In recent years, smart locks have significantly enhanced home security and accessibility. While the market seemed static for quite a while, an increase in vendors has brought exciting innovations. The Ultraloq Bolt stands out with its integration with Apple HomeKit, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, and various locking mechanisms. Whether you prefer advanced options like fingerprint recognition or the simplicity of unlocking via Siri, the Ultraloq Bolt has you covered (mostly).
HomeKit Weekly is a series dedicated to smart home accessories, automation techniques, and all things related to Apple’s home tech framework.
HomeKit Features, Yet Lacking Home Key
The standout feature of the Ultraloq Bolt is its compatibility with Apple HomeKit. The ability to lock or unlock your door through the Home app or using Siri is fantastic for Apple enthusiasts. HomeKit automations, such as turning on lights or adjusting your thermostat upon unlocking the door, enhance its functionality.
However, there is one key feature I find missing: support for Apple Home Key. The ability to simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door could really elevate the experience. While it’s not a dealbreaker, its absence is noticeable, especially if you’re accustomed to using Home Key with other smart locks. It would be great if the manufacturer considered this in future updates or versions because with Home Key, the Ultraloq Bolt could be nearly perfect. Surprisingly, I found the pin code option for letting guests in to be quite enjoyable.
The lock is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other ecosystems, offering flexibility regardless of your smart home preferences. With built-in Wi-Fi (unlike many locks that depend solely on Bluetooth), you won’t need an additional hub to manage it remotely or share access codes with family and friends, even if HomeKit is not your chosen platform.
Setup and Integration with HomeKit
Having installed several smart deadbolts over the years, I found the installation process to be straightforward. You can replace your old deadbolt with the new one in just a few minutes, requiring no extra wiring or drilling—just a Philips head screwdriver will do. You’ll also need to swap out the strike plate on your door.
The HomeKit code is conveniently located on the interior component, which you can scan to integrate it into your HomeKit environment. After placement, control of your lock through the Home app is seamless—whether locking, unlocking, or creating automations so that other HomeKit actions can occur when it’s unlocked, like lights turning on.
Final Thoughts on the ULTRALOQ Bolt
All in all, the Ultraloq Bolt is a fantastic option for those who don’t necessarily need Home Key support. Its fingerprint unlocking feature becomes the go-to for daily use—it certainly did for me. The installation process is easy, and the premium zinc construction gives it a solid feel. Plus, having traditional keys as a backup means you’re never locked out should HomeKit encounter issues.
Additionally, with an IP65 weather-resistance rating, the Ultraloq Bolt can withstand elements like water, dust, heat, and cold, ensuring reliability in various conditions. Running on 8 AA batteries, it has a typical lifespan of about a year, contingent on usage. With its dependable HomeKit integration working as expected, it’s an excellent choice for enhancing your home security. If you don’t mind missing out on Home Key, the Ultraloq Bolt is an outstanding smart lock.
You can purchase the ULTRALOQ Bolt with Fingerprint on Amazon.
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