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TechMagnet's Aqara U100 Smart Lock Review

Aqara · Reviewed by TechMagnet · Published 2026-05-26

Rating 4.5/5Source quality 85/100Evidence 14Claims 8Q&A 6Pros 5Cons 1

Based on a review by TechMagnet (accessed 2026-05-26).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Truly hands-free unlocking on approach using ultra-wideband (UWB)
  • Annoyed by — Repetitive voice prompts during fingerprint setup

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about truly hands-free unlocking on approach using ultra-wideband (uwb) — just accept repetitive voice prompts during fingerprint setup.

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that the Aqara U400 offers 'everything,' praising its 'great unlock on approach,' 'beefed-up security,' and 'thoughtful USB port on the outside' for emergency power. They particularly appreciate the voice commands.

About this source

This review unboxes and demonstrates the Aqara U400 smart lock, covering its installation process on a fake door and its integration with the Aqara Home app and Apple Home. It explores various unlocking methods and essential features.

Review notes

The Aqara U100 Smart Lock provides a truly hands-free unlocking experience, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking seamless smart home integration and enhanced convenience. The ultra-wideband protocol enables automatic unlocking upon approach, a significant improvement over previous smart lock implementations, and its BHMA certification ensures durability and reliability. A minor drawback is the repetitive voice feedback during fingerprint setup, which could be improved for a smoother user experience. If you prioritize truly hands-free access and broad smart home compatibility, this smart lock is an excellent investment. If you are sensitive to repetitive voice prompts during initial setup, you might find that part slightly annoying, but it doesn't detract from daily use.

What the reviewer liked

  • Truly hands-free unlocking on approach using ultra-wideband (UWB)
  • Broad compatibility with major smart home ecosystems (Matter, Thread, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant)
  • BHMA certified for durability and reliability
  • Multiple convenient unlocking methods including fingerprint, keypad, and Apple Home Key
  • Rechargeable battery with emergency power options via USB-C

What the reviewer criticised

  • Repetitive voice prompts during fingerprint setup

Structured claims

The Aqara U400 uses ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol for hands-free unlocking as you approach the door, offering a safer strategy than previous implementations.

specification_claimstrong

The smart lock is Matter-ready and built on Thread, allowing for secure and convenient entry with various smart home ecosystems.

specification_claimstrong

The Aqara U400 works with major home integration solutions including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant.

specification_claimstrong

The lock is BHMA certified, indicating it has been tested for its durability and reliability.

specification_claimmoderate

The lock is powered by a 4880 mAh rechargeable battery that can last up to 6 months and is charged via Type-C. Users receive a notification at 20% battery.

specification_claimmoderate

The Aqara U400 offers various unlocking methods including fingerprint, keypad code, physical keys, Apple Watch (Apple Home Key), voice commands, and UWB hands-free approach.

reviewer_claimstrong

In case of battery depletion, the lock can be temporarily powered via a bottom USB-C port using a phone with reverse power delivery or a power bank. It also includes physical keys as a backup.

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The smart lock has an auto-lock feature that can be configured to engage immediately or after a set number of seconds or minutes once the door is closed.

reviewer_claimstrong

Evidence items

Ultra-Wideband & Matter-Ready

specification_claimneutralt=0:28–0:42

The reviewer states the Aqara U400 is one of the first ultra-wideband enabled smart locks on the market and is Matter-ready.

Broad Smart Home Compatibility

specification_claimpositivet=0:42–0:54

The smart lock works with all major home integration solutions including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant.

BHMA Certification Display

visual_inspectionpositivet=0:54–0:57

The reviewer shows the product box, which clearly indicates the lock is BHMA certified for durability and reliability.

Rechargeable Battery Capacity

hands_on_demoneutralt=2:07–2:13

The reviewer unboxes the Aqara U400, showing its 4880 mAh rechargeable battery, which can be charged via Type-C.

Adjustable Deadbolt Demonstration

hands_on_demoneutralt=2:56–3:10

The reviewer demonstrates how the deadbolt can be adjusted for either 60mm or 70mm distances from the center hole to the door edge, adjusting it for his 60mm fake door.

Full Installation on Fake Door

hands_on_demoneutralt=2:48–5:48

The reviewer demonstrates the full installation process of the smart lock on a fake door, following the quick start guide.

Aqara Home App Setup and Fingerprint Enrollment

hands_on_demoneutralt=6:00–7:38

The reviewer goes through the setup process in the Aqara Home app, successfully pairing the lock and enrolling a fingerprint.

Door Lock Calibration via App

hands_on_demoneutralt=7:42–8:15

The reviewer calibrates the door lock using the Aqara Home app, which involves opening and closing the door for the lock to find its optimal working range.

Auto-Lock Feature Demonstration

hands_on_demopositivet=9:36–9:48

The reviewer demonstrates the auto-lock feature by closing the door, and after three seconds, the lock automatically engages.

Apple Home Integration with Express Mode

hands_on_demopositivet=10:25–11:15

The reviewer successfully adds the Aqara U400 to Apple Home, enabling the Home Key feature with 'express mode' for automatic unlocking on approach.

Siri Voice Command Unlocking

hands_on_demopositivet=11:32–11:43

The reviewer uses Siri to lock the front door via voice command, demonstrating successful integration with Apple Home voice control.

Fast Fingerprint Reader

hands_on_demopositivet=12:28–12:35

The reviewer demonstrates the fingerprint reader, noting that it works 'super fast' to unlock the door.

Emergency Power Options Demonstration

hands_on_demopositivet=13:28–14:15

The reviewer demonstrates that the lock can still be unlocked with traditional keys or by providing emergency power via a USB-C port using a phone with reverse power delivery or a power bank.

Battery Life and Notification Claim

specification_claimpositivet=12:55–13:10

The reviewer mentions the 4880 mAh battery can last up to 6 months and users will receive a notification when the battery reaches 20%.

Quick answers

  • Does the Aqara U400 offer hands-free unlocking? The reviewer highlights the U400's ultra-wideband protocol for hands-free unlocking, describing it as a safer and more convenient approach.
  • What smart home systems is the Aqara U400 compatible with? The review explicitly states the U400 is Matter-ready and built on Thread, ensuring broad compatibility.
  • How do you unlock the Aqara U400 smart lock? The reviewer demonstrates several unlocking methods: a "super fast" fingerprint reader, using a set keypad code, traditional physical keys, Apple Watch with Home Key, and voice commands through Siri.
  • What is the battery life of the Aqara U400 and how is it charged? The reviewer specifies the battery capacity as 4880 mAh and states it can last for up to 6 months.

Buyer questions answered

Does the Aqara U400 offer hands-free unlocking?

The reviewer highlights the U400's ultra-wideband protocol for hands-free unlocking, describing it as a safer and more convenient approach. They demonstrate setting up "express mode" with Apple Home Key, which allows the door to unlock automatically as you get close.

What smart home systems is the Aqara U400 compatible with?

The review explicitly states the U400 is Matter-ready and built on Thread, ensuring broad compatibility. It directly mentions support for Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant, with the reviewer demonstrating Apple Home integration.

How do you unlock the Aqara U400 smart lock?

The reviewer demonstrates several unlocking methods: a "super fast" fingerprint reader, using a set keypad code, traditional physical keys, Apple Watch with Home Key, and voice commands through Siri. The primary hands-free method is via ultra-wideband as you approach.

What is the battery life of the Aqara U400 and how is it charged?

The reviewer specifies the battery capacity as 4880 mAh and states it can last for up to 6 months. It charges via a Type-C port, and the Aqara app and Home app will notify users when the battery reaches 20%.

What happens if the Aqara U400 battery dies?

The reviewer addresses this concern directly, showing that physical keys are always an option. Additionally, there's a USB-C port on the bottom of the lock where you can connect a phone with reverse power delivery or a power bank to temporarily power the lock and gain entry.

Does the Aqara U400 have an auto-lock feature?

The reviewer demonstrates the auto-lock feature, showing how it can be enabled and configured within the Aqara Home app. They set it to a 3-second delay and successfully show the lock engaging automatically after closing the door.

Specs mentioned in this review

Ultra-Wideband & Matter-Ready
The reviewer states the Aqara U400 is one of the first ultra-wideband enabled smart locks on the market and is Matter-ready
Broad Smart Home Compatibility
The smart lock works with all major home integration solutions including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant
Battery Life and Notification Claim
The reviewer mentions the 4880 mAh battery can last up to 6 months and users will receive a notification when the battery reaches 20%

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Fit & Sizing
  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Value
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

85/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

The TechMagnet channel reviews the Aqara U400 smart lock, highlighting its ultra-wideband (UWB) hands-free unlocking, Matter-readiness, and compatibility with major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home. The review showcases the unboxing, installation on a demo door, and setup with the Aqara Home and Apple Home apps. It also demonstrates multiple unlocking methods, including fingerprint, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice commands via Siri, while also pointing out useful features such as auto-lock, emergency battery options, and battery notifications.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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About this page

This page converts TechMagnet's review of the Aqara Aqara U100 Smart Lock into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Brand relationship disclosed as: affiliate

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