Thanks for the detailed discussion of how your locks are positioned relative to the Apple TV and Mini. I've wondered about this. Seems to me that this product will only be viable beyond early adopters when it supports Thread.
Thank you very much for this great review which gives the opinion of someone who has been using the product for quite a while. This allowed me to clearly see the advantages and disadvantages of this lock. Thanks again.
Since these Level locks are supposedly compatible to work with the Apple Home Kit system, is it possible to lock or unlock the door via Siri (Siri enabled device) just by saying "Hey, Siri, unlock the (front, side, etc) door" ??
This is an excellent review. I feel so much more informed. Still on the fence because of the “cons.” In particular, I like the assurance of hearing the bolt engage quickly when locking.
I really like the touch but my concern is if anyone off the street could just come up and unlock my door. I thought it would require some fingerprint scanning/recognition. That’s unnerving especially in urban/suburban areas where home invasions are on the rise. I also wished the brass was all brass. Sadly the front plate isn’t. But it’s the only product I’ve seen that isn’t bulky and looks traditional.
Your satisfied that the lock can keep you from getting in, while not providing a meaningful level of security? Are you sure you need a deadbolt, because it seems like maybe it does more harm than good. Also, four thumbs?
Thank you for this. Would you say this is a good alternative for short term rentals when the association requires a certain type of lock? My hope is that with this lock, custom codes of some sort can be sent per customer. Do you know if this lock had that feature?
I think if you look into it you will find that many deadbolts are actually hollow. The Level is rated ANSI Grade 1 for security, thats the highest rating. I *think* the ANSI rating is the result of independent testing. I'm also pretty sure that the most common deadbolts in the USA (Kwikset) is grade 3, the lowest. Kwikset does make grade 1 deadbolts but they are expensive and probably most often added by owners, not included by the builder of the house. And then we almost all have windows on the ground floor so it doesn't matter how good the lock is. 😉
So you have to choose HomeKit or Amazon? Is that why you have to use Bluetooth and not Sidewalk? I have Ring/Sidewalk and would be fine with that over HomeKit...
Yes you have to choose one or the other. I’ve never used sidewalk but I think the issue would be the same. The locks themselves only have Bluetooth so they need to be within range of a hub. I imagine it could be an Amazon device as much as a HomePod/ATV but I don’t know for sure…
You can use Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and software like homebridge or home assistant if you don’t want to use one of those. They’re all smart home software though which is pretty essential really
When I come home, it takes about 30 seconds for the lock to realize that I am home and activate the touch feature. So far Level cannot resolve. I am about to return it.
Hmm mine definitely isn’t that long but sometimes there is a short delay. Have you considered using a shortcut on your phone using an NFC tag? I’m going to try that soon. Essentially when I get home I’ll touch a tag with my phone and it’ll trigger the automation to unlock.
I have 2 level touch locks. 1 stopped working a month later. Tried calling level and it’s the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I have ever experienced. Still trying to get them to send me a new lock because there lock is failing. 329.00 and it’s the worst smart home product I have used. I would not recommend this product to anyone. Just my experience with this product
The people that own this house don't care very much about security. You don't install a lock like this in a windowed door. You can simply break the window, reach in and open the door. The lock should be keyed on both sides if installed in a door like this.
![[1480] $329 Smart Lock Opened in Seconds (Level Lock)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m_MX96MVD00/mqdefault.jpg)
How long do the batteries last in these locks?
Thanks for the detailed discussion of how your locks are positioned relative to the Apple TV and Mini. I've wondered about this. Seems to me that this product will only be viable beyond early adopters when it supports Thread.
Thank you very much for this great review which gives the opinion of someone who has been using the product for quite a while. This allowed me to clearly see the advantages and disadvantages of this lock. Thanks again.
Anytime Louis, more to come soon
Since these Level locks are supposedly compatible to work with the Apple Home Kit system, is it possible to lock or unlock the door via Siri (Siri enabled device) just by saying "Hey, Siri, unlock the (front, side, etc) door" ??
This is an excellent review. I feel so much more informed. Still on the fence because of the “cons.” In particular, I like the assurance of hearing the bolt engage quickly when locking.
I really like the touch but my concern is if anyone off the street could just come up and unlock my door. I thought it would require some fingerprint scanning/recognition. That’s unnerving especially in urban/suburban areas where home invasions are on the rise. I also wished the brass was all brass. Sadly the front plate isn’t. But it’s the only product I’ve seen that isn’t bulky and looks traditional.
Your satisfied that the lock can keep you from getting in, while not providing a meaningful level of security? Are you sure you need a deadbolt, because it seems like maybe it does more harm than good.
Also, four thumbs?
Thank you for this. Would you say this is a good alternative for short term rentals when the association requires a certain type of lock? My hope is that with this lock, custom codes of some sort can be sent per customer. Do you know if this lock had that feature?
Sorry for the late reply but yes. It’s great for that use case. You can grant access via the app or access codes if you buy the keypad
Ive heard that touch doesn’t function if people who have the app are already in the home. Is that true?
I think if you look into it you will find that many deadbolts are actually hollow. The Level is rated ANSI Grade 1 for security, thats the highest rating. I *think* the ANSI rating is the result of independent testing. I'm also pretty sure that the most common deadbolts in the USA (Kwikset) is grade 3, the lowest. Kwikset does make grade 1 deadbolts but they are expensive and probably most often added by owners, not included by the builder of the house. And then we almost all have windows on the ground floor so it doesn't matter how good the lock is. 😉
So you have to choose HomeKit or Amazon? Is that why you have to use Bluetooth and not Sidewalk? I have Ring/Sidewalk and would be fine with that over HomeKit...
Yes you have to choose one or the other.
I’ve never used sidewalk but I think the issue would be the same. The locks themselves only have Bluetooth so they need to be within range of a hub. I imagine it could be an Amazon device as much as a HomePod/ATV but I don’t know for sure…
Is there a hub that can work directly with the lock app? I don't want to use any smarthome software but would like access to the lock remotely.
You can use Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and software like homebridge or home assistant if you don’t want to use one of those. They’re all smart home software though which is pretty essential really
Can you show how to uninstall it from the door?
When I come home, it takes about 30 seconds for the lock to realize that I am home and activate the touch feature. So far Level cannot resolve. I am about to return it.
Hmm mine definitely isn’t that long but sometimes there is a short delay.
Have you considered using a shortcut on your phone using an NFC tag? I’m going to try that soon. Essentially when I get home I’ll touch a tag with my phone and it’ll trigger the automation to unlock.
so can i use my apple watch to unlock door? did they update it?
works with homekit so perfectly you can use your apple watch if you open you home app
Yep!
great review, this does give me pause tho due to the bluetooth only and no wifi. Bluetooth is very unreliable.
I have 2 level touch locks. 1 stopped working a month later. Tried calling level and it’s the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I have ever experienced. Still trying to get them to send me a new lock because there lock is failing. 329.00 and it’s the worst smart home product I have used. I would not recommend this product to anyone. Just my experience with this product
Replaced battery and now it won’t pair to phone
Lock picking lawyer opened this in under 5 seconds
The people that own this house don't care very much about security. You don't install a lock like this in a windowed door. You can simply break the window, reach in and open the door. The lock should be keyed on both sides if installed in a door like this.
Mate they already broke the window, they can just walk through at that point…
Christian bale? 😅
Do not purchase this. It has No security pins in the lock cylinder making it easy to unlock within a couple seconds.
Don’t waste your money for this trash. It doesn’t work as they say