Simpled Chrome Doorlock Review
08 June 2022
This lock bas been installed now for around 8 weeks, during that time it has had its problems and I have needed to speak to support on their whatsapp chat. Here is my honest review of the Simpled Smartlock.
Firstly, as you might expect, the installation.
After researching this type of lock for 2 weeks I had made up my mind to go with Simpled, reviews seemed to point to good aftersales support which is important to me. I spoke via whatsapp the Simpled about the lock and if it would work on my composite door and they asked me to send some photos via whatsapp which I did. They stated that it would 99% work but may nned some modifications to the door. ( see photos )
I ordered and it arrived promptly, unboxed and read the instructions and started to fit it.
Im quite DIY orientated so nothing seemed too daunting to me, other than drilling a 25mm hole in my door!! after some measuring, trying the handle to make sure it would fully function, I drilled the hole, actually a lot easier than I thought and luckily?? it didnt hit the existing lock mechanism ( its very close ). ( see photos )
The handle fitted fine and the instructions are actually clear, the fiddly bit is getting the outside wire through the new hole to the inside of the lock.
Screwed it all up and went to put the batteries in, now it becomes clear why you need that 25mm hole, you have to push the slack back into the 25mm hole, if you dont then the batteries will foul on the wire and you cannot get the final cover on. Be warned!
Now the lock was fitted, batteries in and you can hear it working, theres some beeps and a voice. Grabbed the phone, added the app and setup my account, and added the lock,VERY easy.
Proceeded to add my thumb print, I did it 4 times, Terry 1 to 4 as the naming. Pressed it a few times, it unlocked then locked again after 5 seconds, all good, or so I thought ;) . I then added one of the ic cards, you ONLY get 3, bit tight in my opinion, 4 would have been much better for a family. So, there it was fully fitted and working in under an hour.... Then the wife came home, added her thumb print same as mine, Elaine 1 to 4, all worked great, then I locked her out for a laugh, she pressed the sensor, error, after 4 attempts the alarm sounded on the lock which meant I had to open the door and use the phone app to reset it. How annoying.
We readded her thumb but this time 8 times, Elaine 1 to 8, same issue, I thought it might have been her handcream so got her to wash her thumb and try again, it sometimes worked but it was 50 / 50 which just isnt good enough, so back on whatsapp I went, this is where a company can fail miserably or succeed.
Simpled support is great, you can talk to someone, an actual human, they know their product so can answer without the " Ill get back to you " stuff. I was pleased, after some to and froing they said they would send me a new handle.... to be continued.
While waiting on the new handle I installed the Wireless Gateway, the bit that allows you to remote unlock and lock the door plus some more monitoring, alas this is where this product drops the ball, its slow as a snail when used, my signal according to the app is WEAK, I have an Eero Mesh network at home and a ring doorbell next to the lock so WiFi is not an issue, this leaves the Bluetooth connection to the lock from the Gateway, I have tried moving the gateway closer to the lock (see photos ) and various other locations in the porch and the best I can get is medium strength, I even taped the gateway to the lock and that was medium so there is a serious issue with it, again in my opinion. It can take upto 1 minute to remote unlock so not really acceptable, some notifications that the lock has been unlocked can also take ages to come through even though I was expecting near realtime notifications.
Anyway, we move along and the new front handle arrives to be fitted, I was busy so couldnt do it for a few days and when I got around to it dismantled it all, fitted it, bolted it all up and then noticed the connections were not compatable, gutted dont quite cover it. ( see photos )
Put the original one back and went onto whatsapp to explain, they was fine about it and sent a complete new lock this time, this had the right connection so I only used the front handle, fingerprint reading is much better on this one, the handle firmware is older than the one we had problems with so maybe something was added in that messed it up, who knows.
After having it working now for some time I am happy to say that I am well pleased with the lock, very strong and well made, support is great. I would have no problem reccomending this lock.
Cons: fiddly wire inside the battery compartment, gateway needs some serious upgrading, only 3 IC cards
Pros: Great support, well made product, nice looking. I love it!!
I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the lock and gateway, Terry
| Manufacturer | Simpled |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.4 x 4.3 x 30 cm; 1.88 kg |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Colour | Matt Black |
| Style | Modern |
| Finish | Matt Black |
| Material | Brass, Aluminium |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Special Features | Fingerprint Un |
| Included Components | Mechanical key, Proxy fobs, Phone Tag |
| Batteries included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Item Weight | 1.88 kg |
