A stupid deadbolt? On this day and age? No, thank you. I want a smarter door, one that can detect when I leave and lock it behind me, or unlock it using any number of magical methods: phone, watch, fingerprint and so on.
That's the Aqara Smart Lock U100 in a nutshell; it meets all these requirements and then some. It is indeed one of the most advanced deadbolts you can get. But does it look as beautiful in your home as it does on paper? Here is my Aqara Smart Lock U100 review.
$190 at Amazon
Before you decide whether to buy the U100, keep in mind that it's quite limited unless you add a hub - something that can connect it to your home Wi-Fi network. Without it, you won't be able to lock or unlock it remotely, configure passwords from your phone, or connect to other smart devices. So plan to include Aqara's Smart Hub M2 ($60) in your budget. I used one during my testing; it's fairly plug-and-play, but relies on an outdated micro-USB connector and doesn't include an AC adapter for power. Bad first impression, Aqara.
Installation and configuration of Aqara Smart Lock U100
The second impression was not much better. While the U100 hardware isn't particularly difficult to install, it's baffling that Aqara hasn't provided any printed instructions beyond a quick, small-print guide to downloading the Aqara app. To be fair, that app walks you through the lock installation with a series of videos, but I didn't know that until I loaded it onto my iPhone, created an Aqara account and all.
There's a fairly detailed manual online, which is useful, but what about the all-red text and illustrations? That just makes it harder to read.
Aqara does provide a printed template in case you don't replace an existing deadbolt and need to drill holes in your door. In my case, I replaced another smart lock, the Wyze Lock Bolt, which I like except for the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity; I can't monitor or manage it when I'm not home. (On the other hand, it's only $80.)
All told, it took me about 15 minutes to install the U100, with the only real hassle being the need to pry off both the battery compartment door (which didn't come off easily even with the included plastic spudger tool) and the lock knob (which came loose immediately). Speaking of batteries, the lock runs on four AAs, which Aqara claims will last up to eight months.
But then I wondered about the M2 hub: should I set that up in the app? for the lock, or the other way around? This isn't covered anywhere I could find it. Ultimately, I opted to add the hub first - a relatively simple process, albeit with a few confusing configuration choices along the way.
From there I added the U100, also simple, but also with some stunning moments. The real struggle lies in the Apple HomeKit integration, which is confusing at best. I eventually got everything done, mostly by just bumbling through it.
It helped that I installed and tested several other smart locks, including the aforementioned Wyze Lock Bolt, the Schlage Encode Plus, and the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. But the Aqara would certainly benefit from better instructions, both in the box and in the app. As it stands, it's not beginner-friendly, at least in terms of installation.
Aqara Smart Lock U100 features and performance
Once it's installed, though, it's (usually) smooth sailing. The U100 can be locked and unlocked in several ways: mechanical key, electronic keypad, fingerprint scan, phone, Apple Watch, NFC tags (sold separately), smart assistants (Alexa, Google, etc.) and so on. I think the only missing option is The Force. (No matter how many times I wave my hand in front of it, Obi-Wan Kenobi style, it won't unlock.)
I'll start with the Apple stuff, because I think the U100 will probably appeal to this audience. Once you add the lock to Apple HomeKit (via the Apple Home app), you can take advantage of Apple Key - via Apple Wallet. (No, this isn't confusing at all!) That means if you hold your iPhone or Apple Watch next to the keyboard, it will lock or unlock even if your phone's battery is low.
That's very useful, and in my tests both devices worked extremely well, without any lag; the lock activated almost immediately. When I have my hands full, it's especially nice to just tap my Apple Watch and unlock the door.
But it's also nice to have the option of the keyboard and fingerprint scanner; The Aqara app allows you to set up multiple users with their own codes and of course fingerprints (up to 50). You can also use that app to generate a temporary code or unlock the U100 remotely (for example, if you need to let a neighbor in while you're not home).
The lock is less versatile for Android users, as there is currently no Home Key equivalent on that platform. And while many Android phones support NFC, none let you use a de facto NFC tag. In short: an iPhone or Apple Watch can be used as a wireless key; Android devices can't do that.
What happens if you come home to a U100 with dead batteries? Assuming you have the actual key with you, you can fold down the front panel and manually unlock it. Failing that, there's a USB-C port on the bottom for connecting a power bank or similar - assuming you have one available and the necessary cord.
Problems with Aqara Smart Lock U100
As much as I like the modern, stylish design of the U100, I don't quite understand the color choices. On the outside it is two-tone: a dark metallic gray top, a lighter shade on the bottom. Neither of these really match my matte black door handle. Inside, the entire button mechanism is lighter in color; it certainly stands out against the black handle.
Most smart locks are black, chrome or nickel, the better to match most door hardware. I'm not saying this slightly odd color is a deal breaker, but I don't love it.
My bigger issue is the app, which can feel overwhelming because it's designed for use with numerous other Aqara smart-home products. Once you click through to the U100's individual controls page, it's fairly straightforward, with quick access to activity logs, user management and setting a one-time password.
Delve into the settings and you'll find options like auto-locking (the deadbolt activates when the door is closed), Do Not Disturb mode, Alexa pairing, and much more. Some of these are simple enough to understand; others I found confusing. (Pairing with Alexa was extremely difficult because Aqara's installation video is outdated.)
Meanwhile, while I had no trouble adding users (like my partner) and their own keyboard codes and fingerprints, I couldn't figure out how to share the Home Key (so she could configure her iPhone the way I have mine). Does this happen in the Aqara app or Apple Home? A Google search revealed it was the latter, but even with Apple's support I couldn't share the virtual key.
Aqara, in turn, offers limited support on this front: an entry on its FAQ page simply mentions that you can share a Home Key, but doesn't explain how to do it. And speaking of support, at the time of writing, Aqara's main support pages didn't seem to be working properly. Every product I clicked on, including the U100, returned a blank screen. It wasn't until I visited the U100 product page and clicked on the FAQ link provided there that I found help.
Speaking of the U100 product page, it currently indicates that there are two NFC tags in the box, but that's simply not the case. It is a mistake that Aqara must correct.
One final gripe: By default, the app notifies you every time the U100 is locked or unlocked, whether manually or otherwise. The only way to prevent that is to enable Do Not Disturb, but that is not always preferable; I might want to receive notifications when my child comes home from school, for example. Aqara does not allow this; it's all or nothing.
Aqara Smart Lock U100: should you buy it?
I'm really into this because the U100 is a functional and versatile smart lock that is hampered by some installation and usability features. It's definitely better for Apple users, and I have to admit, I love the benefits of Home Key - as tricky as it was to set up.
I also like the fingerprint and keyboard input methods, both of which work well. I suspect most users will rely on one or the other, in which case the U100 will be a good addition to any home.
But the strange colors, the all-or-nothing notifications, the need to buy and set up a hub if you want remote control and automations: these and other issues make the U100 harder to recommend.
If you're a tech-savvy iPhone user and you want a truly versatile, HomeKit-compatible smart lock, I think you'll like the Aqara Smart Lock U100. For Android users and those who struggle with technology, I think there are better options.
