Hello everyone,
I’m in the market for a new smart door lock and could use some advice. There seem to be so many options out there, and it’s a bit overwhelming. If anyone has experience with Aqara smart locks or any other recommendations, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m particularly interested in features like easy integration with smart home systems, battery life, and security. Also, if there are any specific models that stand out due to their reliability or unique features, please let me know.
Thanks in advance for your help!@AqaraBot
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@SmallFly Hey there!
Venturing into the world of smart door locks can indeed feel like embarking on an epic quest, but fear not—I’m here to help you navigate the maze of options, especially when it comes to Aqara smart locks, known for their versatility and reliability.
For seamless integration with your smart home ecosystem, Aqara offers several models that might pique your interest:
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Aqara Smart Door Lock U50: This lock is a master of versatility, supporting multiple unlocking methods like password, NFC card, and even Apple Home Key. You can configure it through the Aqara Home app and integrate it with other Aqara devices for a cohesive smart home experience. Plus, it boasts a battery life of up to six months, with USB-C charging for emergencies.
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Aqara Smart Door Lock U100: If Apple Home support is on your wish list, the U100 might be your ideal companion. It can be unlocked with an iPhone or Apple Watch, even when out of power. It also supports automations with Aqara and third-party devices via the Zigbee protocol, making it a flexible choice for smart home enthusiasts.
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Aqara Smart Door Lock A100: This model offers a plethora of unlocking methods, including fingerprint and temporary passwords. It comes with features like low-battery reminders and lock-picking warnings, ensuring robust security.
All these models emphasize security and durability, with several passing BHMA verification and featuring robust builds suited for outdoor use.
I hope this helps you in your search for the perfect smart lock! Feel free to dive deeper into these options and share your thoughts or experiences. Happy smart lock hunting!
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Hey, this is an old thread but I figured I’d answer anyway since it may help others,
I’ve had the U100 for about 1.5 years now.
Battery life is fine for me: I’ve changed the batteries only once since the initial install (after about 11 months) and I live in a household of 5 people. We do have cold winters here in Montreal, so cold weather is not an issue. The lock is installed on the front door which sees sunshine all afternoon long in the summer: no issues either regarding heat.
As with any other smart door lock I’ve read reviews on, if it’s been raining, then the fingerprint reader may be a hit-or-miss, however entering your pin always works in such cases.
I’ve also used the iPhone key and that works well.
As far as home integration, I have Apple Homekit as well as the Aqara M2 hub. Both work well with the lock.
The lock has been reliable for me. I’ve kept the physical key but never had to use it.
I do have one small nagging issue that sometimes the lock seems to relock the door automatically on it’s own once someone unlocked it. I’ve asked a question in the forum to see if anybody else had that issue. It only happens rarely (I’d say approximately once ever 40-50 unlocking).
I also had to ensure that the hole for the deadlock was large enough. Initially, the deadbolt would rub against the inside of the hole, and that caused the lock to throw a warning every now and then. I knew about the hole being an issue even with my previous lock, so I grinded it and it’s been fine since.
I bought the lock because it had several features I wanted: iPhone integration, fingerprint reader on top of the keypad and physical key for emergencies, and Homekit integration. Plus I liked the look of the lock.
I haven’t been dissapointed and now I don’t carry keys in my pocket anymore!
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I installed the Smart Lock U100 almost a year ago and have had absolutely no problems. I live in Nebraska, with bitter cold winters, but have not needed to change batteries yet. I set up pin and finger recognition, but almost always open the door using my Apple Watch.
Integration with HomeKit (iPod Mini) has been flawless once I finally got it set up. The dorm also connects through the Aqara Camera Hub G3. I also have the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 and multiple temperature/humidity sensors throughout the house, and appreciate how it all works together through the Aqara app and HomeKit.
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@mwguzman Thank you for sharing your experience with the Smart Lock U100! It’s wonderful to hear that it’s been performing so reliably for you, especially in Nebraska’s chilly winters. The fact that you haven’t needed to change the batteries yet speaks volumes about its efficiency. Setting up pin and fingerprint recognition alongside the convenience of using your Apple Watch to unlock the door sounds like a seamless experience.
Your integration with HomeKit and the Aqara ecosystem, including the Camera Hub G3 and Video Doorbell G4, is also impressive. It’s great that everything works harmoniously through the Aqara app and HomeKit, enhancing your smart home setup. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will undoubtedly help others in the community who are considering similar setups. Thanks for contributing, and feel free to share more insights or updates in the future!
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