![]() ![]() You can use the SwitchBot Lock without the keypad, but it’s a suitable alternative to relying only on the app. To detach it, simply pull it out (only a bit of force is required). ![]() If the adapter that’s already installed is not the suitable size, then it’s possible to replace it with one of the other two available adapters. And on the other side of the SwitchBot Lock, there is the thumbturn adapter. Underneath the LED, there is the thumbturn which is also made of plastic and it’s colored gray (while the rest of the device is matte black). So yes, you will need to check the app for the proper status of the device, unless you memorize what each color means. Steady red shows that the battery is low or that there is unusual activity (some error?). Flashing blue means that the device is ready to be paired, while steady green means that the smart lock is successfully locked or unlocked. Inside this section, there’s also the motor and, on the other side of the stand, there’s a small LED that kind of shows the status of the SwitchBot Lock. ![]() And they’re already installed, but, to power on the device, you need to take out the plastic layer that breaks the contact with the batteries. The enclosure of the device is made of plastic and so is the case cover that can be removed to expose the adjustable unit stand and the batteries slot. It does take away a bit from the potential plug and play approach, but it’s comforting to know that the smart lock can accommodate pretty much any type of deadbolts. In most cases, the unit will sit flush with the door lock, but, if it needs to be extended a bit, then, you do need to open up the top cover of the SwitchBot Lock and adjust the stand accordingly using the two screws. That’s thanks to the adjustable unit stand. Depending on the type of deadbolt, the SwitchBot Lock may end up quite a few inches away from the door. Not at all and that’s because of its depth since it’s not actually larger than a normal nightlatch lock. At 4.4 x 2.9 x 2.3 inches (or 11.2 x 7.3 x 5.9 cm), the SwitchBot Lock will not mimic the looks of a traditional lock. Indeed, the smart lock has a dedicated area that can be adjusted to cover the deadbolt mechanism and, using a motor, it will rotate it to lock or unlock the door.įor this reason, I mentioned that there are some compromises in terms of looks because the SwitchBot Lock is large and not that aesthetically pleasing, despite doing its best. I know that some smart locks completely replace the lock on your door, other just partially, but the SwitchBot Lock doesn’t require any changes to the existing lock since it simply goes over it. I do think that there will be some compromises in terms of looks, but let’s put the SwitchBot Lock to the test and see what’s it all about.Īs I already mentioned in the intro, the SwitchBot Lock is a unique smart lock with an unconventional design approach. If you’re not that fond of the SwitchBot-only ecosystem, it is possible to use Home Assistant to control IoT devices from third parties at the same time. There’s also the auto-lock function which locks the door after a certain amount of time has passed (for people that often forget to lock their doors) and, apparently you can also use Alexa or Google Home assistants to control the smart lock. This is a clear advantage that SwitchBot has over the other established brands, but is the SwitchBot Lock actually better or at least just as good as its main competitors? It does have an app for locking and unlocking the door, but you can also use a smartwatch and even a keypad to unlock it. So yes, it’s entirely possible for people that rent an apartment or house to make these non-invasive works, especially if the landlord doesn’t want you to make any alterations to the home. Obviously, the SwitchBot Lock itself needs to be mounted on the deadbolt lock as well. This means that while before, the people that could enjoy using smart locks were the home owners, it’s now possible to convert a traditional lock into a smart one by using some double-sided tape and an app. ![]()
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