ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro WiFi - My New Favorite Smart Lock

[@SteveDOES]

Thanks for checking out this video! I just saw this lock is having a MAJOR sale on Amazon so take advantage of that. :) Amazon Affiliate Link: U-Bolt Pro WiFi - geni.us/ixcC

[@jcm9698]

With such a gap between your door and frame, you might want to consider installing a doorframe reinforcement to give added strength/security to the front door - just a thought...

[@leighhargreaves4104]

One question I had. I think this product is the upgraded version of the U-Bolt pro. The main difference being that this device has onboard WiFi, whereas the older model requires use of a WiFi bridge. Onboard WiFi is well noted as being a big drain on batteries. I wondered then if there was a reduction in battery life for this product (with the wifi in use) vs the model that uses the bridge.

[@MakeitZUPER]

It seems good but the cloud is an issue for me. Although you don't care, some of us live in rural areas without cell service or good internet. I pay for 30Mbps DSL service that is the highest available but actually only receive under 10. anything cloud or cell based is an issue whether I want it or not.

[@SteveDOES]

It also connects locally through Bluetooth.

[@MakeitZUPER]

@@SteveDOES I saw that, but I am curious what it would be capable of with only BT. Manufacturers don't seem to list the features if that's the primary communication option. I will just carry on by buying items and tossing them if they don't work out for my application.

[@robertcochran7103]

I installed my own Ultraloq today. It took a long time for me to get the strike plate installed just right. The "u-tec" app isn't very good in my opinion. U-tec, the vendor, should not be requiring users to set up an account in order to use the actual hardware locks. Account set up asks for far too much personal information. I think u-tec even wants the an exact physical house address for the hardware app, plus your mobile number, plus your email address. They require that you agree to receiving promotional text messages and emails as a condition of creating an account. That is too much personal information harvesting and it is being done just for promotional purposes. I'm not sure how safe that information is: u-tec's data stores can be breached just as so many other companies hard theirs breached. In my mind it is unacceptable for u-tec to do this. In other areas, the app can take a long, long time to connect to the actual lock. It took me more than 6 tries to do a needed firmware update on the lock. The keypad is actually hard for me to see, and it feels hard to key in a code. I will see how the lock performs in the coming weeks. I think it is probably in the lower range of performance, but we will see. I'm glad it works well for your daughter. 😀

[@robertcochran7103]

@@zeropuckprep I have since installed on a competing smart lock, the "Nest x Yale" by Google. I purchased a wifi bridge for it, the "Nest Connect". Both the Nest app and the related Google Home app ask for far too much personal information, just as the "u-tec" app does. However, Ultraloq had terrible problems connecting to wifi: it can only connect to the 2.4 GHz wfi band. If you have a dual band wifi router (one which is both 2.4 and 5 GHz capable), the Ultraloq seems to constantly drop its wifi connection and then cycle between Bluetooth (if your cell phone is near) and wifi. It had some other hardware issues as well. The Next x Yale lock, while more expensive, works well and is reliable. The only thing I dislike is that the Next x Yale is unable to know if the door it is installed on is open or closed. That does matter sometimes. But all the other bits and pieces "just work" and they tend to work rather well. I'm only in my 9th day of testing so my opinion my change later. So don't take me too seriously. With that...I can say I like the Nest x Yale so much better.

[@brianpalay2]

I have it and enjoy it. Main improvement opportunity: Due to the black-on-black colors, it's hard to see whether the handle is horizontal or vertical in the dark, and when glancing at my door as I walk to my bedroom for bed, the house is generally dark. If the handle was a contrasting light color, that would help. You could stick a thin strip of glow tape along it.

[@abc123fhdi]

How many admin accounts can you have? Also, the keyway doesn't seem to be standard kwikset or Slage so making copies could be difficult. I also like that with Kwikset you can rekey it yourself to your existing keys. So you don't have a separate key for the other doors in your house.

[@Freedomgunsntrucks]

Definitely love this one. I'm new to this key pad locks game 😂but question did you say we can have 4 fingerprint users?

[@OldSoulloner1]

Don’t buy this lock. All kinds of electrical issues works at first and then starts having problems. Cheap Chinese crap save your money.

[@ufgatorbearify]

I've had this lock for like 3 years or so. I'm generally happy with it. It's great not to need to carry keys. I definitely recommend but 2 things: My fingerprint broke but not keypad. U tech sent new lock but it's a little difficult to put in for me with back issues so I use keypads 2. Battery went low while I was outside and would not open via phone. You need to have a key somewhere JIC. BUT the batteries were 3 years old but the actual lock didn't tell me battery low so be careful

[@tylerg8031]

I had this product for a few months, Major connectivity issues after the first week of use. Spent two months back and forth with tech support and customer service only to have them replace it with the same item with the same problem and because they wouldn’t do a refund I had to wait for one on back order (from first week in February until middle of April by the time I got one. I’m the mean time I complained to Amazon and they refunded me the entire cost and said keep the item. I replaced it with a Defiant Lock from Home Depot for $120 and I’m happy. I just have 5 pounds of junk now to get rid of. Terrible experience and nothing but the run around for customer support. I would never recommend them. I have one of their older devices that also have issues but I just use the physical key for it. Item is still under warranty but they don’t seem too excited about helping me out. Keep getting once a week tech support troubleshooting things to try which don’t work. Hopefully it’s just my experience that’s been this bad, maybe I got three lemons from them, maybe more people just give up when customer give them the run around.

[@SteveDOES]

Yikes that sucks! I'm happy to say that i haven't had any issues, but i'm sorry to hear about yours. Thank you for sharing!

[@JasonPhipps]

I'd be happy to take your old one (5 lbs of junk) off your hands for you.

[@Denny_T.]

😢

[@billw4481]

Thanks very much for all your research and leg work, Steve! In the interest of better door security, a very savvy NYC Police Officer, besides having made a number of other “field tested” recommendations, advised that door locks MUST be installed with oversized “throws” (3”!), as well as deeper “catches” in order to accommodate them. If not, he assured me, a good hard kick or at most a sleeve hidden, 15” pry-bar is easily able force open any front door, meaning most locks provide little more than s false sense of security. Do you know if this $189 lock or the company marketing it can accommodate those common custom upgrades? Please let us know. Thanks again! Best, Bill P.S. On a personal note, I think your delivery would be both easier to process and therefore more effective, if you would slow your pace down a bit.

[@PERL60]

I think his delivery is great- I find most people to be far to slow- he gets his point across accurately and clearly and to the point. LOVE at he speed in which he talks!

[@Tomcat10]

As with any KZbin video you can adjust the playback speed, faster or slower.

[@johnkfarris]

Great video, thank you! I just ordered one, should be here tomorrow.

[@jmsv888]

one of the best reviews I have seem on youtube! congrats for a really nice job mate!

[@constantnothing]

Steve! This installation is INCOMPLETE! You did not mention the DOOR SENSOR!!!!! But i can see that you put it on. The DOOR SENSOR is the most confusing part! Would be helpful to explain that.

[@alexongpanghai]

How's the battery last?

[@andrewbray7642]

I’ve been on the fence about getting this one for my apartment door, only because of the work involved, but you made it look so easy.

[@ricoo1619]

Are you able to set up an admin user or a temporary user from far away. For example if im in a different state am I able do those changes through the app?

[@ellenkroon8444]

Do you like this lock or Yale with WiFi better? I’m trying to find something for my front door and not sure what to get.

[@danettehantla1432]

Any advice about how to get the Auto Unlock feature to work? Bluetooth doesn’t seem to connect when you arrive home.

[@carrizosacamilo]

Between this one or the AqaraU100 which would you recommend?

[@Overzeal0us]

Any Alexa issues yet? They still work on the U Tec app but Alexa says “Device Unresponsive”. Did you have that issue and fix it or smooth sailing with the one U Tec sent? I just installed mine yesterday and I was able to update the Bluetooth part but not the firmware part both the locks I bought keep erroring out when trying to update. The app works ok but when I linked them to Alexa neither lock is “responsive” on the Alexa app.

[@chybeat]

This lock seems godd, but your explanation about that is crearly and extensive. Really thaks and Good Job!

[@angelacarpentergildner6583]

Thoughts on having two or more of these. Same property. Different buildings. We have a free standing garage on our AirBnB property. Renters are not given access to the garage. We get there to use our property and can't remember what we've done with the key, or have left it at home. Plus pool maintenance etc sometimes do need access to the garage. Can Iwe connect two locks to the same app. We might in the future need a third lock on fencing around the pool pump and heater. Would this also work to deadbolt a gate? How many locks can be on one account? What if I decide I want this one my main residence too, as my kids are entering the age where they are old enough to be out an about themselves.

[@kotemanoble1734]

Going to try this out. How hack-proof is this btw? I’m sure I can fix that but your opinion please.

[@anthonygasparini1734]

What about build quantity and security? Looks like one swift strike with a 16 ounce hammer will clean it off the front door and the thief is in!

[@tchoukitovice8860]

I installed yesterday at my house and I love it very easy to install the only thing I'm trying to figure it out is when I'm not home looking at the app it's not showing me if it lock or not but when I'm home it work. Is there's something that I need to turn on?

[@jacob35601]

Can you use the geofence on one of multiple locks? If I have a front door, back door, and garage door can I use the geofence on just the garage door? When my wife comes home. I don't want all the locks to unlock.

[@rodeowerewolf3004]

Sure wish they made something like this for locking gas caps on Jeeps and vehicles with no locking gas cap by default. Everything is key only.

[@johng1857]

Thanks for the review. Were you using an iPhone? I’m new to the smart home world and am wondering if there is any loss in functionality with an iPhone vs android.

[@PhanBaoNgocTruong]

Hi there! Can I ask that you can control your ubolt when you’re far away from it

[@charlesaxtens1042]

Thank you for your video. I've just installed the unique pro wifi. I had to get a new one sent as the first one didn't connect to wifi! But there was no hesitation for ultraloq to provide a replacement interior unit. Once I finally got it working I tried the air mode, I wouldn't recommend it, I thought it would be easier. So after watching your video I took the step of resetting and going back to phone app mode to keep things simpler. Regards Charles

[@robertcochran7103]

I've watched this video twice.Thank you so much for posting it. I wonder if some day you could report on having more than 1 Ultraloq device installed in your house. How does that work, how do multiple devices work out. Are your kids happy with the Ultraloq devices? What do they think about them?

[@robertlumsden942]

you are so right on this lock. it was so easy to install. went in so smooth. and once in the app was really great to get it all configured. i sure will use this lock also as my default for sure. very good video man.

[@Catman1798]

Do they have a wifi door hook and eye thing? I need one for the porch door I can unlock and lock using the phone. Or all the wifi locks a deadbolt style?

[@Tomcat10]

They make this same lock in a Z-Wave version which works great with Home Assistant.

[@13divinestarcodes]

Can this be used on a pedestrian gate?

[@PERL60]

Curious- after 4 months- how is your battery life?

[@Petesdrone]

Fingerprint only last about 2 years don't buy

[@mandih1114]

I am using the same one and I love it. Thanks for the video.

[@tomme6x3]

do you know if you can easily rekey this lock?

[@noelelnolo9642]

Good video, now I am ready to install. Thank u

[@animeshray5232]

Hi Sir, Does it only work with Alexa and not google home or any other?

[@chifan7]

Very nice thorough video. I have Almost everything setup. However I can Not connect my wifi to the app. I am pretty sure I have a new WiFi 6 router. Could That be the problem? Thanks Harold.

[@iah]

Probably due to you not having a separate 2.4Ghz band. If you have both bands active on one SSID, try turning off the 5ghz band, connecting it, and then turning the band back on

[@lasongablackwell6535]

I just ordered one delivery for tomorrow excited

[@camilledugas3428]

Having trouble logging onto the app

[@Codi1102]

Can it change to round deadbolt plate?

[@PERL60]

Do you know when / why you would need the ‘bridge’ ? It shows it as a purchase option and I don’t want to purchase it if I don’t need to. Thanks for the great video!

[@jasonmccune9313]

Pro "non wifi" needs the separate bridge. The new BT and WiFi version has on board wifi and does not need a bridge. You can also turn wifi off to double battery life. Just can't use a phone app. You can still use BT and finger and keypad.

[@PERL60]

The one box came with a bridge and during setup instructed me to plug it in near the door… I had forgot do it because we were in the process of a move at the time- it didn’t seem to matter… however when I plugged it in and paired it I found that the lock is far more accurate with the Auto Unlock feature now. Far less flakey

[@TheJonnyJager]

When you do these reviews. Will you measure the inside battery box? Hard to find that info and for people (like me) that have two dead bolts. We are limited on space. No one talks about the real world size of the inside box. Love the videos!

[@TonyB1999]

Dang twin deadbolts?

[@davidgekler]

The reason professionals will not use this lock is it has a Keyhole, which can be picked in 2 seconds. Any lock with A Hole in it is not a lock. Nice looking lock though.

[@JasonPhipps]

You *could* use a lock pick... You could also use a prybar. If someone's coming into my house, they're coming into my house one way or another. The idea is to keep that difficult. The keyhole is hidden, so unless your thief has seen one of these locks before, they'll not even know it has a keyhole. They might be getting an education right there on my front porch, but they'll be on video the entire time they fiddle with it. I love the fact that it has a keyhole. I've never used it, but the peace of mind that I have a backup method that is just as effective today as it was in 1985 is fine with me.

[@justinfrost3055]

I have had this lock for just over 3 months. Was having connectivity issues to Wi-Fi where lock would lose connection and intermittently lock and unlock. After multiple days chatting with customer service the issue may be resolved… fixes were isolating the lock on my deco mesh network. Locking the connection to 2.4GHz. And changing Wi-Fi password to not contain any special characters (was told current firmware does not support special characters for Wi-Fi password)

[@MusicMonkey5555]

That's kind of crazy it doesn't support special characters. Considering it's a security device that worries me.

[@Pro1er]

@@MusicMonkey5555 I'd be more worried about your family's fingerprints, pictures, 24/7 hour location and phone numbers going to some Chinese server.

[@JasonPhipps]

@@Pro1er Good thing this lock is 100% local. No servers involved.

[@Stealther]

Ultraloq: Can we be your favorite? Steve: Show me the money Ultraloq: Done Steve: You're my new favorite!

[@abdullahX001]

Fingerprint reader on your front door sounds like a really, really, unwise idea. It is so easy to lift fingerprints.

[@SteveDOES]

Really? Have you lifted a lot? What’s the success of using them with other fingerprint readers?

[@abdullahX001]

@@SteveDOES not door locks, because I haven't bought any, but many other products very successfully. It just seems very unsafe for a front door to your home, I could understand it for less critical areas. Of course one could just opt out of the feature… just sharing a concern.

[@james2008957]

What an idiot comment. How many individuals know how to lift fingerprints compared to someone who could pick a lock?

[@PAULHODARA]

This lock is the biggest piece of garbage out there even Amazon dropped it because of all the returns. Enough of these paid reviewers.

[@jasonmccune9313]

Not true it is still available today 1_28

[@beachpreachr1894]

Mine is great.