How to Choose a Digital or Smart Door Lock in Malaysia
Digital locks are nothing new. They’ve been popping up on Malaysia doors for years! Door and lock retailers have evolved into fully fledged digital lock specialists showcasing the usual celebrity endorsements. There are many brands to choose from, and countless models. It gets a bit mindboggling, and at some point, consumers are pretty much left making decisions based on brand and price.
At Aihome, we have three digital locks, the Aihome Aqara N100 Smart Door Lock, he Aihome Aqara A100 Zigbee Smart Door Lock, and the Aihome Aqara D100 Zigbee Smart Door Lock. Obviously, as a seller of door locks, you may infer that we do have our own agendas in our door lock recommendations, but don’t worry. This guide will make general recommendations for door locks, and you can make your own conclusions!
First off, definitions! What’s a digital lock?
What’s a digital lock?
A digital lock offers multiple unlocking methods beyond the traditional mechanical key. Traditional locks function through a key inserted into a lockset, operating mechanically and analogously. In contrast, digital locks provide various unlocking options such as:
- Biometrics (fingerprints)
- RFID or NFC cards
- PIN codes
These advanced features significantly enhance daily life by enabling keyless entry. While carrying keys may seem routine, experiencing the convenience of keyless access is often a transformative and irreplaceable upgrade.
Most digital locks also retain the option for physical key use, adding an extra layer of versatility. Additionally, digital locks are generally more secure than traditional locks. Despite common misconceptions about their vulnerability to hacking, digital locks offer enhanced security features that make them less susceptible to lock picking compared to traditional locks.
What’s a smart lock?
A smart lock is a digital lock with enhanced smart functionalities. While you don’t absolutely need a smart lock, its features can offer considerable convenience and added security. Key smart functions typically include:
- Door Lock Status Monitoring: Check if your door is locked, unlocked, or opened via an app.
- Remote Locking/Unlocking: Control your lock remotely using your smartphone.
- Notifications: Receive alerts about the status of your lock, such as when it was unlocked.
- Guest Access: Generate one-time passwords or temporary unlock methods for guests.
- Automations: Integrate with other smart devices, like turning on the lights when the door is unlocked.
While these features may not be essential, they provide a level of convenience and peace of mind that many users find valuable.
Choosing a lock step 1: Identifying your door + lock
With the definitions clarified, let’s delve into how to choose the right lock. The first thing to note is that locks and doors are not universally compatible. You can’t just pick any lock and expect it to work—you need to choose a lock that is compatible with your door. If you’re getting a new lock and door, you have more flexibility in your choices.
Here are the common types of locks you’ll find in Malaysia:
- Deadbolt Locks:
- Pros: High security, resistant to forced entry.
- Cons: Typically require a key for both sides.
- Mortise Locks:
- Pros: Durable, offer high security, and often include a deadbolt.
- Cons: Require a specific door thickness and depth, which may not be suitable for all doors.
- Digital/Smart Locks:
- Pros: Offer multiple unlocking methods (biometrics, PIN, RFID/NFC cards), remote access, and integration with smart home systems.
- Cons: More expensive, require batteries or power.
- Lever Handle Locks:
- Pros: Easy to use, suitable for people with disabilities or the elderly.
- Cons: Can be less secure if not combined with a deadbolt.
- Padlocks:
- Pros: Portable, versatile, and can be used on various types of doors or gates.
- Cons: Can be easily cut with the right tools, not suitable for high-security needs.
When choosing a lock, consider these factors:
- Compatibility: Ensure the lock fits your door’s specifications.
- Security Needs: Determine the level of security you need for the specific location.
- Convenience: Consider how you prefer to unlock your door (key, PIN, fingerprint, etc.).
- Integration: If you have a smart home system, choose a lock that integrates seamlessly with it.
- Budget: Balance the features you need with your budget.
By taking these factors into account, you can select a lock that not only meets your security needs but also complements your lifestyle.
Mortise lock
A mortise lock is commonly found in Malaysia. It is a one-piece door lock that includes both the handle and the lock, making it a convenient and secure choice. Most homes use these as the default option due to their durability and integrated design.
Deadbolt lock
A deadbolt is a single-piece lock that operates separately from the door handle. It can be installed at a distance from the handle, offering an additional layer of security due to its independent locking mechanism.
Rim latch lock
A deadbolt is an additional layer of security installed on both the door and the frame, independent of the handle. It’s typically found in older homes, providing enhanced protection by adding a new locking mechanism separate from the main door lock.
What about Gate Locks?
Gate locks, particularly those used on HDB flats, require a specific type of lock due to the open design of gates, which allows access to the ‘inside’ part of the lock. Most standard door locks, which typically feature an easy-to-use rotating knob on the inside, are not suitable for gates. Unfortunately, we do not offer smart locks or digital locks compatible with gates.
Choosing your lock step 2: Compatible digital lock types
The types of digital locks available pretty much follows the traditional types in the segment above. There are mortise types, deadbolt types, and rim latch types.
There’s also a push-pull type, which is basically a mortise type, just without the handles.
The Aihome Aqara A100 Smart Door lock is a mortise type:
The August Wifi smart lock is a deadbolt type:
The Samsung SHS-2920 is a rim latch lock:
This Philips 1000 Alpha series (we actually don’t know what it’s called, but DDL111LAGBB/97 is a bit unwieldy) is a push-pull lock, which is basically a mortise lock without handles – opting for a push-pull action instead:
And so is our Aihome Aqara D100 Smart Door Lock
When choosing a new lock, the easiest approach is to select one that matches your current lock type. If you have a mortise lock, opt for a digital mortise lock or a push-pull lock. If your condo has a deadbolt, replacing it with another deadbolt may be the most straightforward option.
However, this isn’t a strict rule. For instance, a mortise lock can have an additional deadbolt installed above or below it. This setup means your door will have two locks: the original mortise lock and a new smart deadbolt. Conversely, a door with a deadbolt can potentially be fitted with a mortise lock if there is sufficient space. Note that replacing locks might leave holes in the door where old parts were removed, which our installers can patch or cover with a metal cap.
These are general guidelines for selecting a lock compatible with your door. Ultimately, you should confirm compatibility with your smart door lock retailer or installer. This might involve sending photos and measurements of your door. At Aqara, we follow the same process to ensure our smart door locks fit your specific door.
Choosing your lock step 3: Limiting factors
Not all locks are suitable for all doors, so it’s important to narrow down your choices early in the decision process based on your current door setup. The two most common limiting factors are:
- Gate: If you have a gate (e.g., in HDB flats), you need to consider that standard door locks, which are easy to unlock from the inside, might not be secure for gates due to the open design allowing access to the inside part of the lock. Unfortunately, we do not offer smart or digital locks compatible with gates.
- Handle Bars: If your door has existing handle bars, you’ll need to choose a lock that can integrate seamlessly with this setup. For instance, if you have a mortise lock with a handle, replacing it with a similar style digital lock will be the easiest option.
By considering these factors, you can focus on selecting a lock that will fit and function correctly with your door. Always consult with your smart door lock retailer or installer to ensure compatibility. If you’re considering an Aqara smart door lock, we can help you verify if it will work with your specific door setup.
Gate
By “gate,” we refer to the metal gates commonly found at many apartments, including HDBs (not the large gates at landed properties). Many flats, especially older ones, have their metal gate very close to the door. Some even have gate handles positioned at the same place as their door handles. If your metal gate is very close to your door, you may need to select a door lock model with a thinner depth profile. Generally, the locks with the smallest depth profiles are rim locks.
For our Aqara smart locks, here’s the minimum distance required between your main door and your metal gate, or the metal gate handle (whichever is closer and in the same spot as the door lock):
- Aqara N100: 9cm
- Aqara A100: 9cm
- Aqara D100: 6cm
This ensures that the lock fits properly without any interference from the gate.
Handle Bars
Many condominiums and other private apartments and homes feature long, vertical handlebars. Typically, these homes only have a deadbolt lock, which is operated by locking and unlocking the deadbolt while using the handlebars to push and pull the door. However, these handlebars can obstruct lever-type locks (locks with a handle, such as our Aqara A100).
As a limiting factor, this means that you won’t be able to use lever-type locks if you have a long handlebar. Your options are to either (1) remove the entire handlebar and install a lever-type lock, or (2) install another type of door lock, such as our Aqara D100 Zigbee push-pull model.
Aqara D100 with a vertical handlebar
It’s important to note that some condominium managements prefer these handlebars not to be removed to maintain the uniformity of the estate’s facade. Now, let’s delve into the exciting part: what features of a digital door lock should you look out for?
Choosing your lock step 4: Important Unlocking Methods
When considering smart locks, the focus often shifts to the various unlocking methods available and how they enhance convenience and security. While going keyless is a significant advantage, it’s also crucial to evaluate how you interact with your door on a daily basis.
Most important: Biometric Fingerprint Identification
Fingerprint unlock stands out as the premier and simplest method for door access. It eliminates the need to memorize PINs or carry keys or cards, ensuring that access is always at hand. This method is highly favored for its speed, ease of use, and robust security, akin to its popularity in smartphone fingerprint unlocking. While some may encounter issues with unreliable fingerprints or sweaty fingers, backup authentication methods offer reliability.
Opting for a digital lock equipped with fingerprint authentication is a logical choice, given its widespread adoption and technological advancements that ensure swift unlocking. However, it’s essential to scrutinize different brands and models, as not all fingerprint readers offer the same level of performance.
For optimal convenience, prioritize locks with integrated fingerprint readers within the handle, such as our Aqara N100 and Aqara A100 models. This design streamlines the unlocking process, seamlessly combining door access and entry in a single motion, resulting in swift door opening within 0.8 seconds.
When lock shopping, you have to be careful and find out exactly how fingerprint authentication is done. Ask the sales people to allow you to add your fingerprints to the demo unit, so you can test for yourself how it feels to unlock it, and whether it works well for you without too many rejected tries. (You’re always welcome to add your fingerprints to our demo units – and unlock it as many times as you want). If it requires you to swipe your fingerprint, that’s old technology and should be avoided. If it requires you to flick the reader downward so you can read your print – consider that as an extra step you’ll have to do every single day. If the reader is placed in an awkward position, decide if that is something you can live with.
Second most important: RFID or NFC keycards or tags / Apple Home Keys
The use of keycards, particularly NFC keycards like those utilized by our Aqara N100 model, ranks as the second most preferred unlocking method, primarily due to its convenience and accessibility. This preference stems from the aversion to PIN codes, as keycards offer a more user-friendly alternative, especially for children and the elderly who may encounter challenges with remembering PINs or utilizing fingerprint authentication reliably.
Keycard functionality presents distinct advantages, notably the inability to duplicate NFC cards, ensuring enhanced security. While NFC keycards offer certain advantages over traditional RFID cards, such distinctions may not be decisive factors for all users. Ultimately, the key advantage lies in their simplicity and ease of use, making them a viable option for individuals seeking a keyless entry solution.
Our NFC Card
Keycards offer several advantages that contribute to their appeal as a reliable unlocking method. Their consistent performance, efficient door unlocking capabilities, and compact size make them a practical choice for users seeking a convenient alternative to traditional keys. Unlike keys, which may pose the risk of scratching other items such as phones, keycards are typically small and easy to carry. While they may not completely eliminate the need for keys, the availability of multiple unlocking methods in most digital locks underscores the importance of considering a lock equipped with a keycard function.
Bonus: Apple Home Keys
We combined Apple Home Keys with NFC cards in the second position due to their shared reliance on NFC technology for door unlocking. Apple Home Keys represent Apple’s proprietary standard for utilizing the NFC capabilities of compatible devices such as the iPhone (XR and newer) and Apple Watch to securely unlock doors. It’s important to note that this feature is exclusively supported by the A100 and D100 models, and not by the N100.
Using iPhone 13 Pro to unlock the Aihome Aqara A100
One of the key advantages of Apple Home Keys is the elimination of the need to carry a separate keycard since it’s securely stored in your iPhone’s Apple Wallet. Given that most individuals are unlikely to leave their homes without their phones, it effectively achieves the convenience of going keyless. However, it’s important to note a significant limitation: Apple Home Keys are exclusively compatible with Apple hardware.
Third most important: PIN codes
PIN codes are great because they allow you to go keyless, but there’s a few problems.
- They’re usually less secure than biometrics or keycards – it’s easy to memorize someone’s PIN if you manage to see it
- Many neighbours have cameras pointing outside their doors, maybe at your door. It may be possible to learn your PIN by reviewing camera footage.
- Entering PIN codes usually take longer than actually using a normal physical key
- Point 3 is made worse by many brands’ locks requiring you to input 2 random numbers before your actual PIN.
- Some people may forget their PIN codes and lock themselves out
Almost all locks have PIN codes, so they’re universal, but brands are different in how they want you to enter your PIN. As mentioned, many brands make entering PINs an annoying multi-step process – swipe the lock, enter random digits that light up, enter your PIN. It can take as long as 10 seconds, whereas using a key would take you 3 seconds. While you may think that 10 seconds is not that big a demand to unlock a door, consider that you’ll be doing it around 600 times a year.
Our Aqara digital locks allows you to enter PIN codes directly without any pre-steps. To combat the problem of people memorizing your code or looking at patterns on the lock itself, Aqara locks use a very clever way of masking your PIN. You can add dummy numbers before and after your PIN, and as long as your PIN code exists somewhere in the string of numbers, your door will unlock.
For example, if your PIN code is 88768104, you can enter the following and it will unlock:
- 88768104
- 1453288768104
- 88768104643259
- 4538876810495
- 88705088768104923124 (the limit is 20 digits)
- This will ensure that your code almost impossible to memorize, and won’t leave traces of clues as to what your real PIN is.
Also important – multiple PIN codes
The Aqara N100 and A100 smart locks supports up to 50 PIN codes. This means each member of the family can have their own, individual code. Distant relatives, part-time helpers, babysitters, and your dog can also each have their own codes. In fact, you can even have multiple codes per person.
Having a unique code tied to each person is better for the reason that in the event you are revoking access to a certain user, you’ll only remove that person’s personal PIN. You won’t have to come up with, and memorize a new PIN again.
Other Unlocking Methods
These other unlocking methods aren’t used daily, but are still useful to certain people or in certain scenarios. With an idea of the possibilities, you’ll be able to consider which methods are useful, so that you can make an informed decision when you go shopping.
Here are the other methods commonly found in smart locks
- Guest access through One-time-PINs
- Mechanical keys
- Remote unlocking with apps
- Scheduled PINs
- Adding guest PINs remotely
Guest Access through OTP (One-time-PIN)
Sometimes you just want to allow somebody into your home, even when you’re not there. Usual suitable candidates include family members, and friends you can trust. Having a smart lock that allows for guest access can be helpful at times. Usually, this can be done through generating a one-time passcode on your lock’s app, which can then be sent to the visitor by WhatsApp or SMS. The visitor then enters the PIN code on your door’s keypad, and unlocks the door.
What’s important is that this PIN will only work once – so the guest won’t be able to sneak into your home on another day with the same code.
Screengrab of a One-time Password on the Aqara Home app
Most of the time, this temporary PIN can be generated without any internet connectivity by the lock. It works similarly to the old-school bank tokens that would spit out 6 digits for you at any point in time to login to your online banking account. These aren’t connected to the internet as well. How it works is that every lock and app has built-in algorithms that allow this magic to happen. In a way, it was already pre-programmed the moment you set the lock up with your account. This means that you won’t need a hub, nor any connectivity to the internet, for this to function.
Mechanical Keys
While the primary allure of a smart lock is its keyless functionality, having a mechanical key serves as a valuable backup option. In situations where the smart lock’s battery is depleted or unforeseen circumstances arise, the mechanical key provides a reliable means to lock and unlock the door.
Referred to as emergency keys, Aqara mechanical keys are designed for infrequent use but offer peace of mind in emergencies. It’s worth noting that certain smart locks feature a mechanical override to their smart systems, a feature we’ll delve into further.
Aqara Mechanical Key
Remote Unlocking with Apps
Remote unlocking is a notable feature found in modern locks, marking a transition into smart lock territory rather than conventional digital lock functionality. For remote unlocking to be enabled, the lock must be connected to a network, typically through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, either directly or via a hub. This connectivity enables the convenience of unlocking the door from a distance, even when the homeowner is not present.
While remote unlocking offers a degree of flexibility, its practical utility may be questioned, as one-time passwords often suffice for granting temporary access.
Unlocking Using The Apple Home App
When considering remote unlocking through smartphone apps, it’s important to factor in the compatibility of the app being used. Certain locks, such as our Aqara models, offer compatibility with platforms like Apple Home and Google Home, allowing users to unlock their doors through these smart home ecosystems following proper authentication. Additionally, they can be unlocked using the dedicated Aqara Home app if configured accordingly. It’s worth noting that compatibility with international smart home platforms may vary among different lock brands, with some offering support only through their proprietary apps.
Scheduled PINs
Scheduled PINs, also known as Periodic PINs, offer the convenience of generating temporary access codes for guests based on specific timeframes. For instance, if Jane is visiting for the weekend, you can create a PIN code for her that activates from Friday night upon her arrival until Monday morning when she departs. Users have the flexibility to define the effective time period, allowing for precise control over guest access. For example, you can set the PIN to activate from 5 PM on Friday and expire at 11 AM on Monday. This functionality streamlines guest access management for our Aqara Smart Locks.
We have clients who express interest in automatically repeating scheduled PINs, particularly beneficial for part-time helpers. These clients require PINs to be operational on specific recurring schedules, such as every Tuesday between 4 PM to 6 PM. While our Aqara Smart Locks currently lack support for this functionality, we are exploring options to address this client need.
Adding guest PINs remotely is essential for hosts on platforms like Airbnb. This feature allows hosts to create scheduled PINs from anywhere, eliminating the need to be physically present at home. With Aqara Smart Locks, achieving this capability is straightforward by integrating one of our Aihome Aqara Smart Hubs and establishing a Wi-Fi internet connection at the residence.
Choosing your lock step 5: Other Considerations
When it comes to smart locks, customers often consider various factors beyond just the unlocking methods. Based on our interactions with customers, here are some important considerations they take into account when evaluating a smart lock:
- Manual Overrides: Customers value the ability to manually override the lock in case of emergencies or technical issues.
- Fully Automatic or Semi-Automatic: Preferences vary between fully automatic locks that handle all locking and unlocking tasks independently and semi-automatic locks that require some manual input.
- User Management: The ease of managing user access, including adding or revoking access for different individuals, is crucial for customers.
- Battery Life and Battery Warnings: Customers prioritize smart locks with long battery life and clear battery status indicators or warnings to ensure uninterrupted operation.
- Operations Without Battery Power: The ability of the lock to function even when battery power is depleted is a key consideration for customers to prevent being locked out of their homes.
- Lock Security – Mechanical: Customers assess the mechanical strength and security features of the lock to prevent unauthorized access through traditional means.
- Lock Security – Digital: The digital security features of the lock, including encryption protocols and resistance to hacking, are important considerations for customers.
- Smart Features: Customers look for additional smart features such as remote access, integration with smart home ecosystems, and compatibility with voice assistants to enhance convenience and functionality.
Manual Overrides
One of the most critical concerns for users is the operational functionality of the lock in the event of a dead battery or malfunctioning circuit board. Many customers express significant anxiety about potential lockouts or being unable to exit their homes due to such issues, often based on the experiences of friends or neighbors.
The key question revolves around whether the door can be manually unlocked from both the inside and outside. With our Aqara smart locks, the answer is unequivocally yes. Even in scenarios of battery depletion or complete removal of the electronic circuit board (although this is a test demonstration unlikely to occur in real-life situations), our locks can be operated entirely through mechanical means.
From the outside, the use of the mechanical key always ensures access, as it operates through a manual mechanical process rather than relying on digital components.
Internally, there are physical overrides for the digital functions. In the case of the Aqara N100 and A100, the lever handles can mechanically operate the lockset, independent of the digital chips. Meanwhile, the Aqara D100 features an emergency lock/unlock knob that provides physical control over the lockset.
These features provide users with peace of mind, knowing that they will never face the inconvenience of being locked out or trapped inside due to battery issues or electronic malfunctions, as long as they have the key. Furthermore, our Aqara locks can serve as long-term mechanical locks, offering reliability even without smart functionalities.
Fully-automatic vs semi-automatic
Fully automatic locks are those equipped with a motor to drive the locksets, while semi-automatic locks utilize electronic control through a clutch mechanism rather than a motor. In fully automatic locks, bolts move automatically without the need for additional user action, offering convenience. On the other hand, semi-automatic locks often provide better battery life and involve more manual mechanical action, which is preferred by many customers.
The Aqara N100 and Aqara A100 are examples of semi-automatic digital locks, where the clutch mechanism controls the locking system. Conversely, the Aqara D100 is a fully automatic digital lock, featuring motorized bolt movement for automated locking and unlocking.
User management – fingerprints, PINs, and key cards
While not a daily task, the ease of adding or removing fingerprints, PINs, and key cards from the lock system is still a valuable feature. Some locks are marketed as “not needing an app,” which may appeal to older individuals unfamiliar with smartphone navigation. However, this means that adding or removing authentication methods must be done manually on the lock itself, often requiring instructions.
We embrace the use of an app for managing entry methods, as it offers the most efficient approach. Aqara Smart Locks are configured through the Aqara Home App, which includes a dedicated page for user management. Within this app feature, users can be added with their respective names, and under each user, their personal fingerprints, PINs, and key cards can be registered. This streamlined process simplifies management tasks. For instance, if a babysitter no longer requires access, their fingerprints, PINs, or key cards can be promptly deleted from the lock via the app, conveniently organized under their name, instantly revoking access.
Battery Life and Battery Warnings
Some individuals express surprise upon seeing the eight AA batteries housed within the battery compartment of our Aqara N100 Smart Lock. “That’s a lot!” is a common reaction. Our response is simple: Would you prefer changing four batteries every six months, or changing eight batteries once every 1.5 years?
Our Aqara Smart Locks boast industry-leading battery lives. The Aqara A100 and N100 models last a remarkable 18 months on eight batteries, representing the longest battery life available among digital or smart locks. This extended duration is partly due to the semi-automatic nature of the locks.
The Aqara D100 features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides a 12-month lifespan.
While battery life may not be the most critical consideration, we prioritize locks with a lifespan exceeding one year. Repeatedly changing batteries every few months can become burdensome.
Equally important is ensuring that your smart lock notifies you when battery levels are low, prompting timely replacements. Our locks include low-battery indicators illuminated each time the door is unlocked, along with voice prompts. Additionally, the Aqara Home App provides notifications regarding battery status.
Operations Without Battery Power
This aspect closely ties into the manual overrides discussed earlier, but there’s often an additional method for operating your lock when there’s a power outage – through ‘jumpstarting’ with an external power source. This becomes crucial if you don’t have the mechanical key readily available.
Many locks incorporate two terminals designed to accommodate a 9V battery. Simply place the terminal of the battery onto the corresponding terminal of your lock to provide temporary power, allowing it to authenticate and unlock. Once safely indoors, you can proceed to replace the batteries.
Our Aqara Smart Locks are equipped with a USB-C port located on the bottom of the lock, enabling temporary self-powering for entry. This feature ensures you can enter your home during a power outage and subsequently change the batteries for continued functionality.
Lock Security – Mechanical
This Means The Lock Cylinders Or Other Locking Mechanism. Are They Easy To Pick? However, It’s Really Hard For The General Public To Know How Secure Their Lock Cylinders Are. At Any Rate, Most Smart Locks Are More Secure Than Traditional Locks.
Our Aqara N100 Has A Highly Secure C-Grade Cylinder. What Does This Mean? It’s China’s Grading System For Locks, Using The GA/T 73-2015 Standard. There’s An A-Grade, B-Grade, Super B-Grade, And C-Grade. A Bit Confusingly, C-Grade Is The Best. It Takes More Than 4 Hours To Pick This Lock.
Also Important Is The Construction Of Your Lock And Deadbolt. Is It Easy To Pry Off? Or Totally Destroy? Is It Easy To Kick Your Door Down?
The Aqara Smart Locks Are Constructed Of Anodized Aluminium, And Built Very Solidly. Don’t Just Trust Us – Come And See Our Demo Unit For Yourself. And It Has 3 Deadbolts In The Lockset, Plus A Fourth Bolt. It’s Really Heavy Duty.
Lock Security – Digital
Can a digital lock be hacked? This is a legitimate concern. Potential vulnerabilities include electromagnetic interference or brute-force attempts on PIN codes. It’s also important to consider features like PIN or fingerprint time-outs after a certain number of incorrect attempts, alarms for suspected brute-force attempts or break-ins, and the potential for wireless hacking.
These are crucial questions to ask door lock retailers to ensure peace of mind regarding your lock’s security features.
Aqara Smart Locks offer robust digital security features, including:
- Damage Sensors: These sensors prevent tampering with the front panel by emitting a loud alarm when tampered with.
- PIN Code Lock-Out: After five incorrect attempts, the lock imposes a 5-minute lock-out period.
- Fingerprint Lock-Out: Similar to the PIN code lock-out, after five incorrect fingerprint attempts, the lock imposes a 5-minute lock-out period.
- Electromagnetic Protection: The locks are protected against Tesla coil attacks.
- Advanced Fingerprint Reader: Developed by Swedish company Precise Biometrics, this reader uses technology employed in financial institutions for high security.
- Secure Connection: There is a highly secure, encrypted connection between the rear and front panels.
- NFC Keycards: These keycards use EAL5.0 encryption and cannot be duplicated, unlike typical RFID cards used by other locks.
These features ensure that Aqara Smart Locks provide comprehensive protection against various hacking attempts and unauthorized access.
Smart Features
Despite being a smart home company, we believe that integrating a smart lock into your smart home ecosystem is not critical. What truly matters is the everyday functionality of the lock itself. While smart features are nice to have, they are not essential. However, we do appreciate certain smart features, particularly those offered by the Aqara N100, including:
- Phone Notifications: Receive alerts when the door is unlocked, including the identity of the person unlocking it, based on their personal PINs, keycards, or fingerprints.
- Lock/Unlock Logs: Review the history of lock and unlock actions to monitor access.
- Remote Access: Lock or unlock your door remotely for convenience and peace of mind.
- Apple Home Integration: Seamlessly integrate with Apple Home for enhanced smart home control.
- Automations: Create automations with Aqara Home or Apple Home. For instance, set up an automation to turn on the AC when Dad unlocks the door, ensuring his comfort.
These features enhance the user experience by providing added convenience and security without being essential for the lock’s primary function.
Conclusion
Installing a digital door lock makes a real improvement to quality of life. It allows multiple unlocking methods, and allows you to go keyless. Maybe most importantly, you don’t have to worry about losing a key, or worry that someone might make a copy of your key. There’s no need to change your whole lock when you break up with your boyfriend and you know he has a set of your keys; you can simply delete all his authentication methods in your app – instantly!
With all the models available in the market, it can be difficult finding the right product for you, at the right price. We honestly think there are WAY too many models in the market, and it gets really overwhelming. We hope that with a guide like this, Malaysian can have a better understanding of digital and smart locks; the features that can be commonly found; and what to look out for.
Being a seller of our own locks, we’re of course inclined to invite you to consider our locks! They are, in our opinion, the best value locks in the market, hands down – all the great features at a superb price – and it can be fully integrated into your smart home! If you’d like to see the lock in person, we’ll be happy to show you (together with our other smart systems too, if you’re interested!) Just give us a call!