Yale Assure Deadbolt Lock, Black Suede Keyless Non-Connected Entry Door Lock with Digital Keypad Touchscreen for Code Entry, ‎YRD256-NR-BSP

Confusing at first when trying to read the instructions the night before. Installation went fairly good. Just make sure you look inside the hardware box to verify everything came out of the small box. My module was stuck inside and I didn't see it. I thought the little white door sense was the module. Thinking it was an upgrade on the module for some reason. That's on me. After talking with Yale customer service, I happened to look a little deeper when he said there should be a QR code. Customer Service was great. Overall my fault and easy install if I had looked in the box. I didn't use the door sense as I couldn't get it to work and I don't think I need it anyway. The App works great.

I have installed several Yale Assure deadbolts as well as HomeKit enabled smart locks from other brands, and this is by far my favorite! The black finish is very sleek and it matches our matte black hardware quite well. For those who want to control this with a Smartphone, the Connected by August Kit is required for HomeKit integration. Alternatively, you can purchase the Yale Assure Lock SL with August Connect which simply is these same two components placed into a larger box, and with a $80-90 higher price tag. Installation of this lock requires you to completely remove and replace the existing deadbolt. This is typically done with a phillips screwdriver, and is a very simple 2 minute operation. Once that is removed, the Yale Assure tapered deadbolt latch is installed in the door and the deadbolt mounted around it. After installing so many of these, it takes me less than 2 minutes to do these steps as well. It includes the required four AA batteries, and I suggest replacing them with lithium ion batteries when they expire. The next part can require some extra work, depending on how well aligned your deadbolt is with respect to the latch for the handleset in addition to how well the door seals when it is closed. I suggest attempting to lock the deadbolt with the existing deadbolt strike plate to see how things work before making any changes. I have found that I often have to adjust the handleset strike plate so that it latches with the door squeezed tighter against the seal - this typically requires a chisel to physically relocate the handleset strike plate. Once that is done, install the new deadbolt strike plate such that there is no interference with the deadbolt latch. This step is important, as if the deadbolt rubs against the strike plate it will at best wear your battery prematurely and at worst get jammed. Once that is complete, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty and simplicity that is the Yale Assure Lock SL. I really like that this lock does not have a keyed access. There are quite a few options that you can set on this device, such as volume (including off) and one-touch lock which simply requires you to touch the keypad with your hand to lock the deadbolt - such a timesaver when heading out! I installed the Connected by August module ( sold separately ) and that allows me to control this from my iPhone directly from the August iOS app as well as with HomeKit. From the August app, I set up geofencing, so it unlocks when I return home. From HomeKit, I use “Hey Siri” from my iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the deadbolt. I should note, I also have an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, 4th Generation , and I MUCH prefer this Yale lock over that. The Yale Assure Lock SL simply works better (more reliable WiFi) and has the ability for me to unlock with the keypad.

After having had and used this device and cooperating app for almost 6 months it has some great positives as well as a few things that could be better. First I'll say that installation was relatively easy. I've never installed a deadbolt before, but the instructions were very step-by-step. The only trouble I came into was installing the device that bridges the lock to the wifi. I had a ton of issues until I started playing with the lock and realized that the lock only works and connects correctly when I leave the back battery cover unscrewed. I even tried resetting the batteries several times and nothing worked until I permanently left the battery cover unscrewed. As it is it just sits on top and doesn't ever really seem to move. I also really enjoy the included sensor that tells me if my door is actually shut or open. I feel like this is such a huge feature that most smart deadbolts don't have. And what is the point of your door locking if it's not even actually shut? The app is pretty easy to use. Pretty easy to add people and their codes, can even send a text message through the app to your contact with their pin code. It might be nice to add a simple instruction to that automated text about how to actually input your code and gain entry and exit. The only major issue I had was my first weekend away and my dog sitters were having issues with the lock accepting their pin even though my app was telling me that they were registered with the correct pin code. It seemed like the app was just glitching because I couldn't even load the updated list of entry, locking and exit times. I did uninstall and reinstall the app and connected to both the wifi and my wireless data with no resolution. Finally the next day everything updated and my visitors pin code also worked too. All in all, I do think that this was a good purchase, but there are definitely flaws with both the app and hardware as mentioned. I did attempt to contact Yale's support line on 2 occasions, but it was never answered and my online support submission did not get a response.

In the Yale/August apps you can bypass the biometric unlock feature by pressing back some of the time. I have consistently clicked to unlock door and back quickly repeatedly, and within 1-5 attempts it will unlock the door. There is also an issue with my account losing all doors randomly. I had to add a second account just so I could re add whichever one loses access to my doors.(more often then not it is my first account) Another issue is that when you program the lock and unlock states of the lock it does not seem to matter, it will beep every few minutes as it fails to lock if the deadbolt does not go as far as it thinks it needs to go.(which is further than programmed). We fixed this on two doors by chiseling out more, but our third door locks all the way, and beeps despite there being no resistance, and being the same depth as the other doors. (Also, this leads to you being stuck outside as your yale thinks the door is unlocked when it is locked.) There is the matter of the Googke integration, it is slow to update to the point it is simpler to walk to the door, and check if it is locked or unlocked. The integration does not resync when you add new doors like Philip hue does with their lights. There is also the issue of not being able to just add people to a home, instead you are adding people to doors. So, if you add another product from yale/August after you have added your family, then you have to invite them all again as the syncing of changes is crap. I have to remove people and re add them every time I added a lock. Then they needed to delete and reinstall the app just to see the new doors. Also, use the August app instead of the yale one. You can avoid the stupid qr code scanning as it auto finds un-configured connects to add to your account. There is also an issue with special characters and wifi passwords not being handled properly by the device. Had to change my wifi password to get them to connect. Which is a pain given all the it devices I own.

For the August/Yale integration the initial setup appears to be designed by someone who said let’s make this as confusing as possible. TLDR: Instructions reference 3 different apps (Bilt, Yale Access, August), setup requires ignoring picture from August app and scrolling down. App freezes during setup on iPhone 12 Pro Max multiple times. Eventually setup is complete and the lock works great. App is fine for daily use after setup. My backstory: I live in a smart home mostly with iOS devices and using HomeKit natively and homebridge for everything else. We have a smart oven, robot vacuums, robot mop, smart locks, MyQ garage door, lights/switches (lutron, hue, brilliant smart home), TVs, sprinkler system, shades, etc... Most are relatively simple to get going with the more difficult requiring some tinkering with network stuff. Yale/August was different and not in a good way. Yale Hardware: We’re replacing a Kwikset Premis that after a few years in the Florida humidity started eating through batteries in days (ended up being corroded on the inside). The hardware of Yale feels substantial, clearly this isn’t their first time designing a lock. They have well thought out seals to prevent moisture from getting in and the mechanical motion is just smoother. Feels more metal than plastic. Also unlike Kwikset (thankfully), to change the batteries doesn’t require me removing 3 screws and the entire decorative backplate...brilliant. Yale/August Install: The initial install of the hardware itself is okay. No instructions are provided other than asking you to download the Bilt app (or using a PDF on the website). That works well enough and soon the lock is installed and working as a non-smart keypad lock. Here’s where it goes south. Yale actually has a smart design, they have the base lock and small modules/cartridges that plug into the lock to enable other features (WiFi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee). Think Nintendo Gameboy cartridges but slightly smaller. For August they include an August module for the lock and a August Connect plug in unit. However the labels on the boxes are confusing (remember no documentation is included and neither Bilt or the PDF on the website that you can search to find on the product page has instructions for this). The Yale stuff says use the Yale Access App (August app clone) and the August stuff says to use the August app. So that’s 3 apps they’re asking you to use Bilt, Yale Access, and August. In reality ditch the Yale Access and go right for August. Let my suffering clear that up for you. Once you navigate to the August app to make the non-smart lock...smart that’s where it comes unhinged. After setting up an account in August you’ll see a “Set Up a Connect” button...you’ll think oh that’s what I have. Click that and it’ll walk you through how to set up connect and then tell you that you don’t have a supported lock. Try to call August...they don’t answer. It’s chat or email only with them. Turns out that despite no clear indication in the app and no instructions presented that you can actually scroll down. Seriously no scroll bar (hidden until swiping) and the buttons are spaced in a way that appears to fill up the screen without presenting a hint of options below. Once the user scrolls down the last option is “Set Up a Lock Connected By August”. It doesn’t really look like a button and it seems to imply to use the above but you can actually press it. Doing so allows the user to pair the August module/cartridge with the lock...great. Except it freezes after the firmware update. But no worries after closing and relaunching the app all is good and I can connect to the lock via Bluetooth. Now the user can go back to set up a device and select the “Set Up a Connect” button and pair the plug in August Connect. That also locked up during set up after it was trying to connect to WiFi. Additionally the app reported both wifi and Bluetooth to the lock signals were weak or non-existent when testing (they weren’t the app later shows excellent/good signal for both after a force quit). After that August is intuitive and basically anyone can figure out how to change the settings on the lock. It’s easy going from that point onwards. Except one thing that annoys me. Yale allows an 8 digit code for the lock...August only allows a maximum of 6. Oh well, life goes on. Features/Use: The lock responds almost instantly to commands, settings are easily accessed in the August app, and it’s overall reliable in my few days of use. Even the exterior keypad is fast and easily readable in sunlight. Aside from the poor install experience I’m happy with the feature set and day to day use. Actual Install Instructions for Yale/August: 1. Install the Yale lock using the PDF from the website or the Bilt app. Set the master code on the lock. 2. Install the August app. 3. Create your August account and then when adding a new device scroll down to “Set Up a Lock Connected By August”. Pair the August cartridge/module to the lock as instructed. Update firmware, etc... as instructed during the install. Complete that process for Bluetooth access to the lock. This pairs the cartridge that fits in the lock with the lock itself. 4. For the module that plugs into the wall go to set up a new device and “Set Up a Connect”. Follow the steps and don’t despair if it locks/freezes during setup. Just reattempt or see if it worked even if it gave an error. That should complete the install.

This is by far the best smart lock I've installed and/or operated. I've installed and operated both Kwikset and Schlage locks, and this one out performed them all. It paired instantly, worked wonderfully, and the battery life is incredible. I have these linked to a Vera home controller and it's aces. The only instance where it might get funky, which really isn't even Yale's fault, is if the door isn't perfectly aligned or you have to press the door by hand to compensate for any trim seal around the frame. That issue aside, it is quiet, super easy to use and program, and looks awesome. The bolt is actually tapered, so it can help make up for a little misalignment, but try to have a smooth action if you can. You'll thank yourself. I have 4 of these for my house and they were worth every penny to automate those locks. TIPS: 1 - Always make sure you have an easy to access door into your house if you're going to go fully keyless. If these locks ever fail, the only way to unlock them would be to do so from the inside. If you have multiple ones of these that are easy to access, the likelyhood of all of them failing at the same time is PRETTY slim, but make sure you have a fallback plan in case that actually was to happen. 2 - Make sure you "hand" these locks AFTER you install them. That's when the lock determines if your door is right handed, or left (the direction in which the bolt actually locks). It's a slight pain in the butt to rehand these locks, as I found out the hard way. The instructions are actually clearly lacking this information, so just follow them step-by-step and you'll be fine. UPDATE 1/25/22: These are still the best smart locks on the market. So much so that I've given them as gifts and everyone loves the reliability and versatility. After almost a year and half of constant use with manual and automated locking and unlocking, I just had to replace the batteries in my locks. They still work as if they were brand new and haven't failed or lost connection once.

This lock was easy to install and works great. The reason we bought this lock it that is the one that Chamberlain advertises as comparable with the MyQ app. The wifi insert in the lock we received is not comparable with MyQ. I called customer service and explained the situation and even provide pictures of the wifi piece, but they were unable to help. So we are disappointed that we cannot view this device in the same app as our garage door. The app for Yale is easy to use but does not provide lock status notifications. Update. We started having an issue with batteries holding charge. I contacted Yale support and they sent me another lock right away. All we had to do was install the new unit and send the old one back in the box the new unit came in. The postage was already taken care of. Our new lock works flawlessly. It still does not pair with chamberlain, but the upgrades to the Yale app give notifications and allow us to see if the door is open or closed. Their customer service was excellent regarding the issue with the lock itself. Would definitely buy again.

The Yale Security Deadbolt Lock is a fantastic upgrade to my home’s security! The satin nickel finish is sleek and complements my door perfectly, giving it a modern, stylish look. The keyless entry feature is incredibly convenient, allowing me to easily enter my home without fumbling for keys. The digital keypad touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, making it quick to set my personal code for access. I love the security and peace of mind that comes with the lock. The code entry system means I can grant access to trusted individuals without worrying about lost or stolen keys. Plus, the lock is easy to install and doesn’t require complex wiring or professional installation. This product offers great value for money, excellent functionality, and is easy to use. If you're looking for a secure, modern, and convenient door lock, I highly recommend the Yale Security Deadbolt Lock! Highly recommend!