Smart lock? I didn't think I needed one. Now I can't live without it

In an era where tech products emerge and disappear at a dizzying pace, it's rare to find a product that genuinely changes the game. The Nuki 4.0 Pro, the latest smart lock from the Austrian company Nuki, is precisely such a product. True, smart locks aren't a new concept, but after a few weeks of use, I keep asking myself: "How did I manage without it until now?"

Simple InstallationOne of the most surprising aspects of the Nuki 4 Pro is its ease of installation. I didn't need to call a technician or even pull out my toolbox. The entire process, including setting up a keypad with fingerprint recognition and a sensor, took me about 15 minutes. This simplicity, in my opinion, is the core advantage of this product over its competitors.

In the past, I tested the smart lock by the Israeli company Lock8200. Not only was it significantly more expensive, but its installation was a completely different story. It required drilling a hole in the door, causing irreversible damage. In contrast, Nuki locks require no technical intervention, dismantling, or drilling. You can install them on your existing door and remove them as needed without any damage. With Lock8200, if you ever need to remove the lock, the only solution is to cover the hole with an extra peephole near the handle — which, as you can imagine, is quite odd.

To install the unit, you need to ensure that the cylinder extends at least 3mm outside the door and check if the keyhole cover might interfere. If so, you can purchase a replacement cover. In my case, I installed the lock on a new multi-bolt door, so all I had to do was attach the mount, fasten three screws with an Allen key (included in the package), leave the original key in the cylinder (or replace it with an adapter), and snap the lock into place.

The installation itself was a breeze. Four batteries in place, a quick connection to the app, and the lock was nearly ready to go. The initial calibration is automatic, but in my case, some manual adjustments were needed. It turns out every cylinder is different, so there’s a setting under "Optimal Locking" to precisely determine how many degrees the key needs to turn to lock or unlock the door. A few clicks, and the lock understood exactly what I wanted. The keypad, sold separately, was easily attached outside the door and synced with the main unit.

Full Control Through the App, but the Keypad is the Real StarOnce set up, Nuki fades into the background — in a good way. It just works, quietly and efficiently. Even before reaching the door, you can unlock it with a tap on the app. I chose to add a keypad (6-digit code) and fingerprint recognition, providing both convenience — opening the door with a finger — and extra security. When at home, a short press on the elegant, round button in the center of the unit unlocks the door.

One of my favorite features in the app is the option to automatically lock the door as soon as it closes. This is especially useful for anyone who tends to forget to lock the door or simply wants extra peace of mind. Another essential feature is the ability to send a link to friends or family, or a temporary/one-time code, allowing them to unlock the door directly from the app without registering. Perfect for those times when you're abroad and need someone to take care of your cats.

As for power, there's no need to worry too much. The device runs on batteries, which last for about six months (according to the company). The app sends a notification when the battery is low, and you can either recharge the unit or replace the batteries. In the three weeks I've been using the product, I haven't needed to recharge the lock or the keypad yet.

Over the weeks I've been living with Nuki, it has become an inseparable part of my daily routine. It just works, quietly and efficiently. Going out for a run? No need to carry a smartphone. Just going down to the store? No need to search for keys. The keypad makes using it easy and intuitive, with the app mainly reserved for managing settings and permissions. In all the months I've tested the lock, only once did I type in the code while my partner opened the door, having heard me approaching. It caused brief confusion, but the lock reset itself in a few seconds.

On the other hand, there were quite a few times I reached the door and instinctively searched for my keys, only to remember I have a smart lock. It shows there's still a bit of a learning curve, and it takes time to get used to life without keys. In the end, I decided to turn off the automatic door unlocking and rely mainly on the keypad. It's still more convenient than keys but allows me to retain a sense of control.

The Door Sensor Provides Peace of MindIf you want ultimate control, the Nuki Door Sensor is the perfect addition. It's a tiny magnetic sensor that connects to the door frame and door, reporting to the lock whenever the door is opened or closed. This allows the lock to respond instantly — to lock the door as soon as it closes, send alerts if the door remains open too long, and even let you check remotely whether the door is closed or not. In my case, as a cat owner, I set it to alert me if the door stays open for more than two minutes. In short, extra peace of mind.

Matter CompatibilityOne of the major advantages of the Nuki 4 Pro is its support for the Matter communication protocol, developed in collaboration with tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon. This allows different smart devices to communicate seamlessly, regardless of the manufacturer or platform. For example, the lock also supports Apple's HomeKit, making it easy to integrate into your smart home system and control it using Siri or the Home app. This means you can set up automations to turn on the lights and unlock the door when you come home.

Bottom LineIn conclusion, the Nuki 4 Pro is a product that simply makes life a little easier. No more fumbling for keys every time you come home, no more remembering to take a key when you leave, and you can grant remote access to those you trust in emergencies (heaven forbid) — even if they don't have a key. All these small, annoying details just disappear, and that’s a real pleasure.

True, it's a luxury not suited for every budget — NIS 1,299 (for the lock alone). But if you're looking to upgrade your home and make it a little smarter and more convenient, the Nuki 4 Pro is a worthwhile investment. And rest assured, once you get used to life without keys, you won't want to go back.

Additional Accessories:

Smart Lock Keypad: NIS 699 Door Sensor: NIS 279