The Best Smart Lock? SwitchBot Lock Pro: Full Installation Guide and Review

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

10% off if you buy direct from SwitchBot and use my coupon code: 10UPFAKADETAEQ UK: bit.ly/4agOtU5 US: bit.ly/3QIPCg9 EU: bit.ly/3wJkM09

[@leona_devon]

Thank you for this video, I bought this lock but struggled to fit it, because my existing front end doesn't allow you to remove the end, so thank you for showing that the Yale lock actually has a removable thumb turn, as I struggle to find a cylinder with an actual removable thumb turn end

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

I discovered that same issue - I like the Ultion locks personally, but the thumb twists on those are welded on so can't be used. The Yale seems good so far, although it doesn't have the same quality feel as the Ultion does.

[@leona_devon]

Yes and also the yale lock is quite expensive at £40, do you know if this is the only manufacturer to produce locks with removable thumb turns?

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

The Yale lock is very reasonably priced, £40 isn't an expensive cylinder. You can get cheaper lesser-known brands from hardware stores but I wouldn't particularly recommend them - I did notice that they looked like they had removable thumb turns (I looked in B&Q at what they had in there) but you would have to take a look and see for yourself to be certain. An Ultion cylinder by comparison is about £65.

[@Eejit011]

Great video. How (physically) secure is the keypad? Is it removed from the base as easy as you fitted it, just clicking in, or is it secured to the base with screws. Also battery access?

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

It’s secured with a latch that requires a tool (like an iPhone SIM tool or paperclip) to remove, but it is alarmed! Check out their guide here support.switch-bot.com/hc/en-us/articles/13474015023895-How-to-Remove-SwitchBot-Keypad-Keypad-Touch

[@DonLuigi72]

The only issue I have with this lock is the thickness of it. It is 2 - 3 cm thicker that other locks, which makes a huge difference. Not only that it looks like a big box hanging on your door, depending on handle position it gets in the way of opening the door. Even the previous version is about 1 cm thinner.

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

It is big yes, but it appears to work well so far

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Real well done, only thing Big Suck is those 4 screws so bloody small and it won’t align to the holes very downer when installing. I was able to screw one hole on both sides! Thank you!

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Thanks! I little bit of Vaseline on the Allen key so as those screws stayed on it made the process much easier

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

@@SpeakToTheGeekTechIt is not putting in the screws, it is the alignment of the holes, the mounted plate meets the unit so both holes line up for the insert of a screw that causes the big issue!

[@MrTommymonk]

You should ensure that lock bodies are sized properly for the door thickness. You have about 15mm sticking out on the outside, a common attack for thieves is to snap the lock from the outside and walk in.

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Yes I see that now. It’s actually only about 8mm I just measured, and the lock should snap safe if attacked, but yes it should be sized better and when I can find the ideal dimensions (Yale don’t seem to have one perfect for me) I’ll swap it over.

[@MrTommymonk]

​@@SpeakToTheGeekTechhaving done the research when upgrading all my locks I can highly recommend avocet abs, they're very secure and you can have them 'key alike' to have one key for several locks

[@robomophungary]

How do you use this lock if you do not have a door handle on the other side of the door ?

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Have a read of this uk.switch-bot.com/blogs/news/are-there-any-smart-locks-for-doors-without-handles

[@dluik]

Great vid as always - i have just put my order in. I have a front door with no handle so will be interesting to see how well it can hold the latch to open the door. Also hoping it lets me install it upside down as i have a pull handle below the lock inside.. lets see

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

I don’t know about latch holding, there is an option in the setup for that but I couldn’t test it. It will work upside down though, I know that for sure!

[@themorfill]

Is there a way around the issue of having to lift the door handle in order to lock the door, so the lock can be locked and unlocked remotely?

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

To my knowledge there are no products on the market that can lift the handle on a multipoint door lock sadly

[@AdrianMooreRGBracer]

But there is a lockset that would mean you don't need to. They're called keywind locks. And turning the key through 2 revolutions closes the multipoint latches instead of lifting the handle. And the switchbot pro works with them. Adds about £100 to the install total cost though

[@RH-xj8hm]

Rob vacuum called “Britney clears” 😂 We called ours PAC-Man

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Hehe Britney gets her own video next week

[@PhG1961]

Excellent overview!

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Thank you!

[@ipb1966]

Problem is with most of these locks is the locking process, not unlocking. Most modern UK doors require you to raise the handle to engage the latches. So if you’re away from home and think “did I lock the door”, well you can’t lock it anyway and auto lock won’t work.

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Yeah that's true, I do have to raise the handle... but it's the family-training process I have cracked of 'always lift the handle when you close the door' :)

[@Anugrah21-b4c]

Dont worry as long it has hole key we can open the door...

[@henrikmller5986]

why does it have to be so bulky? if they made it slimmer i would definitely buy it.

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

I think it's because they are using regular AA batteries. I guess it's the trade-off, AA batteries are large! To be fair the size of the lock is only one of two complaints I have so far. The other issue being the knob is tricky to turn for those with poor hand dexterity it turns out. That's something I learned after making the video when an elderly relative tried to use it. They could press the button, but that's not the instinct. Other than that, it's still reliable and installed on my door!

[@headerahelix]

There's also a motor inside that has the torque required for multi point locks.

[@ecoterrorist1402]

Management hey! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Yeah, I still haven't changed that!

[@ndudman8]

disagree sometimes with her in doors, otherwise you'll forever be under the thumb :)

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

She said to tell you that I say you’re wrong…

[@ndudman8]

@@SpeakToTheGeekTech :) one day british white men will man up and realise that sometimes they have to say no to their wifes... it might be a stressfull time accross the whole of the uk :) but required :)

[@mariuszengland]

bloody house hold management :)

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Ha yeah, the fun police

[@bordersw1239]

Hmm my neighbour is a software engineer and the guy around the corner was an officer in the SAS, followed by years working in the security industry. Told me he could bypass my Wi-Fi alarm in about 15 seconds as he walked past,I didn’t doubt him, think I’ll keep to my manual locks.

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

It’s possible but way more effort than just picking the lock, snapping it off, or breaking a window. If someone is going to break in, I’d bet they use physical tools and not carry a laptop with them

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Although working a lot with IT security myself I’d very much dispute the 15 second claim. You’d have to get very lucky to do it that quick!

[@virusdetected6395]

A thief or a killer doesn't care about your "locks" especially if you have a windows on your door.

[@Ash-Col]

He's chatting absolute bollocks

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

Yeah, I reckon someone who used to be in the SAS has several much quicker and easier options for gaining entry to a network or property than attempting to hack Wifi... and I speak as someone who has played around with Aircrack a number of times :)

[@jeh1333]

What a load of fking about, life is so simple, just use a key!

[@SpeakToTheGeekTech]

That is kind of the point with this smart lock though, the grumpy household members can still use their physical key to get in, but everyone else has other convenient options.