Wyze Lock Bolt

High-end smart locks can be pricey, but the stylish and affordable Wyze Lock Bolt ($69.99) might be all you need. This lock uses Bluetooth (instead of Wi-Fi) to connect to your phone and supports several unlock methods—among them, a fingerprint reader, a backlit keypad, and a mobile app. It offers an automatic lock feature, too, but the security device doesn't integrate with third-party platforms or work with voice controls. If you care about advanced features, the Editors' Choice-winning Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi ($249) is a superior option; it just costs a lot more.

Locking In on Complete Simplicity

Where the original Wyze Lock uses most of your existing lock's hardware, the Wyze Lock Bolt is a complete lock assembly that consists of interior and exterior escutcheons; a deadbolt assembly; a strike plate; a mounting plate and mounting hardware; a drilling template; and four AA batteries.

The exterior escutcheon has an attractive matte black finish and measures 4.5 by 3.0 by 0.8 inches (HWD). It contains a keypad with twelve round and rubberized backlit buttons (0 to 9, lock, and unlock), as well as a battery indicator and a fingerprint scanner. Behind a rubber gasket on the bottom edge is a USB power port that you can use to operate the lock if the batteries fail. (This model does not have a keyed backup.) The metal escutcheon has an IPX5 weatherproof rating, so rain shouldn't be an issue.

The interior escutcheon sports the same black finish and measures 6.6 by 3.0 by 1.8 inches. (This width measurement includes the thumb-turn knob for manual operation.) Behind a removable panel are the battery compartment and a Bluetooth pairing button. Wyze claims that you should get up to one year's worth of battery life from the set of AAs before you have to replace them.

The Lock Bolt lets you give users permanent or scheduled access via codes or fingerprint scans. Alternatively, you can generate one-time access codes that expire after four hours. The device also has an Auto-Lock feature. With it, you can simply specify an amount of time the lock should engage after inactivity.

Otherwise, the feature set is slim. This lock does not have a Wi-Fi radio, which means you can’t connect it to an Alexa- or Google Assistant-compatible device, or create IFTTT applets. It also doesn’t support Apple HomeKit, nor does it connect with other Wyze devices, such as the Wyze Cam V3 and the Wyze Plug. And, because the lock relies on Bluetooth to connect to your phone, you have to be within Bluetooth range (around 16 feet) to control it with the app. In contrast, the August Smart Wi-Fi Lock ($249.99) is a top-notch, if much costlier, alternative if you want support for Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The App Unlocks the Power

The lock uses the same mobile app (available for Android and iOS) as every other Wyze device, including the Wyze Thermostat and the Wyze Bulb Color. It appears in a panel on the Home page. You tap the icon to access a large status circle that is either green (locked) or orange (unlocked). Simply tap the circle to lock or unlock the door.

Below the status circle is a list of lock and unlock events, complete with time, method (app, fingerprint, auto, or manual), and user information. The gear button in the upper right corner takes you to a screen where you can configure Auto-Lock settings; create users and access codes; register fingerprints; and adjust sound settings. Here, you can also generate one-time access codes and invite users to share access to the lock.

Straightforward Setup and Operation

The Wyze Lock Bolt arrives with a detailed installation guide, though you can also choose to just follow the illustrated instructions in the app. Either way, the lock was simple to install in testing.

I started by removing my existing lock and all of its associated hardware. Then, I installed the Wyze deadbolt assembly and strike components. Next, I attached the exterior escutcheon to the mounting plate, the data cable on the exterior escutcheon to the interior escutcheon, and the interior escutcheon to the mounting plate. After I used the thumb-turn to verify that the deadbolt functioned smoothly, I installed the four AA batteries and opened the Wyze app.

I tapped the plus button in the upper left corner of the Home screen, chose Add Device, and selected the Wyze Bolt Lock from the menu. I opted to skip the in-app setup directions because I had already completed the physical installation.