I recently bought a U50 to go with my U100 lock and they do work well. I am having an issue though and hope this community can help. There seems to be 3 ways to connect the U50 lock to the M3 hub in the hub settings, via HomeKit, and 2 ways through the third party matter ecosystem menu, Apple Home (again), or matter pairing code.
If I connect the M3 hub and it’s child devices to HomeKit via matter, it exposes the Alarm (which I want since I have Aqara door sensors I’d like to see in HomeKt), but the door locks don’t appear. If I connect via HomeKit, it doesn’t expose the alarm, but the locks are there. So I connect it both ways, but now have duplicates in Apple Home.
The bigger issue is when I connect via Apple HomeKit only (no matter), the U50 lock doesn’t stay visibly connected all the time to HomeKit when I’m away from home, however the U100 is always connected. Both are always connected in the Aqara app, but not in HomeKit. Why does it seem the U50 is connected via bluetooth to my Apple network? I need it to be connected to Apple Home all the time, so I can manage access there even when I am not. Thanks in advance!
It sounds like you’re facing a couple of connectivity challenges with your U50 lock and M3 hub setup. Let’s break it down:
Connectivity Options: You’ve correctly identified the multiple ways to connect your U50 lock to the M3 hub: directly via HomeKit or through the Matter ecosystem. Each method has its own set of features and limitations, as you’ve observed with the differing visibility of alarms and locks.
HomeKit and Matter Integration: When connecting through the Matter ecosystem, it’s expected that some devices like alarms may appear, while others do not. This is likely due to the current limitations in Matter’s device support across platforms. Conversely, directly connecting through HomeKit might not expose all the features you need, leading to the duplication issue when using both methods simultaneously.
Bluetooth and Remote Connectivity: The U50 lock uses Bluetooth 5.0, which may explain why it appears connected via Bluetooth when you’re nearby. For remote management through Apple Home, ensure your setup includes a functioning Apple Home Hub (like an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) configured as the household pivot. This hub maintains device connectivity when you’re away, which could explain why the U100 remains connected while the U50 does not.
If these steps don’t resolve your issue, it may be beneficial to review your network setup or consult with Aqara support for further assistance. Your sharing is invaluable, and exploring these technical nuances can help enhance the community’s understanding and solutions. Keep us updated on your progress!
Hi there, thank you for your question! We recommend using the Home app to scan the HomeKit code for setup, as the U50 and U100 both use the HomeKit protocol. The Apple Home connects the two smart locks via Bluetooth through the Apple Hub, so you will need an Apple Hub (e.g., a HomePod mini or Apple TV) to enable remote operations.
If you already have an Apple Hub, try removing the lock located further away and bringing it closer to the Apple Hub. Then, turn off your phone’s Bluetooth to test remote locking and unlocking. If you’re still unable to perform remote operations, this likely means the lock is too far from the Apple Hub, causing Bluetooth connectivity issues.