How to Connect Smart Lock to HomeKit - Complete Setup Guide

☑️ Lock supports HomeKit
  - Look for "Works with Apple Home" on box
  - OR: "HomeKit Compatible"
  - OR: "Matter" logo (works with HomeKit)

☑️ iOS version 16.1 or newer
  - Settings → General → About → iOS Version

☑️ Home Hub set up
  - HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, or iPad
  - Must be at home and powered on
  - Home app → Home Settings → Hubs to verify

☑️ Lock installed with batteries
  - Battery level >50%
  - Lock tested and working

☑️ HomeKit code accessible
  - QR code sticker on lock or in box
  - OR: 8-digit code format XXX-XX-XXX

□ Launch Home app on iPhone/iPad
□ Ensure you're on "Home" tab (bottom left)
□ Top right corner: + icon
□ Tap "Add Accessory"

□ Position camera to scan QR code
  - Hold phone 6-8 inches from code
  - Ensure good lighting
  - Auto-scans when visible

□ OR: Manual entry:
  - Tap "I Don't Have a Code or Cannot Scan"
  - Tap lock from discovered devices
  - OR: "Enter Code Manually"
  - Type 8-digit code: XXX-XX-XXX

If lock appears in "Nearby Accessories":
□ Tap the lock name
□ Tap "Add to Home"

If not appearing:
□ Ensure lock has power (press button)
□ Move iPhone closer (within 3 feet)
□ Restart iPhone
□ Try manual code entry

□ Lock should show up with name
  - Example: "Yale Assure Lock"
  
□ Tap "Add to Home"

□ Wait for connection (10-30 seconds)
  - Progress indicator shows pairing
  - Don't close app during this time

□ If warning "Uncertified Accessory":
  - Some older locks show this
  - Tap "Add Anyway" if you trust manufacturer

□ Assign room:
  - "Front Door", "Back Door", etc.
  - Create new room if needed

□ Name your lock:
  - Default: "Lock"
  - Change to: "Front Door Lock"
  - Used for Siri commands

□ Include in Home Status:
  - ✅ Recommended (shows status on Home screen)

□ Configure notifications:
  - Lock status changes
  - Low battery alerts
  - Choose preferences

□ Choose who can control:
  - People in home (family)
  - Only you
  - Anyone on network (guests)

□ Enable notifications:
  - Lock/unlock events
  - Security alerts
  - Low battery

□ Location permission:
  - Tap "Allow"
  - Select "Always" (required for automations)
  - Not "While Using App"

□ In Home app, tap lock icon
□ Should show current status (Locked/Unlocked)
□ Tap to unlock
  - Authenticates (Face ID/Touch ID)
  - Lock should unlock within 1-2 seconds
□ Tap to lock
  - Locks immediately
□ Test 3-5 times to verify reliability

Some locks via HomeKit:
□ Long press lock in Home app
□ Settings (gear icon)
□ Access Codes
□ Add New
□ Enter code and name
□ Set schedule (optional)

□ Home app → Automation → + → An Accessory is Controlled
□ Select your lock
□ When: Unlocked
□ Next → Add Action
□ Select same lock → Lock
□ Next → Time → After 5 minutes
□ Name: "Auto-lock Front Door"
□ Done

□ Automation → + → People Leave
□ When: Last Person Leaves
□ Add Action → Lock → Front Door Lock
□ Done

□ Automation → + → People Arrive
□ When: Anyone Arrives
□ Add Action → Unlock → Front Door Lock
□ Security: Requires confirmation (recommended)
□ Done

□ Ensure lock has power
  - Press button, LED should light

□ Move iPhone within 3 feet of lock
  - Bluetooth range

□ Restart lock
  - Remove batteries 30 seconds
  - Reinsert

□ Restart iPhone
  - Often resolves Bluetooth issues

□ Check lock not already paired
  - Factory reset lock if previously set up
  - Remove from old Home if you have access

□ Update iOS
  - Settings → General → Software Update

□ Check Home Hub online
  - HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad
  - Must be on same network
  - Home app → Home Settings → Hubs

□ Verify WiFi connection
  - iPhone on same network as Home Hub
  - 2.4GHz network (for older devices)

□ Reset network settings
  - Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings
  - Warning: Re-enter WiFi passwords

□ Try different iPhone/iPad
  - Isolate if your device issue

□ Power cycle Home Hub
  - Unplug HomePod/Apple TV
  - Wait 30 seconds
  - Plug back in

□ Remove and re-add lock
  - Long press → Remove Accessory
  - Wait 2 minutes
  - Add again

□ Check lock battery
  - >30% required for reliable operation

□ Update firmware
  - Lock firmware via manufacturer app
  - Home Hub firmware auto-updates

□ Setup same as above (HomeKit code scanning)
□ Matter locks work with multiple platforms
  - Can also add to Google Home, Alexa simultaneously
  - No need to choose one platform
□ More reliable, future-proof
□ Look for Matter logo on box

⚠️ Cannot unlock remotely (outside home)
  - Unless you have Home Hub
  - Security feature

⚠️ Some features require manufacturer app
  - User code management
  - Advanced settings
  - Firmware updates

⚠️ Automations require Home Hub
  - HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad
  - Must be left at home

⚠️ Geo-fence unlock requires confirmation
  - Can't auto-unlock without auth
  - Security by design

Matter locks:
✅ Add to all platforms simultaneously
✅ Control from any app/voice assistant
✅ No conflicts

Non-Matter locks:
❌ Usually exclusive to one platform
❌ Must choose: HomeKit OR Google/Alexa