Unlock Your Door With Your Watch: The Best Apple Home Key Smart Locks

You likely have a moment in your day, usually when your hands are full of groceries or you are trying to wrangle a dog, where the concept of a physical metal key feels completely archaic. You stand there digging through pockets or a bag, trying to find the one jagged piece of brass that lets you into your own house. It is a friction point that technology solved years ago for cars, yet we still accept it for our front doors.

Apple Home Key changes that interaction completely. It takes the technology that powers Apple Pay and applies it to your entryway. You do not need to open an app, wait for a Bluetooth connection, or type in a code. You simply hold your Apple Watch or iPhone near the lock, and the bolt slides open. It works instantly, it works locally without needing an internet connection, and perhaps most impressively, it works even if your iPhone battery is dead, thanks to Power Reserve.

If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, upgrading to a Home Key smart lock is one of the most tangible quality-of-life improvements you can make. It transforms your front door from a barrier into a seamless threshold. After testing the leading options, two locks stand out for their reliability, speed, and native integration with the Apple home.

Affiliate disclosure: some links in this article are Amazon Associate links. If you buy through them, Next Level Mac may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend products that genuinely bring value to your Apple setup.

The Reliable Heavyweight: Schlage Encode Plus

When you think of a deadbolt, you probably picture a Schlage. The company has built a reputation on hardware that physically withstands abuse, and the Encode Plus carries that DNA into the smart home era. This is the lock you buy if you want something that looks and acts like a traditional deadbolt but hides cutting-edge tech inside.

The Encode Plus was the first smart lock to support Apple Home Key over Thread, a low-power mesh networking protocol that makes the connection incredibly fast and stable. Because it uses Thread (and Wi-Fi as a backup), the response time is instantaneous. You tap your watch, and the lock turns before you can even reach for the handle.

What makes the Encode Plus the top recommendation for most people is its "wife acceptance factor" (or "spouse acceptance factor"). It features a familiar numeric keypad and a physical keyway, so nobody in your house feels locked out if they don't have a smart watch. The motor is powerful enough to overcome sticky weatherstripping, and the battery life is excellent, running for months on standard AA batteries. It is robust, loud enough to hear when it locks, and feels reassuringly heavy.

Here’s where to get the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RS6C1SJ?tag=nextlevelmac-20&gbOpenExternal=1

The High-Tech Speedster: Aqara U100

If the Schlage Encode Plus is the traditional reliable sedan, the Aqara U100 is the feature-packed sports car. It looks unapologetically modern, with a slab-style design that sits flush against your door. While it supports Apple Home Key just like the Schlage, it adds a layer of biometric convenience that some users prefer: a fingerprint reader.

The fingerprint sensor is embedded comfortably where your thumb naturally rests when you grab the door. This means you have three rapid ways to get in: tap your Apple Watch (Home Key), press your thumb (biometric), or punch in a code (keypad). For households with kids who might not have iPhones or Apple Watches yet, the fingerprint reader is a game changer. They can just touch the door to get in after school.

The U100 connects via Zigbee or Bluetooth natively, but to get the most out of it in an Apple setup, you will want a compatible Apple home hub (like an Apple TV or HomePod) nearby. It is often priced lower than the Schlage, making it an incredible value for the sheer amount of technology packed into the housing. The mechanism is lighter and quieter than the Schlage, which some prefer, though it requires a slightly more precise door alignment to operate smoothly.

This is where to buy the Aqara U100 Smart Lock (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C338N266?tag=nextlevelmac-20&gbOpenExternal=1

Why Home Key Matters

The magic of Home Key lies in its integration with Apple Wallet. When you set up one of these locks, you get a digital key card in your Wallet app. You can choose "Express Mode," which allows the lock to open without you needing to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID every time. This is what enables that effortless "tap and enter" motion.

Think about coming home from a run. You didn't bring your phone or keys, just your Apple Watch with cellular (or even without, since the key is stored locally). You walk up to the door, tap your wrist, and you are in. It feels like living in the future.

This integration also extends to guest access. You can generate temporary codes for dog walkers or house sitters directly from the Home app, managing everything in the same interface where you control your lights and thermostat.

Installation Is Easier Than You Think

Many people are intimidated by the idea of changing a door lock, but it is actually one of the simplest DIY tasks you can do. Both the Schlage and Aqara models are designed to replace standard deadbolts. You essentially unscrew the old one, slide the new bolt in, and screw the front and back halves of the smart lock together.

You just need a Phillips head screwdriver and about 15 minutes. The apps for both locks guide you through the process step-by-step with clear animations. If you can assemble IKEA furniture, you can install a smart lock.

Making the Choice

If you want a lock that feels substantial, blends in with traditional door hardware, and offers the absolute best reliability with Thread support, the Schlage Encode Plus is the winner. It is the lock you install and never worry about again.

If you want a sleek, modern look and love the idea of using your fingerprint as a backup to your Apple Watch, the Aqara U100 offers unbeatable versatility and value.

Either way, once you switch to a Home Key lock, you will never look at a metal key the same way again. The freedom of leaving the house with nothing but your watch is a small luxury that changes your entire relationship with your home.