PACKAGING | CONTENTS

The front of the box features both the lock and keypad, and depending on the option you purchased, you’ll see either the silver or space grey model. I’m told there’s a white model, but have yet to see anyone with it. When it comes to the front, they really pushed the boat out when it comes to letting you know just how compatible this lock is;

• support for Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home
• Offers Matter and Thread support (Matter over Thread, essentially)
• It doesn’t mention Apple HomeKey on the front, but then only Apple Home users get to use this, so…

The back of the box has the standard blurb, but it also outlines the type of locks the U200 works with. Bear in mind this is a retrofit lock, so for both deadbolts and eurocylinder locks, you get to keep your original lock. If you have locks other than these two basic types, the U200 is not guaranteed to work with it, but to be sure you can visit the company’s website to do a compatibility check to be certain. I’ve fitted the U200 to a deadbolt lock on one of our internal locks, so I guess this is probably the easiest of all the installations (that makes a change…).

The box lists some of the features;

• Matter over Thread support, which will no doubt please the more keen early adopters
• NFC support by using either Aqara’s own NFC fobs, or certain types of NFC cards
• Apple HomeKey support
• Quiet unlock mode
• The option to power the keypad with batteries or ‘wire-powerd’ [sic]
• Other unlock methods, including your own key of course
• And the fact that it works with your existing lock

The other side features the specs, which I’ll also list;

• Model: EL-D02E
• Wireless Protocols: Thread, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
• Door Lock Dimensions: 62.3 x 60.6 x 152.5 mm (2.4 x 2.4 x 6 in.)
• Keypad Dimensions: 42.7 x 33 x 146 mm (1.7 x 1.3 x 5.7 in.)
• Powering Modes:
  • Door Lock: Aqara Rechargeable Li-ion Battery 7.4V
  • Keypad: 4 x LR3 AAA 1.5V Batteries
  • 12V-24V AC 0.5A 50/60Hz or 12V-24V DC 0.5A wired input
• Operating Temperature: -15 °C ~ 66 °C (5 °F ~ 150.8 °F)
• Operating Humidity: 0 ~ 93% RH, no condensation
• IP Rating (Keypad): IPX5

As you can see, you still get Bluetooth as an option, which means you can create a direct connection between your phone and the lock (actually the keypad), which is still something we’re unable to do via Thread, even with Thread built into the later iPhones.

So, there’s a ton of contents in the U200 box, to say the least.

• Smart Lock U200 × 1 (incl. keypad)
• User Manual × 1
• Aqara Rechargeable Battery × 1
• Cylinder Adaptor Kit × 1
• Hexagon Screwdriver × 1
• USB-C Cable × 1
• AAA Battery × 4
• 3M Sticker × 1
• EVA Pad Kit × 1
• Screw Kit × 1
• Power Bank Pouch × 1

If like me you’re adding this to a US style deadbolt lock, you won’t be needing the 3M sticky pads.

THE LOCK | KEYPAD

Unlike many locks with keypads, the U200 comes with its own keypad as standard, and isn’t an optional extra. The two are pre-paired at the factory, so if for any reason one of the two parts gets damaged, you can’t just replace it, so the lock and keypad would have to be replaced in total. That would normally make you understandably think twice about the purchase, given that an optional keypad would be preferable, but as it stands, none of the keypads you can buy as an optional extra come with Apple HomeKey included. Some have a fingerprint reader, which is probably just as good in most cases, but once again Aqara tops most other options with an included NFC reader too. The SwitchBot Lock Pro also offers both a fingerprint reader and NFC, but no Apple HomeKey support, but it does require their own hub due to it using Bluetooth, whereas with the U200, it’ll connect to an existing Thread network via Matter, so no hub required unless you plan on using it in the Aqara ecosystem, in which case the Aqara Hub M3 will be the device to provide Matter and Thread support. You don’t actually need the Aqara M3 to use the U200, as it’ll connect to the Aqara app via you phone using Bluetooth. If you want to make use of automations within the Aqara app, you will need the M3.

I can only speak from the perspective of fitting it to a deadbolt door, but it was very easy to install. I have had experience in fitting other retrofit locks though – having installed the Nuki Lock 2.0, August Pro, and the previously mentioned SwitchBot Lock Pro, so maybe I’ve had a bit more practice, but it is actually pretty straightforward. Deciding where to place the keypad is probably more tricky, but only because you need to ensure that the location you place it is going to be easily accessible for NFC, hands (with the keypad), but especially iPhone and Apple Watch. Having it in a location that makes you contort your wrist to use HomeKey on your watch or your phone is not going to be much fun.

Focussing briefly on the lock portion, removing the cover plate reveals a few things; first of all this is home to a rechargeable battery, so you don’t have the option to use standard disposable or rechargeable batteries. That’s ok, as long as the cost of a replacement battery is reasonable, and possibly more importantly, is readily available. So far, I’ve not seen any mention of replacements, but I’m sure that’ll come in due course. The battery clicks into place quite easily, and comes with a little tab to pull it out, so no complaints there. As it’s rechargeable, there’s a USB-C port at the top (or bottom, depending on how you’ve installed it), so in essence, you don’t even need to remove the battery to recharge it, as long as you’re a bit creative. There’s also an LED indicator that briefly flashes when the lock is activated in any way.

As this is a full-on Matter device, you don’t get a QR code for HomeKit, only a Matter QR code. This is going to be something we’re already seeing more of, but to HomeKit users it generally makes little difference – you scan the Matter code to add the device to Apple Home in the same way you’ve always done. There’s also a QR code for the Aqara ecosystem, which you may or may not need to scan, as once powered up, the lock should be sending out a Bluetooth signal allowing it to be discovered. If not, you can use the QR code. Below (or above) these codes are two buttons – Reset and Set – both of which are pretty self explanatory, although maybe less so for the set button. With the lock set up, you tend to need the Set button to add it to other ecosystems.

IN AQARA HOME

The main screen isn’t dissimilar to the screens for Aqara’s other locks, with user management, passcode and log options. Even though the lock uses Thread, Bluetooth is still available, which – as I’ve previously stated – means you don’t actually need the M3, or any other Aqara hub, to use the U200. As you can see from the second screenshot, I’m not connected to the M3, and I’m still able to access functions and settings for the lock, as long as I’m within Bluetooth range. For some reason, however, even if you’re connected to the lock via the M3, accessing most functions for the lock does require you to activate the keypad first, which would be achieved by pressing any button on the keypad. This means accessing most features can’t be done remotely.

When it comes to users, just as with the other Aqara locks, it’s broken down into three basic categories (not including users of one-time passcodes);

• Admin – this gives the user access to all lock settings, as well as locking or unlocking using all the available methods
• General – much like the Admin option, this allows the user to use all the available lock/unlock methods.
• Temporary user – This allows the user to access the lock only using a passcode. Additionally, you can limit access between specific dates, or certain days of the week and between certain times.

The one-time passcode option can generate a one-off passcode that can only be used one, and will expire after a set date. This also doesn’t require you to activate the lock, unlike the other options.

Both Admin and general users can access the lock using a registered fingerprint, passcode, with an NFC card, or with Apple HomeKey (Via Apple Home), if they have a suitable iPhone. There are no restrictions to the user in terms of dates, days, or times. Periodic/temporary users can be restricted by date – so you can allow access between specific dates, but you can also customise this access to only work on specific days of the week, and even between certain times of the day. If you’re worried you’re going to come up with an easily guessed passcode, the Aqara app can generate one randomly for you.

As with all Aqara locks I’ve reviewed so far – A100 Zigbee, U100, U500, the U200 has so many options I’m just not going to go into detail on each one. A possibly useful one for people who rent out their properties on a regular basis, the Door Lock Log is quite useful for keeping track of all comings and goings, as well as alerting you to other issues.

As for the long list of features, there are options for controlling the audio that comes from the lock, there’s auto lock, although in my testing I couldn’t get it to work consistently. There’s an option to lock the keypad if repeated failed passcodes have been attempted to be used. Night latch mode allows you to only allow for certain types of access to be used between specified times, and Auto-Turn is a good option for people with potential disabilities or issues with the strength in their hands. This allows the thumb turn on the lock to be turned just a little way, with the U200 completing the rest of the locking/unlocking action for you. If you turn the lock a little way, slowly, the deadbolt will lock/unlock slowly in kind. Turn it a little way more briskly, and it’ll respond with a fast lock/unlock. It may seem a bit strange to offer this, but it does work. I just wonder if a small button might have been better though.

The lock also has Quiet mode, which allows the U200 to lock much quieter and slower. In fact there are three speeds available, quiet, normal, and fast, with the latter being the default. To achieve this mode, you simply need to press the Confirm button (the one with a ‘tick’ icon) followed by the lock or unlock method you choose, and it’ll duly open in the slowest mode. You can also set the lock to perform and any of the three speeds on a schedule, which is great if you have a family member that regularly arrives home late, which means they’re less likely to wake other members of the family.

The lock also offers the following modes – Do Not Disturb and Passage, with the latter ensuring that the U200 stays unlocked for those times when you need the lock to be accessible for when people are constantly going in or out of the house.

IN APPLE HOME

You’ll not be surprised to see the U200 offers much the same level of detail as most locks. You get the one tile, and a toggle control beyond that. For the settings panel, you get to see the battery levels, but only for the lock itself, not the keypad. This is because it’s the lock that connects to your Apple Home via Thread, with the keypad connecting to the lock using Bluetooth.

If you prefer not to use the Aqara app for user management, you can still use both Apple HomeKey and passcodes, with the latter option using the ‘Manage Access’ feature, which allows you to create or generate passcodes directly within Apple Home. Manage Access doesn’t give you the range of customisation options you find in the Aqara app, so you can’t restrict the user to a start and end date, certain days or times. You can only give them access, turn access off, or remove it totally. What you do get is the option to allow the same passcode to be used with other locks in Apple Home, as long as those locks also support the Manage Access feature. If you look in the second screenshot, you can see both the U200 and U50 are present as options, but my now ageing August Lock is not present, as is the case with Aqara A100 Zigbee, neither of which has this option. You can then share the passcode in a variety of ways – AirDrop, Email, Messages, Notes, and much more.

IN DAY-TO-DAY USE

This is a tricky one to conclusively talk about, as I only have one front door, which is already being taken care of by the Aqara A100 Zigbee (review HERE, video HERE), so I’ve had to confine my testing to a bedroom door – hey we live in an apartment! This also means I’ve been unable to test the keypad with the outdoor elements. That said, in all the testing, which so far covered maybe just a tad under two months, I’ve been impressed by a few things. First of all, the response time between a fingerprint being pressed onto the sensor and the lock opening, is exceptionally  fast. This had been my experience with the A100 and U100 locks, but the keypad is hardwired into these locks, so you should expect nothing less. With the keypad not physically connected to the lock, only utilising Bluetooth, you’d rightly expect there to be a delay, at least initially. This simply isn’t the case, with response times being astonishingly fast.

All of the lock options – fingerprint, NFC, and Apple HomeKey – are as fast to respond, with only the keypad being slower due to having to tap in a passcode. I think aside from being able to offer HomeKey via wireless keypad, which I honestly had my doubts would actually come to pass, the reaction times really do put many other locks to shame when you compare like with like.

One downside is the fact you currently need to be with the keypad and have it activated in order to access nearly all the settings. Hopefully Aqara can address this. The other more minor downside is regarding issues I had with connecting it to the M3. When I first set it up, everything worked well in both Aqara and Apple Home. As I’m meant to be actually testing the device, I did remove and reinstall the U200 a few times, and this is where I encountered issues. The second installation went through, but on this occasion Apple HomeKey was added, but wouldn’t actually work. A third installation fixed this, but then I couldn’t bind it to the M3, which is the state we’re at currently. I did have separate issues with the M3, which I detailed in my review, so as it stands, the U200 is mostly used in Apple Home, with Aqara Home only used to change settings.

Build quality is of the usual Aqara standard, which can vary depending on some devices. For example, the Aqara A100 I have here is built like a tank, due to the two parts being mostly made of heavy, durable metal and glass. The U200 isn’t as ‘tank-like’ as this due to the keypad and lock bodies being made of plastic. They still feel well made and put together though, and don’t creak at the seams, or offer gaps where there shouldn’t be any.

I think the one thing that makes this lock stand out from other retrofit locks is that it can work with both European and North American style locks. The SwitchBot Lock Pro can too, but you have to have a separate model for this, whereas the U200 does everything with the one model. The Nuki only works with European locks, and the likes of August, as one example, are only meant for deadbolts, so the U200 is truly on its own in this respect.

If I were to offer a suggestion, it would be that if you want to replace a dumb deadbolt lock, you may want to consider the U100 or U100, as they have it all in one package. If, on the other hand, you’re renting, and aren’t allowed to simply replace the whole lock, then the U200 is best for the least intrusive option of the two. It goes without saying that for European users, this is probably the best option right now, and I say that having used locks by Nuki and SwitchBot.

The post Aqara Smart Lock U200 (review) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Whilst a smart lock isn’t anything to usually get too excited about these days, when it comes to locks with Apple HomeKey functionality, people have been taking more notice, especially since there are still only a few locks available that offer such a feature.

The company’s latest lock comes in two halves, with an outer barrel lock fixture, and an interior section that contains the thumb turn, motor, and batteries. You will also be able to use physical keys, although the reality is you may never need them, except in emergencies.

What takes the Avia model a step further is that despite the outer section being typically small, the company have ingeniously managed to include a fully working keypad along the rim of the lock, which also lights up when activated.

As already mentioned, it uses Apple HomeKey, which allows iOS users to open their doors with a suitable iPhone (iPhone 11 or later), or an Apple Watch (series four or later). This is achieved with the help of a specialised version of NFC, with a digital keycard stored in your Apple Wallet. This means, of course, it’s also compatible with Apple HomeKit. As per the company’s website, the lock uses Bluetooth for direct connectivity and is also NFC enabled, which would appear to work with the company’s optional key fob. Avia also states an optional fingerprint reader will be made available.

The lock will initially come in one finish – Satin Chrome – with further options to come later.

The most recent entrant into the area of Apple HomeKey is Level, who have just released their Level Lock+. This follows the likes of Schlage, with their Encode Plus, and the first company to release a lock with HomeKey, Aqara, who currently have two ranges that utilise this feature – the A100 series and the D100 series.

The company has yet to release the USA Smart Deadbolt, but you can express an interest in purchasing the lock via their specific landing page for this product.

Credit to Reddit user u/Phil-Dearden for the find.

The post Avia Unveils US Deadbolt Lock With Apple HomeKey appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

So, with the announcement of Level’s entry into the world of HomeKey, we’re finally beginning to see this feature slowly take hold with manufacturers. If you’re not aware, Apple HomeKey allows iOS users with an iPhone (11 or later), or Apple Watch (series 4 or later) to unlock their door via a digital key generated at the time of adding the lock to HomeKit, which is stored in the users’ Apple Wallet alongside credit cards, loyalty cards etc.

Since the arrival of Apple HomeKey late last year, with the very first locks released with this feature being the Aqara A100 Pro and Zigbee (review HERE, video HERE) in late December of 2021, many consumers have been asking when other locks will be getting the feature. A couple of months later, Schlage released their own model with HomeKey, the Schlage Encode Plus, which repeatedly sells out. Not to be outdone, Aqara also released another lock with HomeKey, namely the D100 Zigbee.

You can see the new Level Lock+ in action, courtesy of Reddit user u/Badchooker below;

The new Level Lock+ has surfaced amid a lot of conflicting information as to its actual existence; Level themselves have repeatedly stated they had no plans to introduce HomeKey to their products, although this could be read that ‘existing’ Level products wouldn’t get an update, but future products may well get them. Even as recently as last week, a user on Reddit revealed an email from the company stating much the same, although, within a day of that, Mark Gurman claimed that a new HomeKey enabled Level Lock will be dropping in Apple retails stores on Friday;

The Level Lock+ is currently only available at Apple retail stores in the US, priced at US$329.95.

The post Level Lock+ With Apple homeKey Arrives in Apple Stores appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

The D100 was originally announced at the end of November 2020 but has now surfaced on Aqara’s own international site, now called the D100 Zigbee – slightly modified to match the naming convention started with the A100 series locks. It would appear that, despite surfacing on the international site, it is once again initially only available in countries in South East Asia, like Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, although such was the interest generated around the release of the A100 Zigbee, it’s hopeful that this model will make its way to European stores eventually.

As the D100 Zigbee is not designed for Mainland China, in addition to HomeKit and HomeKey, the D100 will support Google Home, just as the A100 Zigbee currently does.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE D100 TO THE A100?

There are quite a few differences between the two models, despite sharing a lot of similarities. First off, the D100 is fully automatic, so not only will the latch lock disengage internally, the mortice bolts will also retract, allowing you to push the unlocked door open without needing to first pull a handle down – as it doesn’t have one! Instead, Aqara has gone for the type of handle you might more associate with the main outer doors to office buildings or department stores, with a handle that’s secured to the main plate at the top and bottom.

Like the A100, N100, N200, and P100, the D100 Zigbee contains a fingerprint reader built into the outward-facing handle, using a 3D semiconductor fingerprint recognition module. As with previous Aqara locks, the D100 has an array of methods by which to open it, which includes the aforementioned fingerprint sensor, a built-in keypad, which allows different users to have a separate passcode assigned, either on a permanent, temporary, or date/time-restricted basis (for a dog walker or cleaner, for example).

As well as the new D100 having Apple HomeKey, it also has standard NFC functionality built-in, so you can use Aqara’s own NFC key tags. As this lock uses Zigbee (hence the new name), as well as Bluetooth, as per standard HomeKit locks, it can also connect to an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub, like the M1S, M2, E1, or the G2H Pro and G3 Camera hubs. As it’s HomeKit compatible, you can also use Siri to open the door, as well as include the lock within automations via the Home app. Finally, you still get the option to use a standard key, if all other methods fail.

Aside from the difference in the lock from the A100 Zigbee, the D100 Zigbee also comes complete with a doorbell fitted into the handle, which also features a backlit section that lights up when the doorbell is pressed, as confirmation to your visitors that the doorbell has been activated. The door itself is powered by built-in 2480mAh rechargeable batteries, that can last for around 12 months between charges, with recharging available via a USB-C connection on the lock itself.

There’s no word on pricing just yet, but you can check out even more details on this stunning update via Aqara’s international site.

You can also check out our video review of the Aqara A100 Zigbee, the first-ever lock to get Apple HomeKey;

The post Aqara Release Second HomeKey Compatible Smart Lock appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

It now seems there are actually two three separate models – the A100, the A100 Pro, and the A100 Zigbee. this last model will be for the international market, with the former two for Mainland China. The main distinguishing factor between these three models seems to be support for the Apple HomeKey feature, with the Pro and Zigbee models featuring this functionality, whilst the A100 does without. Aside from this feature, the locks look outwardly exactly the same, with all the same specs. the A100 is on sale now in Mainland China, with the A100 Pro being on pre-order (again in China) at present, and the A100 Zigbee going on sale sometime next year in select international markets.

Focusing on the A100 Pro and A100 Zigbee, as already mentioned, the big feature of these two locks is the addition of Apple’s HomeKey feature, which allows you to open your door by just bringing either your iPhone (XS or later) or Apple Watch (Series 4 or later) close to the lock. This may sound familiar, and it is, as it’s basically NFC, but specific for Apple in terms of it allowing the user to store a virtual key in their Apple Wallet, just as you’re already able to do with credit cards, or flight tickets for example.

Of course, both the A100 and the A100 pro don’t just rely on AppleKey to open the door, as not everyone may have or want to use this method, so like many of the Aqara locks that have come before, which includes a fingerprint reader built into the handle of the lock, as well as a built-in keypad that allows for all sorts of uses, for permanent or temporary passcodes, or codes that can only be used for certain periods, like specific times of the day, or days of the week. Standard Bluetooth 5.0 is deployed for regular HomeKit use, and the lock also comes with a set of keys as an emergency resort if all else fails. You can also use NFC without your phone, as the company also sell NFC keycards separately that you can give to members of your family that might not have an NFC capable phone. There’s even the option to temporarily power the lock if the batteries die, with the use of a USB-C cable and a battery pack that quickly brings the lock to life so you can get in and then replace the batteries.

Speaking of batteries, the lock can, according to the specifications, last for a staggering 540 days on just the eight included batteries, which we assume are the replaceable type. Whilst the lock has Bluetooth 5.0 for standard HomeKit connectivity, both variants also have Zigbee 3.0 functionality, although we’re not sure if this is just so that the lock can be used in automations with other Aqara devices, or can in some ways be used to control the lock.

One final thing to note in terms of the differences between the A100 Pro (China) and the A100 Zigbee (International), is that the latter will remotely configurable passcodes, the ability to unlock the door remotely, which apparently is not possible with the A100 or the A100 Pro. The Zigbee model will also allow the lock to be controlled using Zigbee (most likely via the Aqara app), and will also support Google Assistant, which is not officially supported in Mainland China.

It’s all quite exciting to see the developments that Aqara are putting into place, that centre around HomeKit and the features Apple touted at WWDC 2021, so hopefully, we’ll see this lock featured in reviews before too long.

The post More Details of Aqara’s HomeKey Compatible Locks Emerge (Update) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.