SwitchBot is one of the biggest names in home automation, and it has already created a retrofit smart lock with the SwitchBot Lock. However, this smart lock solution is only compatible with a single-cylinder deadbolt, so you may’t install it if you have a different lock type.
So, the company created an improved version called theSwitchBot Lock Pro. This retrofit smart lock attaches directly to your door, making it compatible with more lock types.
SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro
The SwitchBot Lock Pro is a retrofit smart lock that will smarten your home security without replacing your key. It’s also quick and easy to install, so you don’t need a professional to do it for you.
Different Ways to Get a Smart Lock
You can get the SwitchBot Lock Pro in four different configurations. The basic Lock Pro lets you lock and unlock the smart lock by pressing or turning the knob inside your home. However, you cannot control it outside your door unless your phone is connected directly via Bluetooth and you use the SwitchBot app.
If you want to unlock your door without pulling out your phone, get Lock Pro with the SwitchBot Keypad Touch. This add-on connects wirelessly to your SwitchBot Lock Pro, giving you additional ways to open it—via fingerprint, PIN, or the included SwitchBot NFC Card.
You can also get SwitchBot Hub 2 or SwitchBot Hub Mini to control the Lock Pro remotely. This Matter-enabled hub will let you lock and unlock your door via the cloud. So, whether you’re at home or anywhere else in the world, you can operate the SwitchBot Lock Pro. The hub also lets the Lock Pro connect to other Matter-compatible apps, like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
But you can get both the Keypad Touch and the SwitchBot Hub if you want all access options. That way, you don’t have to choose between your phone or the keypad to unlock your door when you’re outside.
Everything You Need Is in the Box
SwitchBot sent us the SwitchBot Lock Pro with the SwitchBot Keypad Touch and the SwithBot Hub Mini. Everything you might need to install all the items is already included in the boxes, so you don’t need any other tools. But we recommend using a power screwdriver if you want to work more quickly (and a power drill if you’re going to screw in the Keypad Touch).
The SwitchBot LockPro package includes a small screwdriver that could (barely) loosen the screws on my existing single-cylinder deadbolt and a tiny hex key for installing the equally tiny hex screws. You also get four screws (two large and two medium thickness) to secure the base to your existing lock, so you don’t have to reuse the old screws in your door. It also included a large blue tape that held the outer part of my deadbolt to my door—a thoughtful gesture from SwitchBot.
The SwitchBot Keypad Touch, which you’re able to install outdoors and has an IP65 environmental rating, comes with double-sided tape and a mounting plate. However, we recommend using the included screws if you’re installing it outdoors or if you want to ensure that it’s difficult to remove.
Also, both devices come with batteries. The Lock Pro has four AA-size batteries inside the device, which should last for about nine months, while the Keypad Touch uses two special CR123A batteries that are good for about two years (when used nine times daily).
The SwitchBot Lock Pro is made with aluminum alloy material and has a premium and solid feel. Although the SwitchBot Keypad Touch only uses plastic material, it’s thick and doesn’t flex, so you know it will last even if exposed to the elements. However, the SwitchBot Hub Mini is made from light plastic. Although it doesn’t look fragile, it doesn’t have much weight, so it feels cheap. Nevertheless, since you only need to place it once, and you don’t need to touch it ever again, you can forgive its flimsy construction.
One Hour to Install Everything
After laying everything on a table and going through the instructions, I took about an hour to install and set up everything. I spent 20 minutes removing my old deadbolt and installing the SwitchBot Lock Pro in its place; then, I spent another 20 minutes putting the SwitchBot Keypad Touch outside my door. Finally, it took me less than a minute to plug in the SwitchBot Hub Mini, but I spent a few more minutes setting it up on my phone.
Note that you need your phone during installation, as you must set up each part after putting it on your door or wall. Nevertheless, setup is pretty straightforward, as the SwitchBot app automatically detects the installed part. you’re able to even connect the SwitchBot Lock Pro and the SwitchBot Keypad Touch to your phone first before installing them, as the app will give you the option to view the install instructions from your phone after they connect for the first time.
You should also know that the SwitchBot Hub Mini is a universal IR and Bluetooth remote, so you can control other devices using it. Since the Hub Mini is near my living room, I also use it to control my TV.
Many Ways to Access Your Lock
After installing and setting up everything, I tested all the possible ways to unlock the SwitchBot Lock Pro. The most basic way of operating the smart lock is by turning the knob inside the door—turn it clockwise to lock and the other way around to open the door. It also has the Quick Key feature, which lets you operate the lock just by pressing on the knob.
You can also operate the Lock Pro on your phone if it’s connected to it directly via Bluetooth. Aside from that, you can change its settings, including activating the Quick Key function, setting alarms, turning on the Auto-Lock function, and calibrating the lock.
If you added the SwitchBot Keypad Touch, you also need to set it up in the SwitchBot app as a separate device. In the app, you may add up to 100 different passcodes, including permanent, temporary, one-time, and even an emergency code that will notify your designated users if used. It can also accept up to 100 different NFC cards and 100 different fingerprints, including ten emergency fingerprints.
These numbers mean you’re able to give up to 300 people unique access to the lock, ensuring you can track the movement of each one on the app. The emergency code and fingerprint function will also notify you (or anyone else you choose) via email if it’s used, provided the SwitchBot Keypad Touch is connected to an online SwitchBot Hub.
Should You Buy the SwitchBot Lock Pro?
A smart lock will make things easier and more convenient for you. Aside from allowing you to access your home without fumbling for your keys, you could also use the SwitchBot Lock Pro to give temporary access to others. And if you frequently get deliveries while you’re away, the SwitchBot Lock Pro will let you unlock your door remotely, helping you keep your packages safe from porch pirates.
TheSwitchBot Lock Proretails for $119.99, putting it in the average price range of smart locks. However, the SwitchBot Keypad Touch is a separate purchase, which will set you back by $59.99. And if you want to control your smart lock remotely via the cloud, you need the $39.00 SwitchBot Hub Mini. All in all, you have to spend almost $220 to get all three devices. But if you buy all three as a package, you’ll save $20 on the SwitchBot website.
This puts it in the price range of other more premium smart locks, which include everything in one package. However, you can use the SwitchBot Hub Mini for other purposes, so you get more value out of it. Most importantly, you retain the original outside key, letting you open your door using the traditional method—crucial if you’re a renter and cannot make permanent changes to your unit.
