Aqara lock with Home Key: Complaints about jamming and too little lubrication
The U200 can experience gearbox problems after a few months, users report. Aqara admits a “component defect”.
The Aqara lock U200: When it creaks, it needs lubrication.
(Image: Aqara)
Some smart locks with Apple Home Key offered by the Chinese manufacturer Aqara have an insufficiently greased gearbox and can therefore fail after a few months of use. Corresponding user reports can be found on Reddit and YouTube, among other places. The company confirmed the problem when asked by Mac & i. The error is due to “early defective components,” which have since been replaced. However, only a “small number of users” have reported difficulties, says Aqara.
Worst case: locked out
According to affected users, the devices in the U200 series initially work reliably until they become louder during the locking process and eventually no longer turn the key correctly. In the worst case, this can lead to the user being locked out, not only because the lock can no longer be opened electronically but also because such “jamming” can prevent opening with a physical key. A locksmith would then be needed, who might have to damage the door – or at least the lock cylinder.
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The only remedy is to regularly grease the lock, which is a lengthy process that cannot be expected of beginners. Corresponding instructions can also be found on Reddit, but there is a risk of violating the warranty conditions. It is therefore better to have the lock replaced if it shows signs of stiffness. Aqara stated that it has already done so. They recommend contacting the service team or the retail partner if the device is still under warranty. It remains to be seen what happens when this expires after two years.
Better to have it replaced in time
Aqara did not provide further details on which “early defective components” cause the problem. However, in one case described on YouTube, the locking and unlocking errors occurred with two U200 devices – an original and a replacement model. When disassembled, it turned out that only very little grease was left. However, the lack or insufficient greasing does not seem to be the only issue, but also the aforementioned defective components. If you notice the first signs of issues, indicated by increased noise or stiffness, you should contact support to avoid jamming.
The Chinese smart home specialist is one of the first providers to implement Apple technology. The U200 was the first smart lock with Home Key available in Europe. Most recently, Aqara also launched the first UWB-enabled Home Key smart lock with the U400. It is currently only available in a US version; Aqara has not yet provided information on an EU version.
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