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The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is a deadbolt you can open with a fingerprint, a keypad code, an Apple Home Key tap, an NFC card or a key. It stores fingerprints and codes on the lock itself and runs on four AA batteries.
The catch is the hub. Bluetooth works out of the box, but remote control, activity logs, voice assistants and Matter need an Aqara Zigbee hub. Without one, you only control the lock when you’re near it.
| Feature | Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
|---|---|
| Unlock methods | Fingerprint, keypad, Apple Home Key, NFC card, key, app |
| Capacity | 50 fingerprints, 75 passcodes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, plus Zigbee 3.0 through an Aqara hub |
| Power | 4 AA batteries, about 8 months (Aqara’s estimate) |
| Weather rating | IP65 on the outer panel |
| Works with | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Matter (hub needed for most) |
| Typical price | About $150 (estimate) |
What Works With No Subscription
Everything on the lock itself is free. Fingerprints and passcodes are stored locally on the device and are AES encrypted, according to Aqara’s launch release, and nothing there mentions a subscription.
Aqara notes the lock works over Bluetooth without a hub for setup, local control and firmware updates. Apple Home Key, which works from an iPhone or Apple Watch, is another hub-free way in.
The hub is a one-time purchase. Aqara’s hubs run the Zigbee link, so factor that in if you don’t already own one. For other fee-free locks, see our best smart locks list.
What You Need Before You Buy
An Aqara hub for remote access. Aqara’s release says a Zigbee 3.0 hub is needed for remote control, activity logs, Alexa and Google voice control, and Matter. A reviewer at HomeKit News also found Matter only worked through a compatible Aqara hub.
An Apple device if you want Home Key. It works from an iPhone or an Apple Watch (Series 4 or later), per HomeKit News. The reviewer ranked it behind the fingerprint reader for everyday use.
The Aqara app. It handles status, battery, logs, one-time passcodes and user management, and calibration needs it. Home Assistant control also needs the hub, according to Selora Homes.
Aqara also sells the U200, which connects over Thread and Matter instead. SmartHomeCompared recommends the U100 for most buyers on reliability and battery life, but pick the U200 if your home already runs on Thread.
How You Can Unlock It
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint | Up to 50 prints, stored locally |
| Keypad | Up to 75 passcodes, tap to wake |
| Apple Home Key | iPhone or Apple Watch, no hub |
| NFC card or tag | Included in some kits, sold separately otherwise |
| Physical key | Keys included |
| USB-C port | Emergency power from a power bank |
That list is the main reason to pick this lock over a basic keypad. Passcodes can also be disguised with up to 20 extra digits, HomeKit News found, which helps if someone is watching you type.
Aqara Smart Lock U100 Review
Aqara Smart Lock U100
The U100 replaces a standard deadbolt and fits 2-3/8″ and 2-3/4″ backsets. Aqara’s first deadbolt has an IP65 outer panel and a metal build, and HomeKit News found a like-for-like swap easy.
That reviewer scored it 8.4 out of 10 and called the fingerprint reader fast. He expected to use it about 95% of the time, as he does with Aqara’s earlier lock.
Aqara says the batteries last about 8 months at eight fingerprint unlocks and auto-locks a day, and the HomeKit News reviewer also cites an average life of about 8 months. A USB-C port gives you emergency power from a power bank, and keys are included.
Here are the downsides. The plastic battery cover is hard to remove, and the supplied tool can break. Passcode scheduling is limited too, since temporary users can have date ranges but open-ended users can’t have recurring time or day limits.
The lock also can’t be rekeyed to your old key, according to the same reviewer, and doing so would void the warranty. SmartHomeCompared says some owners report defective units, beeping and early low-battery warnings, though that comes from owner reports it didn’t verify. Its rating was 4.1 when it checked.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint, keypad, Home Key, NFC and key Fingerprints stored locally About 8 months from 4 AA batteries No hub needed for Home Key |
Remote control, Alexa, Google and Matter need an Aqara hub Hard-to-remove battery cover Limited passcode scheduling Can’t be rekeyed |
Best for: Apple Home households that want fingerprint entry and already own, or will buy, an Aqara hub.
Full details and current price: Aqara Smart Lock U100 on Amazon
About the Brand
Aqara is the smart home brand of Lumi United Technology, founded in 2009 with offices in New York and Shenzhen, according to its Connectivity Standards Alliance listing.
The U100 is also one of three picks in our Aqara smart lock guide. If you want to skip the hub, our Schlage Encode review covers a Wi-Fi lock.
FAQ
Does the Aqara U100 need a hub?
Not for basic use. Bluetooth and Apple Home Key work without one, but remote control, logs, Alexa, Google and Matter need an Aqara Zigbee hub.
Does the Aqara U100 work with Apple Home Key?
Yes. You can unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch (Series 4 or later), and it also works with Siri and the Home app.
How many fingerprints and codes does it hold?
Up to 50 fingerprints and 75 passcodes, per Aqara’s launch release.
How long do the batteries last?
Aqara says about 8 months on four AAs at eight unlocks a day. Your own usage will change that.
Does the U100 support Matter?
Only through a compatible Aqara hub. For Matter over Thread without a hub, look at the Aqara U200.
Final Verdict
The Aqara U100 is a feature-rich, fee-free lock for Apple Home households that don’t mind an Aqara hub. If you don’t want a hub, a Thread or Wi-Fi lock will be simpler.