This is the most complete review of the lock I have seen. It is an excellent video for both a review of the lock and a DIY guide for installation. Thank you for taking the time and effort in creating this video.
The lag you mention is only on default Bluetooth. If you get Aqara hub and bind to Matter, it will fly. I can send a video example if you wish. Also, even on Bluetooth, if your network is not setup with optimal hardware and settings, there is no way to speed up Homekit actions.
All I wanted to do was add another finger print and messed it up so nothing works. It's too DAMN Quirky for a very expensive lock. Have to use key entry.
Hi. Every RU-vid video I’ve seen is from a person who has a house. I live in an appt building and looking at the lock it has like the knob with a bolt and the auto shut button in the side (if im explaining it correctly). I really want to purchase this. Do you think it will be compatible with my door?
Just curious was your M2 hub bound to matter? Wondering if it being bound to matter as opposed to not would make any difference in speed response. I’ve had the same issue with the latency of the lock unlocking/locking in HomeKit. Unfortunately mine doesn’t wake up like yours and speed up. Every time it takes 5 seconds or so to lock/unlock. I have mine bound to m2 hub however I have not bound my m2 to matter.
Both are great locks and you can’t go wrong with either. It will depend on what you prefer aesthetically and which features you want/need. Curious if you’ve picked one and which did you go with 🤔 Thanks for watching! 🙏
@@ReyG_HKSH I actually bought both and returned the Schlage. Kept the Aqara bc of features and cost. Fingerprint reader is super convenient and if you get the smart hub and set up through matter, there’s no delay on remote opening/closing. The way auto close and door alarm works on the Aqara is kind of annoying but otherwise it’s been great (and like 100 bucks less than the Schlage even factoring in the hub price).
Rey thanks for the vid was waiting on these one from you. This is the first lock that almost makes me want to trade in my Schlage Encode Plus especially with that fingerprint reader. The only negative is there isn't a Thread radio other than that I love the look which modern and sleek. Aqara is crushing it with the Doorbell, the Presence Sensor, and now this lock.
Aqara has definitely released some VERY compelling devices recently. The U100 is the best smart lock under $200 currently on the market and they give you so much for that money. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to comment! 🙏
This lock doesn’t seem to have wifi function, please advice if the wifi function is a function better to have or not ? I am dividing in which one to buy for my home 😊. Thank you.
The lock is Bluetooth and if you’re using HomeKit you’ll be able to access the lock remotely as long as you have a Home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, etc. ) nearby. You can also purchase the Aqara M2 hub as well. Hope that helps.
There are so many ways to unlock this, but I really appreciate the fingerprint reader. If I don't have my phone handy or my Apple Watch is incapacitated for whatever reason, I can still unlock the door. I do think they missed an opportunity by not going for Thread, but there's always gen. 2. Thanks for the super informative video as usual!
Hey Dustin, thanks for dropping by! The Aqara is definitely a versatile and low cost solution, it deserves to be considered among the pricier Home Key locks and wins in some categories as well.
@@ReyG_HKSH by chance could you measure or let me know how long the longer of the two pairs of screws to secure the backplate is? I already installed it and didn’t realize they were different lengths. It’s so nicely installed now so I hate to take it apart to make sure I used the longer screws set. Thanks.
I believe the Home Key card color is generated by the first compatible lock that is introduced into the home. If your first lock was a dark colored lock the key will be black, if it was a lighter color the key will be silver. I’m unsure if it can be changed. Thanks for watching!🙏
FYI... the HomeKit lag might be due to an issue with your home wifi. The other folks who have used this lock with HomeKit on RU-vid don't seem to be experiencing any lag when unlocking via the Home app.
I’m open to that possibility but the other HomeKit compatible locks I’ve used in my home didn’t have as much of a pronounced lag as the U100. Also, it’s pretty responsive after that initial interaction, if it was WiFi every interaction would show lag I think.
Thinking it’s due to the connection over bluetooth. Homepod/ATV has to make that connection and then complete task. Wondering if you connect to an Aqara hub if homekit will use that zigbee connection instead
No his Wi-Fi is good. He need to bind the lock to the hub and control it thought matter and hub via HomeKit. If you noticed that your Aqara lock is connecting via Bluetooth hence why the delay because it has to connect to Bluetooth via your phone. I had the same issue. Bind it to a hub via matter and it all goes away. So the hub is not required to control this lock via HomeKit but it connects to your phone first via Bluetooth and then send signal to the lock. Get hub connect via matter through HomeKit and the lag goes away.
I just installed the Aqara U100 on my front door today. I have the Schlage with HomeKey on my free standing office on my backyard as I am a fan of their build quality. For the house front door, however, I needed something with multiple easy ways of entrance for the family. My wife always wa ta a key backup but will likely use her iPhone for HomeKey. Both of my boys have Apple Watches and they will likely use them. However, they love the keypad and finger print reader. I suspect I’ll use the watch and then fingerprint reader. Overall, no one comes close to Aqara’s diversity for ways to access. It was an easy choice. I will say that the Schlage lock took 5 minutes to install whereas this lock took 30 minutes because of some missteps based on poor communication during the Aqara install video… and my bad assumptions.
Aqara has great, affordable offerings in the HomeKit space. Your assessment of the onboarding experience mirrors many others, it is not Aqara’s strong point. The lock otherwise is very easy to recommend and the “hidden” key hole is a great design choice. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! 🙏
