Aqara’s Outstanding Smart Lock Now Compatible with HomeKit and HomeKey, Available on Amazon for Prime Day Deals
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Aqara Smart Lock U200
The Chinese manufacturer continues to deliver effective smart home products at affordable prices. Aqara is moving forward by introducing the new Smart Lock U200, a model eagerly awaited by enthusiasts of such devices (including myself), especially those embedded within the Apple ecosystem, as it ticks many boxes.
Matter and HomeKey
Indeed, this lock, unveiled last August, boasts a comprehensive spec sheet with compatibility across most U.S. and European locks, and Matter over Thread compatibility enabling integration within most ecosystems, including Apple (Home), Amazon (Alexa), Google, and Samsung (SmartThings).
This new model is also the first lock available in our territory compatible with Apple’s HomeKey feature. This allows unlocking the door by simply approaching it with an iPhone or an Apple Watch (some locks, like Nuki, support geolocation, which means you don’t even need to take your iPhone out of your pocket). Note that this feature requires a HomeKit hub at home, such as a HomePod or an Apple TV.
The motorized lock includes a unit with a numeric keypad for setting an access code, and a fingerprint reader, all designed to grant access to your home without needing to hand out keys, and to limit access temporarily or to certain days/times. These features will be particularly handy for those who do not wish to give keys to children, or to people who need temporary access to the home.
The lock is IPX5 certified and is powered by rechargeable batteries which, according to the manufacturer, last about 6 months, or it can be wired at 12/24V (the numeric keypad requires AAA batteries and can also be wired).