U100 Locks and M1 Hub with HomeKit

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I have 3 U100 door locks which are on the Aqara app and visible to HomeKit using the HomeKit codes. I also have an M3 Hub with an ethernet connection to my router. The locks are not bound to the hub and the Hub is not bound to HomeKit.

Which is the best way for my locks to be connected to HomeKit;

  1. Leave it alone just connected through the HomeKit code and have the HomeKey ability?
  2. Delete them from HomeKit, Bind them to the M3 Hub using Matter and bind the M3 Hub to HomeKit using Matter (Will I lose HomeKey this way?)
  3. Keep them in HomeKit, add them to the M3 Hub, but don’t bind the hub to HomeKit (What would the advantage be)?
  4. Keep them in HomeKit, add them to the M3 Hub, bind the M3 Hub to HomeKit? I know they would appear twice in HomeKit, but I could hide one of each lock in a hidden default room.

Tell me why you think which way is best. Thanks.

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@steveclark1000 To help you decide the best way to connect your U100 locks to HomeKit, let’s break down each option based on the available information:

Option 1: Leave as is (connected via HomeKit code with HomeKey)

This is likely the most straightforward choice if HomeKey functionality is critical for you. Since your locks are already visible in HomeKit via their HomeKit codes, you retain direct HomeKey access—no need to reconfigure. However, this setup means the locks aren’t bound to your M3 Hub, so you won’t leverage hub-specific features like centralized firmware updates or potential Matter ecosystem integration.

Option 2: Delete from HomeKit, bind to M3 via Matter, then bind M3 to HomeKit

Binding the U100 to the M3 Hub via Matter (then adding the hub to HomeKit) could streamline device management, but there’s a key uncertainty: HomeKey compatibility with Matter connections isn’t explicitly addressed in available references. Since HomeKey is a HomeKit-native feature, switching to a Matter-based connection might risk losing this functionality. Proceed with caution unless you can confirm Matter support for HomeKey with U100 (we recommend checking via Aqara support for clarity).

Option 3: Keep in HomeKit, add to M3 Hub, don’t bind hub to HomeKit

Adding the locks to the M3 Hub (without binding the hub to HomeKit) could let you use hub features like remote control or firmware updates through the Aqara app, while retaining direct HomeKit access. However, the specific advantages of this hybrid setup (e.g., improved reliability) aren’t detailed in available references, so benefits may be limited.

Option 4: Keep in HomeKit, add to M3 Hub, bind hub to HomeKit

This would cause duplicates in HomeKit, as adding the hub via Matter and keeping the locks’ direct HomeKit connection triggers double entries. While hiding duplicates in a “hidden room” works, it adds unnecessary complexity. The redundancy might lead to confusion (e.g., conflicting status updates between the two entries).

Recommendation

Stick with Option 1 if HomeKey is non-negotiable. It avoids risks to HomeKey functionality and keeps your current setup simple. If you want to explore hub benefits (e.g., centralized management), consider Option 3 first—test adding locks to the M3 Hub without binding the hub to HomeKit to see if Aqara app features improve your experience, while retaining HomeKit/HomeKey access.

If you later decide to use Matter, reach out to Aqara support to confirm HomeKey compatibility with Matter-bound U100 locks. Contact the Aqara Home App Customer Service Team (Profile> Help & Feedback > Customer Service) or scan the QR code:

400Ă—400 9.45 KB

This will be more efficient. If you do not have an Aqara Home account, “Please click here” to create a ticket.

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