HomeKit Locks Worth Considering: Six Smart Deadbolts for Apple Home Users

You are halfway down the driveway when the question hits: did I lock the front door? A HomeKit lock answers it from your phone, and it can also lock itself behind you, unlock as you walk up with an iPhone in your pocket, and share temporary codes with a dog walker. For anyone already living in the Apple Home app, a lock that appears next to lights and thermostats keeps door control in one familiar place.

Not every smart lock supports HomeKit equally. Some connect through Bluetooth only, some use Wi-Fi, and some add Apple’s Home Key for tap-to-unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The six locks below are well-known models from established makers, and the buying guide explains how to confirm Apple Home support, check door compatibility, and plan backup access. As of 2026, always confirm HomeKit or Home Key support on the specific model page, because manufacturers sell several versions under similar names.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Confirm HomeKit and Home Key support

HomeKit support means the lock shows up in the Apple Home app and works with Siri and automations. Home Key goes further, letting you tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock like a keycard. Look for the Works with Apple Home label on the box or product page, and read the fine print for each model, since a brand may sell a HomeKit version and a non-HomeKit version side by side.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Thread

Bluetooth locks work well when you are nearby but need a home hub, such as a HomePod or Apple TV, for remote control. Wi-Fi locks connect directly but can use batteries faster. Thread-based locks are designed to be low power and reliable in Apple’s smart home mesh. A good rule of thumb is to choose the connection that matches your home hub: if you own a recent HomePod or Apple TV, Thread-capable options are future-friendly.

Door and hardware fit

Measure your door thickness (most residential doors fall between 1-3/8 and 2 inches) and check the bore hole dimensions. Retrofit locks that keep your existing deadbolt, which suits renters, differ from full replacements that include keypad and exterior hardware. Verify the backset (2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches) and the lock’s handing before buying, and keep a physical key backup for emergencies.

Power and backup access

Most smart locks run on AA batteries and warn you in the app before they die. Look for a way to wake the lock with a nine-volt battery or a USB-C emergency port in case the batteries run out. A keypad or physical key backup is wise, since a phone can die or be forgotten. Think about guest access too, whether through temporary codes or shareable digital keys.

Our Picks Reviewed

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

August built its name on retrofit smart locks that sit over your existing deadbolt, and this model carries Wi-Fi in its name. Because it keeps your exterior hardware, it suits renters and anyone who likes their current look. Check Apple Home support on the model page for the version you buy, and confirm that it fits your door’s thickness and existing deadbolt before ordering.

• Pro: A retrofit approach keeps your existing exterior lock and key, which means a smaller change to the door.
• Pro: Wi-Fi in the name suggests direct connection without a separate bridge.
• Con: A retrofit lock adds bulk on the inside of the door, which some find less tidy than a full replacement.

Skip it if you want a keypad on the outside of the door or a clean flush appearance.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Schlage is a long-standing lock maker, and the Encode Plus is a Wi-Fi deadbolt replacement. The Plus version is associated with Apple Home Key support, but confirm on the model page. It suits owners who want a full replacement with keypad access. Plan on spending an hour or so on installation, and keep the supplied key and the emergency power instructions somewhere you can find them quickly.

• Pro: A full deadbolt replacement offers a complete, integrated look rather than a retrofit add-on.
• Pro: A keypad gives guests and family a way to enter without a phone.
• Con: A full replacement needs a bit more installation work, and some doors need drilling checks.

Skip it if you want to keep your current exterior hardware or are renting.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus

Yale’s Assure Lock 2 line is built around touch or keypad entry, and the Plus version signals added smart features. Yale is a recognized lock brand. Verify the specific module and Apple Home support on the model page before buying, because lock lines often come in several connectivity versions that look nearly identical on the shelf.

• Pro: A keypad-style approach makes it easy to give guests and cleaners a code.
• Pro: A recognized lock brand means hardware options and finishes are easy to find.
• Con: Multiple versions of the Assure Lock 2 exist, so it is easy to buy one without Apple Home support.

Skip it if you prefer an invisible retrofit that keeps your existing door exterior.

Level Lock+

Level designs locks that hide inside the door, so the exterior looks like a regular lock. The Plus version is known for adding Apple Home Key support, though you should confirm on the product page. It suits design-conscious owners who want the exterior of the door to look unchanged. Check the door preparation requirements, since a hidden design relies on a precise fit within the existing bore, and confirm the app supports the sharing features your household needs.

• Pro: A low-profile design keeps the door looking traditional.
• Pro: Tap-to-unlock support can make entry quick with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
• Con: A compact design means no keypad, so guests need a phone or a key.

Skip it if you want a keypad or need a lock for guests who may not carry smartphones.

Aqara Smart Lock U100

Aqara is a smart home brand with a broad ecosystem of sensors and hubs, and the U100 is a smart deadbolt in that range. It appeals to buyers building a connected home who want sensors, hubs, and a lock from one family of products. Check the model page for the Apple Home capabilities, the connection type, and whether a separate hub is required. Pay attention to how the app handles guest access, since ecosystems differ in how easily they share temporary codes.

• Pro: A smart home brand often makes it easy to link a lock with sensors and automations.
• Pro: A model number makes it simple to compare listings and find the right version.
• Con: Newer brands in the lock space may offer fewer local installers and fewer replacement parts.

Skip it if you want a lock from a traditional hardware manufacturer with decades of door experience.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

The Sense was an early Schlage smart deadbolt designed for Bluetooth connection with HomeKit. It is an older line, and newer Schlage models have since arrived. It can suit a buyer who wants a keypad deadbolt and a Bluetooth-based setup. Confirm current availability and support first, because older lines can be phased out, and make sure you own a home hub if you want to control the lock while away.

• Pro: A keypad deadbolt from a trusted lock maker is straightforward to operate.
• Pro: A Bluetooth-based design can keep power use modest.
• Con: An older design may lack newer features such as Home Key or Wi-Fi.

Skip it if you want the latest wireless features and the longest support runway.

Which One Fits

Begin with your door and your household. A renter who cannot swap hardware has different options than a homeowner replacing a worn deadbolt, and a family with teenagers and visiting relatives needs a different access method than a single person who always carries a phone. Use the situations below to narrow the list, then confirm Apple Home support on the exact model page.

• Renters or keep-my-lock buyers: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
• Full replacement with keypad: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt or Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus.
• Invisible upgrade, tap to unlock: Level Lock+.
• Smart-home tinkerers: Aqara Smart Lock U100.
• Bluetooth-only setup: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt.

A lock pairs naturally with lights, so see our home lighting automation system picks for an arrive-home routine.

After installing, test the lock several times with the door open before relying on it. Confirm that the bolt extends fully, that the auto-lock timer matches your habits, and that every family member can unlock the door in at least two ways. Write down where the backup key is kept, and set a reminder to replace batteries twice a year even if the app has not warned you.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming every model in a line supports HomeKit.
• Skipping a home hub and then wondering why remote control does not work.
• Not measuring door thickness or backset before ordering.
• Forgetting a physical key or code backup.
• Ignoring battery warnings until the lock dies.

FAQ

Do I need a HomePod or Apple TV?

For remote access and automations, yes. A home hub keeps the lock reachable when you are away.

What is Home Key?

Home Key lets you tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, using Apple Wallet.

Can I still use a key?

Most smart locks keep a key cylinder or a backup method. Check the model page.

Is a smart lock secure?

Reputable models use encryption, but a strong account password and updated firmware matter as well. Use a unique passcode for the keypad, and remove old guest codes once visitors leave.

Where should I store backups of my home data?

Keep a copy of important records on a separate drive; see our guide to a hard drive for photo storage for storage ideas.