Great video Stephen! When you are next on the podcast with William will you ask him if he was in Norfolk the other week as I think I saw him, either him or his evil twin! 🤣
Always nice to see another HomeKey lock. I'm not too concerned about its lack of a fingerprint scanner since it, and most other manufacturers, put them in awkward positions that are either not very intuitive or not very ergonomic. Beautiful video as always!
Do not use Yale locks! I have an AirBandB and used these locks. They worked for a few months and suddenly stopped working the day a guest was checking in to my home. I was 2 hours away. I had to get a lock smith come out and charge $400 to break the lock. Yale refuses to help other than offering to replace the lock with another of their lock which I have zero confidence in.
Yale app is crap and if your door is fireproof, you’ll struggle to connect to the lock when outside…so many times had to ask my wife’s physical 🔑 after spending 5mn tweaking the phone
Terrible equipment. First one I bought didn't worked and since I bought in USA and don't live there, I lost the money. Bought another one cos I thought that was just very unlock of me. Guess what? It didn't work again! I'll never buy anything from Yale again
Thank you for the video. It helped me make the purchase. After installing the YAL2+ it does appear not to have the full implementation of HomeKit as you pointed out in your video. From watching your Aquaria U100 video I can see that there are options for creating access codes for different people. This is also standard HomeKit functionality, yet it is missing on the YAL2+. I do hope that they include this. It would also be great to be able to install the lock natively with HomeKit and not use the Yale app altogether, which as I discovered after buying the lock doesn't work in Australia (we are using a different Yale Home app). I did manage to download a US version of the app on a spare phone, but it is not ideal. I'll keep the YAL2+ as the U100 is too bulky for my door. If anyone does get word of an upgrade to HomeKit it would be good to know!
Thanks for watching, and sorry for the confusion! I thought I mentioned the PIN code feature missing from HomeKit, but it’s frustrating it doesn’t work like other HomeKit locks
Apparently UWB locks will be coming in 2025. I'll be waiting for those. NFC is certainly better than Bluetooth or a pin, but UWB should be amazing for hands free unlocking, especially if I'm bringing in groceries.
Would love that! iPhone and Watch already have the second-gen UWB, but all dependent on lock manufacturers. Would also love home automations via presence as read by UWB and HomePods
The door sensor I think is essential, although I also have door sensor (aqara), the yale door sensor prevents the lock to auto lock if the door is still open.
For the Aqara U100, if you don’t connect it to an Aqara hub and use it with a Homekit Hub instead, you won’t have to change the batteries so often. Maybe once every 8 months instead.
The Aqara is better, has more features like a super fast fingerprint sensor and real key and I got it for $100 cheaper ($130) than the Yale on prime day.
Thanks! HomeKey can be shared with other users in your home, and I find tapping my Apple Watch to be faster and more reliable than fingerprint on most locks.
Great video. Thank you for clarify all the version of this model. I were so confused when I were looking for this lock. I got your video showing me these version.
I have been using HomeKit and Chamberlain garage for years but they have stopped using HomeKit. Now I have to go an extra step and use MyQ app to open garage but can’t unlock my Yale lock or turn on certain lights now. 1st world problem. Any suggestions?
I don't see how you prefer this lock over the Aqara U100 as the Aqara is cheaper, has more ways of opening which are finger print & a physical key, NFC card, AND has Bluetooth and WIFI already built in? The Yale lock you have to spend more for and still have to buy the WIFI module??? @ 2:23 "Upgradable hardware after you purchase, that's pretty nice" Either you do not care about money or are being paid by Yale? Also the Aqara's display stays visible which makes it easier to enter a code vs having to wake the display. I am watching this 3 months after and already saw your comparison video where you reviewed the Aqara U100 and now that I saw this, I really believe there is a bias for the Yale unit?
No company gave me any lock, I purchased them all myself. But to be frank, the Aqara U100 has been the most buggy and unreliable. Battery life is terrible, dying almost every month. It auto-locks frequently even though I don't have that set to do, and the voice assistant talks at times even with it completely disabled in the Aqara app. Would not recommend over any of the brands I compared.
I purchased the touch keyless version with Bluetooth and WiFi thinking it will work on ring but it does not. I looked at Yale’s website and their z-Waze plus module says it’s not capable with the Yale 450-F module. So there’s no way I can get this to work on the Ring app?
Our family's contractor just changed out a front door and we need a new entry set. Since the house is a shared family house and occasionally needs service and repair people to enter, we'd like to use a keypad that remotely allows entry for a short time. I'm unfamiliar with technology but willing to learn. Our contractor initially directed us to Emtek hardware, which offers EMpowered motorized touchscreen smart keypad with Yale Access App. Is there any chance you know that this entry set would allow for short term access from far away?
The Schlage Encode Plus has been confirmed to have thread! One of the reasons it’s the fastest to respond. Only lock with Thread + Home Key at the moment: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-D0CN2vbZYjs.htmlsi=GLICYYrcWmoJmHHr
Smart locks are not going to succeed until there is a proper long term battery solution (lithium ion, etc) AND either a usb-c port or qi port for power backup. Who keeps a 9v battery on them?
Purchased this lock based on your review. Had to change the batteries every week. Owned this lock for 3 weeks and one day it completely died and crapped out on me. Didn’t work at all after troubleshooting it. Complete crap would not recommend. Going with the aqara lock instead. More features and not as expensive.
I'm sorry that was your experience! Your issues here are exactly what I'm experiencing with the Aqara U100 right now. Changing the batteries every month, auto-locking by itself, etc. Hope you have better luck!
Do you have to use am app or sensor? My apartment just installed these and I really would rather less surveillance... They went with the no key version qq
I bought this lock and had nothing but problems. I tried for TWO full days to get Home Key to work with no success. I even exchanged it for a new one, same problem. I’ve worked in IT for over 20 years, and I have tons of HomeKit gear. I talked with Yale and Apple with no lock. I switched to the Aqara U100 and have it worked right away. Such a better lock with more features, Home Key, keypad, fingerprint, and key.
Sorry you had that many issues with it! Honestly I have more issues with the number keypad not registering taps as consistently as I'd like, but Home Key was the one solid feature in my experience.
After having the U100 for a while, the battery life has been atrocious for me, needing new batteries every month. The voice assistant comes on randomly even after I've turned it off in the Aqara app, and it auto-locks randomly without my prompting. I'm not sure I can recommend the U100 going forward.
Hey there, wanted to ask what you saw in battery life for the lock. I got mine (with the Wi-Fi module) installed back in mid Feb and it seemed to have proper battery life till like mid May before it started giving me the low battery noise. I let it run till the batteries drained all the way but another month on low power and it was causing the lock to not operate properly at times. But wanted to ask if you saw the same three months or more (assuming you never did get the Wi-Fi module since you made this video). I don’t think I’ll get rid of the Wi-Fi module, just curious. And also, if you happen to go that in depth, did you use alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries?
Hey there! I use alkaline (amazon brand) and my Yale 2 has been on the same batteries since I made this video! (Months ago). Haven't changed yet. No wifi module, added.
@@beardfm thats true ☺️ but for the single reason that my (philips hue) gradient light strip isn’t supported, it all has become useless now. I have to turn it on manually every time i get home and i have to set scenes via shortcuts instead of via the home app…
If you plan on using either HomeKit, I’d go Bluetooth only. Home app gives you remote access anyway, and my battery life seems to at 10% use per month, which is pretty good
Stephen, I don't see the option in HomeKit to share my keys or grant access. Was this feature yanked by Apple? or Yale? I am on the latest iOS with an iPhone 13 Pro.
@@beardfm Yikes! Not doing that... I think I'm going to stick with the keyed backup version I bought initially. It has actual buttons for the number pad and includes the wifi module. I do really like the homekey in action but wanted it to be for my friends. Oh well, I really appreciate the quick response and the review was great!
i had the Yale Assure lock 2 just switched to this Yale Assure lock 2 plus for Home Key. The previous model was frigin Horrible on Batter Life 2 month pretty much and was done. I would assume being they didn't change style or method of batteries this will be horrible bat life as well. Anyone had for awhile can comment? i only got around Thanks Giving 2023.
@@beardfm Thanks for reply and a nice lock just too bad battery life not so great. And I also use WiFi mod as well so lock works with Alexa automations and Apple .
Question about sharing home keys. I just installed my lock. I’m not seeing the option to add or invite someone to the home or lock Here’s the time stamp in the video 3:42
Hey so unfortunately the only way to share Home Keys is inviting someone into your home as a resident. There is no way to “share” a key temporarily. Hopefully we get that soon. You’ll need to use the third party apps from Yale or Level to do that right now
@@beardfm I did see some of your replies. Saying that adding Apple TV or HomePod allows you to be able to share the home and give access to the home key. Is that correct?
I would run everything in the Apple Home app. It should be pre-installed on your iPhone. Keep in mind you will need a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV for it to work there.
Great video! Quick question, is HomePod necessary for you to share home key access to others via HomeKit? Because, I tried to add others to my HomeKit but I’m unable to. Apple said I likely need HomePod to connect to my Yale lock. Any response will be helpful. Thanks!
Amazing….. excellent video thanks for sharing, this is the lock I’m been waiting for, with the finger print….. just one question can I unlock it using my voice ( Siri ) ….
Siri is a complicated method. If you ask an Apple Watch, it’ll unlock. Ask your iPhone while it’s unlocked, that’ll work too. If you ask a HomePod, you’ll need to confirm on your iPhone
Nice video. I have the Yale Assure Lock 2 and looking to update to the Plus version with HomeKey. Do you know if I have to use HomeKit to use the HomeKey? And if yes, do you know if I have to have a remote support for HomeKit? Do I need a hub? Because I don't really use HomeKit but would like to have the option to use the HomeKey for this lock. Thanks.
Does the Yale assure lock 2 have homekey feature or do I have to get the Yale assure 2 Plus? I’m not sure what the difference between the two are can you explain
After recently getting the Touch version with fingerprint sensor I can say it really makes no sense to spend extra money on the Plus version with home key. The fingerprint sensor is super fast and accurate and is the ultimate key. I don't understand why anyone would prefer to use their watch or phone for more money instead of their finger for less. I guess only if you are an iSheep
@@MrLuigi-oi7gm Was just an easy way of saying those that prefer Apple's way of doing things over any other solution. Why so sensitive? I was really looking for someone to mention why they would use Home Key instead of fingerprint. Am I missing something?
@@sonicpop Not sensitive. I just think being respectful in conversation leads to a more productive experience. "iSheep" is not a term of respect. Nor is it used as just a shorter and easier way of referring to folks who prefer Apple products. If you wanted the information you say you desired, it would have been more effective to have said, "Can users of Apple products help me understand the advantages of the Plus model?" If you had said that, I would have replied, "A fingerprint sensor is a nice feature and I wish the Plus model had one in addition to Home Key support. If you are a user of Apple products, you have an iPhone and there's a good chance you have an Apple Watch as it is the biggest selling watch in the world. So there is no extra investment needed to use Home Keys. Also, if your fingers are wet, dirty, etc. fingerprint sensors are notorious for not working. There is no such problem with a wet iPhone or Apple Watch."
If you have any of the Yale smart locks you can program it to unlock as soon as you get home. When I pull into the garage it unlocks. No need for home key or finger print reader.
It’s up to you. You wanna carry a key around for a lock that has a touchpad or you just want to use the touchpad? I personally don’t want to carry another key on me
Thanks for this. Been wanting to look into a smart lock for a while. I wish this had a key though. What happens if your WiFi is out or you don’t have that backup battery?
Well Wi-Fi being out won’t matter as it can unlock using NFC (Home Key). If the batteries in the lock are dead and you don’t have a 9V…maybe a trip to the nearest Walgreens 😅 the Aqara U100 I mentioned, Level Lock, and Schlage encode are also Home Key enabled locks with a physical key option
Always happy to see more HomeKit locks hitting the market. A very strange observation... the Yale app is absolutely identical to the one that August uses. Are they owned by the same company? Maybe outsourced their apps to the same developer? Very strange indeed.
Amazing review!!!! You answered all my questions about this lock and the main difference about the other 2 yale aasure lock 2 models. I hope you have a review for the Schlage encode plus, which is the other option I’m thinking since we want apple key in our new smart lock.
You lot in the USA have a load of choice for smart locks. In the UK/Europe we have very different and more secure door locks which are very very difficult to control electronically. There are basically no options in the UK for the most common type of door lock (multipoint lock with Eurolock cylinder).
@@beardfm literally nothing. If I wanted a smart lock of any type I’d have to buy a whole new door and door frame - while probably sacrificing security. 🙁 The issue is that our common multipoint locking doors need you to lift the door handle to engage the 3 or 4 latches around the door, then a key is turned to lock them in place and deploy a bolt. It is the lifting up of the handle which makes things difficult for smart locks.
I’m in the U.K and I’ve just installed a Nuki Pro 3.0, which works with my Euro Cylinder lock. It works with HomeKit (not Homekey) and Siri Shortcuts (I have one that pops up when I get home, asking me if I want to Open Door, which I just click Run on and the door opens).
