Aqara Smart Lock U100, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock with Apple Home Key, Touchscreen Keypad, Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt, IP65 Weatherproof, Supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT, Gray

We picked this up to replace an older smart lock that finally gave out. Installation was pretty straightforward, though I didn’t find a physical manual in the box. Instead, I had to scan a QR code to access their website, where they walk you through the process with a video. It’s easy to follow—just take your time and you’ll be fine.One thing that did bug me: yet another app download. It feels like every device these days comes with its own app just to do one job. Still, in this case, the app is essential—there’s really no way around it.I’ve run into a couple of hiccups with smart home integration. I use the Samsung SmartThings app for most of my devices. While I see other models from this brand listed there, this particular model doesn’t show up. It looks like I’ll need to buy a separate hub to connect it, which I’m hoping resolves the issue. It would be disappointing if I can’t sync it with the rest of my setup.That said, the lock itself has been great so far. The mechanism is quiet and fast—much better than my old Kwikset, which made a loud, drawn-out grinding noise every time it locked or unlocked. This one gets the job done quickly and cleanly.I’ll try to post an update after some time. Living in Southern Arizona, I’m especially curious to see how well it holds up in the desert heat and sun.

Very pleased with the ability to lock the house from anywhere. The ability to get in quickly with a fingerprint is so helpful. The package didn’t come with proper instructions- it’s all on the app which every time you exit to do a step you have to re-enter all the information over again so that’s annoying. YouTube videos helped. The app was initially sucky, but now that we have the whole household’s fingerprints the app won’t be a problem.

I have three of these locks installed in my home, and they have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective choice for Home Key-compatible smart locks.Pros:- Seamless Home Key integration: Unlocking the door is effortless—simply tapping an Apple Watch or iPhone provides consistent and reliable access, even when carrying items.- Aesthetically pleasing design: The lock has a clean, modern appearance that blends well with various home styles.- Multiple access methods: Users have a range of options, including a traditional key, fingerprint recognition, numerical code entry, Home Key functionality, and app-based control.- Compact size: The lock does not protrude excessively, maintaining a sleek and unobtrusive profile on the door.- Good battery life: Battery performance appears reliable, reducing the need for frequent replacements or recharges.Considerations:- Connectivity requirements: Optimal performance requires an Apple HomeKit-compatible device such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or Aqara hub. Without one of these, connectivity is limited to Bluetooth via the Aqara app, restricting remote access.- Fingerprint sensor reliability: The fingerprint reader’s performance can be inconsistent, though this may be less of a concern for those primarily relying on Home Key.- Durability concerns: While the overall construction appears solid, the keyhole cover is noticeably lower in quality compared to the rest of the lock.Final Thoughts:Given its affordability, performance, and integration within my existing Aqara and HomeKit ecosystem, I would consider purchasing these locks again. However, those without a compatible smart home setup may need to evaluate whether the connectivity limitations align with their needs.

NI usually steer clear of products with ratings below 4.5, but this lock caught my eye with its sleek design and convenient features like Apple Home fingerprint and passcode all in one. I decided to take a chance on it. Surprisingly, despite the mixed reviews, it performs really well and I'm quite pleased with it.

As an owner of 3 Aqara U100 smart locks for approximately one year, my experience has unfortunately led me to a position where I cannot recommend this product or the Aqara ecosystem for most smart home applications. While the locks offer some basic smart home functionality, they fall significantly short in areas crucial for remote management and reliability.Connectivity and Hub Performance:A primary and persistent issue lies with the unreliable connectivity between the U100 locks and the Aqara M3 hub. Despite being situated well within the stated 50-foot range, each of my three locks frequently disconnects from the base station. This inconsistent connectivity severely undermines the "smart" capabilities of the system.Severely Limited Remote Administration:The most significant drawback of the Aqara U100 is its baffling limitation on remote administration. Essential functions such as adding or removing users, creating or deleting access codes, and managing most security features require a direct Bluetooth connection to the lock. This design choice renders the "Smart Hub" largely ineffective for true remote management. For landlords, vacation homeowners, or anyone needing to manage access from a distance, this limitation is a deal-breaker. The hub's remote functionality is essentially restricted to locking and unlocking, and even that is contingent upon the aforementioned unreliable connection.Inconvenient Multi-Lock Management:The lack of centralized user management across multiple locks within the same household is another major frustration. There is no a_bility to add a user's fingerprint or access code once and apply it to multiple U100 locks. Instead, each fingerprint and code must be manually programmed at each individual lock. Furthermore, any updates or removals of access codes also necessitate direct Bluetooth access.Resetting and Reconfiguration Issues:In instances where a lock loses its connection to the base station or the broader smart home ecosystem, a factory reset often becomes the only recourse. This process is not only inconvenient but also results in the complete loss of all programmed fingerprints and access codes, requiring users to physically re-enroll at each lock. This highlights a significant lack of robust backup and restore functionality.Disappointing Battery Life (Exterior Doors):The battery performance of the U100 locks varies drastically depending on their location. For our garage door lock, which is exposed to outdoor temperature fluctuations, a set of four AA rechargeable batteries lasts approximately one month. In contrast, the two indoor locks achieve a more reasonable lifespan of around six months.Non-Existent US Customer Support:My attempts to seek assistance for various pairing and base station issues through Aqara's official website and email channels have been met with silence. This lack of responsive US-based customer support is a significant concern for a product in the smart home security sector.Conclusion:For individuals seeking a reliable smart lock solution with robust remote access and management capabilities, particularly for applications like rental properties or vacation homes, I strongly advise looking elsewhere. The Aqara U100, in its current iteration, fails to deliver on the promise of a truly "smart" and remotely manageable lock. While it functions adequately as a basic offline lock utilizing fingerprint or access code entry, its significant shortcomings in connectivity, remote administration, and support make it an unreliable choice for any scenario demanding remote interaction or automation.