Today, we’re diving into the unboxing of the Abode Lock, a sleek addition to your smart home security. Right out of the box, you’ll notice how compact and lightweight this device is.
The package includes the smart lock itself, a slim keypad with a fingerprint scanner, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, various adapters for different deadbolt types, a few screws, and 3M stickers. That’s pretty much all you need to get started.
The keypad immediately stands out due to its small size, making it an unobtrusive addition to your door. The fingerprint scanner is subtly positioned at the top, adding convenience without compromising on style.
The lock’s lightweight design is also impressive, and it’s powered by a 4,000 mAh battery that can be recharged via a USB-C port. According to Abode, this battery could last up to a year before needing a recharge, which is a huge plus for those looking for low-maintenance smart home gadgets.
One thing to note is that while the smart lock is designed to retrofit over your existing deadbolt, maintaining your door’s original appearance,
it doesn’t come with any third-party security ratings like BMHA. This means that while it adds convenience and smart features, your door’s existing security remains unchanged. So, let’s get this lock set up and see how it integrates with the Abode security system.
Setting Up the Abode Lock
Setting up the Abode Lock was surprisingly straightforward. After downloading the Abode app, the process of connecting the lock to your home’s Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz was almost instantaneous.
Pairing the lock with the keypad was also hassle-free, requiring just a couple of button presses. The app allows you to register up to 50 fingerprints, set up different user codes (permanent, one-time, or timed), and even customize various automation settings.
One of the standout features is the two types of connectivity—Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The lock and keypad communicate via Bluetooth, which is known for its reliability, while the Wi-Fi connection integrates the lock into your broader smart home network.
The Abode Lock is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but notably, it doesn’t support Apple HomeKit. Everything is managed through the Abode app, which offers a clean and intuitive interface.
I was also impressed by the abundance of installation resources provided by Abode. There are detailed guides and videos available, making it easy to install the lock on almost any type of door.
However, one minor inconvenience was that I had to manually align the deadbolt and adapter during installation—a step that could have been simplified with a more robust adhesive on the provided tape.
Installation Tips and Tricks And What to Watch Out For
When it comes to installing the Abode Lock, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process smoother.
First and foremost, make sure to unlock your door before you begin disassembling your existing lock. I learned this the hard way, as trying to remove the lock while it’s still engaged adds unnecessary difficulty.
The installation kit includes everything you need, but a skinny Phillips screwdriver is essential for securing the lock to your door.
Unfortunately, this tool isn’t provided in the box, so you’ll need to have one on hand. Once you’ve aligned the deadbolt correctly and secured it with the included screws, the rest of the installation is straightforward.
One key point to remember is the orientation of the lock during setup. Abode includes a document that explains how to properly pair the lock based on its orientation.
Failing to follow these instructions might require you to redo the setup, as I experienced during my first attempt. But once everything is aligned and paired correctly, the lock performs flawlessly.
Living with the Abode Lock For A Month
After living with the Abode Lock for over a month, I can confidently say it’s one of the most reliable smart locks I’ve tested.
I installed it on my garage door, and during that time, I moved homes, which meant using the lock hundreds of times.
To fully experience all of its features, I subscribed to Abode’s $8 per month service, which unlocks advanced automation options in the app.
This subscription allows for geolocation-based automations that work exceptionally well. The lock consistently recognized when I was coming home or leaving, automatically locking or unlocking the door with pinpoint accuracy.
This level of reliability in geolocation is something I haven’t encountered with any other smart lock, making it a standout feature of the Abode system.
In addition to the geolocation features, the fingerprint scanner and keypad also performed reliably, with no issues during my testing period.
The lock’s integration with the Abode security system adds another layer of convenience, especially if you’re already using Abode’s products.
Despite the small hiccups during installation, the Abode Lock proved to be a durable and user-friendly addition to my smart home setup.
Conclusion
- The Abode Lock is a solid choice for anyone looking to add smart features to their existing door without compromising the original hardware.
- Its lightweight design, ease of installation, and reliable performance make it a worthy contender in the smart lock market.
- While the subscription fee might be a deterrent for some, the advanced features it unlocks, particularly the flawless geolocation-based automations, could be well worth the investment for those who prioritize convenience and security in their smart home ecosystem.
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