Peek-Proof Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock (and why it’s unique)

Introduction

One of the first purchases I made for my smart home was a smart lock. Smart locks provide convenience, security, and peace of mind. I love the ability to:

• Leave the house without keys, especially when going for a run or a bike ride.
• Generate temporary access codes for babysitters, or house cleaners.
• Create home automations to lock the door or arm the alarm when I leave.
• Know if my door is unlocked or locked, no matter where I am.

But there are a ton of smart locks out there, and honestly only a few of them are doing anything particularly interesting in my view. When Lockly reached out to feature one of their smart locks as part of a sponsored showcase, I thought it was genuinely worth sharing because of some of their product’s unique features that I wish more smart locks had.

Main Points

Key Features

I'm taking a look at the Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock with the Secure Link WiFi Hub. It features a fast 3D biometric fingerprint scanner. While some other smart locks offer a fingerprint scanner, I have never used one as quick as this — and I’ve tested a bunch. Since your finger is your key, you don’t have to bother with codes or remembering physical keys. I have young kids with a history of misplacing keys and forgetting codes. These issues are a thing of the past with a biometric fingerprint scanner.

Another standout feature is PIN Genie. This is a digital keypad that dynamically shuffles a unique numerical order every time you approach the door, and I’ve never seen anything else like it. This means no code sequence is repeated twice in a row, offering you even better security since no one can peak over your shoulder to guess your code. Because PIN Genie uses just a few, large buttons, I’m able to tap the correct pin code every time, which is not something I can say about other glass surface, digital keypads. I genuinely think this keypad is fantastic, and I wish all of my smart locks had it.

Another unique feature is Scan-to-Open. You can give Scan-to-Open access to guests via eBadges. A guest can scan a QR code using the Lockly app, without needing special codes. And you can revoke this permission at any time, so your home remains secure.

Control Options

You can unlock this device using:

1. Biometric fingerprint
2. Digital pin code
3. Smartphone app
4. QR code
5. Mechanical keys

If you have the Secure Link WiFi Hub, you can also control the lock using Amazon or Google voice commands. And if you install the optional wireless door sensor, you’ll be able to know if the door is open or closed, in addition to being unlocked or locked.

When you step outside, just swipe the digital keypad with your hand or press the fingerprint icon to lock the door. Or, you can use the programmable auto-locking feature, with a customized timing to re-lock the door after 5 to 300 seconds.

The mechanical key slot is hidden behind a protective cover, which rests out of the way when using a key — a thoughtful touch. For backup and peace of mind, you can even use a 9V battery to temporarily power the device.

Unboxing

The Peak-Proof Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock that I got is the deadbolt standard edition in the satin nickel finish. You also have the option for a latch style lock, a special edition lock which means the fingerprint sensor is mounted on the left, and you can choose from matte black and venetian bronze finishes.

I chose the right-side fingerprint mount since everyone in my home is right-handed. However, it sits close to our door frame, and wish I had gone with the left-side mount, so keep that in mind when ordering.

The device came nicely packaged with all of the manuals and parts needed to get setup quickly. This included the interior and exterior assembles of the deadbolt lock, an extendible lock cylinder, assorted screws, two mechanical keys, and four AA batteries to power the device. There were even removable stickers on different parts of the device with special instructions to reduce the likelihood of an incorrect installation, which I thought was a nice touch.

Installation

If you’ve installed a smart deadbolt-style lock before, the process will be familiar. And if it’s your first time, the directions are super simple to follow no matter your skill level.

1. With the deadbolt opening on the door exposed, insert the provided lock cylinder with the deadbolt extended in the locked position. You can twist the cylinder to extend or contract the length depending on the size of your deadbolt opening.
2. Screw in the lock cylinder with the provided screws.
3. Feed the wire from the exterior assembly under the lock cylinder so it passes through the door. The exterior assembly includes adhesive for a more secure fit and easier installation.
4. Pass the wire through the interior assembly mounting plate, and screw the mounting plate into place using the provided screws.
5. Test unlocking and locking the deadbolt with the included mechanical key, to ensure it operates smoothly. With the deadbolt in the locked position, remove the mechanical key.
6. Plug the wire into the interior assembly, routing it behind the cable harness for a clean fit, and use the provided screws to secure the interior assembly, ensuring the lock is in the upright position.
7. Install three of the four AA batteries over the ribbon in the battery compartment of the interior assembly.
8. Press and hold the program button on the interior assembly, and then install the fourth and final battery. This prompts the lock to self-calibrate.
9. Screw the battery cover into place.
10. Test locking the door using the physical knob on the interior assembly, and by swiping your hand over the digital keypad on the exterior assembly.

Smart Home Setup

To get the most of the device, you’ll want to add it to the Lockly app for iOS or Android. If you don’t already have one, you can create a Lockly account. Then, select your model from the list of devices to begin activation. The device came with a unique serial number and activation code used for app setup. It’s good to keep the activation card someplace safe in case you ever need to reset the device.

Once your lock is added to the Lockly app, you can create a 6-8-digit admin code, and give the lock a name. Now, you can unlock or lock using the app when your phone is within Bluetooth range of the lock. I found that the lock responded instantly to my requests in the app, which is not always the case with other smart locks over Bluetooth.

If you want the ability to lock and unlock remotely, you’ll need to pair your lock with the Secure Link WiFi Hub. The Hub plugs into a nearby outlet and connects to your home’s 2.4Ghz WiFi network, giving you the convenience of remote operation, plus integration with Amazon and Google smart home platforms. When connected over WiFi, the lock also responds super quickly to the app, which you don’t see with every smart lock out there.

Within the Lockly app, you can add fingerprints, generate user access codes, create eBadges, and offline access codes. You can also see a history of lock activity, and configure additional features in the settings, like audio alerts and programmable auto-lock preferences.

If you’ve been following the channel, you know that Home Assistant is my go-to platform for home automation. At the time of recording, this device is not yet supported in Home Assistant. However, Lockly may be introducing a backward-compatible Matter controller. In theory, this would allow you to add this to any Matter-supported ecosystem, including Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant.

Final Thoughts

My favorite features are the super fast biometric fingerprint scanner, unique PIN Genie for a digital keypad, prompt response time in the app, and flexibility to choose from a range of lock styles and colors. Click here to check out the Peak-Proof Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock.

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Featured Tech

Peak-Proof Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock: https://amzn.to/3VAXjYz
Use code LOCKLYML for a $67 discount from December 2-31, 2024