Yale - Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock Touch Key-Free Keypad with Bluetooth - Black Suede

Product connects via Bluetooth easily and works well however I will have to return in order to get the lock with WiFi connectivity. Lock is simple to install and customer service was great!

Works great! The keyless entry allows me to add family members their own personal keyless pad entry code or finger printing image. Awesome product

Yale has released their new Assure Smart Lock 2 Touch, and it doesn't disappoint. The box includes the exterior keypad, interior lock, strike plate, adjustable deadbolt, 4 AA batteries, mounting plate, mounting hardware, DoorSense module w/hardware, reset pin, and full user manual/paperwork. The electronics of the lock come with a manufacturer's 2-year warranty; however, has multiple warranty periods depending if the lock is used for a single family home or a rental. Refer to the warranties on Yale's website for more information. DISCLAIMER: My door already had a "regular" Yale deadbolt lock installed, so I did not have to do any special cutting or measuring. I simply removed the old lock, and the new one fit perfectly in its place. The lock I installed did NOT have the Wi-Fi module installed. It was key-free and used a keypad instead of a touchscreen. PROS: ----------- * NO MORE FUMBLING WITH KEYS!! * The lock was extremely easy to install. If no cutting is involved, the installer can simply use the instructions that are dictated by the app (with video too) to get through the installation quickly and easily. It took me about 10-15 minutes to install. * The lock looks great. The finish is classy, and it has a matte finish. * The fingerprint reader works great. There is no code needed when using the fingerprint reader (which is the Yale logo on the keypad). Just choose your finger to save to the system, press it on the Yale symbol, and it opens immediately. To lock, simply touch the Yale logo with any finger - it only needs the actual fingerprint to UNLOCK, but can LOCK with any finger. * Another option is to set up a PIN code for a user. The user can have the option to use a code OR the fingerprint reader - both are not required together to UNLOCK. * The backlit buttons appear when the Yale logo is touched so the user can see the buttons and enter their code. The buttons are easy to see when lit and easy to press. Press the checkmark after entering the PIN in order to UNLOCK the lock. This allows for multiple lengths of PINs to be used and can keep people from simply trying different codes. The software will also create a delay for the next code to be entered if you have too many failed attempts. * The DoorSense module can be installed on the door facing beside the lock or embedded in the door frame for a more stealth look. This is useful if you want to ensure the lock locks itself automatically if someone forgets to lock the door behind them after a predetermined amount of time. If you have the Wi-Fi module, I believe it can also notify a user if the door has been left ajar or is unlocked. * You can also lock or unlock the lock via the app (owner) from the main screen. * You can create guest PINs for anyone in the app. Just enter their name into the app and give them their unique PIN. Then you'll know exactly who entered the home. If you give everyone a generic code, that's fine; however, you won't see in the logs who actually unlocked the lock. * The AA batteries are extremely easy to access on the inside lock module. The top cover slides off easily for access. CONS: ----------- * It comes with a "basic" strike plate. I did not use the one that came in the box. Instead I installed a longer 5-7/8" rectangular strike plate which offers a bit more security. I would have liked to have had that longer strike plate made available in the hardware included. OTHER OBSERVATIONS: ----------- * My lock did not include a wi-fi module, but one can be purchased separately. My lock can only be setup and configured when within bluetooth range if using the app. The wi-fi option would give the user the ability to open the lock from anywhere in the world as long as the lock was wi-fi connected. * A user has to have the Yale lock app in order to be classified as an "owner" in order to have the option to enter a code OR use a fingerprint. A user can still be defined and given a PIN without them having the Yale lock app; however, they won't be able to use the fingerprint reader unless they get the app and become an "owner". * If the Wi-Fi module is used, battery life will be slightly shortened; however, I don't know by how much. Life is shortened because it has to be constantly connected to the wi-fi network. * You can set up the lock to auto-lock or unlock when your phone approaches or gets too far from the lock. This feature will force you to "allow access" all the time on your phone which may cause your phone battery to use more power more often than if this feature is OFF. If activated, then you won't have to enter a PIN or use your fingerprint to get in. This is another user convenience that the user will have to determine if it's worth doing. Keep in mind that if you have a garage door (for your car to enter) that's near this lock, when you pull in, you may trigger the door to unlock even though you're not using it. This could pose a security risk if someone is lurking nearby, so keep proximity or multiple garage door scenarios in mind before using the auto-unlock feature. * The lock has to be lined up perfectly for when the door is closed so it doesn't jam up against or rub hard against the strike plate. It simply won't work unless the deadbolt is lined up correctly to go into the strike plate hole without being obstructed in some way. * This lock works with Apple Home (tap phone to lock); however, I don't utilize this feature since we use Android devices. The manual states it can also works with Google HOme, Alexa, SmartThings, Phillips Hue, ecobee Smart Security, and AirBnB. * The lock can hold up to 250 codes CONCLUSION: ===================== This lock is exactly what I have been wanting for a while now. The biggest positive is that we no longer have to leave with keys or fumble with keys upon returning. If you need the keyed version for a backup option to get in, that's fine; however a majority of the time, a fingerprint or code will be used, making this super easy to unlock without digging into pockets or purses. Even the Apple Home connection is great since most people use iPhones. If you turn on auto-lock, it may be even easier and more convenient if you're able to utilize that feature without creating a security risk. Overall, I love the lock and will absolutely buy another one in the future. Keep in mind that it's not fully remote unless you get the Wi-Fi module. This is an incredible product. Great job, Yale!

A few years ago I reviewed a Yale lock that is pretty much the same lock as this one. However, it included the optional WiFi module and this lock is Bluetooth only. Some things have been improved and some not so much. Keep in mind that since this lock is Bluetooth only, you Must be in range of the lock to use the app. WiFi module needed to use Alexa or use app when not in BT range. Pros: Feels very solid and well-made, like a lock should. I like the fact that you can verify if the door is ajar or locked with the sense feature on the app. You can lock and unlock with the app, fingerprint and PIN number. Being able to give different pass codes to family and friends that can be permanent or expire is a very useful feature. The app can log every time the door is opened and closed, locked and unlocked and by whom or if manually with the knob. I like the auto-lock feature and the “passage” mode that is easy to turn on by pressing a button on the inside part of the lock. It automatically turns this feature off when you manually lock the door or tell it to lock with the app. You can enable the LED under the lock knob to flash the lock’s status. Red is locked and green is unlocked. The fingerprint scanner works great and consistently. They got that Right! Options for requiring password or biometric verification to operate the lock from a mobile device. As in additional security in addition to what is required to access the phone normally. Numbers on the screen are easy to read in the dark. Makes clicking sound when you touch numbers. Plays a little melody upon correct entry and unlocks the door. You can set how many incorrect attempts before a delay, and delay time, and or lock the device out. Comes with 4 AA batteries. Battery cover is easy to remove and replace. The app works fine on our Android phones. What’s better with this lock than the older one: The keypad is improved so that you can see (circles) where the numbers are, but the numbers are not printed on the circles. Meaning that in direct sunlight the backlighting to show the numbers is insufficient. The older lock had a smooth matte finish, and you had to hope you were hitting the exact right spot. The lock mechanically operates faster than the older one. Needs fixed: The keypad is just a backlit membrane numeric pad. It’s completely black until you touch Yale at the top or a circle where a number should be Printed. For anyone that’s visually impaired this could be a problem because it’s smooth with no tactile feel at all. Just makes a clicking sound when you touch the buttons. The numbers are pretty much invisible in direct sunlight. See photo. They should have printed them or embossed them white into the touchpad. If you have someone in your household that is visually impaired, they might not be able to use the keypad to gain entry. But the fingerprint scanner solves that. All of the manufacturer’s photos for all of the Yale smart locks show the numbers visible on the screens / touchpads. There’s no way to tell if the numbers are printed on the pad or not unless you look at reviewer’s photos where some reviewers show a blank dormant screen. Installation: You have two options for installing the door status sensor magnet. Attach it to the case molding around the door inside the house or drill a hole into the doorframe, insert the magnet and then cap it. The manual tells you to use a ⅝” inch wide paddle bit to drill a ½” deep hole. The magnet and cap looked and measured correctly for ⅝”, but I drilled both sizes in a scrap piece of wood just to make sure. I didn’t have to drill holes in my door since I already had to with the previous Yale electronic lock I reviewed. Conclusion: I think the Yale Smart Lock is built tough and looks great. I think it would be just about perfect if they had the numbers printed on the screen and the app worked faster. I think the lack of printed numbers is a style design but not a well thought out one. That cost it a star, again. Recommended.

Verdict. The Yale Assure Lock 2 replaced another type of smart lock that didn’t have a keypad. While I loved the old lock because I was able to keep the original external hardware of the door, the rest of the family felt it was a significant inconvenient to find the right app to open the door, so in the end, I was the only one who used it. With this new lock, the whole family can quickly get in with their fingerprint, and/or with a code. The app could use some improvements. Installation. Hardware installation took 25 minutes and getting through the software setup took about 20 minutes. I was lucky that the existing door hole and setup was compatible with this lock. After removing the old hardware, I followed the step-by-step instructions to install the new lock, minus DoorSense since our home alarm system already tracks opening/closing. The installation was easy, all parts aligned nicely and the bolt slides easily and without friction. Four AA batteries are included… thank you! Unfortunately, the previous hardware left marks on the door (see picture) that will require some paint touchup. The software installation was a bit more difficult than the hardware. I downloaded the Yale app, setup an account, updated the photo of my house (it looks like it doesn’t take, but it works when you go back into the app later), and then setup fingerprint and a passcode. This was fairly smooth. Then I tried to setup HomeKit but the app was not able to scan the code or detect the new lock by proximity. I also enabled the skill in Alexa, but could not get that to work either. After about 5 attempts with HomeKit and Alexa, I stopped and moved on. Esthetics. Besides the paint blemish from the old hardware, the lock on the exterior of the door looks very nice. It’s small, sleek, and matches the door color. On the other hand, the door latch on the interior of the door is very large and unappealing, but it’s understandable. App. The app is not elegant, and navigation and settings are not intuitive, but to be fair, it features a decent amount of options. Unfortunately, it also takes a bit of time to connect to the lock from the app. The app allows for locking/unlocking, tracking activity, managing access (codes and fingerprint), and controlling options. Options allow for increased security (both fingerprint and code, like 2-factor), auto-unlock (for example when getting home - location tracking is required), auto-lock (by location or by time), DoorSense, smart integration, and calibration. The best feature for us has been the ability to quickly assign codes and register fingerprints, to include scheduled activation and cancellation of guest codes… that’s fantastic! You can add a user for just fingerprint and register their fingerprint while they stand next to you, without the requirement that they download the app – both of my kids have fingerprint access that way. Performance. Use of the fingerprint has worked flawlessly in the first few days of testing. Use of a code is also very quick and effective. We love both options. Pressing the “Yale” button to lock also works well. However, use of the app to lock/unlock is slow and clunky; we will never use it for that. Yale has included nice security features: various code lengths (must press the check sign after you put all the numbers you want, up to eight), vacation mode to disable all codes, auto-lock, and delayed attempts after too many wrong codes. Things I love. - Most convenient use of our front door in a decade! - Easy hardware install if your door is the right size; the kit includes different size screws to support many door types - Ability to easily manage users as well as guest codes - Ability to set start date and expiration for guest codes - Auto-lock and auto-unlock are great features; we only use auto-lock after 5 minutes - Vacation mode disables all codes; we will use that! Things I don’t love. - Smart integration was disappointing. I wish this lock was just a bit more expensive and included the smart module - The Yale App is not elegant and not intuitive. Lots of opportunities for improvement there - Smart alerts do not work unless you are home AND near enough to be Bluetooth-connected to the lock, or if the lock is connected to WiFi (through the smart module), so… smart alerts essentially don’t work - HomeKit integration (or the HomeKit app) doesn’t work - The “Works With” section indicates that this lock works with Alexa. We enabled the skill in the Alexa app, but it doesn’t work. Generally, Alexa integration is simple and works well. This is disappointing since it would be amazing to be able to voice-command the unlocking of the front door! I guess I will keep trying Overall, this is a great solution for a fingerprint or code entry lock; it works reliably and quickly. The app is not great for locking or unlocking because it’s too slow to connect, but it enables access to many great options. The lock also needs to fully integrate with IOT and smart speakers. Overall, I recommend this lock for fingerprint and code entry. I think we will be very happy with it.