Home Key Smart Lock with (Almost) Everything: Yale Assure Lock 2 Review!

[@myHomeKithome]

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!

[@beardfm]

Thanks for saying so! And I do like the fingerprint scanner, but Home Key works so well on this one I'm good without it.

[@ivan-j4l9x]

Had to watch 10 reviews until I found the battery failure feature. Thanks.

[@ethanhuynh9392]

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.

[@JamesCunha]

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.

[@beardfm]

Ah that’s good to know. Just didn’t want to have to inset something into the door frame

[@MatthewMacknamara]

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!

[@beardfm]

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

[@trevmanmriley88]

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

[@beardfm]

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

[@trevmanmriley88]

@@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?

[@travisloafman3162]

Great review! Very helpful. I'm wondering what the practical benefit of Home Key over fingerprint would be?

[@beardfm]

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.

[@GabrielC28677]

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! 🤣

[@beardfm]

haha he's a stealthy character!

[@Rashaja10]

Can you add the Zwave module?

[@Meaderf]

Have you had to change the batteries yet on this Yale lock? I just bought the Bluetooth version like you did. Fingers crossed.

[@richarda3764]

Yeah, this is what I want to know. If the Bluetooth model lasts a lot longer, than I for sure would skip the wifi.

[@BlackKara]

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

[@beardfm]

You can just use the pin pad, but that still needs to be programmed via the app

[@maddetox]

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.

[@beardfm]

Yeah I prefer to disable auto-unlock features just so there’s no false positives.

[@maddetox]

@@beardfm I do understand that. That's why I only have it setup on my garage door.

[@phucquach5164]

How can u add multiple devices for home key. I’m been trying but unsuccessful

[@LEA-yr7bb]

Can you set a setting to say door unblocked/ locked or it just makes the noise and lights up when unlocked/locked?

[@beardfm]

There's no customization for that audio unfortunately.

[@hyumchung4003]

How do you change the battery?

[@JustinWinchester]

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.

[@beardfm]

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.

[@MasterMrx]

i only have it for 4 days and Homekey set up and worked perfect. i did go into phone and make sure express Mode was on. Maybe that was your issue.

[@JustinWinchester]

@@MasterMrx Nope. Toggled it a dozen times.

[@richarda3764]

Sounds like that Aqara is working much better for you. Too bad you're going to take up the rear when the batteries keep going out.

[@JustinWinchester]

@@richarda3764 Had the same batteries for over 7 months, no issues.

[@JuanLopezmusica]

I think the key is important. If WiFi or battery goes off is better to have a third option to open, so this is not for me

[@Floormat212]

Any firmware updates for this one to fix the Person Code issue? So you can add directly from Homekit.

[@beardfm]

I haven't seen firmware updates to fix that yet, unfortunately. Home Key works across family members though.

[@Good1vibes]

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?

[@beardfm]

I’ve used the meross HomeKit Garage opener for years and love it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqqcYXuFqK2jaNEsi=zZSejBf9XYL92K5L

[@artprz4073]

Does the WiFi module on my assure lock 1 work for this assure lock 2 plus?

[@beardfm]

It does! Says it here in the description: amzn.to/47FSYXY

[@chuvi23]

If I buy it, can I set it up directly in the Apple home app or do I need to set up on the Yale app first and then the Apple home app?

[@beardfm]

You can set it all up in Apple Home without ever downloading the Yale app!

[@chuvi23]

@@beardfm Amazing, thanks for the reply

[@BigJugsRule92]

How do you use the home key thing on your phone?. It won’t let me use it

[@beardfm]

Have you added the lock to the Home App? During that process it will ask if you want to enable the Home Key feature.

[@BigJugsRule92]

@@beardfm never mind, turns out I didn’t buy the one with home key features 🙄.

[@christinehollis4048]

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?

[@beardfm]

If you get the Wi-Fi module from the Yale lock (linked in description), you can add temporary codes like remotely!

[@Bengomez02]

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?

[@beardfm]

No, sorry it will not work like that.

[@eyediyah1394]

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!

[@beardfm]

Hey thanks! Do you have an Apple TV in the house? You do need to have the Home app setup with a home hub, either an TV or HomePod to share Home Keys

[@eyediyah1394]

@@beardfm thanks for the reply! I’ll definitely get an Apple HomePod now. Love your vids. Keep it up!!

[@pureelegance3]

Which app do I download? Yale access or is there an Apple home app??

[@beardfm]

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.

[@StrifePulse]

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.

[@beardfm]

Really? Is the zigbee connection draining battery?

[@kinseycreategoods]

I have the same problem and I just ask aqara team to change me a new one, then it can be use for more then 4months. (Now still 60%) @@beardfm

[@Gordidon]

This is interesting. I may need to try it. My battery needs to be change too often on it

[@StrifePulse]

@@beardfm Yes, try it out without the Zigbee connection only paired to an Apple Home Hub.

[@jamadail]

Immediately after reading the title in my mind a voice started "This is the Lockpicking Lawyer and what I have for you today..."

[@beardfm]

I need to collab with him 😅

[@Floormat212]

But what if there is no lock to pick?? 😆

[@digitaljames]

Which lever are you using? It looks to go really well.

[@beardfm]

It's from Lowe's, but not entirely sure the name!

[@TsunamiBob]

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]

You actually have to invite someone to the entire home as a resident in order to share.

[@TsunamiBob]

@@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!

[@imtimrich]

Just put this on my new door,, LOVE IT auto open and self lock is great with Wi-Fi

[@beardfm]

Nice! Still enjoy mine too

[@SomeHyena]

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?

[@beardfm]

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.

[@SomeHyena]

@@beardfm epic! I guess that Wi-Fi do be draining that power tho. But thanks for the reply!

[@LrgPicture]

Aqara vs Yale? (WiFi home key) which one?

[@beardfm]

I’d go Yale. Battery seems to be lasting longer and I like the design better.

[@juanambriorimercedes8400]

There are any Yale lock with fingerprint ?

[@beardfm]

There is but it doesn’t have Home Key

[@chronoszin]

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.

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And you do need to pair the lock with HomeKit in order to use Home Key. But you can start with an HomePod mini, Apple TV, or big HomePod!

[@kingriel1237]

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

[@TerraMagnus]

I’m looking forward to Matter over Thread smart locks. Better interoperability, longer battery life. Bliss.

[@beardfm]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGmf2Wsl7-MoNUsi=GLICYYrcWmoJmHHr

[@tsizzle]

Why do you like this better than the Aqara U100?

[@beardfm]

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.

[@carolineyoung4153]

Stephen: Trying to decide between wifi and bluetooth models. Have heard horror stories about the battery life if using the wifi model. Thoughts? Thx!

[@beardfm]

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

[@shadelljamison5507]

I was going to ask how long did the batteries last then I realized you only uploaded this less than an hour ago lol

[@beardfm]

haha will update in a few weeks!

[@richarda3764]

@@beardfm It's been a few weeks. How are those batteries holding up? How often would you say you're using the door?

[@samhh]

Not in the UK 😢

[@beardfm]

Sorry about that! Trying to find out if there are any HomeKit lock options for the UK and EU

[@samhh]

@@beardfmThere is HomeKit but not Home Key. No Matter either but Nuki have something to announce soon.

[@HigherQualityUploads]

​@@samhhThe Aqara A100 has Apple Wallet keys and is available for European markets.

[@JordanJamison]

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.

[@beardfm]

Actually, both August and Yale were acquired by Assa Abloy, so it may very well be the same app with different brands.

[@chronoszin]

Yes, and you can use both apps. I have the Yale Assure Lock 2 but I use the August app, because I had an August lock before.

[@jap2k5]

Love your review, what I would like to know is if you already have a Yale Smart lock with a Wi-Fi hub do you really need another one?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I’m not familiar with that brand but the main reason to upgrade would be Home Key access

[@jap2k5]

@@beardfm sorry I meant Yale 🤦🏾‍♂️.

[@TheWalrus_45]

Can you do a quick video on how to use the dead lock feature please?

[@beardfm]

Is that for this Yale lock?

[@MrLokojorge]

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?

[@beardfm]

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.

[@jasonlorenzo3179]

Should I go with keyed or touchscreen?

[@SomeHyena]

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

[@eysan90]

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?

[@beardfm]

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

[@eysan90]

@@beardfm cool thanks

[@FrancescoCarucci]

Does it support thread?

[@beardfm]

No, but there are no Home Key locks with Thread

[@robmat88]

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.

[@beardfm]

Thank you! And I review it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGmf2Wsl7-MoNUsi=xoXwHuHzSURWnFtt

[@TrailBikeMike]

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]

Sorry to hear that. Are there *any* HomeKit options, let alone home key?

[@TrailBikeMike]

@@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.

[@adamali1976]

Take a look at the ultion bolt

[@TrailBikeMike]

@@adamali1976 you still need to lift the handle on the Ultion locks - so not mother-in-law proof. But not a bad option.

[@PrivateHireGuy]

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).

[@angeljaimes3277]

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 ) ….

[@beardfm]

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

[@angeljaimes3277]

@@beardfm got it…. Again thanks for the good information very appreciate…..

[@jeff7014]

the lock at 4:06 is the Aqara, hehe

[@HigherQualityUploads]

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.

[@beardfm]

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

[@csf1757]

No thread option?

[@beardfm]

No thread unfortunately, but there’s not really any Home Key locks with Thread

[@ryancrowther2602]

My home key doesn’t show up after installation I feel like I am going crazy…

[@MasterMrx]

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]

I’ve had mine installed for 3 weeks and the battery shows 93%

[@MasterMrx]

@@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 .

[@mikemayoros5641]

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.

[@sonicpop]

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

[@latenight6750]

I just got one for the front door (apple whatever for bring in groceries) and basic one $50 less for back door I half agree with you lol

[@SignorLuigi]

Why did you feel compelled to insult folks who you do not know by referring to them as "iSheep?"

[@sonicpop]

@@SignorLuigi 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?

[@SignorLuigi]

@@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."

[@sonicpop]

@@SignorLuigi You are a perfect being, I guess I am not. You win

[@AlexQFreeman]

Dam, I need a version with ALL features

[@beardfm]

Aqara U100 might be the one then: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJSUXoOal6qqfqcsi=e1QfdnqXeRWcnRN_

[@Salty_Collector]

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.

[@beardfm]

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!

[@shoppingbyrd8557]

So my question is if it can just be opened with a 9volt how does it protect entry?

[@georgewashington3012]

Amazon reviews indicate so many bugs with this thing.

[@AL-12345]

Schlage Encode Plus is so much better.

[@beardfm]

That’s what I’ve been hearing…

[@myharryface]

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?

[@beardfm]

The Aqara U100 has a USB-C port for what it’s worth!

[@GamingPIPI]

HomeKit sucks. It doesn’t even support gradient light strips. Like what the hell?!

[@beardfm]

It has a lot of shortcomings, true. But the integration with Shortcuts is pretty great (see what I’d did there 😏)

[@GamingPIPI]

@@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…

[@GamingPIPI]

@@beardfm i barely see any use in homekit anymore purely because they don’t support gradient strips.

[@marvenscantave4023]

This guy just talk a lot of nonsense he didn’t even mention auto lock. Does door lock automatically if you forget to lock it. I currently have the Aqara and there is no auto lock function

[@jcnash02]

He mentions auto lock at 5:00

[@dabirds4005]

So anybody can put a 9 volt battery to unlock your door?

[@beardfm]

No, you still need to enter the code or tap Home Key to unlock with the 9V battery touching the contacts.

[@BK-pc3ei]

Get your kids a iPhone or Apple Watch

[@deedeetee17]

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.

[@KingCharles-o6z]

The Auto Unlock is utter crap

[@Outdoordude01]

I would never trust Auto Unlock on any smart door

[@mehdib1211]

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

[@leonardomendonca7336]

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

[@johnw3355]

These as like most Yale smart locks are absolute trash. Extremely susceptible to humidity and moisture damage. Before you say its isolated it's not. I have to maintain 600+ of the worthless faulty locks.