I was away, so I couldn’t try out the locks remotely, as the Wi-Fi bridge was something I had to purchase and install separately. Exceedingly simple to fit, the Yale Linus Smart Door Lock can upgrade most Euro Cylinder doors to be smart.

You’ll need to lock and unlock it using the thumb turn, so that the Linus learns the positions for both. The benefits are that you don’t have to modify your door, and that you retain standard key entry from the outside. Ultimately, the Yale Linus Smart Lock is a simpler, easier-to-fit lock, and out-of-the-box it offers excellent integrations, from HomeKit to IFTTT. Yale has been one of the pioneers of smart locks, although its previous attempts have required the complete removal of your existing lock. Again, if I’m away and the kids get locked out, there’s a way for them to access the house with the Yale Access app.After two years of designing and building the house, I wanted to go for something standard to make things easier: less worrying, less cost, less fitting, and fewer future headaches. I opted for the Yale Doorman, as I have the same lock installed in another building I sometimes visit. A stylish keypad that pairs with your Yale Linus Smart Lock to enable key code entry to your home and simpler, one-touch locking when you leave.

Siri support is slightly different: you can lock with your voice, but if you’re using a HomePod then you have to authenticate a locking action on your phone. Our Smart Lock can be integrated with top hosting platforms like Airbnb, so guests can come and go as they wish – and you don’t need to worry about lost keys. There’s a little red button inside the lock, and the owner’s guide is a bit outdated in this portion. From mechanical locks to alarms, safes, smart locks and more, our solutions are actively securing homes and businesses all over the world. You get a thumb turn on the inside, which is great for safety; you can quickly unlock your door in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.However, for those who don’t have an iPhone – or if you want some additional features – the Linus Connect Bridge may well be worth the cash. And if you want to adopt a lock, the database must get a release request from the owner’s mobile app. I could have perhaps installed it myself, but I knew I would be traveling and very busy with everything else in the house – such as installing the kitchen top and the HVAC systems.

If using the Linus on an external office as a secondary lock, this isn’t a problem – but it could prove frustrating for some and those who regularly wish to use a physical key may need the Linus Adjustable Cylinder. Finally, the mobile app allows you to configure the lock by setting guest access codes, family access codes, an emergency code that always works, and how the lock operates. The downside is that once the lock notifies you that it’s time to change the batteries, you must find the time to do it. The majority are likely to find this lock will be used with a key from the outside, with the Linus an optional extra that provides access if you’ve lost your keys. I’m thinking of simply scheduling the battery change operation for twice a year and treat it as regular maintenance.If you’re keeping count, the total cost for the Yale Linus installation, Wi-Fi bridge, and the keypad is 530 € before taxes. Pair your Yale Linus® Smart Lock with the Yale Smart Keypad (not available yet), to provide code entry to your home and one-touch locking when you leave. A sharp tap on the outside key pushes the inside one out a little, so you can unlock manually, but then I have to take the Linus lock off and re-sit the key.