SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro Is the Most Renter-Friendly Smart Lock I’ve Ever Used
I’ve been renting most of my life until recently, and if SwitchBot Lock Pro had been around all these years, I probably wouldn’t have locked myself out so often and dropped things on the doorstep trying to find my keys. I’ve been using the SwitchBot Lock Pro in my home and Airbnb for several months now, and it’s the easiest smart lock I’ve ever installed. Since I received the upgraded WiFi Lock Pro & Touch package (it was sent to me for review), I was able to control it remotely, grant access to guests, and connect it to my existing smart home ecosystem.
Pros and cons of SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro
Pros
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Works with many types of door locks.
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Has an auto-lock function
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Has a status detector that notifies you of door activity.
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Easy installation and no tools required
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You keep your existing locking hardware and keys.
Cons
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To get all the features, you need to purchase the hub and keyboard separately (included).
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The adhesive may damage the door’s paint when removed.
Specifications:
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Connectivity : Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
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Unlocking mechanism : keypad, fingerprint, phone or key card.
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Integration : Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT.
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Installation : Internal trim.
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Application : Mobile
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Geofencing/location services : No
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Guest access : Yes
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Tamper alarm : Yes
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Touchpad : Yes
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Voice activation : Yes
SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro is easy to set up.
The longest part of setting up the SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro was reading the instructions. The installation itself took me about seven minutes. Like I said, I had to keep the locks and keys I had. All I had to do to get started was remove the lock faceplate from inside the house.
After removing the front panel, I screwed on the lock bracket. I then had to choose from three different adapter bolts to fit my existing lock hardware cylinders.
Once that was done, I snapped the Smart Lock Pro onto the bracket and secured it with very small screws (there’s an L-shaped Allen key in the box for this). I then removed the motion sensor sticker, stuck it on the wall next to the door, inserted four AA batteries, downloaded the app, and calibrated the smart lock using the app, and I was done.
The keypad has a code, fingerprint and key card option to unlock the SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro. To install it, there are two options: remove the sticker from the back to stick it to the wall, or drill two holes for a more durable and secure alternative. The adhesive is very strong and I have had no issues with it staying on a block wall in the rain or with Airbnb guests using it. However, it is still glue. When I took it down, it stripped the paint off my wall, and anyone who has the desire to take it can steal it. The app has a tamper warning that acts as a deterrent.
The component that takes SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro to the next level is the SwitchBot Hub Mini . This device allows me to use the SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro and keyboard over Wi-Fi when I’m away from home, not just Bluetooth. There’s a catch, though: the SwitchBot Hub Mini must be within range of the Bluetooth Smart Lock Pro and keyboard. My hub is about 10 feet from my smart lock, but my other SwitchBots in a detached garage or on the second floor don’t reach the hub, meaning that if I wanted to control them remotely, I’d have to buy multiple hubs.
Once everything is set up, I can open and close the door via Bluetooth when I’m close to the door, remotely via Wi-Fi by swiping the keypad, or using the key card fob that comes with the keypad. I also get notifications on my phone every time a door opens or closes due to a motion sensor.
SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro is ideal for Airbnb renters and hosts.
Easy setup, the ability to save existing keys and lock hardware, and the ability to stick a keypad make Smart Lock Pro very convenient for renters. Once the installation is complete, the setup will look like the image below. If your homeowner decides to show up unannounced with their keys, they may not even notice that a smart lock is installed. Just be prepared that you may have to paint over the wall where you removed the keyboard.
Many guests have stayed with me and used a temporary code to enter, and so far there have been no problems. The process is very simple and user friendly. Swiping with your finger is very responsive and rarely fails (so far only when it was raining and your finger was wet).
SwitchBot app
The application is responsive and user friendly. It has all the necessary features such as setting a time code, setting an automatic lock, changing the smart lock trigger actions, alarming if the door is left ajar or unlocked, and much more. The app tells you how much battery is left on your device and sends you a notification when it’s running low so you can replace it before you get a nasty surprise. The app is also compatible with Google, Amazon, IFTTT and Siri.
One of my favorite features is the ability to send time codes to guests over Wi-Fi without being physically at home. This is very useful for an Airbnb host, but so is the ability to send it to someone in your home if there are cleaners, a maintenance person, or if a neighbor is kind enough to drop off an Amazon package for you.
Completion of Thoughts
SwitchBot WiFi Smart Lock Pro Bundle is a versatile and convenient smart lock, ideal for people who rent. Its ease of installation is unmatched and even a non-DIY person can handle it. Because the installation is non-invasive, it is very easy to remove and move to your next home without any damage or permanent changes to the door (except maybe a little paint if you choose to install it with a very strong adhesive). A smart lock is also compatible with many types of hardware, so if you’re concerned that the one you have at home might be a bit of a hassle, try this one. The door monitor tells you when the door is open or closed and records all that information in the app. The auto-lock feature is customizable and very useful. The only downside is that you’ll have to buy the entire Wi-Fi package to get all these features, but it’s worth it considering the $200 price tag.