Since Apple introduced home key, it has quickly become one of the most important features for smart locks. Basic HomeKit support just doesn’t cut it anymore. Unlocking your front door with just a tap from an iPhone or Apple Watch feels magical, and once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to imagine going back to keys or even an app. Level was one of the first companies to embrace home key, and now it’s back with its most advanced product yet: the Level Lock Pro. It’s the smallest smart lock you can buy, it disappears into your door (doesn’t look like a smart lock at all), and it has Matter over Thread built in.
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HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.
What’s included in Level Lock Pro
When you open the box, you get everything you need to replace your existing deadbolt with the Level Lock Pro. Inside is the lock itself, a strike plate, mounting hardware, a CR2 battery, two standard keys, and two NFC key fobs. The fobs work just like home key on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You tap them on the lock and the door opens. I find them useful for kids without iPhones.
The company also sells an optional keypad if you want to use PIN codes for people who need to enter your home on a temporary basis, but it is not required to get started. The battery comes pre installed, so most people can have it running in under fifteen minutes with just a Phillips head screwdriver.
Like previous Level products, it fits standard deadbolt cutouts and aims to disappear inside the doorjamb. If your door has the common bore hole size and backset length, you will be able to install it without extra drilling. For thinner doors, spacers are included so the lock stays secure. All in all, installation for Level Lock Pro is similar to all deadbolts, smart and non smart alike.
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Key features
The headline feature of Level Lock Pro is Matter over Thread. That means it connects quickly, stays reliable, and works across all the major platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. It also supports Bluetooth connections as a backup so the lock keeps working even if the internet or power is out.
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