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Yale Smart Cabinet Lock Review: A Seamless Upgrade for Cabinet Security

Whether you want to secure a cupboard in an Airbnb rental, keep children away from a medicine or alcohol cabinet, or lock away valuables, the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock could be the perfect solution. This smart lock offers a modern upgrade to almost any cabinet, allowing you to control access via your smartphone. It’s HomeKit-compatible, and with the optional WiFi Bridge, you can even control it remotely. Although the instructions are a bit basic, once installed, this lock works smoothly and efficiently.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • HomeKit compatible
  • Works with most cabinets and cupboards
  • Easy to operate
• Cons:
  • WiFi Bridge is an expensive upgrade
  • Fitting instructions are a bit basic

Key Features

• Works with most cabinet doors
• Retrofits to most cupboards and cabinets with no external components
• Bluetooth connection with optional WiFi Bridge for remote access
• HomeKit integration for iPhone users

Design and Installation

The Yale Smart Cabinet Lock is designed to be installed inside a cupboard, offering a sleek and unobtrusive way to secure cabinet doors. It consists of two main components: the lock body, which is installed inside the cupboard, and the lock post, which attaches to the door. The lock post inserts into the lock body, securing the door in place.

Installation can be a bit tricky due to the basic instructions. You’ll need to install a CR2 battery (similar to the one used in the SwitchBot Bot) before you can start connecting the lock to the Yale Home app.

The app provides video instructions, but they might not be clear for all cabinet designs. You may need to adjust the mounting template manually to ensure the lock fits correctly. It’s recommended to test the lock’s placement with Blu Tack first before using the mounting tape or screws for a permanent installation.

Features and Performance

The Yale Smart Cabinet Lock can be controlled via Bluetooth using the Yale Home app. The app provides a simple interface to lock and unlock the cabinet. When the lock is engaged, a red circle appears in the app, and tapping it will unlock the cabinet, turning the circle green.

The lock automatically engages when the door is closed, but you can disable or modify the auto-lock feature if needed. The lock also includes a safety button on the inside, allowing anyone trapped inside a large cupboard to unlock the door. Additionally, the lock will automatically unlock when the battery is low, preventing you from being locked out due to a dead battery.

Remote Access and Integrations

If you have an iPhone, the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock is compatible with HomeKit, allowing for remote control via a Home Hub like the HomePod mini. This feature allows for remote access without needing additional hardware.

For Alexa and other third-party integrations, you’ll need the Yale Connect WiFi Bridge. However, this is a costly upgrade at around £70 and only supports one device, so you can’t share it with other Yale products.

Final Thoughts

The Yale Smart Cabinet Lock is a neat and affordable way to add smart security to your cabinets. While the installation can be a bit fiddly, the lock works reliably once set up. It’s perfect for situations where you need to secure a cabinet without drilling holes for a traditional lock. However, if you need more robust security, a smart safe like the Yale Smart Safe might be a better option.

For those who want added convenience, the HomeKit integration and optional WiFi Bridge offer seamless remote access and control. Just be aware that the WiFi Bridge is an additional cost, and you’ll need to decide whether the extra functionality is worth the price.

Buy Now

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