The media could not be loaded. Update 6/3/21: Nearly 6 months later, I am still greatly impressed by this lock! One thing I've noticed is that our large household of 9 burns through the (4) AA batteries at a rate of once per month. Changing them out is simple, and I don't mind the frequency of replacement given all the lock does for our family. I've decided to give lithium Energizer batteries a try and see if they last longer. Updates to follow. Original review follows. This is a first impressions review after installing the Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint WiFi Smart Lock. So far: 5 of 5 stars for physical hardware installation; 4.5 of 5 stars for the kit & instructions; 5 of 5 stars for the quality of build; 5 of 5 stars for the appearance; 5 of 5 stars for the feature set & operation; 3 of 5 stars for the Kwikset App and smart feature setup. This Traditional Venetian Bronze Smart Lock works with and perfectly matches theKwikset Prescott Front Door Handle. I absolutely love the look! We purchased this Halo Touch Smart Lock (and matching Handle set) to complete the Smart Home upgrade of our house. This Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with either the Kwikset App or Alexa (Google Home is also an option if that is your Smart Assistant choice). Installation of the hardware is very straight forward. You may follow the included hard-copy instructions or install the Kwikset App on your phone and get step by step installation instructions. It will go very quickly if you are replacing an existing standard deadbolt (especially if it is a Kwikset brand). My recommendation is to use hand tools only (no need for a drill/screw gun as you don't want to over-tighten). The kit is very well organized and the installation instructions are easy to follow. One potential disappointment is that Kwikset (presumably to save on expense) does not include both standard types of deadbolt latch in the kit. If, like me, you have a "drive-in" deadbolt latch (i.e. one that does not screw into a chiseled slot) you won't be able to proceed with the installation. Kwikset expects you to call their service number and order a drive-in latch if needed. Unfortunately, the latch takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. I was able to order the new latch immediately after purchasing the lock, but Kwikset's shipping time is dreadfully longer than is Amazons! As it turns out, my existing Kwikset drive-in latch is perfectly aligned and operating very smoothly, so I installed the new Halo Touch using my old latch. I'll install the new latch when it arrives, but I just couldn't wait! Use your best judgement as to whether or not you can/should install the Halo Touch using an old latch. There does appear to be a difference between a standard Kwikset latch and a Halo Touch latch: the Halo Touch bolt is tapered (likely to allow for more tolerance in alignment). Once physically installed, one must install the Kwikset App on their phone (there is no website interface that I can find). Follow the App setup instructions and create a Kwikset Account. Given that this is home security, expect two-step verification, security questions, etc. My email service, by the way, was sending the Kwikset verification emails to the junk folder. Once your Kwikset account is established and you have logged into the app, connect your phone to the Halo Touch via Bluetooth per the in-app instructions. This was as simple as pushing a button on the Halo Touch with my phone's Bluetooth turned on. The first thing I had to do upon connecting to the Halo Touch via the app/Bluetooth was to perform a firmware update on the lock (this process uses your phone via the Bluetooth connection, so stay near the lock). Be sure your phone has a good charge (> 70% recommended) prior to starting this process. It does take a while and (if your phone is like mine) you will get a "Kwikset isn't responding" message. Just keep pressing "Wait." I received this message two or three times before the app completed the firmware update (much to my relief). The app will walk you through establishing a Home, naming the Lock, adding users, etc. I've noticed that the lock can be operated from anywhere using the app via Wi-Fi (lock or unlock), but there is lag time. Changing lock settings via the app seems to use the Bluetooth connection, so you must be in range. In fact, adding users and registering fingerprints was rather cumbersome. I have a nine person household and registering nine people with 18 fingerprints took a while. It's not supposed to be difficult - just press the add profile icon, press the add fingerprint option, and touch the sensor with the desired finger a few times until the print is registered. In practice, however, the connection with the app/phone/Bluetooth is delayed and I found myself having to try several times to get both prints registered for each user. Ugh. Other setting changes take a while to synchronize as well. So, the design of the app is fine (not great), but its responsiveness is poor. Ideally, responsiveness will improve over time with further firmware updates. The good news is that as slow as the app may be, actually using your registered fingerprints on the Halo Touch is lightning fast! The lock operates almost the instant the finger touches the sensor - it reads very quickly. Any finger (registered or not) will lock the door; only registered fingers will unlock the door. Alexa will work by enabling the Kwikset Skill within the Alexa App. Alexa can report on the status of the lock (locked or unlocked) and you can use Alexa to verbally lock or unlock the Halo Touch (a verbal PIN must be established within the Alex app to allow unlocking). The Kwikset app can be used to limit users to certain times, date ranges, etc. We made use of the Kwikset SmartKey feature to quickly re-key this new lock to our existing house key. Kwikset's "SmartKey" functionality has nothing to do with a Smart Home - they've been using this term for many years to describe their easy method of re-keying locks without a locksmith or tools.
