Smonet smart lock review

Here I give you a complete SMONET smart lock review provided by the SMONET company.

The security device has become extremely popular recently, and thus I decided to share some useful data about it with my readers. I go through the pros and the cons as well as any other significant things.

SMONET firm gave us a smart lock with a Wi-Fi gateway. It is usually sold separately to give remote access to the user.

My text provides strict answers to the simple questions that you probably want to ask about the SMONET Smart Lock. I did a lot of quite precise tests to give you all the necessary information required for you to make a choice – whether to buy it or you should stop buying smart locks from other companies.

SMONET smart lock review of Smart Home Controllers & Connection Standards

The device supports only a Bluetooth connecting method. TTLock app allows you to control the device’s connection range, which can be helpful because the lock doesn’t function outside the Bluetooth connection zone.

If you want to use Wi-Fi, you will have to buy a SMONET Wi-Fi Gateway in addition to the lock device. This allows you, the user, to access the settings and manage the smart lock from any point on Earth, simply and remotely. It gives you an opportunity to use the SMONET Smart Lock as fully as it is possible.

While it can sound quite unfair, buying Wi-Fi Gateway is not necessary to have a good SMONET experience at all.

Voice Assistants

Make use of voice-commanded digital helpers. They make it possible to control and manage smart devices just by your voice. This is provided with purchasing a SMONET Wi-Fi Gateway, but not any Wi-Fi-supported smart lock can use both Alexa and Google Assistant. Alexa needs an Echo/Echo Dot, while Google Assistant requires a Google Home.

The model that we talk about isn’t supported by an Apple HomeKit and therefore Siri too. If that’s too inconvenient, you are able to install another model. Here are some great security devices that could be installed instead:

• Kwikset Premis Touchscreen Smart Lock.
• Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt.

Sadly, none of these two supports Google Assistant or has a fingerprint unlocking method for extra security.

All in all, it’s very convenient to manage your smart security device with simple and quick voice commands. This makes your home feel very modern.

Alexa

Alexa is a popular voice assistant available today, and for a good reason. Connecting the smart device with Alexa is a quick and not complex process. You shouldn’t experience any unexpected problems.

You turn on the “Remote Unlock” in your TTLock app, add the ScienerSmart skill to the Alexa app, and then log in to the TTLock account – this makes Alexa ready to work To use Alexa, you require an Echo device such as Echo or Echo Dot.

Alexa gives you a number of things to do with her. When you use the according voice commands, the door locks and unlocks listening to your will. Using Alexa makes you able to check, whether is your door locked or not, at any time it’s convenient for you.

You have to name the lock specifically, so when you give your digital helper a command Alexa can understand which device you apply it to.

The lock is fully compatible with Alexa automated smart home. Interaction with your lock can be integrated into a general Alexa command, such as “Good night, Alexa”, which turns off all the lights in the house, arms the alarm and locks the entrance door. The experience of using Alexa shows that she reacts to all the commands fully, and there are no compatibility problems.

Here’s the list of examples of front door-related commands that Alexa can carry out.

• Lock the entrance.
• Is the front door locked?
• Open the lock (you need a pin for Alexa to carry this out).

Google Assistant

Google Home phone app allows the usage of Google Assistant. It’s simple to bind the lock to it, but a little bit more difficult than with Alexa. To do this, you have to open the “Works with Google” list, then press the “ScienerSmart” inside it. After that, you have to enable the “Remote Unlock” setting inside your TTLock app. Before you toggle it, the app will ask for the PIN code which you must enter to proceed.

A lot of the digital commands are supported when the security device connects with Google Assistant. After each of them, you will be required to verbally enter your PIN code to ensure security. Unfortunately, it’s pretty boring.

Here are some commands that Google Assistant supports:

• Lock the front door.
• Is the door locked?
• Unlock the entrance!

Make sure to use the name that is attached to the smart lock to push these orders. A big amount of tests show that there are no persistent issues that affect the communication between the smart lock and the voice helper.

SMONET Smart Lock Fingerprint Reader

The fingerprint controller is installed at the top part of the device. This allows you to unlock the door with just your finger. It has a shape of a sphere and can hold its database of 250 finger credentials. Usually, it’s a great number for personal and business experience alike. The registration of fingerprints requires the TTLock smartphone app and doesn’t take a lot of your hours.

Unlock the door with only the tip of your finger. It will take only half a second. If the reader has accepted the credential, its sphere shows a dim green light around itself. If the device has rejected your fingerprints, it will instead glow red.

A few practical tests showed that the effectiveness of the reader is 9 out of 10 fingerprints read correctly. This is quite a lot, and thus it has one of the quickest and most precise fingerprint readers installed.

Fingerprint reading devices don’t work well enough with moist tips of the fingers, so you should dry the hands first or use the keyboard instead.

SMONET Smart Lock’s keypad

The OLED keypad that has a touchscreen is one of the most important parts of this smart lock model. It can be called the easiest thing to notice if you take a look at the device.

On the lowest part of the keypad, you can see a keyhole. You can use it to open the lock using a metallic key. As was said earlier, on the highest part of it is a small ball that is actually a fingerprint reader.

Keypads emit some light that makes it possible to use the lock comfortably both during the day and during the evening. To activate it, you should press any button on the keypad.

There are no sensitivity disadvantages with the keypad’s buttons. If you hold them properly, they react accordingly. This is a rare thing for keypads with touchscreens, and it gives us a big upside.

To lock the door, you should press and hold the button with a # sign on it. That one is placed on the right side of the touchscreen.

In this lock model, there is a great safety measure in case someone reads your PIN code while they observe you entering it. If that happens, you should write the wrong code which consists of random numbers before or after the real one if you suspect that you might be observed. As long as the real code is inside the fake one, the door will open.

All in all, the keypad works pretty great. But some things exist that might affect its functionality.

For example, touchscreens don’t take sunlight well. Therefore you should make sure that your lock isn’t affected by the sun too much. It can damage the way the device senses your fingers and even create fractions on the glass. This isn’t a thing unique to SMONET Smart Lock, the same applies to any touchscreen.

The optimal temperature starts at 32°F/0°C and ends at 104°F/40°C. This is the temperature that the lock must be installed into if you want the mechanism to function without any issues.

Our security device has an IP5X water resistance rating. That shows that it isn’t exactly waterproof, yet it doesn’t take damage from random splashes of water or raindrops.

Types of SMONET Smart Locks Using User Code

The only way to program the lock is to use an application: the TTLock smartphone app. Unfortunately, it’s a serious limitation. Most people prefer to have a choice in what app they will use as well as they want to add and erase the user codes through the keypad itself, too.

Gladly, programming while making use of the TTLock smartphone app is not hard. In fact, it’s a pretty quick and simple process. On average, it takes only two minutes to reprogram your user codes. A nice advantage is that the number of PINs can be infinite. They must consist of from 4 to 9 numbers.

In smart systems, different code types exist for different purposes. Several of them are provided by SMONET in this device. Below, let’s talk about them. You will know when and also where should be used of them as well as how to manage them properly.

Permanent codes

These codes stay functioning as long as they are inside the system. That’s why there are called this way. For the residents of the property, those who visit it regularly and for a long time span. If you use a permanent code, you are allowed to open and close the door at any time of day or night.

Timed codes

These can be used when you rent a house or an apartment for a short period of time, for example at Airbnb. You may choose dates and hours when the code will work. When this time frame ends, the timed code will immediately, completely wipe itself out of the computer database.

One Time codes

One-timers are useful when someone needs access to your house one or a few times. Usually, you don’t want these people to have a permanent or even just prolonged period of access to the house. This can happen, for example, with home services and other handymen, or even simple visits from your friends and neighbors. But with this feature, you can provide them with a code that can be used only once; after that, they are useless because they will have been erased from the system once and for all.

Erase codes

Those delete all the codes programmed into the smart lock once and for all. When you get this code into the system, tread carefully. Using it for no reason instead of the actual PIN would be very unfortunate and can ruin your experience of using the lock.

Cyclic codes

There might be guests that visit the residence only on specific days, for example, once per week or once per month. This type of code helps deal with them comfortably. It allows us to make a code that only works at this specific time. For example, you have a friend who visits the house once a week strictly on Mondays and Fridays, and he usually comes between 1 pm and 2 pm. You can make a PIN that will only work in this time interval on these days until you delete it from the system manually.

Custom codes

Custom codes for the smart lock allow you to create both permanent and temporary codes at the same time. You can say that they combine both code types into one, single type. If this code is absent, you can program an eight digits long code.

There is an important thing to remember when you work with this smart lock code type. When you don’t use the code at least once after programming it into the system, it will erase itself from the smart lock database. It’s a simple security measure to ensure your property’s safety.

A good option of getting notified every time the code is applied exists. There are also detailed logs in the app that keeps the track of how the code is used.

Checking all the code types shows that there are no issues at all. Every code type works perfectly, as described without any unexpected problems. PIN code performance is a great advantage of the smart lock.

Programming your own codes into the smart lock is quite simple. You don’t even have to look into the programming handbook if you decide to use the provided app.

IC Cards

IC cards have easily comprehended user-friendly design. This makes them a good choice for elderly people as well as children. How do they work? They automatically unlock the door when you touch the reader screen with the IC card. The box comes with a pair of IC cards, but you may need to purchase more of them.

Programming the IC cards into the smart system is easy. You should use the TTLock app, like when you manage the codes. The IC cards can be written both as permanent or working in a limited time, or even cycled like the codes. SMONET Smart Lock doesn’t require specific brand cards, all IC cards that work with the TTLock app can be tied to the device.

There are no issues regarding the effectiveness of the IC cards’ work. Both temporary and permanent variants function well and without issues, so you can stay confident in them.

E-Keys

E-Keys are another way of opening the smart lock. From one point of view, they are not that different from user codes. To unlock the door, you have to install the TTLock app on your smartphone. After that you should copy the code provided and paste it, creating an E-Key to send someone. With this method, you avoid using the keypad device.

You can create E-Keys from any type of code we have been talking about earlier. The only exception is the erase codes. All E-Key codes function accordingly to their type, completely repeating their gimmicks.

A SMONET Smart Lock auto lock feature

The auto lock feature is very convenient and greatly improves the owner’s quality of life. It makes the door lock automatically. Also, this allows us to solve the problem that many individuals and small families run into.

SMONET Smart Locks has different settings for the auto lock. You can set the timer between 5 and 200 seconds according to your own needs and security standards. When this time will pass, the auto lock enables itself, automatically closing the door and activating the lock.

This feature works perfectly. No matter what time frame you choose, it will be treated by the program with accuracy. Therefore enabling the auto lock is heavily advised.

Smart Lock Wi-Fi Gateway from SMONET

You have to buy the SMONET Smart Lock Wi-Fi Gateway device if you intend to use it alongside Alexa, Google Assistant, or any other digital helpers. While there is a way for the lock to connect with the smart home system that doesn’t require Wi-Fi, there isn’t anything similar for the smart assistants. Greatly, the Wi-Fi Gateway widens the device’s features even if they don’t utilize Alexa or Google Assistant.

SMONET Smart Wi-Fi Gateway wasn’t developed just for this model. Any smart lock that is working with the TTLock is supported. Here’s the list of all the features that your lock will have after installing this device.

• The door remotely managed with the user codes and electronic keys.
• The door remotely locked and unlocked from any point on Earth.
• Using many locks at the same time through one app.
• Access to the logs of using the codes and e-keys.
• Alerts when the battery is low and should be recharged.
• Checking the condition of the batteries.
• Voice control with the help of Alexa and Google Assistant.

The lifetime of SMONET Smart Lock’s battery

How long the battery life is one of the most frequently asked questions. Potential buyers worry about it, they want to understand if the battery life is long enough for them. SMONET Smart Lock requires 4 alkaline batteries to work properly. The device doesn’t go with the batteries when you buy it, so you should purchase them additionally. We recommend that you buy top-tier batteries only. For this model, it can be either Energizer or Duracell alkaline energy cells.

Understanding approximately how long will your batteries in the smart locks work is important. SMONET Smart Locks stay at maximum capacity even after two weeks. Tests with different doors and enabled functions show that the battery’s life is around three-five months. But some of the usage formats allow prolonging it by up to eight months. These predictions are created not only with test results but also with feedback from various SMONET Smart Lock device users.

SMONET can be trusted in this battery life question. Officially, the battery life for these smart locks is from 3 to 6 months. But many factors such as activated functions, usage frequency, condition of the door, the batteries’ quality, weather, the place where the smart door lock is installed, and connection type, can affect the battery life for the better or for the worse.

SMONET Smart Lock is equipped with two battery condition indicators. When you try to use the device while its batteries are low, you will receive an alarm from one of them. Other is a notification at the TTLock app. These reduce the risk of not recharging or switching the batteries in time significantly. You can change the door lock batteries using a small USB connector on the bottom of the device. For this purpose, you can use a power bank. Also, if you forgot to recharge your batteries, you can use the physical key too.

How to install a SMONET smart lock

For the big part of the potential buyers, the installation process is quite a worrying thing. Most of them think twice before making a purchase because of this. They don’t know if they can attach the smart lock to the doorframe without a specialist’s help. But to install the SMONET Smart Lock you don’t have to be a specialist.

The first thing you should know is which door characteristics are compatible with these smart locks. Before buying the lock, you must make sure that your door can be equipped with the SMONET Smart Lock.

Thickness can be from 1-1/2″ to 1-7/8″, or from 38 mm to 48 mm.

The allowed backset is 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″, which is 60 mm or 70 mm.

Two holes are required. Most doors have a 2-1/8″ (55mm) hole, but to install the SMONET Smart Lock, you should make another, smaller one. Inside the door lock package, there is a drilling template to make things simpler for the users. The second, little hole must be 3/8″ (10 mm) in size.

The SMONET Smart Lock installation process is finished with the drilling. It takes just 12-15 minutes in total. Nothing is required except a head screwdriver. Even an amateur can finish the installation without many problems.

Having experience can only make the procedure of the installation of the smart lock faster, but it’s already as simple as it can be. Someone who has never worked with smart locks can finish the installation completely only in 15-20 minutes.

Technical Information Table of SMONET Smart Lock

Weight

3.34 pounds (1.4 kg)

Dimensions

6.3 x 2.56 x 1.77 inches OR 15.24 x 5.08 x 2.54 cm

Voltage

1.5 volts

Required batteries

AA batteries (x4) (not included in a package).

Temperature of operation

From -32°F (0°С) to 104°F (40°C).

Included batteries

Zinc Material.

Battery type

Alkaline.

Warranty

• A lifetime of free technical assistance.
• Warranty for 1 year.

SMONET Smart Lock Pros and Cons

This paragraph finishes the SMONET smart lock review, summarizing all the information that we have gathered here. I have been using the device we are talking about for two weeks and discovered the following conveniences and inconveniences during that time.

This smart locks device is elegant and has good locking, which makes it aesthetically appealing to the buyer, which is important because the lock is an important visual element of the entrance. Such a security device makes the front door look pretty fashionable.

Another big advantage of these smart locks is their great functionality. You can unlock the door with the keypad and a PIN code, your own fingerprints, electronic and physical keys, and also IC cards.

You are allowed to create and delete many different types of user codes as well as E-Keys. This makes your user experience unique and adequate for your own needs. There is an option of working with the security system and lock remotely if you have bought a SMONET Wi-Fi gateway and have gotten yourself a TTLock app. The same device makes it possible to operate the lock by your voice only with the help of Alexa or Google Assistant.

SMONET Smart Lock’s battery life is better than most of its rivals. If you make sure that you make everything right when you install and use the device, the batteries will live much longer than if you have bought another smart lock model. Recharging the battery is also quite easy for this model.

After all, there aren’t many cons when you purchase the device. There are a few minor minuses, but they can be overlooked, unlike the “can’t unlock the door” problems other smart locks place before you. Still, you should know about the existing ones.

Should you get this device? This decision is, of course, up to you. But I heavily recommend making the choice of buying the SMONET Smart Lock. It has a great performance and gives the user everything they might have wanted with a smart lock.

Pros

• Simple installation process.
• Beautiful, fashionable visual design.
• You can unlock the door with methods (5 totally).
• Easily programmed user codes.
• Memory that can contain up to 100 fingerprints.
• Fast and precise fingerprint reader.
• The responsive touchscreen on the keypad.
• Anti-peep password security.
• Unlimited E-Keys and user PIN codes.
• Different types of codes: one-time, cycled, temporary, permanent.
• Great compatibility with Airbnb.
• Support of Alexa and Google Assistant (need a Wi-Fi gateway).
• You can lock remotely (need a Wi-Fi gateway).
• Automatic locking function (Auto Lock) with different timeframes.
• Great battery life.
• Double low battery alert.
• USB port for recharging.
• Physical key and keyless entry door lock at the same time.
• Easy battery replacement.
• Detailed logs for each user code.
• IP5X certificate.

Cons

• Can’t connect to smart hubs.
• To lock, you have to depress and hold the digits for a few seconds.
• Support for Apple HomeKit is not available.