We recently got our hands on Level Lock, a connected home product enabled for HomeKit that lets you convert your existing lock into a smart lock. The premise of the Lock level is extremely simple and can be a good choice for those who want to keep the look of their existing hardware, while benefiting from smart features such as HomeKit support.

Should you consider blocking the level? Watch our hands-on video step for details.

Specifications

• It installs in just a few minutes
• Piece puzzle interface
• Use your pre-existing deadbolt
• Powerful 6-speed stainless steel gearbox
• 1 year battery life from a single CR2 battery
• Mechanical operation always available with physical key
• Stress tested at over 1 million cycles
• Bluetooth or HomeKit controlled application
• Price: 229 USD

Practical: Smart lock activated with HomeKit lock level

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Lock level crafts

The first thought that crossed my mind when I saw the level lock box was "Is that so?" The level lock box is extremely small and compact. It is much smaller than the box for Yale Assure Lock SL (revision) which I currently use.

However, since level locking is only a replacement of the internal locking components and not a replacement of the visible locking housing, it makes sense.

The level uses a unique interface that allows each component in the box to fit like a puzzle. Clearly, there is careful engineering that has gone into the development of the lock level, because even the battery is cleverly hidden inside the lock itself.

Overall, I was impressed with the design and engineering of the lock level. Its presence is largely "invisible", with the only indication that the block is a smart block being the level logo on the top of the block.

One question that persists on build quality concerns the deadbolt / battery configuration. The deadbolt itself is empty to incorporate the battery, which gives me a bit of a break, wondering how it will withstand aggressive entry attempts.

For what it's worth, Level states the following in the security section of its website:

The level lock is designed to be strong, durable and meet or exceed the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for grade 1 / A locks, the highest level for residential security.

Of course, I'm not going to test it with a coup attempt, but it's something to consider.

Installation

Before installation, you will want to make sure that you can close and lock the door without having to press or pull on the door. If your door is deformed and needs pressure in both directions to lock the door securely, you will want to address this issue before installation.

As you can imagine, installing the lock level is relatively easy, as you reuse some of the components you already have. With Level Lock, simply replace the inner lock mechanism, which is placed between the two visible outer layers of the lock.

For installation, you will first need to unscrew and remove the existing outer locking layers, including locking the key and rotating your thumb.

Next, you will need to remove the components of the release lock by unscrewing the two screws that secure the lock to the door.

After removing the old components from the inside, insert the level lock and secure it with the two screws.

Next you will want to attach the gearbox using the puzzle piece interface and attach the item that matches the original locking components.

Attach the original key lock and thumb rotation and secure them in place with the original screws.

Then unscrew the battery cover from the end of the lock and insert the CR2 battery. When replacing the battery cover, you should hear a tiller indicating that the level lock is successfully connected.

Test the door, making sure it closes properly and locks correctly. You should be able to use the original hardware keys without locking.

Functionality

In addition to all the useful features that HomeKit brings to the table, Level Lock comes with its own Bluetooth-enabled app for Android and iOS, with the ability to perform the following functions:

• invitations
• Keyless entry
• Automatic closing
• Activity history
• Access at any time

First, you will need to download and install the Level app from the App Store. This app, which uses Bluetooth to connect to the lock, allows you to perform basic functions such as lock / unlock, add additional users, and set up temporary passages that can be provided to others as needed.

To lock or unlock the door using the Level app, simply tap and hold the location, which is the Rear Door, and the desired action will occur.

Level Lock keeps a log of interactions right on the main page of the application. Allows users to see who unlocked or locked the door and when. It will also designate between manual, HomeKit or application-based actions.

Among other details, you'll also find the ability to configure the lock confirmation volume, perform a calibration, and configure auto-lock features in application-level settings.

Creating a temporary passage

The app works pretty well, but as someone goes deep into the iOS ecosystem, I was much more interested in turning my mill running lock into a smart lock with a smart HomeKit feature using the Level Lock feature.

At the bottom of the Getting Started Guide, you'll find the HomeKit setup code you need to get started. After adding the lock level to the HomeKit, I could immediately do things like unlock and lock the door using Siri voice commands on my iPhone or Apple Watch.

And HomeKit support means I can also control Lock in the Home app. This opens up a number of other possibilities, such as using the level lock with triggers or incorporating the lock into automation sequences.

Best of all, you can control the level lock using HomeKit from anywhere and no special hubs are needed, other than your normal HomeKit hub (Apple TV, HomePod or iPad).

9to5Mac’s Take

If you are looking for a simple-dead smart lock and you are happy with the look of the current lock, then this smart lock is worth considering. It can also be an option for tenants who are not able to make radical changes to the look of their locks.

The lock level is very easy to install, well designed and works with HomeKit. The only question I have is its durability during aggressive entry attempts. Level says they put the block through rigorous testing, but I'd like to know how well they could keep the block empty when it's pushed to the limit.

Personally speaking, I will stick with Yale Assure Lock SL, primarily because I like to have an external keyboard that can be used without the need for a key, but if my main concern was to maintain the look of my current lock set with the lowest is installed there, then I would give a level lock to Level Lock. It is a product that can overload your existing lock with keyless access and HomeKit functionality and can fly completely under the radar.

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