Aqara U100 HomeKit Smart Lock - 6 Months Later... (Good & Bad)

[@AdamsTechLife]

➡ *Note: Aqara later deemed this lock as defective and sent out a replacement unit that is working much better*

[@SoCalVipers]

better... but does it still go offline sometimes?

[@htz70]

Please answer this. Going offline is the biggest problem with this lock.

[@MitchM240]

How do you get sponsors with under 20K subs?

[@davidwalser462]

Thank you for the update. I installed the Aqara U100 based, in part, on your review. We've had it for about 6 months, and it has worked very well, if not flawlessly, for us. Most of our family uses the fingerprint pad to open the lock. It works reliably -- except for when your fingers are dirty or damp. The battery life is fantastic, much better than the Aqara doorbell that's mounted next to it. We've not had the lock go offline. Rarely, it seems to go to sleep and might require a couple of button presses or pings from the network before it will respond. My real annoyance with the lock is its automatic locking-upon-closing-the-door feature. That feature is still in beta, and it doesn't work reliably. Too often, the lock will lock before the door is closed. When that happens, the door cannot be closed until the deadbolt is retracted (whereupon, the lock will frequently re-lock before you can shut the door). This happens less than 10% of the time, but it is frustrating when it does. I've tried turning off the locking-upon-closing-the-door feature and programming the door to lock in response to a signal from an Aqara contact sensor. Unfortunately, I've not been able to get that to work. To reduce the frustration of premature lockation, I've set the delay time to 30 seconds -- so the lock waits 30 seconds after detecting the door has closed before locking. I've kept the feature turned on because, despite its lack of reliability, its benefits outweigh its detriments.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Glad to hear you've had a great experience! The auto lock feature can be buggy at times, the delay time is a good workaround :)

[@orbitaljellyfish808]

Premature lockation 😂

[@bitsofwoodworkshop9393]

I have the same lock and had the same issue with it going offline. I reached out to Aqara and they said it could possibly be a hardware issue and send a replacement unit. It’s been flawless since. Great lock and great product support!

[@AdamsTechLife]

Great, glad to hear the new replacement is working! Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂

[@AhYung879]

May I know the hardware ID of your new unit? Mine currently facing offline issue and it is 1.3.1

[@moealyasini2784]

@@AhYung879still same issues ? My entire System (M3 hub) and locks always go out of connection and off line !! Any fix ? Also what is the number you called? Or how did u reach out

[@ian.ketterer]

Love your review; I've been using the U100 for all of our doors for the last two months with no operational issues, and my only gripe is with not being able to have all of our locks rekeyed for just one key.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. It's great to hear you've had a good overall experience with the Aqara smart lock.

[@SoCalVipers]

That's the one thing I really like about the Kwikset smart lock - it's super easy to re-key. Sadly, that kwikset is missing many other useful features. I wonder if a locksmith could key all of the U100s the same?

[@tsizzle]

I hear the pins are too small. You may need an expert locksmith to rekey

[@amigajoe]

Thank you for this follow-up video ! I wish more reviewers did six month follow-up videos of various products

[@AdamsTechLife]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@amigajoe]

@@AdamsTechLife Do you know if the lock, combined with the Aqara video doorbell, can be set to unlock automatically upon facial recognition ? Some people have talked about that being defeat-able with a photo, but Aqara could require that it detected your phone to be present, if it was designed well.

[@enriquelinares9218]

got the lock and its been working with no issue for around 3 months now, it hasnt gone offline, not once! one more thing, if you conected to homekit via matter it uses zigbee instead of Bluetooth! for this you need an aqara bridge but i alrady had one because i use aqara switches and sensors, this way it works way faster in automations and if for some reason i want to control the lock when away. love the product! :)

[@AdamsTechLife]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience :) glad to hear!

[@DavidBradyTSP]

Great video! I had the exact same problem with the lock going offline. It seems to have been during the warmer, humid North Carolina days. I noticed that when I opened the case it was full of condensation on the interior. Once it dried up, everything went back to normal. Got the same response from Aqara regarding the updates. However, once it started cooling off, it seems have stabilized. Had the same issue with the Nest Yale lock I had on there previously.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Hey David, thanks for your comment. That is very interesting to note, I didn't know the case could get condensation inside, thanks for sharing that info and for watching! 😊

[@Monkeyfrommars69]

i have had this lock since it came out and never had it go offline. I did have issues at first with battery life, but that was taken care of with firmware updates. I don't use Aqara Hub and just home kit with apple tv and home pods as hubs. I swapped over to this lock from a 400.00 lockly lock and i am glad i did.

[@AdamsTechLife]

that's great to hear!

[@donchayaknow]

Can you remote lock and unlock the using the Apple TV as a hub when you are miles away from the house? I have a m2 Aqara hub and it does not work me. It’s such a pain. Thanks in advance.

[@CescoCDN]

If it supports Thread, it’ll still work without the Internet (assuming no power outage of course as Thread requires a hub, HomePod mini in my case) and it saves battery power. Having the new Schlage Encode + , the knob is also loose. Have a feeling this may be a feature to give the motor some slack as it engages.

[@AdamsTechLife]

It doesn't support thread. Thanks for sharing about the schlage knob being loose as well and the possible cause, I hadn't heard that before. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@Liftgymratt86]

I tried the smart lock for about a month. I had the same problem as you. It went offline twice during that period. It would happen at the worst times. I DJ and they last thing I want is to come home at 1AM and not be able to get into my own house. For that reason I returned it and went with the Yale Assure 2. I haven't had any issues with it. It also has proximity so when me or my wife arrive at home it automatically unlocks the door. That's convenient when you have kids that need to get into the house.

[@AdamsTechLife]

That's a great point! The last thing you want is to come home after a long day and have issues just being able to get the door unlocked. I haven't tried the yale assure 2 but thanks for sharing your experience, that is great to hear.

[@Liftgymratt86]

@@AdamsTechLife as much as I liked the finger print feature, the lock needs to work... I switched from the Google nest lock, which never had a problem throughout the years. It happened to only go offline when I needed to get in the house. If it would have happened to my wife, I would have never heard the end of it lol.

[@blopak2]

Hi. Thank you for the video. I have a question about compatibility with Apple HomeKit. Is it mandatory to have an Apple TV or a HomePod? Or is the Aqara gateway alone sufficient? Thanks in advance.

[@AdamsTechLife]

for local connection in apple home, aqara hub is only thing needed. for remote connection or using in automations from the apple home app, an apple hub is required.

[@blopak2]

@@AdamsTechLife Thanks for taking the time to help me. It's really appreciated. Hugs from Chile.

[@santaflowporta1]

one question: its the first divice that I will add on my apple home kit app, I already have an Apple TV but it is not always connected to the light, in order to use this smart lock my Apple TV should be always connected and on?

[@AdamsTechLife]

doesn't need to be on, just needs to always have power

[@ztsu8348]

the battery life has been draining really really quick recently. ( I bought June 2023). Is it part of the defect?

[@AdamsTechLife]

there's many factors involved. i'd reach out to Aqara to see what they can do.

[@aliciamaria4192]

can you still use your own keys? My condo won't let me change my key hole

[@AdamsTechLife]

nope, comes with new keys

[@waynem.radford924]

so do you need a hub to unlock the door from afar? like if friends arrive and you want to open it for them?

[@AdamsTechLife]

Yes, you’ll need a Apple TV or HomePod mini to unlock the lock remotely from the home app. Or you’ll need an Aqara hub to unlock remotely from the Aqara app only

[@sympsonbr]

Excellent video, Adam! I live in Brazil and I bought mine on eBay. Almost here! Anxious to arriving! But when I saw your video I was in doubt. Are the HomeKit and Homekey functions only for  TV4K? My model is the HD (black control). Won't it work?

[@AdamsTechLife]

That's great to hear, I really think you'll like it! The homekey doesn't require a home hub since it works locally on your device but to control remotely, you would need an apple home hub (and aqara hub) and the apple tv HD version can be your home hub.

[@gabriel55bra]

Hi @sympsonbr. I'll import some devices from US > BRA. Are you buying from eBay and using some redirect service? Could you suggest to me ? 🙏

[@johnhubbard3879]

Well done Adam, very thorough! Thank you.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@jordanyeong3378]

After another 6 months, is the stability improve?

[@AdamsTechLife]

i've been using the newer model (u50) to see how it compares to this model and i find the u50 a bit more reliable, at least from my personal experience

[@VSPlum]

I'm using U100 for about 4-5 months now and it wasn't offline non a single time. Time to time I have some delays when it requires several seconds to respond or show its status, but it's never completelly "dead" as yours. But the other thing I noticed in this video -- you can control users access to this lock from Apple Home app while I don't even have such an option in a UI there. Weird!

[@AdamsTechLife]

thanks for sharing your experience. that UI issue is odd...

[@gmc9753]

Can you get spare keys made at most places or are they not standard?

[@AdamsTechLife]

they are standard so spare keys can be made at any hardware store :)

[@saugustineosabi]

Hi Adam, How does the U100 compare to the encode plus?

[@AdamsTechLife]

Great question! I answer this at the end of the video 😊

[@striderchris]

I enjoy this lock but thumbprints have given me hassle. I have to position my thumb perfectly in the right position. My pins often require an additional type in. It also depletes the batteries relatively fast. Despite those issues, I've had a pretty good experience with this lock.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience :) interesting things to hear

[@CarlosCruzado-u2r]

I am thinking about using Aqara smart lock for an Air B&B property hundred of miles from where I live. I'd like to set up new access code for each customer and disable it after they check out and create a new one for each new customer afterwards. Will the Aqara smart lock support this type of application? Will it need internet connection? Please advise

[@AdamsTechLife]

Yes, the ability to create and remote codes is possible. Codes can be created remotely using an aqara hub and internet or nearby with bluetooth without internet.

[@nagyba]

I don't want to buy a hub for full functionality.

[@AdamsTechLife]

That's fair. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@burprobrox9134]

Then don’t

[@s.t.r.o.i.x]

⁠😂

[@jacksalem6472]

Of the locks that have Wi-Fi built-in have terrible battery life and their interesting products

[@MitchM240]

This is one of the few locks that support HomeKey. 99% of people buying this already have a hub that will work for HomeKit in either an Apple TV or HomePod

[@djrezharoldtavarez7146]

I have 3 of these locks and only one has the going offline issue. I assume it can be a defective unit. It went offline today. Had to take the batteries out. If you find out anything on fixing it please let us know. Thanks for the video.

[@AdamsTechLife]

That could be the case, thanks for sharing your experience with using multiple locks. It's good to hear they're working well for you.

[@kinseycreategoods]

I have same issue and aqara just send me a new one, and which is fine after 4 months use

[@djrezharoldtavarez7146]

Its funny yesterday all three went offline 😅.

[@kennethkoa5386]

For the battery level, is it possible to create a siri shortcut for it? Lets say alert you if the battery is down 30%

[@AdamsTechLife]

not that i know of, at least not easily

[@njtopher]

Has the replacement lock gone offline since you installed it (assuming you did)? :)

[@AdamsTechLife]

Nope, been way more reliable than the first review unit 🔥

[@onlyzach1]

Just installed it the other day. Liking it so far, but there's def bugs in the app that they can make it better. Got the hub as well. Wished you could specify what user gets logs. Is it me or is the key lock upside down? I'll see how the battery life is and connectivity of the hub. I did find without the hub installed yet the lock would get "disconnected" and I'd have to wait a sec or 2 for it to come back. Since installing the hub it's been solid since (*knocks on wood). Want to put a backup battery in my car now that's USB-C. Good video!

[@AdamsTechLife]

The logs are only available in the aqara app for one user. The key lock doesn't seem to be upside down to me? That's great to hear your experience has been good! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@mraljewari9381]

Do you still have issues with the device goes offline?

[@AdamsTechLife]

i no longer use this lock. i've been trying out the u50 for almost 6 months now and it's been more reliable then the u100 tbh

[@mraljewari9381]

@@AdamsTechLife i guess i will go with the u50 Thank you Please keep an eye on u300 and let us know if you have any issues Its is very promising especially for the garage door

[@JuanLopezmusica]

Can anybody can tell me how this works in the winter? (Extreme cold)

[@AdamsTechLife]

Aqara has working temperature ranges on their website

[@wadexyz]

I'm wondering if I should buy this even though I might not use many of the features. At $250, seems like an OK price regardless. I have an Android phone, and don't use a smart hub of any kind. I was googling online, and it wasn't clear to me what I could and could not do with purely an Android phone alone.

[@AdamsTechLife]

you'll have full access to the features in the aqara app. it might be best to reach out to aqara for other questions.

[@garyc4833]

Do you face issue where auto locking does not work when unlocking with Apple Home Key?

[@AdamsTechLife]

I don't use auto locking anymore so i can't say for certain but if i remember correctly when i was using it, apple home key didn't effect auto locking

[@htz70]

You said if the lock is unresponsive, you need the Physical Key or a USB-C cable. Why does USB-C work if it's unresponsive?

[@AdamsTechLife]

maybe has something to do with battery override? i'm not sure of the technical reason

[@myHomeKithome]

Great video Adam! I feel like having to carry a physical key as a backup completely defeats the purpose of having a smart lock to begin with. I wonder if the connectivity dropouts are because of Matter. Have you tried removing it from your hub M2 and using it solely within an Apple Home?

[@AdamsTechLife]

Dustin, thanks for watching and commenting. Having a smart lock but still carrying around the physical key does seem counter intuitive, but the way I see it is, it's like having a car with a push to start, yet the key fob includes a physical key for backup, a just in case thing. Technology isn't always fully reliable that nothing can go wrong. I haven't had the best experience with Matter, and I haven't tried removing it from the M2 hub and controlling from apple home. I'll try that since I don't adjust settings on the go from the aqara app, thanks for sharing that idea! 😊

[@myHomeKithome]

@@AdamsTechLife that's an interesting way of looking at it. I wish that Smart locks were reliable enough to not have to worry about physical keys, but I guess we're just not there yet.

[@wadexyz]

@@myHomeKithome I'd be so paranoid if I didn't have the physical key option.

[@kingd3823]

are there any poe or can you run electricity to a lock that's compatible with apple home kit?

[@AdamsTechLife]

not natively. maybe some that require a third party bridge.

[@tresfenton]

My U100 stopped connecting to Bluetooth today, is beeping every 5 seconds, and I can’t get it to reconnect. I’ve replaced the batteries, and tried resetting the lock. No luck. Sent a support request this morning, still no reply from Aqara after 8 hours.

[@AdamsTechLife]

have you tried resetting it by putting in the admin password? if so, you may have to wait for aqara support. i haven't seen that before

[@tresfenton]

@@AdamsTechLife Aqara's customer support is a bit weak, and it took me posting on their social media to get them to reply, but after a couple emails over 3 days, they are sending me a replacement U100.

[@Staatus_Quo]

After watching multiple reviews, and having a friend with one of the Aqara, they seem stout, but seem to fall apart and show their weaknesses quickly. My friends now has the loose lock door, the loose inside throw, and he gets about 2 months battery life with brand name, max or long life batteries now. He's ready to toss it.

[@AdamsTechLife]

May or may not be a defective unit. Early batch of aqara u100 locks had a high amount of defective units and aqara has been offering replacements.

[@Staatus_Quo]

@@AdamsTechLife it was enough to send me to the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch. I like the upgrable insert units so I can add Z-Wave, or add Wi-Fi back if needed, or pull the cartridge and make it Bluetooth only. Plus it has proximity, fingerprint, and all the other bells and whistles.

[@1Frst693]

Does it have auto unlock lock with iPhone?

[@AdamsTechLife]

It has auto lock, yes

[@zachgrossman26]

It seems like a nice lock, but dang, going offline is a huge issue. I have airbnb guests that stay at my place and if that were to even happen 1 time while I was away sounds like a nightmare. Being locked out of your own home should never happen..makes me think old fashioned key is the way to go maybe...

[@AdamsTechLife]

yeah...this can happen to any brand of smart lock. not defending aqara or saying this is right, just saying not all technology is perfect, even the ones we rely on the most.

[@marvenscantave4023]

It’s missing what all smart locks should have! Auto lock. It should lock 10 to 15 seconds after it’s been unlocked. The most useful feature

[@AdamsTechLife]

it has auto lock :)

[@marvenscantave4023]

@@AdamsTechLife It does not! there's a feature that detect when the door is closed and you're supposed to set a delay time or immediate. but that has not worked once ever!. so essentially it's there but it does not work

[@VICT0R.Y]

Can i use the fingerprint or password without the app?

[@AdamsTechLife]

passcode - yes in the home app. fingerprint - no. the aqara app stores the fingerprint data.

[@EvSolo]

Can you use your phone NFC with the Aqara app if you don't have homekit? Do I need the M2 hub for this feature?

[@AdamsTechLife]

to run shortcuts, yes. aqara hub might be required depending on what you're trying to do.

[@EvSolo]

@@AdamsTechLife I bought and installed the Aqara lock and app but I am unable to use my Samsung Galaxy phone and it's NFC feature to unlock the door. Only compatible NFC cards will work if not using an iPhone or watch

[@brutforcetech]

I noticed my ecobee thermostat goes off-line in the way that I fix it is to unplug the HomePod mini thinking maybe it’s just that it’s on the 5G Wi-Fi and your phone is on 2G or vice versa

[@AdamsTechLife]

offline from HomeKit only or offline from the internet entirely?

[@nn2z]

I got mine in July and I have needed to change battery 2 times. so max 3 months so far for me.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@theweejr]

May i ask that is it still offline with no reason i have plan to buy smart door lock and a lot of people reccomend u100

[@AdamsTechLife]

i don't use this anymore, i'm using the u50 and have been for a while and no offline issues!

[@theweejr]

@@AdamsTechLife may i know what made u to downgrade version

[@JackMihoff6969]

Where did you get that HomeKit logo at the front of your door?

[@AdamsTechLife]

link in description ;)

[@ZoneOne2150]

Considering how busted your door looks inside and out; you seem a bit rough on things to begin with.

[@AdamsTechLife]

that's what happens when you test out many different smart locks lol

[@sergioruiz9464]

I think the wiggle thing is a Smart Lock thing because my nest Yale Smart Lock also has a little bit of play on it

[@AdamsTechLife]

That's good to hear, thanks for sharing that

[@AhYung879]

Installed mine on 10th March 2024 and all of sudden it goes “offline” as your Con4 12:28 today (17th April 2024). Unable to unlock it from outside except Physical Key which I have attached to the my gateway key chain. Not sure should I ask Aqara for replacement or monitor first 😅 using the latest firmware 3.0.0_0024 btw Also connect to both Aqara E1 Hub and Apple TV 4K HomeKit Doesn’t use Matter

[@AdamsTechLife]

Could try resetting the lock and seeing if it goes offline again or you could contact aqara support and they should be able to help

[@AhYung879]

Gonna monitor again see if it happens again. Forgot to check the manufacturing date though

[@AhYung879]

Crap, it happens again this morning just after 3 days from 17th April 🥲

[@AhYung879]

@@AdamsTechLife Btw the hardware version of my current shows 1.3.1 May I know yours new one? Update: my local aqara agreed to replace the unit by sending a new one. He acknowledged that’s certain old batch has this issue and replace FOC

[@StrifePulse]

The issue you are having seems like a hardware defect. I'm having another issue where the battery status being reported is not correct and it only updates when its power cycled.

[@AdamsTechLife]

I think so too...weeks after this video was posted Aqara offered to send out a new lock. I haven't set it up yet, but will share my experience in a future post. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@michaelmcclean1784]

How to factory reset aqara lock u100

[@AdamsTechLife]

google can answer that for you :)

[@boostedsm]

Such a great video. Thank you

[@AdamsTechLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@checksumcharlie]

Hang on - it regularly stops working and risks you being locked out of your own home *and you still recommend it*??

[@AdamsTechLife]

Not "regularly", listen carefully again. Very rarely did it go offline. Plus, I had it replaced and the new one is working much better. and you can carry around a physical key just in case :) not a bad idea anyways...

[@TerryLeeWhite]

@@AdamsTechLife has the new one gone offline?

[@travelwilder]

no Samsung support?

[@AdamsTechLife]

the aqara app works with android - lock features may vary

[@fredbloggs5902]

All ‘smart’ locks should be reviewed by the ‘Lock Picking Lawyer’ because most of the ones he’s looked at aren’t secure at all, usually using a powerful magnet or a rake in the backup normal keyway.

[@jb-live]

You mean, all locks? Haven't seen one he isn't able to pick. I'd like to see him pick a keyless smart lock though ;)

[@fredbloggs5902]

@@jb-live What part of ‘powerful magnet’ did you not understand?

[@AdamsTechLife]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@juanramirezc]

Matter works over Bluetooth, WiFi and Thread. Not ZigBee

[@AdamsTechLife]

yep thats right

[@RaindoggTV]

Mine keeps unlocking on its own. Anyone else have/had that issue?

[@AdamsTechLife]

unlocking? hmm that's strange. i haven't heard of that before. i'd check the logs to see how it was unlocking

[@chadstackhouse490]

I like you so much more now. Go Bengals. WHO DEY!!!

[@AdamsTechLife]

🐯

[@burprobrox9134]

I’m honestly about to smash the lock, the ring, and all of this “smart” crap. It’s like running linux about 10 years ago, for tinkers and those paid to waste time

[@AdamsTechLife]

😂

[@mikebroom1866]

Your chapter labels are useless.

[@AdamsTechLife]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@SuperRed.V4]

Exactly. We dont need to know the chapter number. We need to know what the chapter is about.

[@ahmedmeshref614]

So you got locked out of the house because you forgot the keys……

[@AdamsTechLife]

didn't think i'd need keys with a smart lock lol

[@ahmedmeshref614]

@@AdamsTechLife Good point 😂🙏🏻

[@johndebellis19]

The offline is your network, my friend

[@AdamsTechLife]

If that was true, why is it the only device in my smart home to go offline lol

[@plasticman2k]

Great SSID!

[@modar9524]

How far is the hub or router is from the device

[@patison4ik5]

Dude in the first 5 minutes of the video you said “.. but we will dive into it later” three times. Don’t do it.

[@AdamsTechLife]

thanks for your feedback!

[@patison4ik5]

@@AdamsTechLife happy to help. Thanks for the review. Despite all the cons, I ended up just buying this lock.