aqara has just now and as well geo position and unlock. Plus, flush mounting against the door surface. No hub is required as well.
Does Nuki support auto latching doors? I have similar lock mechanism to Paul’s. Where when leaving just bang the door close and all latches engage. Need smart lock to turn the unlatch part for door to be opened.
Yes. I have a composite door with a multi point lock and latching hooks if you are talking about them. Generally, I can't imagine why it would not work with any door.
@paulhibbert Don't think I'm working for Nuki 😂 There first generation of locks was terrible- unfortunately I had it and fortunately with warranty was exchanged for new one. But basic lock starts from £169. With standart keypad £219 but with finger scan £279 and usually they have some promo. I'm big fan of aqara most mine smart home is based on their products but this time Nuki is better choice.
I do like the look of this and would more likely have been far easier to fit than my Loqed smart lock. This also has assisted twist, far easier than the Aqara, it also has two Bluetooth beacons so it knows which side of the door you are on. I get out of the car on the drive and it’s auto unlocking. Sadly Loqed have gone down the pan, but thankfully been bailed out by Shelly! As usual Paul, great video, great information and great japes along the way! F the haters man 👍
Ring currently have some discounts on their cameras on Amazon. I'm not falling for them myself again. I bought their Ring Stick Up Cam. I tried to stick it up but with the width and the flat top means I couldn't unpucker enough to get it in. I tried everything. Offering it up and falling it just hurt. Why would they call it a ring stick up camera!
Morning, glad you took my advice on X lol. And spooky it's the office door! Seriously, good to see you back. Yale connexis already have proximity opening. But I have to have a small magnet for door position to work.
Hi Paul, I really like your videos and tests. Thanks for that. Unfortunately I have to disagree with your statement „no hub required“ There are several functions that don‘t work with homekit or homeassistant if you don‘t have an Aqara hub. For example there is no way to use a pin when opening via Homekit or Homeassistant. Secondly I cannot get a state „door open“ via matter. The fact that there is no third state for open without pulling the latch. I really like the lock but there are those essential things missing. Cheers
Great Video, as I'll be renting for next 5 years at least due to career, I'm definitely more inclined towards something like this. If/when I get one, more than likely going with the Aqara. Only thing kind of holding me back now is the house I live in, sometimes the doors need a little pressure to get the deadbolt to go in, since house is old, shifted, swelling from humidity etc., so feel like unlocking be fine, but getting it to lock remotely might be a challenge.
I don't know if this is possible or not, I see that you put urls and discount codes for UK and US but would you have them for Canada? Congratulations on your first child. You are not n for a lot of firsts. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.
This looks great. Have been looking for a matter/thread lock for ages. Shame most UK front doors use a night latch style lock and I’ve only seen Yale make that as a smart lock.
I know how you mentioned switchbot but you never mentioned the August lock Paul they've been doing it longer than anyone why should some people purchase this instead of an August lock? You know the August lock already does geo Fencing
Finally, the video what I was waiting for. What if I want to use the magnet to insure that the lock knows the door is locked, is it going to recognize the magnet?
Sadly not. Still waiting for Aqara to give me word about the firmware update, but in practice (I’m still using it about 10 times a day going in and out of my office) it gets it right 8 times out of 10, the other two times I just turn round and press the lock button on the keypad
@@paulhibbert Hi Paul, I’m planning to get the Aqara U200 & The Aqara M3 Hub but I’m a bit confused. I’ve seen a video that if I need the home key feature, I need to have one of Apple devices to use it as a hub like (Apple TV, or any of ApplePods). Is that true?
@@iGarni I’m not a big Apple user so it’s hard to say for sure, but from the setup process I would imagine you have to have a HomePod mini or similar to add the lock to in order for the watch or phone to be able to communicate with it, so probably!
@@paulhibbert looks like it. I’ve seen similar answers but I trust your advice. In this case, what is the benefit if I get the Aqara M3 Hub with any of Apple devices (HomePod, Apple TV.)?
Paul, I will let you off missing the obvious when is a door not a door (when it's a jar) joke 😂 I'm putting it down to lack of sleep due to the new arrival😂
I think the speed will depend on what type of lock you have. My lock only needs a 1/4 turn to unlock it, not the multiple spins, so the speed is not so much of an issue as the 1/4 turn happens quickly anyway. Nice to see a thread based lock though. Hope more of these come out as they are more reliable and secure than bluetooth based locks . I still am concerned about anything chineseum these days though due to security issues.
Not seeing my name in the Patreon list helped me update my payment settings on several sites! Thanks for stroking my ego every week at the end of the video 😂 and great content!
Unfortunately the locking functionality will be of limited use for many homeowners in the UK as most modern doors require you to lift up the handle to engage the latches before you then lock it. So if you forget to do that then it won’t lock. And if you have remembered, when leaving, then you might as well just lock with the key.
I can’t disagree with this strongly enough. Locking is only half its job, it will unlock your door with your thumb just fine and that is for me its main appeal. As for locking the door you currently flip the handle up get your keys out and turn the lock. With this you flip the handle up and walk away. How can that not be 90% better than your current situation?
Geo fencing for unlock is sadly not something I'd recommend unless they take into account location drifting, the locking part would be great but with a multi point lock it becomes useless sadly. Really hope someone makes a multi point lock one soon, that works with home assistant I'd buy that straight away
In the future? I guess the future came last year, because Yale has that feature on their deadbolt. I can even set up HA to do geofencing to unlock the door. And I can do the whole "Temp PIN for guests or workers". Yale's deadbolt works off wifi (with a wifi module) or bluetooth. It's also cheaper than the Aqara lock.
All these locks are getting better and more accessible, but based on my experience with the Switchbot Lock Pro, I am not sure about reliability... Personally I am hoping for whatever Shelly is going to do in terms of Smart Locks since they have a pretty good track record...
You said that the Switchbot Lock Pro takes a long time to respond, but everything Switchbot does takes a long time to respond. This is why my Hub 2 is just made a screen to display the temperature.
Have you tried the August Pro Lock. It take literally less than 1.5 sec. I think it has all the features you mention (auto lock/ unlock, geofence, keypad, and guest keys). But it does use a magnet and optional gateway. It can work locally with Bluetooth. There is a HA integration. I'm not sure if you need the gateway with HA. I know you can also pair it with Alexa. It requires 4 AA's. I've been using Amazon Basics AA's and been getting 4-6 months before having to change them out. It pretty quiet at normal speed and opens really really fast. Without taking my protractor out, it looks to be about a 60-70 degree turn. Not multiple rotations. You can use your standard key on the outside. Also, I think it's on the slimmer side. I have it installed on the outer metal security door, which puts it between the inner wood door with no clearance issues. I think if you love the new Aqara lock, then you may want to divorce your wife after you use the August lock.
I simply cannot connect it directly to Alexa. I have the echo gen4 which should be able to work as a thread border router, but every time I try to connect through the Alexa app I get an error saying I don't have a thread border router...
Happy Saturday everyone! Matter is actually starting to Matter! BUY THE AQARA U200 HERE
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you :)
UK: amzn.to/4cM5PKR (20% Discount: UK02U200 (July 13-15))
US: amzn.to/3WbGmEB (20% Discount: US04U200 (July 13-15))
Why not update the funny "Mrs" video, with perhaps an animation from Lower Decks, a certain crazy Dr. 🤣
@paulhibbert is matter working with Alexa yet? I had heard it was having issues.
Matter works with Alexa, there isn’t loads of stuff that works with it yet though. This lock does!
Nice video Paul, yale make a multipoint autoengage for those people with lifting handles. I can do users/còdes, battery level, scenes and automations with SmartThings.
But how does it integrate with home assistant? Via matter enabled zigbee dongle?
What features are missing in this case?
I replaced my SwitchBot lock pro with this after watching your review and the unlock speed difference is huge, by the time I’ve moved my watch from the keypad to the door handle the door is unlocked, homekey support already puts this lock miles ahead of the SwitchBot lock but the speed of it really was the biggest surprise for me
still working good?
@HassanDibani I had nothing but issues with it, some days it would stay connected just fine, others it would constantly go offline/online/offline, it also loses calibration so the thumb turn keeps turning when it shouldn't or wouldn't lock fully when it should so I'd have to recalibrate it quite often, I still have it in a box in the hopes that it'll get better over time with updates and I'll try it again as there are a lot of positives but for now I'm using the switchbot lock pro again which I've had no issues with
@@louleechew1 Thanks a lot for the reply, this is very valuable to know as I was planning to get it for an airbnb unit. sounds like doing so would be asking for problems with guests.
Can Home Assistant (hip thrusts) lock and unlock? If so, the geofencing in HA could be used.
Yessss! 😁
Oh my goodness I am so thankful a ran across your channel a long time ago now. I have learned so much from your videos while always being entertained. They keep getting better and better! Thanks for all you do!
So kind of you man, thank you 😁
"No hub required": Matter is starting to make a difference.
"Who in their right mind would carry around something in their front pocket...": Good point on keys. Sometimes folks look at a high-tech solution and raise issues with it that are exactly the same as any low-tech solutions.
"Apple phone or Apple watch": [sigh] What about Android? Ah well, I can use Home Assistant anyway.
"Use your own house key": Very good. I try to cut down on the number of keys I have to carry around and using the same key I already have helps a lot.
Thanks for the comparison between this and the SwitchBot lock. I always appreciate your thoroughness and especially appreciate it when you anticipate a question like this.
Thanks again for a great review. See you next Saturday.
Blame android for not being unified and as secure. Can't blame Aqara
@@ru2225 I see your point, but I disagree a bit. There are a lot of apps on Android watches from relatively niche markets that don't seem to have a problem.
At any rate I can use Home Assistant . They have an watch app.
I used to fit time locks on Safes and they had a system that allowed the person under duress to open the safe but all they needed to do was put a number in above or below the last digit to send a duress alarm but it still went through the countdown for whatever the time was set at and open to keep the staff safer.
Switchbot supports a second digit as a warning of coercion.
I have a Nuki door lock. it does open on geo-fence in combination with BLE.
I have to lift the door handle before in can lock the door. Also when unlocking, there is an extra turn to then open the door. Guessing this will not work with doors like this, especially the latter without a key.
Seem to have issues with Aqara, as much as I like the tech. When the SD card in the hub fills up, things go wrong. Currently trying to sort out why camera motion notifications have stopped
Good video. As with others, I wish you'd been able to address what the situation is with both locks and the lift handle doors that most of us have. At very least e need to know that it can alert if someone forgets to lift the handle. A lock that sits there silently unable to lock, or worse burns out its motor trying to lock an unlockable door is a non starter.
I swear I addressed this, but I’m wondering if cut the section to streamline the video 🤷🏻♂️
You just lift the handle as you leave in the same way as you do now. The motor won’t burn out, you’ll get a notification it jammed so t out know to turn back and sort it
Do these work on doors with the lift handles common in the UK?
They do, but you have to lift the handle as you leave the same way as you do now
That’s my issue as well. I am assuming I will have to change the whole lock mechanism for it and replace with something with non-pull up lift handle.
Do you have any suggestions? I want to operate it remotely.
Can this work with both HomeKey and Home Assistant at the same time without internet?
Hi - greetings from Belgium. Can you setup geofencing with this lock (and without the hub)?
It just works!🎉
That character returns next week! 🤣
Great video as always Paul! I had the original switchbot lock and it wasn't powerful enough to hold the latch back on my slam shut door. Does your thumb turn need a fair bit of pressure to hold the latch open? Looks like the aqara had no problems with it.
Reasonably tough I guess. Locking the door is probably the grindiest, but the switchbot lock pro was able to cope with that too. Not sure how the original switchbot lock would fair.
What if you don't have a door like you? A door with a normal handle which has to be pulled up to be able to lock the door? Does it recognise that you've pulled the handle up?
I am beta testing switchbot geofencing and it does work. The lock uses your Bluetooth to unlock. But uses location to prime the lock for high power scanning
Another great video Paul.
I was wondering, what do insurance companies think to such smart locks that are placed on exterior doors?
If I only have the U200 lock and Apple HomePod mini, does that allow me to have features that you mention require thread boarder router?
Can I have Apple home key using this connection method?
Yes, to both
You said you can use your existing key, which will be great for some people. But can you disable the use of old keys if you completely want to deprecate them?
Does this work without the keypad?
Might seem a random ask!! Ubiquiti have just released NFC and Fingerprint reader for the G4 Doorbell Pro so I just need something I can trigger in home assistant to actually unlock the door!!
Yes it's 10am on Saturday and you know what that means, Morning Paul 👋
Definitely, part of my weekend routine.
Thanks gents! Means a lot to know you guys are here every week ❤️
Hi, can this be used on multi-point locks where you don't have to use your hands at all. I'm disabled and would need to be able to operate them via my Alexa. Have been looking online but is very confusing. Would really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance. Mark
Exciting product - Really useful video as always, thanks Paul. Would this work if I already have a thumb turn instead of a keyhole on the inside of my front door? Or would it need to be converted back to standard key use first? Thanks!
Update - I watched their explainer video on Amazon. Apparently I need the “knob inside” option. Great that they include this as standard!
Great video, but please give more advice on what doors these smart locks fit, I have tried SwitchBot lock but can’t fit it without making alterations same with nuki lock, so if possible bit more info
Great vid - the SwitchBot lock can hold the latch for doors like mine that dont have a handle on the outside. Does anyone know if the u200 can do the same? The speed of this lock would tempt me to switch lol
Also interested in this. Happy to have to lift the handle to lock, but need the lock to hold open the latch as split spindle systems mean the outside handle can only engage and disengage the multipoint locks, but the key is needed to open the latch from the outside.
That said, the auto locking on this would remove the benefit of split spindle, so would just revert back to a regular spindle.
Yes, it holds the latch, you have to alter a setting bit it does work and you can set the time needed 😊
@@paulhibbertthanks Paul! Hope you're managing some sleep buddy!
Great video as always Paul, love your stuff. This will work for me as I have a similar door to yours. I’ve been watching your videos for a good few years now, and you were one of the very first I found, subscribed to and still watch. Keep the great content coming!!
My door does not have an external handle, you unlock by turning the key to withdraw the deadbolt and also the latch. Does this have enough torque to turn the lock fully to activate the main latch?
Yes, the motor is really strong 😊
Does homekey only work with an apple thread router like a homepod or Apple TV. It won't work with an echo thread router for example
Any update from Aqara on the multi-fingerprint feature?
The return of the best tech nerd on the internet 😄
I'm curious how this thing would compare to August locks. I've been using August for years with great reliability, and it already has geofencing.
Does it need the m3 hub for the advanced features or will any aqara hub work?
It doesn’t require a hub.
You’re both right. You only need a hub for remote access to things like setting up PIN codes. As far as I can tell you need the m3 hub specifically because it’s their only current thread hub. I’ve pointed out to aqara what a large expense this would be and recommended they release a cheaper thread hub mini similar to switchbot
Great video again and hoping you are enjoying your leave. I'm guessing this has the same problem as the Switch bot one, ie needing independent locks each side or removable thumb turn,
Did you migrate from Smartthings hub to the Aqara hub, and if so, how hard or easy was it..
I like this better in general but would prefer a magnet sensor. That said I'm pretty happy with a simple combination style. I set some extra one time pins I keep in my password manager so I can give one out in an emergency. No need for all the cloud stuff. The cloud features were fun but I never found any of the cloud features useful day to day on my last lock.
Just for options, I have the Nuki lock, does most of the same features, is quick, is well built, also includes geo sensing, and is integrated into Home Assistant.
Very interesting.
Have you tried to connect it with a door camera that has face recognition so that it recognises you and unlocks the door?
If I don't buy the M3 Hub and connect it directly to Apple TV can I expose it to Home Assistant and then remote unlock it from there?
So how many sets of fingerprints can be set up. We have 4 adults here. Is 4 possible or only two different prints?
It's something massive like 32.
@@paulhibbert Oh ok lol thats alot :D thanks the reply
Hi, where did you get that star trek light in the background?
It's all custom made I'm afraid dude. 😢 I bought it off etsy but then heavily customised it myself
I have Home assistant and a Conbee 2 zigbee adapter, what would i need to connect this directly to my HA server?
I ordered one to replace an old Kwikset Z-Wave lock that is eating up batteries and I am excited for the features but not excited about how loud it seems and I’m not a fan of the separate battery powered keypad that someone can just rip off my door.
One question, here in the UK have double glazed doors where you have to lift the handle to engage the lock.
However as this is HomeKit compatible it’s an amazing thing, Aqara stuff is truely awesome
Have you used the August smart lock? It’s much faster than both of them.
So Dutch doors work with ehhhh well you need to turn it with a bit of force to open and then it turns back with a bit of a spring if you know what I mean. Does this work for those as well?
It has a setting to hold a latch open for a few seconds after the unlock if that’s what you mean
@@paulhibbert yes, that sounds like it is what I mean, tnx!
Hi all, can this be fitted on the type of door handle that has the the lock barrel as part of a vertical handle assembly with the handle just above the barrel?
I would really appreciate the install video. I do not actually have that this on key but on the knob. That I need to manually turn to unlock rods that ate in the floor and in the frame of the door. I am really curious If this setup can work. Massive aqara fan. Almost everything I have at home is aqara based.
Hi Paul, great video. I have to use keys on both sides of my door to lock or open my door, will the aqara lock work for me? thanks
Sounds like you would need to replace the barrel. Easy job but obviously an additional expense
@@paulhibbert This one might not but didn't the OG switchbot work if you put a key on the inside? Not as good a lock though sadly.
Yeah you nailed how I feel about the Switchbot Lock Pro. Yes it works and has a lot of unlock options which I love. But it doesn't give me that super snappy smart home experience that I got when I switched from cloud control to local. I have the Lock Pro and it bums me out when it takes a few seconds for the gears to turn, then it turns at a basic slow speed that's pretty standard for everything other than the U200.
I didn't know if I could resist getting the U200 since I already bought the Lock Pro. But I don't think I can. I want the satisfying feeling I would get with the U200 of unlocking and locking being super fast and responsive. I know I won't ever get that from the Lock Pro.
Hopefully the next version of SwitchBot lock will be faster. Also, does anyone know how to get these smart locks to work with deadbolt locking that requires the handle to be lifted? Or are there deadbolt locks available that don’t require the handle to be lifted?
So I’ve got a typical Uk door, looks very much like your door with I think it’s a euro lock. Basically to open the door, even when it’s not fully locked you need to push the door to open it. I assume this wouldn’t work?
Mine needs to be pushed to open too. There’s no handle. As long as turning the key in your door opens the door then it should work the same as mine does if the lock mechanism physically fits the product 😊
@@paulhibbert thanks. This is the 1 reason I haven’t bought a smart lock, because I’m not sure if it does what you say 🤔
Hi Paul, another cool vid, am i correct in thinking that this won't work for me as i can't have a key on the inside of my door & still unlock from the outside? Thanks
If that’s the case you can just change the barrel, which will come with new keys so not a big deal unless you need more than 4 keys for the door
Can I use this as a keypad based lock even if I do not have a matter supported device like Apple, HomePod, Amazon, echo or Google Device?
Yes, the keypad pairs directly to the lock 😁
does this lock really has the Ultra Wideband chip required to unlock by itself when an iphone is closed by?
No
Good to hear your an Aqara fan, I am now expecting a review of their crazy g5 hub camera and new lightbulbs (if the lightbulbs are comparable, Aqara might actually move me away from Philips hue [I know I know, boo me] )
I have the Aqara Smart Lock U100, and we like it a lot. The batteries on mine last about 6 months, and they are easy to change while inside the house without tools. It has a voice alert on the lock as well as phone alerts saying the battery is low, so there's little chance it will be forgotten. I do keep my physical key with me just in case, but haven't needed it since we installed it.
There is one feature I was actually surprised didn't already exist in the app for it. I would like to set it to lock itself if it's been left unlocked for say, 10 minutes. If that could be set to have different behaviors at different times of day it would be even better. At night, it locks if left for 2 minutes.
How many multilock points does the torque support?
Anyone have recommendations on a door knob or level lock? One that still allows you to have a mechanical deadbolt installed above it.
did you make an installation video?
Curious how the outdoor unit handles weather. I currently have a Lockly device on my front door. I live in mid-usa and summers are lots of hot sunlight. As a result, the Lockly has suffered lots of weathering. The paint (looked like chrome when I first installed it) is flaking off, keypad numbers are much harder to read now too. I think I've had the lock for about 6-7 years now? Second issue I see with the Lockly - my wife and daughter have a hard time getting it to read their fingerprints to unlock it. It works fine for me. The NFC unlock would fix this problem.
Ipx5 up to minus 13 an +66 degrees c
An issue that I have seen is sunlight seriously degrading the look of the keypads.
Hi, is HomeKey working without any hub? Without Aqara M3, HomePod or Apple TV?
As far as I know, an Apple Hub is a necessity (HomePod or later AppleTV 4ks)
Can’t see Apple not having control ever
The nest Yale lock is very fast as well I would love if they came out with the version with fingerprint reader
Nice video. Concise and informative packed. Well done Aqara for making it a more sensible size. I wonder if they could add a magnet in tape like thickness to sort the ajar alert issue?
One issue I have with my NUKI Lock, is that if I use the key to open the door from the outside, then it doesn't realise the door is open and doesn't want to close it any longer. I wonder if/how Aquara solved this issue?
Does this have 2FA authentication? So you need a fingerprint and also a PIN code to unlock it.
No.
I know that Switchbot are beta testing geofencing and unlocking.
Nuki smart lock - I'm using it for over a year. Everything aqara has just now and as well geo position and unlock. Plus, flush mounting against the door surface. No hub is required as well.
Does Nuki support auto latching doors? I have similar lock mechanism to Paul’s. Where when leaving just bang the door close and all latches engage. Need smart lock to turn the unlatch part for door to be opened.
Yes. I have a composite door with a multi point lock and latching hooks if you are talking about them. Generally, I can't imagine why it would not work with any door.
Current Nuki is £340 🤷🏻♂️
@paulhibbert
Don't think I'm working for Nuki 😂 There first generation of locks was terrible- unfortunately I had it and fortunately with warranty was exchanged for new one. But basic lock starts from £169. With standart keypad £219 but with finger scan £279 and usually they have some promo. I'm big fan of aqara most mine smart home is based on their products but this time Nuki is better choice.
@@NIKITAS13 the Matter compatible Nuki pro version is way over £300 on its own…..
Nice video Paul. This Aqara lock looks awesome!
Thanks as always my friend!
I do like the look of this and would more likely have been far easier to fit than my Loqed smart lock. This also has assisted twist, far easier than the Aqara, it also has two Bluetooth beacons so it knows which side of the door you are on. I get out of the car on the drive and it’s auto unlocking. Sadly Loqed have gone down the pan, but thankfully been bailed out by Shelly!
As usual Paul, great video, great information and great japes along the way! F the haters man 👍
Ring currently have some discounts on their cameras on Amazon. I'm not falling for them myself again.
I bought their Ring Stick Up Cam. I tried to stick it up but with the width and the flat top means I couldn't unpucker enough to get it in. I tried everything. Offering it up and falling it just hurt.
Why would they call it a ring stick up camera!
Morning, glad you took my advice on X lol. And spooky it's the office door!
Seriously, good to see you back.
Yale connexis already have proximity opening. But I have to have a small magnet for door position to work.
Hi Paul, I really like your videos and tests. Thanks for that.
Unfortunately I have to disagree with your statement „no hub required“ There are several functions that don‘t work with homekit or homeassistant if you don‘t have an Aqara hub.
For example there is no way to use a pin when opening via Homekit or Homeassistant. Secondly I cannot get a state „door open“ via matter.
The fact that there is no third state for open without pulling the latch.
I really like the lock but there are those essential things missing.
Cheers
Great Video, as I'll be renting for next 5 years at least due to career, I'm definitely more inclined towards something like this. If/when I get one, more than likely going with the Aqara. Only thing kind of holding me back now is the house I live in, sometimes the doors need a little pressure to get the deadbolt to go in, since house is old, shifted, swelling from humidity etc., so feel like unlocking be fine, but getting it to lock remotely might be a challenge.
I don't know if this is possible or not, I see that you put urls and discount codes for UK and US but would you have them for Canada? Congratulations on your first child. You are not n for a lot of firsts. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.
But Paul, is the Aqara faster than that Switchbot?
This looks great. Have been looking for a matter/thread lock for ages. Shame most UK front doors use a night latch style lock and I’ve only seen Yale make that as a smart lock.
I know how you mentioned switchbot but you never mentioned the August lock Paul they've been doing it longer than anyone why should some people purchase this instead of an August lock? You know the August lock already does geo Fencing
Finally, the video what I was waiting for. What if I want to use the magnet to insure that the lock knows the door is locked, is it going to recognize the magnet?
Sadly not. Still waiting for Aqara to give me word about the firmware update, but in practice (I’m still using it about 10 times a day going in and out of my office) it gets it right 8 times out of 10, the other two times I just turn round and press the lock button on the keypad
@@paulhibbert I think “Aqara” needs to speed up the update and include the geofencing as well.
@@paulhibbert Hi Paul, I’m planning to get the Aqara U200 & The Aqara M3 Hub but I’m a bit confused. I’ve seen a video that if I need the home key feature, I need to have one of Apple devices to use it as a hub like (Apple TV, or any of ApplePods). Is that true?
@@iGarni I’m not a big Apple user so it’s hard to say for sure, but from the setup process I would imagine you have to have a HomePod mini or similar to add the lock to in order for the watch or phone to be able to communicate with it, so probably!
@@paulhibbert looks like it. I’ve seen similar answers but I trust your advice. In this case, what is the benefit if I get the Aqara M3 Hub with any of Apple devices (HomePod, Apple TV.)?
This does look a lot smarter, not sure it would work on my front door due to it not always fully clicking into place when the handle is lifted!!
Paul, I will let you off missing the obvious when is a door not a door (when it's a jar) joke 😂 I'm putting it down to lack of sleep due to the new arrival😂
I think the speed will depend on what type of lock you have. My lock only needs a 1/4 turn to unlock it, not the multiple spins, so the speed is not so much of an issue as the 1/4 turn happens quickly anyway. Nice to see a thread based lock though. Hope more of these come out as they are more reliable and secure than bluetooth based locks . I still am concerned about anything chineseum these days though due to security issues.
Not seeing my name in the Patreon list helped me update my payment settings on several sites! Thanks for stroking my ego every week at the end of the video 😂 and great content!
🤣 and thank you as always for the support man!
Can anyone recommend the yale cylinder compatible with this lock?
Yes. The trouble finger printer code 🧑💻 should be on all items.
Unfortunately the locking functionality will be of limited use for many homeowners in the UK as most modern doors require you to lift up the handle to engage the latches before you then lock it. So if you forget to do that then it won’t lock. And if you have remembered, when leaving, then you might as well just lock with the key.
I can’t disagree with this strongly enough. Locking is only half its job, it will unlock your door with your thumb just fine and that is for me its main appeal.
As for locking the door you currently flip the handle up get your keys out and turn the lock. With this you flip the handle up and walk away. How can that not be 90% better than your current situation?
what about home assistant?
I showed it working with home assistant in the first couple minutes 😉
Geo fencing for unlock is sadly not something I'd recommend unless they take into account location drifting, the locking part would be great but with a multi point lock it becomes useless sadly. Really hope someone makes a multi point lock one soon, that works with home assistant I'd buy that straight away
Does it work in Australia?
Is there a lock that doesn’t sounds so loud? My Danalock grinds like crazy.
Yes this one
@@andrewcbartlett sounds alot in the vid?
Switchbot is quieter in general. Aqara kann be set to a slower quieter mode
In the future? I guess the future came last year, because Yale has that feature on their deadbolt. I can even set up HA to do geofencing to unlock the door. And I can do the whole "Temp PIN for guests or workers". Yale's deadbolt works off wifi (with a wifi module) or bluetooth. It's also cheaper than the Aqara lock.
No matter? Fail
All these locks are getting better and more accessible, but based on my experience with the Switchbot Lock Pro, I am not sure about reliability...
Personally I am hoping for whatever Shelly is going to do in terms of Smart Locks since they have a pretty good track record...
Good luck with that
You said that the Switchbot Lock Pro takes a long time to respond, but everything Switchbot does takes a long time to respond. This is why my Hub 2 is just made a screen to display the temperature.
Have you tried the August Pro Lock. It take literally less than 1.5 sec. I think it has all the features you mention (auto lock/ unlock, geofence, keypad, and guest keys). But it does use a magnet and optional gateway. It can work locally with Bluetooth. There is a HA integration. I'm not sure if you need the gateway with HA. I know you can also pair it with Alexa. It requires 4 AA's. I've been using Amazon Basics AA's and been getting 4-6 months before having to change them out. It pretty quiet at normal speed and opens really really fast. Without taking my protractor out, it looks to be about a 60-70 degree turn. Not multiple rotations. You can use your standard key on the outside. Also, I think it's on the slimmer side. I have it installed on the outer metal security door, which puts it between the inner wood door with no clearance issues. I think if you love the new Aqara lock, then you may want to divorce your wife after you use the August lock.
Unfortunately doesn’t work on our apartment door 😢 This thing is so cool.
Seems very strange how many rotations both locks were making when locking, my original switchbot does about 1 rotation.
Majority of the features (including Geofence) are already in Nuki for more than 3 years.
For how much money? 😉
@@paulhibbert similar
But not Matter over Thread. And doors in The Netherlands have a latch. Is this also supported by Nuki?
I simply cannot connect it directly to Alexa. I have the echo gen4 which should be able to work as a thread border router, but every time I try to connect through the Alexa app I get an error saying I don't have a thread border router...
I have fully connected it to the Aqara app without an M3 hub and it works just fine via Bluetooth. I want the Alexa functionality as well though...
Don’t Echos only have Matter support. Shows have Thread support.
Lock pro has the gyroscope also, magnet is optional.
I love the "on the fly" joke :D
August door locks can do that Geo fencing