Yale Assure Lock 2 Review

Whether you are renting out your house to visitors, want to watch the comings and goings of your dog walker, or are just weary of messing about with keys, a smart lock may bring a significant amount of ease to your life with its ability to track your dog walker’s movements.

Compared to the previous generation, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is more streamlined and intelligent, and it is compatible with Apple HomeKit on all of its versions. A Bluetooth-only version can be purchased for a starting price of $159.99, while the most advanced touch-screen variant that also includes Wi-Fi can be purchased for $259.99. Regardless of the option you choose,  Assure Lock 2 gives you the ability to

lock and unlock the door in a variety of different ways, enable you to generate and manage access codes for visitors, and display a chronology of door and lock activity.

Although the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which retails for $249, continues to be our Editors’ Choice winner because to its biometric fingerprint scanner, the Assure Lock 2 is a formidable rival that has a beautiful appearance.

Leaner and more intelligent

When compared to its predecessors, the four versions that make up the Assure Lock 2 line are up to 30 percent more compact. The prices range from fifteen dollars to twenty-five dollars.

Although the most basic versions come with a keypad that has physical buttons, you have the option to upgrade to a touch screen for an additional twenty dollars. It is possible to purchase each one without a key or with a key, with the latter having a key cylinder that is mechanical and requires an actual key to operate. It is the same price for both keyed and keyless variants. Black Suede, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, and Satin Nickel are the three different finishes that are both available for the Assure Lock 2.

Through Bluetooth, all versions are compatible with the Yale Access app, which is available for Android, iOS, and watchOS. Additionally, they are compatible with Apple HomeKit. Additionally, the DoorSense device from Yale is included in the package that contains the Assure Lock 2. This device makes use of a magnetic sensor to monitor when your door is open and closed.

In order to operate the lock beyond the restricted Bluetooth range, which is around 30 feet, you will need a Wi-Fi Smart Module. This module is designed to be inserted into the rear of the lock and enables remote administration using the Yale Access app from any location. In order to provide an additional level of convenience, the Wi-Fi Smart Module is no longer required to have a Wi-Fi Connect Bridge. This makes it easier to set up and eliminates the need for a wall outlet. A version of the Assure Lock 2 that comes with the Wi-Fi Smart Module already installed is available for purchase from Yale for a starting price of $239.99. Alternatively, you can buy the module separately for $79.99 and then add it to the lock on your own.

Yale provided me with the key-free, touch-screen Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi in Satin Nickel, which retails for $259.99, for the purpose of this review.

Additionally, Yale intends to provide Z-Wave and Matter Smart Modules, each of which will be priced at $79.99. These modules are designed to simplify the process of integrating the Assure Lock 2 with the smart home ecosystem of your personal preference. When equipped with a Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Matter Smart Module, the lock is compatible with Airbnb as well as a broad range of third-party security and automation systems. These systems include Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Philips Hue, Ring, and Samsung SmartThings, among thousands of others.

With a deadbolt bore hole of 2-1/8 inches (the typical size in the United States) or 1-1/2 inches (commonly found in Canada) and a backset measuring 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches, the Assure Lock 2 series is suitable for use on doors that have a thickness ranging from 1-3/8 inches to 2-1/4 inches.

Maintain a supply of spare batteries at all times

The lock is powered by four AA batteries, which are supplied in the package. This is true regardless of the model that you choose. Locks that are solely compatible with Bluetooth should have a lifespan of between six and nine months before the batteries need to be replaced. The battery life, on the other hand, is reduced to only three months when the Wi-Fi module is included, according to Yale.

Battery life varies depending on how the lock is used as well as other variables like the intensity of the Wi-Fi connection and the friction that occurs inside the deadbolt itself. In only seven weeks, I was able to use up all of the batteries in my Wi-Fi-enabled device, but while I was working on this review, I locked and unlocked it dozens of times every single day.

Regrettably, the application does not show the battery level at all until the battery level falls below around twenty percent. On the occasion that the batteries do reach that critical level, the Assure Lock 2 will alert you by means of a notice within the application, a red light on the device itself, and a sound that may be heard. I really wish that it had pushed these notifications much earlier.

One of the low-battery alerts in the app was not shown to me until after I had been locked out of the app during testing. This occurred when I was wearing just socks on my feet and the rain was pouring down heavily.

Even if the batteries expire and you find yourself locked out of the house, there are still two methods by which you may unlock the door. Using the keyed model is as easy as pressing the button on the key.

An ordinary 9V battery may be used to provide power to the keyless model, which allows it to be powered from the outside. It was the latter option that I used when I was locked out of my home (after my neighbor was nice enough to drive me to the store), and it was successful.

You should just press a 9-volt battery against the terminal that is located at the bottom of the outside keypad or touch screen. Once you do this, the display should light up, allowing you to enter your code in order to get access.

The process of replacing the batteries is straightforward: You only need to take the battery cover off the inner lock, pull the ribbon to remove the old batteries, then replace them with the new ones and then replace the cover.

According to a representative for Yale, the majority of purchasers choose for a keyed device because they desire the extra piece of mind that comes with having a physical backup. In the event that the battery dies and you do not have the key with you, hiring a locksmith will be necessary in order to regain access to the vehicle. The keyless device actually has a lesser danger of being locked out since you can always acquire a 9V battery from the shop to power it back up. This makes the risk of being locked out far lower. You have the freedom to make your own decision, but I chose with the key-free variant since it has a more streamlined design and the ability to use a 9V battery backup.

Put some time aside for the installation process

It is expected that the majority of individuals will be able to install the Assure Lock 2 on their own using a basic screwdriver with a Phillips head, assuming that it is compatible with the lock that was previously installed on the door. A drill, a utility knife, a wood mortise chisel, a tape measure, and a level are some of the extra instruments that are required in order to adjust an existing door or prepare a new door for the Assure Lock 2. As a result, the operation becomes more complicated and requires more tools.

If you have previously replaced a deadbolt lock, you should not have any difficulties installing the Assure Lock 2 since, as was indicated, you have already done so. Since I am not very good at such things, I decided to recruit the assistance of my neighbor Ali, who is quite handy and has previously installed a number of different brands of smart locks.

The Yale Access app may also assist you in navigating the procedure, in addition to the textual and visual installation instructions that are included in the box purchased from Yale. Ali was able to finish the installation of my review unit in around two hours, despite the fact that he made it clear that he was taking his time during the process.

The most challenging aspect was the installation of the optional DoorSense device, which may require drilling a hole with a 5/8-inch paddle bit, as was the case with my door. Installation of DoorSense is possible on door frames made of either wood or metal.

The Assure Lock 2 and the Yale Access software that comes with it were able to be paired without any problems throughout my testing.

Before you can use the app, you will first need to register an account, and then you will be required to authenticate both your email address and your phone number by using one-time codes. After that, the next step is to hit the Set Up a New Device button, and then use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code that is located on the lock (either within the battery compartment or on the fast start guide).

Once the application has identified your device, it will inquire as to whether you would like to see the installation instructions or start the setup process.

In order to begin the procedure, you will first need to give your home a name inside the application and indicate which door the lock is located on.

Following that, the application will give you instructions on how to open and unlock the door so that it can calibrate the device. A minute or two is all that is required for the calibration.

When everything is finished, you should be able to use the app to operate the lock using Bluetooth at that point. In the event that you decide to make use of the DoorSense gadget, it will also be necessary to calibrate it; nonetheless, this process is just as simple and fast.

In order to connect the lock to your home network by using the Wi-Fi Smart Module, you will be required to input the password for your Wi-Fi network inside the application.

Be aware that the Wi-Fi Smart Module is only compatible with the 2.4GHz frequency and does not function with networks operating at the 5GHz frequency.

You will be prompted by the application to generate a four- to eight-digit access code that you will use to open the door while you are in the process of setting it up.

It was at this time that I devised one-of-a-kind codes for myself, my neighbor, and the person who walks my dog. Whenever you invite other people to use the lock, you have the option of providing them with full app access or only a personal entry code.

You have the ability to choose your own digits in order to personalize the codes and make them easier to remember.

Easy management of your lock is made possible with the Yale Access app, which is both straightforward and well-organized.

You can instantly check the current state of your lock and door by using the tabs at the bottom of the app. Additionally, you can lock and unlock the deadbolt with a single press, examine a history of lock and door activity, and generate and manage access codes.

The Lock Settings tab of the application allows you to configure automations such as Auto Unlock and Auto Lock, as well as activate Apple HomeKit, which enables you to manage the lock using voice commands from Siri and the Home app available on Apple devices.

You may also activate Smart Alerts in this section to get notifications about certain occurrences, such as when the door is locked or unlocked manually, when it is locked or unlocked by a particular user, when it is left ajar, when it is automatically locked, or when the keypad is locked.

Utilizing the Assure Lock 2 to Get Rid of Your Keys

The external touch screen is turned off when it is not being used, so the only thing that is visible is the Yale logo at the very top. If you want to unlock it using the touch screen, all you have to do is press the Yale logo, then input your code by using the numbered buttons on the display, and then push the checkmark button.

I, along with any of my visitors who had an access code, did not have any difficulties opening the door using this method.

When I went to Berlin to cover the IFA consumer electronics trade show, the lock came in handy since it made it possible for my dog walker to simply come and leave twice a day to take care of my dog Bradley.

The auto-open function, which makes use of Bluetooth to determine when you are close enough to automatically open the door, is really helpful. In most cases, I am still gathering stuff from my vehicle when I hear the door unlock automatically. In the event that alerts from the Yale Access app are enabled, it will send a notice whenever it is working to automatically open the door.

Having said that, the lock has sometimes failed to automatically unlock when it was used in conjunction with the Wi-Fi module during testing. In these instances, I was required to manually enter the code in order to unlock the door.

As was noted, the Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch allows you to lock and unlock the Assure Lock 2 with a single touch. Although this function worked dependably throughout testing, I virtually never used it since the other options are more convenient.

Although the Wi-Fi Smart Module is a wonderful addition, I would not consider it a feature that is absolutely necessary for me to have since I spend the most of my time at home.

The ability to monitor the state of the door and lock from any location is the most significant advantage that I have gained from having a Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, if you have a Wi-Fi connection, you will be able to lock and unlock the door from a distant location, keep an eye on the activity stream, and continue to get alerts even while you are somewhere else.

In the absence of a Wi-Fi connection, these capabilities will only function within the range of the Bluetooth connection. Additionally, as was mentioned before, the Wi-Fi module sometimes hindered the use of the Bluetooth Auto Unlock feature.

During my testing, I had no issue connecting the Assure Lock 2 to a number of different third-party smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, by using the mobile applications that are specific to each of these platforms.

I would then be able to operate and monitor the lock by using voice commands such as “Alexa, lock my front door” via an Echo Show 8; “Hey Google, what is the status of my front door” through a Nest Mini; and “Siri, lock my front door” through a HomePod mini.

Intelligent Appearances and Practicality

If you want to improve the appearance of your door while also making your life easier, consider installing the Yale Assure Lock 2. It provides a good selection to match your requirements, tastes, and budget, including keyless and keyed versions with physical buttons or a touch screen, with prices ranging from $159.99 to $259.99.

It is available in many different configurations. You have the option to add Wi-Fi connection for remote monitoring and control, and all of the models come equipped with Bluetooth features. Additionally, they are compatible with the Yale Assure app and Apple HomeKit. When it comes to the Wi-Fi version, the battery life should be improved, but other than that, we have very few issues.

One of the competitors, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi ($249), features a fingerprint scanner, which gives it an advantage over the Assure Lock 2. However, the Assure Lock 2 is a fantastic option, particularly if you are interested in minimalist aesthetics.

PROS

• Sleek design
• Keyed, keyless, physical button, and touch-screen options
• Bluetooth and HomeKit support
• Well-designed companion app
• Works with Apple Watch
• Wi-Fi models work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

CONS

• Poor battery life on Wi-Fi model
• Short low-battery warning lead time
• Iffy Auto-Unlock performance over Wi-Fi
• DoorSense device may require drilling