1.6 in. White Smart Cabinet Lock with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Always a fan of tech gizmos. This lock definitely fits that category. It is very low profile and does not take up a lot of space in the cabinet. Works great for securing any basic cabinet in your house that you don't want others to have free access to. I found this lock extremely easy to install. The whole process took less than 20 minutes. The app smoothly walks you through the whole process. It even linked you to a YouTube video for the installation of the hardware. Hardware was also easy to install. The device automatically updated it's firmware after connecting to the app. This process only took a few minutes. Simple taps on your phone unlock and lock the lock. It is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit. This unit comes with a Wi-Fi bridge that plugs into an outlet for access from anywhere with optional notifications.

We’ve had Four children grow up in our home over the past 20 years and always used the manual plastic cabinet locks with successful outcomes. By the time they were old enough to figure out how to unlock the cabinets, they were advanced enough mentally to know not to get into the cabinet. That is until our Fourth child. The age came when he figured out the plastic manual locks, the mental capacity was not there though. We tried many ways to secure some cabinets, just the ones holding the food he devours when given the chance. These remedies made our cabinets look terrible with zip ties, and an assortment of manual locks. Then I saw this cabinet lock where our child couldn’t open it without an electric code. Great idea, it works well with the Yale Access and Apple home kit apps. Since the lock has been installed, the cabinet, and more importantly the contents in it, have been safe. It even works with Siri on our iPhones. I expected the WIFI to only work on the 2.4 GHz band which would be annoying but upon configuring, my 5GHz band was recognized and used. That was good as I am ridding my home of as many devices I can that only use the overcrowded 2.4GHz band. By default the lock makes a chiming noise when engaged/dis-engaged. Some may like this audible notification, my wife and I like to be sneakier when opening the cabinet so we explored the Yale app and found where we can change the volume or even disable this sound. There are some drawbacks though which I will list in hopes the manufacturer takes them into consideration for future improvements. The kit with mounting hardware and instructions is geared towards cabinets where the door and cabinet frame or flush. Our cabinets have a 1/4 inch space between the door and shelves. A longer plastic piece is included for this type of cabinet but the instructions in the box don’t cover it. In fact, they read that you can’t use the mounting template with the longer piece. Thankfully we disregarded that advice and still used the mounting template with success. An extra regular size plastic piece is included for standard installations, an extra longer plastic piece is not included though which would be nice to have an extra of. When using WIFI to control the lock, you’ll need to use up an electric outlet for a transmitter that is close to the cabinet. In our kitchen (and I suspect yours as well), electric outlets are very important for everyday use. Losing even just one is annoying. I, and most likely you can’t afford to lose an electric outlet, you’ll need to use bluetooth only (doesn’t require the additional transmitter). I decided to use the bluetooth only option and have had no issues Having said all that, this has worked as advertised and we are happy with it.

This is a very helpful way to lock a cabinet. This can be used for a cabinet or a drawer. There are many uses, to secure prescription medications, over the counter medications, cleaning supplies, alcohol, or important documents. You can lock or unlock it via the Yale Access app. It can also be lock or unlock it with Alexa, Google, or Siri. (This features can also be disabled if you worry about children asking Alexa to unlock it!)

TLDR ... pretty easy to set up and install. Does exactly what it promises. I Downloaded the free App (Android or Apple) and Registered. To Verify, they sent me a text code. I kept putting it in, and it kept rejecting it. I had them resend codes, and same rejection. Turns out, they were also emailing me codes, which were different codes. Once I figured that out, the code went through. I first tried adding the WiFi bridge, but you first have to add the Device (the Lock). Once Added, I went to the menu, clicked 'Works with', chose Alexa and added the Yale Skill. In the Alexa App, I then had to authorize Voice Unlock, and chose a 4 digit code to unlock. Followed the video on hardware installation https://youtu.be/vPxxa6nmYLk and used the ingenious template. The App has an Activity log, that lets you know who Locked/Unlocked it, did they do it Remotely (via WiFi (i.e. outside Bluetooth range, but not necessarily outside the house) or via Bluetooth, did they use the Escape Button (i.e. the button on the lock), did they Force Open. Also, you get Alerts if it was Escape or Forced. It switches from Bluetooth to WiFi automatically. Choosing which has the best connection. The Bluetooth is very fast (typically within a second). The WiFi is almost as fast, but can take up to 15 seconds. I love Smart Devices. I have over 250 of them. So when I saw this, I had to get one! Problem is, once I had it, I was not sure what to use it for? It is all plastic; the Post (3 are included) and Latch. It is mounted with 3M Tape; and if wanted, a couple short screws. I have not tested its strength, but I assume it would break/dismount pretty easily. It is not something I would want to use on things Adults might want (e.g. Prescriptions, Guns, Alcohol, Cash). It would prevent a small child, but there are way cheaper, easier to install and use, childproof devices, and when would I want to remotely open the (e.g. Cleaning Supplies) cabinet? Then there is the, 'Is it stuck?' problem. I live in a very old house. Cabinets and drawers stick. I can very easily image someone coming over and trying to open the cabinet door, and thinking it is stuck, yanking it and breaking it (I can already hear my Dad yelling at me for him breaking it ... LOL). I ended up installing it on a flush mount bathroom mirror (to stop Snoopers). It has no visible hinge. I can not see someone pulling too hard on a mirror. Especially, if they do not know if there is something behind it. Needed Improvements: It already makes a sound, when opened or closed. It needs a 'rattled/vibration' sensor (many of my battery sensors have one; as does my back door lock). Something that would make a sound when someone tried to open it. The noise would warn someone, it is locked, and not stuck. I could put an adhesive warning label near the handle, but that would draw attention to it, and defeat the benefit of this being a discrete lock. Bottom line ... locks are designed to keep honest people out and slow down crooks. If you can think of a good use for this, it works great! Smart Security (e.g. Cams, Locks, Lights, Motion Sensors), if you go down that Rabbit Hole (which I have), will overwhelm you with Alerts (and you will start to ignore them), but will at least let you know when it was stolen and maybe by whom?

Just starting at making my house “smarter” and security seemed like a good place to start. I recently installed the Yale dead bolt lock on my front door and loved it so much I decided to try out this product. I think my cabinets are pretty standard, pretty much like any other cabinets I’ve owned. The physical installation did not go as the instructions described. The instructions did pretty much show how to do it, just could not use the template they included. Fix was really easy, so did not deduct any points for that. The electronic connections went really smooth after I disconnected the front door lock first and reconnected it second. I don’t know why that was a thing, but went really smooth when I did it that way. Thanks to a really responsive customer service group. I doubt if a lock like this would stop someone who really wants in, but good enough to keep children and snoopers out. With that in mind, I would whole heartedly recommend this lock.

First let me say the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock hardware seems to be well made and basic lock / unlock operation is fine. The entire assembly is not sturdy enough for serious cabinet security. It probably will work just fine to keep infants and toddlers out of your cabinets. I'm pretty sure a grownup could force the door open with a little effort. After installation, I installed the Android App before I tried to use it. The app downloaded fine. But when I tried go to the lock install screen, I was stalled. It kept saying to scan the "code" which was located inside the battery door. Well there is NO label inside the battery door. There is a QR code on the back of the lock, but the app would not recognize it. I re-read the written documentation and it said if you can't find the code, enter the serial number. Well there is NO serial number anywhere on the lock. Then I read that you can enter the model number. Yeah, NO model number on the lock either. So I looked at the outer box wrapper where all the sales stuff is.. Nothing.. Then I glanced at the black box that the actual lock was packed in and guess what? A white label with everything on it. QR code, serial number and model number. (Although the model number does not exactly match what the App gives. Anyway, I scanned the QR code and poof, it recognizes the lock and off we go. The lock/unlock functions work pretty well, but it's pretty slow when you first open the app. It operates via Bluetooth which has limited range unless you get the Wi-Fi bridge. I think most people would be at the cabinet when they unlocked it anyway. So the proximity probably isn't a big deal. Bottom line for me is: I would use it to keep my grandkids out of the medicine cabinet. I would not use it to secure valuables.

This is a great concept. Great way to keep the honest people out of it. I say that because it is plastic and could break with enough force. For standard pulling on it to open the cabinet, It would work perfectly fine. If someone is serious about gaining access, pulling hard enough might cause it to break. For my case it's double doors on my storeroom that only have magnet latches to keep them shut. I've been trying to find a way to lock them and this is perfect for that. I tried it with Bluetooth first and it worked great. After that I programmed the bridge, turned off my Bluetooth and tried it through WiFi. It worked great that way too. If I'm not home but someone needs access to the storeroom, I can do it from anywhere. Talk about convenience. The installation is very quick and easy. I had issues with my installation that resulted from error on my end. I called their 24/7 customer service line. The young lady that helped me was great. She knew what I did wrong and was able to easily walk me through the install. Very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Even a good sense of humor. They provide all of the mounting screws and several double sided adhesive pads to fit any installation you need and a few extras just in case. Bottom line? I recommend it. It simple and easy to install as well as use. It's compact enough to work for most applications and it's even attractive. It works great and should last a long time without abuse.

I have a metal cabinet containing confidential papers whose access I was hoping to secure and control remotely. This product looked to be a good solution. Unfortunately, the construction and operation of this product proved deficient for my intended purpose. Software: I successfully installed the Yale app as directed and received messages displayed on my smartphone that the wireless installation connection to the device, to my network and to my smartphone were all successful. Then . . . nothing. I have another (working) device (August) that apparently shares a username/password facility with Yale, and ( as directed by the documentation I received), I used that same username/password. The Yale device failed to display on my phone, leaving no way to either see it on my phone or to control it. I reinstalled and reconnected the device a few times, with the same result. The brief printed instructions provided with the product were limited to installation of the physical hardware only, explaining that the Yale app would continue with the installation of the wireless portion. No printed information was provided to show what to expect to see using the App or how to troubleshoot any problems encountered. An online U-tube installation video offered by the Manufacturer also provided information to install the cabinet hardware, but again nothing describing the installation or operation of the wireless function. Hardware: The physical security provided by this product is dependent on components constructed almost entirely of small, slender plastic materials (save for four small 1/4" metal screws), which are fastened to the cabinet using self-adhering double-sided tape strips and/or these small screws. When secured with only the double-sided tape, I was able to dislodge the hardware components with just my thumb. The 1/4" small screws provided, would likely improve the holding power, but still in my opinion, these materials do not provide any serious level of physical protection of cabinet contents. I assume that it is only possible to engage the locking post within the receiver using the App, and because I could not access the App operation, I was unable to try this function. A button at the top of the lock receiver (mounted inside the cabinet) apparently only operates to release the lock from within the cabinet (as a safety measure), but otherwise it serves no function. This lock can be rendered harmless with a screwdriver, crowbar or similar hand tool or simply by using brute force, and in fact, the manufacturer supplies an extra locking post with the product in the event the user does just that. Bottom Line: I suspect that this product is intended as a friendly deterrent, and by its mere presence, warns potential trespassers to behave. Perhaps there is some limited value for this product by its supposed ability to control access wirelessly as well as provide notice (or a record) of access – but I was unable to get the product to perform properly, so I was unable to judge this. Having determined that the physical security of the device would not be effective for my purposes, I chose not to pursue these issues with the manufacturer. I have successfully installed many other home devices (lights, thermostats, music, etc,. I do not know why my software installation failed in the case of this product, but I cannot recommend it based upon this experience.

A great idea, turned into a great product, does exactly what it should do. I was so happy to get this and be able to give it a try. It addresses a need, and does so using multiple available technologies to do so. Before you begin using this, you will scratch your head much like me, wondering how this lock will work. It almost makes no sense when you first look at it and try figure it out. But realize the lock remains in the unlocked position until after it is connected, firmware updated, and you initiate a lock command. There is a small lever in the lock body that goes up when the lock command is given, and then the teeth of the latch will catch onto this and that is how it stays locked. As for combining of technologies, first of all it is battery operated. Secondly, it uses bluetooth to connect to your phone. And it actually can do firmware updates to the lock, which seems hard to imagine with a battery operated small device such as this, but it does. Then, when you plug in and learn in the WIFI module, it can communicate the status, and allow for remote control of the lock, via the internet and from anywhere your phone has data service. This is why I say multiple technologies. All in one really easy to use package. (NOTE: This lock is the same lock that is available as bluetooth only, but this package includes the WIFI hub that allows for multiple devices to be able to be connected to WIFI - must be within fairly close proximity to the WIFI hub - like all the units are in the kitchen for example). The lock is as secure as can be for a small cabinet locking device and will not keep out someone who is determined to get in, but will deter everyone else. Like most, we have medicine, cleaning supplies, sharp cooking knives, etc. that could be easily accessed by a child and that would be bad. Maybe it is to keep an elder from getting into the sharp knife or medicines. Or maybe it is to slow down or deter someone who wants to access something. You could use this on your closet door too, because there is an emergency release button on the unit, that glows in the dark, and then once pressed, will immediately unlock the lock. If using on a closet door, the occupant can still get out if they get locked in (auto-relook feature could allow this to happen). Very well thought out, and addresses safety by virtue of this emergency release, but also allows you to secure a door that otherwise might not be. You'll need your smartphone with the app installed, and therein you will find a host of features that really work well. Things like auto-unlock when the battery gets low. (NOTE: It uses an odd sized lithium battery, not the CR123A we have become accustomed to, but a CR2 - you'll want to have a few of these on hand). Notifications for many things is a very powerful feature, such as locked, unlocked, by who, etc. It can also alert you of a failure to re-close the door and engage the lock. But also other lock features are in here too. Integration with outside apps is a huge part of this, along with Homekit. I'm not one to get into alot of this app using another app kind of thing, but it can be done. I had hoped for a locking schedule for example, within the Yale app, that would allow the lock to be locked during certain hours and days, based on my not being home. Or also, maybe a feature to allow locking to occur when I've left the area, and to unlock when I'm in the area with my phone. Just these things would have made it more usable for me, for my purposes. However, it has plenty of other things and probably can be done with the integration of other apps to interface with this. This is a very powerful platform, with lots of integration to lots of other programs. Don't take this lightly because it may have an easy way to do what it is you want it to do. Bottom line here is that this is a unique and much needed (and long overdue) product to secure cabinets, and possibly a closet door. You'll want to know that this is much more advanced but yet simple too, if that is what you want. I don't know of any other product like this, from a trusted name like Yale. I feel good using this for my purposes, and I'm sure you will too.

Great product however, there is no QR code to scan to add it to Apple Homekit. Maybe just an oversight for the unit I got, but not sure how to fix this.