UnlockingThis Mijia Smart Door Lock boast 6 ways to unlock, mainly:
Fingerprint
Password
Bluetooth
NFC
Physical key
FingerprintFingerprint setup requires MiHome app and in close proximity with the doorlock via direct bluetooth connection. Remote connection with bluetooth gateway will not work.
To setup new fingerprint, go to the door lock MiHome app, manage user and then add fingerprint. Place thumb finger or any other finger on the fingerprint scanner on the door handle for a few time, and done!
To unlock, place your thumb on the scanner. A white led ring will shine if the unlock successful, and a red led ring will appear if unsuccessful.
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From my experience, the fingerprint scanner tends to fail with wet finger. And the scanning is not as blazing fast as the one in smartphone. A brief pause is required to validate the fingerprint, and then turn the handle to open the door. Scanning accuracy is on point as long as the finger is dry.
PasswordYou can set 3 type of password mainly:
User Password
A 6-12 number character can be added via manage user page. The password is tied to the user. Close proximity bluetooth connection required during setup.
Periodic Password
A 6-12 number character password can be added via setting page. The time validity of the password can be controlled. Close proximity bluetooth connection is required during setup. Best use for nanny, home cleaner or AirBNB!
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One time Password
This one time password works like an authenticator. Password can only be viewed on setting page and password generated can only be used once within 15 minutes. No connection is required. Best used for visiting relative while you are away.
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To enter via passcode, tap on the panel once to light up the keypad. Enter the correct passcode and press ✅ to confirm.
One cool implementation with the passcode unlock is its anti-peeping system. Say you have a passcode of 123456. You can enter any giberish number with your actual passcode in between. For example, entering 58892[123456]213 will unlock the door successfully. Anyone will have a hard time guessing the correct passcode.
If passcode is entered incorrectly for 5 times, the alarm will sound and passcode entry will be denied for 5 minute.
BluetoothI do find this pointless when you have fingerprint and passcode as an option. Otherwise, its a welcomed addition. To unlock using bluetooth, place your phone in close proximity with the door lock and bluetooth turned on. Head to the smartdoor lock app and long press the middle of lock icon on the main page to unlock. Unlocking using Bluetooth gateway will not work for obvious safety reason.
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NFCI personally do not have experience with this as I do not have XiaoMi smartphone with NFC and MiBand 4 NFC edition as it only works with aforementioned devices. External chinese reviewers did mention NFC unlock is as cumbersome as bluetooth unlock. To unlock with NFC, u will need to open xiaomi NFC app, unlock app with finger print, and then place the phone on the NFC sensor on the panel. Which really defeat the purpose when you can place fingerprint directly on the doorlock.
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Cant say the same for mi band 4. I'll update here when i have more information.
Physical key2 sets of physical key are included in the box. Keys are made in dimple bump style for added security. (Yeah, you can insert lockpickinglawyer meme here). Any force entry attempt on the keyhole or key left on the keyhole for a period of time will trigger the alarm.
It is best practice to carry a physical key along for emergency purposes.
AutomationA door lock will not be called a smart door if there is no home automation associated to it! However, to enable this feature, a Bluetooth gateway is required. This MiJia smartdoor runs on BLE connectivity to conserve power instead of WiFi therefore a BLE gateway is needed for its IoT function.
Here i used xiaomi digital alarm clock as the BLE gateway. There are other BLE gateway that is compatible like Mi Bedside Lamp. Make sure the device is connected on China server.
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BLE gateway connection is fully automatic so no further setup required. Status of the smart door will appear on the BLE gateway page when successful.
Once setup, you can set near any automation rule with any connected xiaomi device. Like, sending notification to phone when break in. Turning on mi vacuum or yeelight when enter using certain passcode. When condition is met you can even set DaFang camera to pan towards targeted area and upload to cloud!
Here is the list of the 'if' function related to the smartdoor.
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Final thoughtAlthough this is my first ownership experience with smartdoor lock, i am overall really satisfied with the lock as it does it job as a smart device and as a door lock.
Pros:
Excellent built quality.
Seemingly weatherproof
Real smart device with wide possibilities of automation rule
Sleek and discreet design
Fingerprint sensor strategically located on the door handle.
Beautiful App UI
Thoughtful safety features.
Cons:
Fingerprint detection can be hit and miss when finger is wet
Fingerprint reader can be a tad faster
Redundant Bluetooth and NFC unlocking function
No Zigbee connectivity.
Some part of the app riddled with poor english translation.
Some physical alterations are needed to fit into thinner door.
Recently i change to new handphone. However, i cannot connect the doorlock to the mijia apps in the new handphone. Anybody know why?