Yale Conexis L1 Smart Lock plus Apple Watch control

Installation of the Yale Conexis L1 Smart Lock.
Connecting to Smartthings with z-wave module 2 and operating the lock using an Apple Watch.

[@malcdickinson06]

Is the lock still working ok, any problems. Thinking of getting one but reviews are mixed. Great video.

[@swodder8438]

Hey, yes the lock is still working great and I'm really glad I installed it as I had some doubts myself beforehand from reading some of the reviews. I know it sounds like a minor addition but it feels much more convinient when you just have to lift the handle to lock the house and you unlock it with a couple of taps on your wrist as you approach your front door from the street and can just walk straight in. I changed the batteries the other day for the first time. They lasted just over 4 months. That's using the watch to open the door each time over z-wave. (I guess on average 2-3 times a day). I was sent notifications to my phone from the Smartthings app that the battery was low. I initially took a backdoor key out with me as I was going to see how much longer the batteries would last before the lock stopped working out of curiosity but after 5 days I just changed the batteries as couldn't be bothered carrying the key any more. I've gotten used to not carrying awkward keys and having just my minimalist wallet and phone.

[@malcdickinson06]

swodder thanks for the reply. I decided to purchase one, had it about 4 days, had issue trying to open from inside with the turning knob but seems it was because we was checking whether it was locked or not and think this is why I had problem, but now I just lock it and leave it and it seems to be working without fault,!have you tried the rechargeable batteries at all.

[@swodder8438]

@@malcdickinson06 Glad it's working for you. I didn't try with re-chargeable batteries. The lock states that it needs 1.5v Alkaline AAs. Re-chargeble are usually 1.2v. Probably means that it would work initially but you might get issues sooner as the batteries age and the voltage drops off. AAs are relatively cheap anyway, especially compared to theprice of the lock itself.

[@swodder8438]

Sophie Clarke Yes, still working perfectly fine. Never had any issues and always use my watch to unlock the door just as I’m walking up to it. No longer getting holes in my pockets from keys now which is great 😀

[@MrFish1968]

@@swodder8438 I just can't get mine to work with my Apple Watch. I have both variant of the smart things app, new and classic, and in the Apps I have lock and unlock, but nothing on Apple Watch, the widgets are also blank under the widgets at the extreme left on my iPhone.

[@isaacrashid3331]

Hi John thanks for your video can I please ask what type of multipoint lock you have. I have just purchased the Yale L1 Conexis and apparently my door is not compatible. Also how easy is to set up the automation on your lock using your Apple Watch and what will I need? Thanks

[@kiefercopp]

Yo Swobber! Do you need the additional module in order to use an apple watch? Or is that just for if you’re away?

[@garrywhelan2550]

Hi. Just bought a Conexis lock, waiting for it to be delivered. I have an Apple Watch and like the function you use in the video. Can you advise which watch app you use to do this? Thanks Garry

[@bigmacbiggs2139]

Following for more info

[@swodder8438]

Hi, I’m still using the SmartThings Classic app which has Apple Watch support. I heard that the new app doesn’t have Apple Watch support (yet?) so I haven’t ported over to the new SmartThings app. There are a few other options there that I’ve seen that people have used but I’ve not had to bother trying. Hopefully I won’t be forced to migrate to the newer app until the Watch functionality is added.

[@verygoodbrother]

Could you possibly try the 9v battery test to actually see if it works?

[@mr8kc]

Great video, but worth mentioning the phone app. The phone app is actually very convenient. No tags needed, and its almost always logged in for me. Open app, click "Tap to unlock" and tap the lock front. Works fine. Also means you can easily share keys, and manage through the app. Very easy if you have additional folks you want to give entry to, either for long term or short term use. I plan to get the Z Wave, but even then, I will be usin the app to manage other keys for the lock. Last point - mine if broken. Ran into an issue where the lock is regularly trying to relock itself, or gets stuck in a power up loop. Had the lock for maybe 9 months? Still waiting on Yale to get back to me to discuss.

[@MyPawsCare]

Good job on the video, appreciate the straightforward delivery. I hope you’ll make many more.

[@arsecheese51]

Just had one fitted, but thanks for going to the trouble of answering some of my outstanding questions.. very thorough, thanks very much

[@itfben]

Can you manual unlock from the inside?

[@dieseldog289]

Looks cool mate, look forward to future videos, making my home "smart" its crazy the amount of options there are!! Thanks for doing the videos!! Keep em coming

[@ahassen1236]

Couple of small gripes obviously the size looks huge compared to the normal type handle if you have no intention of getting a module, and as I like the chrome one the black plastic covers stand out a bit and should be in a silvery chrome plastic to match. Maybe these two issues could be addressed in a 2nd gen version whereby the module may be built in and better app support?

[@FullMontyCrew]

Hi I’ve have an Apple Watch 6 and would like to connect the watch to the door but when I tried downloading the app it’s saying what is my Samsung account which I don’t have one as I use iPhone and Apple Watch. Can you please help

[@rustystuff]

Great positive video thank you. Interesting to know about the 9 volt battery back up if the internal ones die, that was actually going to be my question to you but no need now 😃

[@jaysdronelife9864]

Hi brilliant video, after installing the module what app do you use on your Apple Watch to unlock please?

[@swodder8438]

In the video I was using the Classic Smartthings app but I'm now using JSmartWatch which links to the new Smartthings routines etc

[@Thereviewerman5]

Great video. You should do more videos for other things.

[@circuitdotlt]

But can it LOCK the door? My key won't turn to lock until I lift the handle manually.

[@circuitdotlt]

Found it. Does Conexis® L1 Auto Re-Lock? No, a mechanical multipoint lock mechanism cannot be locked without lifting the handle when it is in an unlocked state.

[@MrHoudinidog]

Excellent just what I needed after purchasing a z wave today

[@leosullivan4685]

I have the l1 smart door lock and Apple Watch what do I need to use full smart integration? I understand I need the module but what else?? Thanks

[@john8oy]

I’m in the same boat. The classic Smartthings app has been discontinued and with it the Apple Watch support

[@swodder8438]

There are quite a few options but I have mine working with the SmartThings classic app for now so I haven’t had to change anything. You will need the z-wave module for the lock and a z-wave controller (SmartThings is a controller but there are other generic ones that could be set up) and there are other Apple Watch options as well with either SmartThings or another z-wave controller. It depends on how much you want to get into Home Automation. You might want to look into IFTTT for the Watch. There used to often be a big lag between the trigger and the action meaning it wasn’t suitable for things you needed to happen straight away (such unlocking your door as soon as you press the button - SmartThings has always triggered immediately for me using it every day). I use IFTTT for some other things though and noticed that it seems faster now but I would experiment more before I used it anywhere I needed it to be immediate.

[@adc9044]

I have one in the box but won’t fit with the door mechanism. Should be 92mm distance between handle and cylinder. Did you get new door mechanism ?

[@swodder8438]

Fitted my door just fine. It’s supposed to fit standard doors, sounds like you might have a non typical lock.

[@TravelStyleNews]

Im keen on installing one,mainly for a AirBnB rental, but then I thought is it realy better than having a key? I hope im not being perdantic, Back up 9v = Back up Key Key Fobs = Keys The WiFi thing might be good but i heard it not so reliable. What your thought now youve usedit for a while?

[@swodder8438]

Hi, I assume you wouldn’t be asking your guests to install an app anyway so the WiFi thing wouldn’t be relevant in your scenario. Wifi scénario would be dependent on the Internet being available and obviously sometimes ISPs have outages - though mine hasn’t had any outages when I’ve been getting home in the last 16 months since I installed. Using the fobs or cards for your AirBnB guests sounds like a good idea though. It means that if anyone loses (or steals) a card / fob you can just cancel it. It would be similar to the hotel rooms that use touch cards. The battery life is reasonable and when you start getting warnings of low battery you can change them straight away to be safe - they still last a few more weeks after that.

[@ians5364]

can it be operated it from an android smartwatch

[@ruddyuddy]

Hey Buddy, what mutilock system do you have? Is it a split-spindle or the normal spindle lock? appreciate your video massively and appreciate a reply from you too. Im buying a brand new door and will be buying a brand new multilock unit too and need to know which type to get, as I probably can't return if it I get the wrong one.

[@swodder8438]

Hey, it’s just a normal straight spindle lock. Pretty standard door that came with the house. Think most modern doors have exactly the same system.

[@alexwalker9803]

I was looking at this for both yale and a smart garage door I am looking at using multiple triggers in ifttt to take in to account my geolocation when using a watch/cycle computer

[@swodder8438]

I use IFTTT and geolocation in IFTTT for some things but I found IFTTT actions would often be a minute or two after the trigger so no good if you want a door to open. SmartThings always works within a second though I know this isn’t an option for new users any more.

[@hellsjudgement]

Hi, do the modules come with the lock? Or are they built by seperate company? Basically I want to be able to tell alexa to lock my door. Can I do it just with the Yale lock? I also want to use my iPhone wallet and maybe buy an apple watch to open and close the door. Can you tell me what I'd need for that?

[@john8oy]

Please don’t buy an Apple Watch just for that functionality, the support seems to have discontinued

[@swodder8438]

You won't need to ask Alexa to lock the door. By default a few seconds after lifting the door handle the door will automatically lock so no need to buy a module if you have no plans for any smart home integration.

[@bigmacbiggs2139]

Hi there great video, I’m very intrested and keen to buy and install one of these but was wondering if you could help me with a question, are these HomeKit enabled? Or do I have to buy a module for that? I want all my smart accessories in house to run through home kit but I know for instance my nest stuff needs another hub. Please could you help me out with the Yale locks? Regards.

[@swodder8438]

If you get the lock and the z-wave module it will work with any generic z-wave controller. I haven’t used HomeKit but as it’s Apple it’s probably propriety and you will be stuck with Apple devices. You may be able to get a bridge hub or device to allow you to access generic z-wave devices (they will probably be a lot cheaper if you are going to buy a lot). You can control Nest and Hive systems using generic controllers. The same hub that you say you need for your Nest could be used for the lock (as well as loads of cheap lights, switches, relays etc).

[@stevebell3537]

Got mine to work with HomeKit via homebridge with the z module using Aqara smart hub.

[@TheKizzado0dle]

Hi - looking at getting this. So to unlock with an apple watch/iphone widget you need to get the z wave module and a smart things hub? I'm looking at getting this, ring doorbell & alarm system and hive heating. A little annoying to have to get a smart things hub when not the alarm system and hive don't appear to be compatible - is there any other benefit to a smart things hub? thanks!

[@swodder8438]

Hi, you’ve got two options to control remotely, either a proprietary Yale module and Yale hub or the z-wave module and any generic z-wave controller. I use the SmartThings hub as my z-wave controller but there are many other options. The advantage of SmartThings (over propriety hubs such as Hive or Yale) is that you get a lot things out the box such as the iPhone App and Apple Watch integration, an environment where you can program other home automations, and large community that can help and support. From SmartThings I also control my Hive heating, Philips hue lights, alarm, robot vacuum, and many more from various brands. Eg it can read my google calendar and turn my heating off when I away.

[@Rubbernut]

Only thing that worries me is can somebody not smash your door window and just open it from the inside

[@Ring0147]

What is the app called for the iwatch ?

[@paulmay6765]

Nice video. Would be good to see the install.

[@02semiata]

I see you're using the handle to lock the door. Could you not lock the door via the smart things app ? Thanks

[@JohnWClips]

You lift the handle to bring the bolts across from the door. That is not part of the lock that is how the door mechanism works. If you had a key lock you would then need to lock the door but with this Smart lock the door automatically locks itself so you don't need to.

[@02semiata]

John Wilcock thanks ! I just ordered one and the sync alarm. So ended up with the sync module. Might switch to z-wave at some point if I’m not happy

[@jonathanhaigh8187]

Is it possible to create a shortcut on the new Smartthings app, the basic version worked fine

[@john8oy]

The new app is seriously lacking. No watch support and the Widgets don’t work with IOS 14 as far as I can see

[@swodder8438]

@@john8oy When classic smartthings app was removed I got the new Smartthings app but also got JSmartWatch app which gives all the Apple Watch functionality as before so still working with no issues 3 years later

[@gaa2525]

Hi Great video, I’ve had the same lock for about 18 months we have always used the fobs, the only app I have on my iPhone is the Yale Conexis L1 app which like you said is a pain as you have to hold your phone up to the lock, so if I get an Z wave 2 module. Do I need any other apps to open the door with iPhone or Apple Watch? We also have Amazon smart speaker which obviously only locks the door, Thanks for any help 😊

[@john8oy]

Hi mate. I’ve just had the lock fitted. Bought the z-wave module and a Smartthings hub. However, the classic Smartthings app that supports the Apple Watch is no discontinued! So I’m left with using the new app that lack loads of functionality the classic app supported. I was also going to configure a homebridge server to get the lock working with IOS HomeKit but this also relies on the Smartthings classic app. So Just a warning. I’ve invested £100 in smart devices and I’ve still no way of getting it working with my Apple Watch. Even the Widgets don’t work in the new Smartthings App. Lastly I thought IFTTT might be a workaround, but there’s no recipe for unlocking Yale lock with one press.

[@gaa2525]

@@john8oy thanks for letting me know, it’s poor really, you’d think there would be a way you could unlock it with your Apple Watch 😞

[@bigmacbiggs2139]

@@john8oy ahh you may be of help to me! I’m looking to get one of these but want it to work with HomeKit? How or even is this possible? Thanks for your knowledge 😂

[@swodder8438]

@@john8oy if you are using SmartThings though you could get IFTTT to trigger a virtual switch and then do whatever you want such as unlock the door. I assume you’re using the Groovy IDE. This would work fine but my main issue with IFTTT would be the lag if that is still an issue. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve played with IFTTT properly so it might be faster now. I use the geolocation stuff with IFTTT which works well for my uses as i don’t mind waiting a couple of minutes for these particular routines.

[@john8oy]

@@bigmacbiggs2139 There may be a way using other z-wave hubs, but not the smartthings hub, unfortunately. If you're patient, Yale are supposed to be releasing a Yale module for Homekit, but it's not available in UK yet, might be in the US or OZ.

[@jamescitron]

how long does the battery last with z module? read it vastly decreases??

[@swodder8438]

I use z-wave and the batteries last about 5 months.

[@dannysmith81]

Doesn’t look like you can use smart things as a complication on the Apple Watch anymore

[@swodder8438]

No they discontinued that. However the new Smartthings phone app is better and there is a great Apple Watch app JSmartWatch has a complication which does everything and more that the old smart thing watch app did

[@dynomodels]

If you get the module can you get it to auto lock 🔒

[@swodder8438]

The door auto locks anyway without the module. You need to lift the handle of course but just after doing that the door will auto lock. Also if you unlock the door after an interval (configurable but defaulted to 30 seconds) the door will re-lock itself.

[@xbox360benji]

great upload thanks for the info just fitted mine today with the wave module 2 and connected it to smarthings hub, for some reason I cannot connect to google home as it wont let me sign into third party usage ?1? but wanted to get in and see if I can voice control it or use my samsung smartwatch with it ...not many vids about on the subject. I know you cant unlock it by voice (security) but I know you can check to see if its locked via voice. cheers swodder.

[@swodder8438]

It’s quite easy to put it behind a virtual switch to voice control it if you really wanted to. Obvious need to be careful about the security implications. I created a physical button that will unlock from my bedroom. Can use it to ‘buzz’ people in.

[@xbox360benji]

@@swodder8438 settled for the voice "lock samsung" option but having the lock/unlock option on watch was major for me and happy it was there for me on Samsung watch..thanks for replying.

[@Safir176]

Hi Peter, i have an Android watch. Are you able to give any advice on how to make it work on the smart watch? What app did you download?

[@xbox360benji]

@@Safir176 I used the zwave module and connected that to smartthings hub then that allowed watch to have access to lock and unlock ..

[@Safir176]

@@xbox360benji thank you, did u then go to the playstore and download an app? If so, what was the name of the app please?

[@Kadaf1]

Any issues with the app ? I went into settings and click “notifications when door is unlocked” . However it doesn’t work , when I go back into settings it has unticked the notification box

[@swodder8438]

I’ve not had any issues with it but I’ve not had any need to change any settings recently.

[@MrHoudinidog]

Also any chance you can show how to set the z wave to open automatically when arriving home and how to set it up as yours on the Apple Watch thanks

[@swodder8438]

The z-wave setup will depend on what z-wave controller you are using. In Smartthings it appears automatically as a lock with all the standard controls that you would expect. I don't have my lock open automatically on arrival (though you could do this based prescence of your phone or something similar, though wouldn't be as secure). As I mentioned in the video Smartthings comes with an Apple watch app so I can just use a simple Smartthings routine to trigger the door open.

[@MrHoudinidog]

Any chance you could do a set up video with the SmartThings v3 hub the zwave module 2 as mine is eating batteries and the apps are hard work to navigate

[@swodder8438]

Hi, I have a v2 hub, not that this would change the set-up. I use the Smartthings classic app on the iphone and apple watch. After adding a new 'thing' using the app it was automatically displayed as a lock, with actions to lock and unlock. I didn't have to do any specific set-up. There was an old zwave module with firmware that people reported drained the battery. This seemed to have been fixed around summer 2018. If you've got an old batch then you might need to upgrade it or swap it and I'm sure you'd find people that have done this on the net. My batteries lasted just over 4 months and I have exclusively used the zwave module each day to unlock the door.

[@MrHoudinidog]

swodder thanks I now have the v3 hub and the. Z wave 2 but still have trouble using the unlock on arrival using the iPhone as a presence sensor if you do ever set this up let me know how you get on ta

[@vandle3000]

Hi what is the app called for the Apple Watch to work with the smart lock 🔒

[@swodder8438]

This is the SmartThings app as I use this for home automation

[@MrFish1968]

@@swodder8438 classic? Nothing appears in mine.

[@jordansnod843]

Mark Fisher They have removed the routines needed in the classic SmartThings app. I have a workaround using IFTTT. IFTTT can connect to SmartThings and then you set up an applet for a button press to unlock the Yale lock.

[@manxman275]

I have SmartThings classic on my watch. But I can’t select it as a complication. Are you using the new app?

[@swodder8438]

Hi no I’m using the classic app. You can’t select it as a complication on every watch face eg Infograph, but you can add it to Utility, maybe others.

[@manxman275]

Ah thanks. You are correct. It works on some. But not the one I use.

[@BigidyBooh]

Are you still using this, if so any issues?

[@swodder8438]

Hi yes it’s still working fine a year in without any issues. Open my front door with my watch every day.

[@BigidyBooh]

@@swodder8438 thank you, also the battery life good aswell?

[@niceguy235uk1]

I think ill stick to my Ultion.