What is SwitchBot Lock Pro? Are you tired of carrying around bulky door keys? Maybe you’ve considered upgrading to a smart lock, but found the installation process frightening. If you’re like me, you want a simple solution that doesn’t break the bank or your door(s). In this article, I’ll share my experience with smart locks and introduce you to a promising solution: the SwitchBot Lock Pro.
Table of Contents
Understanding Smart Locks
Traditional locks have served us well for centuries, but they come with limitations. Keys can be lost or stolen, and rekeying can be a costly and time-consuming process. Smart locks offer a modern alternative, allowing users to control access remotely and monitor entry activity.
Challenges with Existing Solutions
My first try into smart locks was with a Schlage model equipped with Z-wave wireless communication. I bought it secondhand (like new) for a bargain, but soon discovered it wasn’t compatible with my European Z-wave hubs due to different frequencies (probably US one). While the lock itself functioned decently, having to input a code every time I wanted to unlock it quickly became a hassle.
Regular (old) SwitchBot Lock?
Next, I tried the SwitchBot Lock paired with a SwitchBot Keypad, even making an article about my experience. Despite the SwitchBot Lock not being designed for outdoor use, I decided to mount it on my front door and weatherproof it with a not very beautiful 3D-printed roof.
To my surprise, it endured extreme conditions from -20C to +40C for two years. During this 2 years period I changed the batteries on the lock 3 or 4 times. The 3D printed roof was brutally damaged by me multiple times unintentionally, as well as the magnet sensor that SwitchBot lock have, which was wiped out several times (again unintentionally)
I also changed the whole SwitchBot Keypad once, not because it was not working, but because my first model was without a fingerprint sensor and as I told you I don’t like to remember codes, so I upgraded it.
I also added that regular SwitchBot Lock in my Home Assistant which was piece of cake and in my Alexa both integration was working just fine, but to be honest I didn’t use them a lot and let me explain why?
Old SwitchBot Lock status?
Is it because of using the lock not as designed installing it outdoors on extreme conditions or because of the not very close proximity between the magnet sensor and the lock, I’m not quite sure, but the status of the lock was not very accurate.
I mean it shows in the SwitchBot app in the Home Assistant and in Alexa that the lock is locked for example, but it is actually unlocked and vice versa and this happened from time to time. So I never knew the real status of the lock unless I go outside and manually check it. A quick recalibration fixed the things, but temporary, but several weeks later I was in the same state of not knowing the real status of the lock.
Apart from that, the lock was working fine and I didn’t have to use keys at all, but I didn’t manage to use the smart features of the lock to their full potential. I forgot about the batteries of the regular SwitchBot lock. It uses two CR123A batteries which I don’t like at all, because they are expensive and they are hard to find here in the local stores and I have to go to big ones or to order them online, at least they last as advertised and that is around 6 months.
Introducing the new SwitchBot Lock Pro
SwitchBot’s latest offering, the Lock Pro, represents a significant advancement in smart lock technology. Boasting a different design & materials, extended battery life, and enhanced features, it promises to address many of the shortcomings of previous models.
Key Features of the Lock Pro
- Improved Battery Life: With four AA batteries lasting up to nine months, the Lock Pro offers peace of mind without the need for frequent replacements.
- Low Battery Unlock Feature: Never get locked out due to dead batteries again. The Lock Pro’s low battery unlock feature ensures you can always access your home in emergencies.
- Quick Key Functionality: A physical key embedded within the knob provides convenient manual control. Calibration ensures smooth operation, minimizing the need for recalibration.
- Integration with Voice Assistants: Seamlessly connect the Lock Pro to Alexa, Google Home, Apple Watch, and Android Watch for hands-free operation and enhanced convenience.
- Cloud Connectivity: Utilize the SwitchBot Hub Mini or Hub2 to enable Cloud services, allowing remote access and control from anywhere in the world or by using voice assistants such as: Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, etc.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing the Lock Pro is a really straightforward process, requiring minimal time and effort. It took me 10 to 20 minutes to install the Lock Pro on my door and that time includes removing of the regular (old) SwitchBot Lock.
Everything about the installation is well described in the manual and there is even a compatibility check page with videos where you can double check if your existing lock is supported for retrofitting and how to install your new Lock Pro. I will link that page below if you want to check yours also there you can find installation video tutorials that are really helpful.
https://www.switch-bot.com/pages/switchbot-lock-pro-compatibility
With the comprehensive instructions and compatibility checks provided, you can make sure that you will retrofit your existing lock(s) with ease.
Cloud or Local? The choice is yours…
Integration with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri was seamless, but it requires additional SwitchBot Hub2 or Hub mini for Cloud connectivity.
However, the Lock Pro can function only locally without any hubs, offering flexibility to users.
Matter Standard?
While native support for Matter standard is not yet available, compatibility can be achieved through a SwitchBot Hub2 or SwitchBot Hub Mini (with Matter support).
Enabling Cloud services (via Hub Mini or Hub 2), ensures seamless integration with popular smart home ecosystems, such as Apple HomeKit and Google Home over WiFi or Matter.
I didn’t manage to test Matter, but I’m planing to do that in the near future. Meanwhile, If you have more info please share it in the comments.
Quick Key of Lock Pro?
A standout feature of the Lock Pro is its Quick key, nestled within the knob for physical control.
This feature not only simplifies locking and unlocking by eliminating the manual know rotation, but also minimizes calibration issues. Additionally, the potential for assigning actions to double presses opens up possibilities for automation enthusiasts.
Double quick key pressing is already supported in the SwitchBot app and you can assign that action to something useful. But imagine what can you do if these events can be caught in Home Assistant?
I can tell you what can be done – everything!
Home Assistant Integration?
Speaking of Home Assistant the Regular SwitchBot Lock is supported, but currently the new SwitchBot Lock Pro model is not among the supported devices yet. I guess this will be changed for good in some of the next Home Assistant releases, but we will see.
At the end of the day, It is quite normal the support not be ready everywhere right from the beginning, as SwitchBot Lock Pro is a brand new device that is just released.
Where to buy?
At the time of writing this article, you can only preorder the SwitchBot Lock Pro on a promotional price.
- SwitchBot Lock Pro – https://amzn.to/4aLIeJa
- Lock Pro + HubMini Matter Enabled + Keypad Touch (Combo) – https://amzn.to/3wqLoTH
- SwitchBot Hub 2 – https://amzn.to/4aIKAbA
- SwitchBot Hub Mini – https://amzn.to/3UyqEmh
- SwitchBot Keypad Touch – https://amzn.to/4aZwang
- SwitchBot Keypad – https://amzn.to/44d1EUE
- SwitchBot (Regular) Lock Pro – https://amzn.to/49NUcR3
And If you are watching this in the future then check these links again as SwitchBot are making flash sales almost every month.
Buying something from the above links will help my blog, as I will receive a small commission from your purchases with no additional cost for you.
Don’t forget to register for my upcoming Home Assistant webinar which is absolutely free.
Thanks for reading, I’m Kiril and I will see you in the next one.