Invisible Smart Lock! Level Lock install & impressions

[@9to5Mac]

Do you currently use a smart lock in your home? If so, which? If not, why not?

[@ShotInTheDark]

That dead bolt is definitely not insurance approved that’s why I wouldn’t install one. There’s virtually nothing but the battery between you and a burglar.

[@moshenagar1902]

I prefered 100% an August smart lock and I already have one! I liked much more for the auto unlock and auto lock functionality..

[@JJohnson313]

Shot In The Dark you think with the battery being so small and compact, inside of metal container, it will bend or break?

[@enriquesubias]

I currently don't use one, but would love to buy the Level Lock, anyone could tell me if it is compatible with European standards? Or if there is a conversion kit possible, maybe diy.

[@sorjames-itsachoice]

Glue lock

[@MrBlaq]

My concern is the hollowed out deadbolt. How strong is this? It's also a bit pricey.

[@PasnThrou]

The bolt is ANSI Grade 1, the strongest class of residential deadbolts.

[@cesarortiz1523]

PasnThrou It is also the most hollow deadbolt of residential deadbolts

[@PasnThrou]

@Pun Jab I The Level lock is ANSI 1 rated. August has nothing to do with ANSI as it's just a knob for the existing deadbolt. All lock lawyer sycophants know 99% of the Schlage locks locks would be opened just as easily. This lock isn't for everybody, and it's fitment won't work for me. But for a door opener that won't compromise existing security (unless someone knows its BT) it's pretty decent if pricy. Lock lawyer or no, I can kick 99% of those Schlage locked doors in with my Master Key or a ram. Most people don't know crap about real security. Ask anybody who runs a stash house.

[@capone_rd_809]

if you think any dead bolt that a builder installed on your home and or apartment that you did not pay for is good, your wrong all dead bolts are crap if you kick hard and long enough they will fail

[@anthonyscott5134]

Well, for the third time in two days, I’m sitting in my living room watching TV and my Level Lock Touch on my front door just decides on its own to unlock! I feel really secure now.

[@StalePhish]

Great video! Pro tip, leave the tip of the bold unscrewed with the battery out while you're installing the old deadbolt hardware back over top. I made the mistake of having the battery in and I was right in the middle of screwing in the thumb turning side and the lock hit its 30 second timer and flipped the thumb part over and got scratched on the screw I was in the middle of screwing in. My install was way more complicated because I didn't even have an old deadbolt, so I had to drill holes in my metal door and door frame all in the right spots. In the process of doing that my drill jammed so I had to go the rest of the way with a hole saw hooked up to a manual ratchet! I love the lock though. I ditched both my keys and my wallet a couple years ago, using only my phone and a stick-on case for my ID/credit card (car uses phone as key), so this enables me to once again use my front door instead of being forced to use my garage to get into the house.

[@myHomeKithome]

Such an innovative design. I would question the security, but if it meets all deadbolt standards that others have to meet, then that's good enough for me. Great review!

[@NappyWayz]

Do you think the bolt portion is too thin now that the battery replaces where metal would go? However, like ANY secure feature, the right person can always break in destructively. But it appears that the bolt is severely weakened. Any thoughts on that?

[@grandsome]

Now I need to buy a house or rent an apartment.

[@happynow01]

I love the idea of no keys. In the end locks only keep out honest people, so the weak hollow bolt design doesn’t bother me too bad. Actually would like to see a door kick test... but if the bad guy wants in, they’ll get in. Anyway... I haven’t purchased one due to the high price. Seems pricey when the one I have works.

[@hnbchance]

I agree. I want to get this for my door so my teenagers don’t have to fumble for their keys in their backpacks and for those “did I remember to lock the door” moments. I have a rancher on a slab; if someone wants to break in they aren’t going to kick in the door, they’re likely breaking a window to get in. So the hollow bolt really probably isn’t a deal breaker for me.

[@JonSnowsGhost]

The fact that the deadbolt is hollow and the battery goes inside of it means you’ll have a high tech lock with an empty house. If you know what I mean.

[@braaappp9950]

I was thinking the same thing. So the battery is the replacement for the bolt..lol...Just a kick and there we go! Very "smart" lock indeed..lol.

[@harryseaward3408]

According to the manufacturer, this deadbolt meets the ANSI Grade 1 standard. That’s actually the highest standard available, and many deadbolts that are Grade 2 or even 3 are very common, so the deadbolt in your House now might not even be this high.

[@lgreengo525]

Dude destroyed the Phillips head on that screw holding the plate around the deadbolt. Totally stripped out. Lmao

[@oneundecided]

Thank you for this video. The issue I have with the Level Lock is that when it is set for the automatic touch door to lock any time I try to unlock the door with the key it is attempting to lock it with that feature.

[@s312a22s]

Improvement over the 1st generation

[@BradMiller-h9g]

is nobody going to talk about how stripped the screw is in the strike plate at 11:18 of this video?

[@cnyphotovideo]

Pretty cool. But with the bolt being hollow it must be fairly weak.

[@ShotInTheDark]

That won’t be getting insurance approved that’s for sure.

[@doctorscoot]

Yep, easy to hacksaw through if you can get the blade between the door and the jamb. However the key itself can be fairly easily attacked by anyone with a couple months worth of paying attention to ‘lock sports’ you tube. Honestly locks are generally easily defeated and I do not want to put a REMOTE attack surface on one! I just don’t get the appeal of this stuff in general.

[@Zveebo]

S M If people *really* want to break in there’s not a huge amount you can do that can completely stop them 🤷‍♂️ All locks are primarily deterrents rather than absolute stops - but then most burglars are opportunists, so don’t want to do much beyond the minimum, and will just move on to the next house if something looks remotely secure. There are lots of reasons of convenience why somebody might want a smart lock, even if you don’t want one for yourself - I don’t think many people are suggesting they are more secure.

[@StalePhish]

The doorframe inside the house having only 1/4" laterally of wood is probably even weaker

[@ShotInTheDark]

StalePhish, I’ve forced entry to many doors in during my time, you’d be surprised how strong wood is, however you need to consider that the bolt must be able to resist being forced open once a small gap starts to form the bolt must have enough tensile strength to defeat the attack. Its flimsy rolled steel a mm thick and those batteries are just several cells stacked together and covered in plastic wrap. Be interesting to see the specs for it and if it meets ANSI/BHMA A156.5 standards.

[@jebaker2]

I like the looks compared to my August lock... But not so much I'd run out and switch.

[@NeverBeDaunted]

I have the august pro and my main issue is the proximity doesn't work most of the time no matter where I put my GPS coordinates and seems to be a common issue. I'd switch to the level is the door unlocked when you approached it most of the time. Fortunately, I got the august pro for a steep discount so I just kept it as I like how it locks the door behind me but it opening itself is hit and miss, mostly miss.

[@PasnThrou]

For all the wannabe lock experts, the Level Lock does not replace the keyway so it's no more or less vulnerable than before installation. Or didn't you know that. To hack the BT signal, you'd have to know it was a BT lock to start with. There's no external indication that it's BT. This lock increases convenience, not security. Anybody worried about security wouldn't be using a standard key lock, let alone a thumb-turn deadbolt next to a window, in the first place. This bolt meets deadbolt standards. There are a number of much higher security locks that will keep most burglars out. Given that almost everybody here probably has Home Depot Schlage/Weslock/whatever, bagging on the Level Lock is just online frontin'. It *is* expensive, as are most smartlocks at this stage. They won't get much cheaper, though.

[@nTuan151183]

I bought new one Touch and try to replace eufy and what I can say: totally waste of money for this Waste of money for this lock. - No fingerprint - Slow NFC Card - Auto unlock and touch will work only if you leave home at least 200 meter far away then go back with your phone. Imagine: when you go out to throw trashes, the door closed and you do not bring phone so what you have to do? Run 200m away and come back again? Even you run, without phone will not unlock for you. - Due to above case, you always have to bring phone or card or key everytime and everywhere. - GPS is not working properly, even you are 10-20 km far away from home but its status still “Home” and not changing into “Away” mode. - Lock does not realize when door completely close or not. - Invite friend or code requires them to download app and use link you created. For elder ppl, how can they use? - Only users who using iphone is able to be seen in your contact. As I know, android users can download app too. - It not allow to create temporary code since it does not have anh module to key or realize your finger print. - advantage: look luxury, fashion only If you want total smart lock, it is not

[@Zoom50z]

let’s see what the lock picking lawyer says about this lock

[@ap2s2000]

click on 1 ...

[@puckfutin2022]

He would open this "smart lock" in about 1 min....because it is hard to concentrate when laughing.

[@w00master]

It's the same lock. You're replacing the deadbolt

[@uwishucould158]

Well if your key system and lock is lock picking lawyer approved. Then this wouldn't change anything. This doesn't change how easy or hard it is to pick your lock.

[@user-ek9wq2ph7l]

Adding an additional component creates a potential flaw. I'd rather just spend half the money and upgrade to a Primus "dumb" lock that would give me the peace of mind of a secure deadbolt.

[@iblackfeathers]

the dealbreaker for many is the hollow deadbolt with battery inside. works for low security areas.

[@PasnThrou]

Only to the people who don't know that it meets the same standards as traditional deadbolts that people already have on their doors. I wonder how they'd feel if they knew their deadbolts aren't any more secure and in 99% of the installations, they could easily be kicked in.

[@caseydavis1045]

As a locksmith and any person with common sense. you're using a hollow tube hollow tube for your dead bolt. Most thieves don't pick locks they just kicked the doors you want to slow them down. He just took a good lock and made it junk.

[@nunyuhdambiznez1872]

There are some major design flaws with this lock. First, the center core is too thick, and does not work with lots of existing door hardware. In my experience, the deadbolt cylinder pushed against the center core and would not fit back correctly - i.e. sit flush normally. This was tried on Baldwin and Emtek door hardware. Secondly, the other design issue is that there are certain situations where you cannot remove material to make the hole round for it to be compatible with the round bolt. This was problematic on our french doors. On a regular wooden door frame this isn't a problem, but the receiving side of our french door is aluminum (door itself is fiberglass), and has a cutout for a regularly shaped bolt (flat on sides), and a plastic spacer that is also shaped for a traditional bolt shape.

[@kevinmanning4272]

Looks like a great device. I need it for an outside gate that currently has a deadbolt. How does this do in an outside environment? It wouldn’t be directly exposed to water, the existing deadbolt does that. It will be exposed to moisture in the air and direct sun. Thank you!

[@BariFromDaBoot]

Nice clean design and straight forward install, but I wouldn't trust that deadbolt to protect my family and property.

[@mrdonsmith]

I was waiting to hear about the process (ease) of access. Do you have to pull out your phone and run the app to unlock the door? Or, does it simply sense your proximity and open? What if you have a handful of groceries?

[@StalePhish]

You do need to pull out your phone OR use a traditional key to unlock from the outside. From the inside you can just twist your existing knob OR use your phone. To lock it from the outside, you can either just wait 30 seconds (configurable time) or use your phone to manually lock it faster. It's no slower than using a traditional key since that is still an option. Having it unlock on proximity would introduce a security issue; for example, someone goes up to your door and rings the doorbell, and you go up to the door to look out the peephole. If it used proximity, the person outside could then just open the door as if it were unlocked.

[@dasaauto2024]

StalePhish Proximity with Face ID or a simple thumbprint?

[@PasnThrou]

As mentioned you need your phone. There is no auto-unlock unless you integrate the lock to your HomeKit configuration. It will then sense your proximity, but will not unlock. This is Apple requiring authentication to reduce the chance of unauthorized BT access. Non-HK locks like the August will unlock without needing you to access the phone. I'd almost be ok with needing to authenticate if it could be done with the Apple watch.

[@Rambler358]

If you have a HomeKit setup with a HomeKit video doorbell, you can create an automation that will unlock the lock by facial recognition from the doorbell.

[@belavet]

I think I prefer August, but legitimately ONLY because replacing the batteries seems like much less of a PITA. I realize that it's not exactly hard to remove a deadbolt, but with my luck, the battery craps out in the dead of winter and I am fiddling with removing the thing to replace a battery. Cool overall design. To be honest, I'd consider this for my back door, which would be nice to automate lock/unlock, but that I wouldn't necessarily mind a dead battery in for a bit of time.

[@MikeDold]

As some who has owned both the August and this lock, this one is easier and faster to change the batteries, mainly because this is one battery and the August has 4 batteries, both super easy, but this one you literally just unscrew the cap and pop in a new battery and that’s it, you don’t have to take anything apart.

[@macjeffff]

Thanks, Jeff. Excellent review, as always. I will probably get one. I don't share the security concerns, especially since it's ANSI 1 certified. Thankfully, I don't live in a place where robbers kick down doors.

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

This is a great design but too seems very expensive in my opinion.

[@oneundecided]

Thank you for this video. I have a question for you. How do I remove the back door rotating knob? There is a hole in it and it looks like it has a flat screw deeply inside. What kind of a screwdriver do I need for it?

[@6729solarwolf]

$229 is too much for a lock. Lower the price and it will sell like fire

[@ReevansElectro]

Does this lock know if the door is open or ajar? How strong is that hollow deadbolt? Is the deadbolt hardened? Can someone hacksaw through it? Does it send notifications if someone uses a key or the internal knob? Low battery issues and notifications?

[@StalePhish]

If the door is ajar, it will lock into thin air so when you go to close it you'll have to twist the knob again. Unsure if there is a setting about notifications, but it does not have internet connectivity so you would need to be nearby to receive anything. It exclusively uses low power Bluetooth. I think the battery is supposed to last a year, it's a CR2 form factor battery like you'd find in the newer Fujifilm "Polaroid" style cameras.

[@ReevansElectro]

@@StalePhish My August lock senses when the door is ajar and notifies me. It notifies me when the door is left open for more than 2 minutes also. It has a reinforced deadbolt. It cost me less. Why can't these guys step up to the plate and deliver?

[@StalePhish]

@@ReevansElectro I was waiting on the market because I specifically didn't want some of what August has, mainly that unsightly knob that looks like an Alexa Echo Dot tumor is growing out of the door. I wanted my smart lock to look exactly like my dumb lock and blend in. Level Lock has succeeded tremendously in that regard. One might say that having WiFi introduces another layer of vulnerability because a theoretical hacker didn't even need to know where your house is to unlock your door, where with Level you have to be physically present for it to unlock. If someone is physically present, and they really want to get in, they can just break a window or kick the door lock right off the frame, they're not going to take the time to chisel a gap in your door frame and use a saw to cut open the metal bolt and cut through the battery. Especially since without prior knowledge, they wouldn't even know you had a Level Lock and would assume it was a normal lock, which is part of the point.

[@smytherichbourg9344]

Well done. Thanks for the clear instructions. Is the one-year battery a good estimate? Are you still using it?

[@MiniMarker94]

How about the metal in the deadbolt? this seems to be using pretty thin aluminum.

[@PasnThrou]

It's not aluminum. It's stainless steel.

[@FranzFerdinandVIII]

Really?

[@MD-pz3cn]

Not to mention it's being used on a door with windows right next to the deadbolt. Someone could just break the window, reach in and unlock it from the inside.

[@chouaibsam4381]

I wonder if it's sturdy enough seems a little bit weak with the battery inside

[@micaela8843]

Nice job Jeff! I saw the lock at Costco and wanted to see how to install before getting it. You sure made it look easy - it’s in my cart. Be well!

[@jorgecarrejo]

Can you set it to unlock when you walk up to it? Forget when you have your hands full of groceries?

[@axxiom20001]

The deadbolt is hollow - how secure is that? Does that compromise integrity of the deadbolt?

[@mvmnt.]

Surely the link between the internals and deadbolt is a week point also that didn't exist in a single piece of solid metal before?

[@PasnThrou]

You really need to look at the video more closely and consider points of vulnerability.

[@NChync]

I have a keypad on my deadbolt. Will this work with my lock?

[@JoelMMcKinney]

Can it be used passively, or do you need to fumble with your phone and an app?

[@garystewart2621]

It’s too expensive,when the price goes down it well sell big.

[@joeymhs2004]

Gary Stewart I agree there’s a $30 discount code from another reviewer that works but even at $200 seems expensive kzbin.info/www/bejne/hITQdKaXpc5rsKc

[@sundager8735]

Great video great presentation Jeff, and with that I bought one, should work out nicely.

[@vtecjeff]

Thanks!

[@jake_lacroix5417]

@@vtecjeff not you

[@vtecjeff]

@@jake_lacroix5417 🥺

[@yganator]

my question is, how strong is the bolt head...I am not an engineer but a thin tube that holds a lithium battery no way has the strength of a standard bolt on a lock. I would be curious to see the testing on that.

[@lyc2520]

very creative design...

[@FranzFerdinandVIII]

Is the LockPickingLawyer in the house? (24.April.2021)

[@availabledark]

Did you set it up with a Homekit Hub, like the Apple TV? How close to the Apple TV does it need to be to work? Also, did you need to round out the wood in the strike plate side for the round bolt to work? Thanks.

[@JP-nq1rh]

it's water ressitant? I'd like to use it in a front gate , under weather conditions

[@carlosg.320]

Hollowed deadbolt. I’ll pass. Put that on a high crime area in Puerto Rico and I’m sure door would be kicked in with easy.

[@1183tn]

So the battery, is the deadbolt? Change my mind about it... Just now.

[@giancarlogimang9207]

Does this unlock when you are in a certain proximity, lets say when you arrive at the door and no need to grab my phone or ask siri to unlock.

[@danielkinney6325]

Awesome Review Jeff

[@prof3ss]

Why make the deadbolt automated when there's already systems that attack to existing deadbolt for half the price

[@stevenrogersfineart4224]

The ONLY reason I can think of is apartments that won't let you change the locks to smart locks. This would be WAY harder for them to detect

[@phire4694]

Does it work with regular door knobs?

[@jjhernandez5244]

👊👊💪💪🤙 Thanks a lot, enjoyed your video.

[@danielkinney6325]

This thing is way over priced. But I love it.

[@tzisorey]

Does it work with Home Assistant?

[@BBme]

For this price, you can have much better and nicer locks in a whole set.

[@inkandescent3382]

Does this work with a “Privacy Door Knob”? NOTE.- The ones (without a key) used in bathrooms and dormitories.

[@craigmerkey8518]

this is what I have been wanting!

[@georgebrodie9795]

Have a question I’m planning to buy the level lock but I wanted to know my door where the bolt comes out from the door has just a round hole. Can I remove the two screw plate on the lock to install it in my door ?

[@9to5Mac]

Hmmm, I don’t think that’s possible due to the design. How will the deadbolt stay secured otherwise?

[@rhinojos77]

Will it work with a double cylinder deadbolt? Not the turn but the double keyed deadbolt?

[@russgaddy]

Does the lock also work across the Android platform? The wife has to be the difficult one in the family and prefers Android.

[@liljean6]

Nice review, nice design!!! I like it...

[@rohanrao8444]

Awesome product 🔥

[@MHKyosake]

Can you lock the usage of key temporary? I mean to counter a lockpick usage.

[@gorjquinngaming6234]

Hi @9to5Mac, can I control this lock even when I’m overseas? I have a condo in Philippines and I live in Australia.

[@ryanfabello9094]

Would I consider this smart lock? Not with that price lolz

[@victuringan1429]

Not their fault you’re broke

[@ohsochuck1875]

I have had this lock for two years now and it’s becoming a slight nuisance because each time there is an iOS update I have to reset the lock in order for the auto lock geofencing option to work.

[@tientienyao]

Good point. This should be pinned to the top.

[@mitchellquartero]

That awesome

[@pittpenguins2009]

Would this work with a door handle with no interlocking

[@billsixtwo7632]

does this lock require home wifi? or can it directly connect to a smartphone?

[@alliepuzzlingqueen9672]

Can you unlock this remotely?

[@BegsYourPardon]

Does the app inform you if the door is locked or unlocked? And battery life?

[@mikedavis4477]

yes

[@slimatmim]

I want to know how strong it is if someone were to kick the door.

[@uwishucould158]

I've been searching but haven't really found d anything I like. Looking for a smart lock that is a dead bolt and the handle i guess slam lock not sure what its called. So if i walk in the door and close it behind me and someone else tries to open the door with in the 30 seconds. But I want that lock also to be a smart lock.

[@quacktony]

Does the the deadbolt pin lock in place?

[@kazimierzganzke9527]

Is it compatible with European locks?

[@arianam5558]

Does it work for double doors?

[@mele2259]

Any discounts or promotions on the price ? Too expensive

[@rbaroncpd]

Why use your existing thumb latch and not the one that came with the lock?

[@MikeDold]

This does not include a new latch, that’s the whole point, it uses your existing lock, all you’re replacing is the deadbolt and that’s it

[@davidj9977]

The main issue I have with this design is that I don't want to carry keys and I don't want to take out my phone to unlock it each time. I'll be sticking with keypad locks for this reason.

[@angelsilva5887]

Not saying you should reconsider, im still investigating what happens when the smart lock dies - but they do sell a keypad on their website.

[@ubacow7109]

Does it work with google home?

[@pheezus]

... The deadbolt is hollow? No thanks lol I want to see if somebody could just kick it open

[@PasnThrou]

It could easily be kicked open, but it's not the bolt that would fail. It's the tiny screws in the door jamb. They should be at least 3"-4" long. The bolt is much stronger than most people think.

[@hcmiranda1]

It's not seem very strong. The door latch is hollow and looks like a good kick on the door would be enough to open it

[@victuringan1429]

So how do you uninstall it?

[@yuanliyao1914]

How to change power

[@JeffChapman]

How long does that single battery last considering this lock is WiFi capable?

[@Skopin]

1:56

[@jelleke58]

Can’t use that in europe, never seen that kind of lock.

[@stevenquach9442]

You can buy a level lock keypad

[@DarkKnight-wr1el]

I have Z-wave locks on all my doors but I don't connect my locks to internet or mobile.

[@brandtjr]

No Alexa or Google support? If not, that’s going to limit the market for this lock.

[@MacintoshFanTechnology]

I thought it was not related to Apple for a sec 😂

[@inelonwetrust9169]

I want this

[@kleptodathief3946]

why isn't there a torx screw on that battery cover to preveny tampering? someone can use easily take out the battery and frustrate u!

[@SimplyTique]

is there also an option for the bottom lock (in the door knob)? 😂when I lock myself out, it’s because of the bottom lock... 😂 if that was an option, i’d RUN to but it! 🏃🏽‍♀️

[@pwagers]

very nice lock but the price is high

[@mbocco83]

Yeah, no thank you. Hollow deadbolt is a no go. I get even a deadbolt lock can be easily broken, but a criminal would have a much easier time with this lock.

[@PasnThrou]

You're wrong. Not that you should get this lock, just that you're wrong.

[@victuringan1429]

Just tell us you’re broke

[@stevenrogersfineart4224]

Uses all your existing hardware and costs 3x what other ones do :P

[@stephanest-laurent266]

You know when a company doesn’t want to sell outside USA, not sure it’s a good company. I will buy the August one. Too bad

[@StalePhish]

They're a brand new company. I was in the beta program and that was only in March of this year.

[@rolszowy]

Can you use geofence, so once you arrive the door unlocks automatically when you’re close?

[@StalePhish]

Having it unlock on proximity would introduce a security issue; for example, someone goes up to your door and rings the doorbell, and you go up to the door to look out the peephole. If it used proximity, the person outside could then just open the door as if it were unlocked.

[@joeymhs2004]

Yes, you can use HomeKit when I arrive unlock / when I leave to lock.

[@MikeDold]

@@StalePhish that’s not how proximity works, you would first have to leave the proximity and then come back for it to do that. If you’re in the house and you walk up to the door, it’s not going to unlock because you haven’t left your house. I own this lock, and it only auto unlocks when I’m arriving to the house after being away.

[@zerocks88]

wait did anyone mention wifi? how does it connect? all I remember seeing was bluetooth..

[@StalePhish]

Short range bluetooth to your cell phone. It does not have internet connectivity.

[@JMiller]

No keypad and a hollowed out strike for that price..... Whew! No thanks. They are 229$. That is twice the price for half the hardware.

[@PasnThrou]

It is pricey. But it doesn't reduce security, it increases convenience. All the hardware is still there.

[@JMiller]

@@PasnThrou how is the hardware there if there is no keypad?