General/Lock:
The lock and camera changed my daily habits more than anything else, in a good way. I no longer have to carry keys on runs, walks, general outings since I can just use my code to get back in. I feel comfortable not being at home for a lot of simple maintenance and home cleanings, as I let folks in with either my app or a lot of times I just setup a special code for a short time of the intended visit, it takes 30 seconds to setup a new code that'll work for just a day! The brushed Nickle finish is exactly what I expected and looks great. It does vary in color from some other Nickle so if you are trying to match 100% to a specific door handle just know that.
Install and Battery:
Installation was straight forward, took about 20 minutes all together. Since then I've had this running for about six months, never charged the lock, and the battery is still at 73%! Update: After 8 months I finally got an alert that my battery was below 35%, well in time to make a change before it burned out. To replace you undo the screws and slide the plate off, then lift the battery tray straight up, it slides right out. This is on the part that is mounted inside, not the keypad outside. Took all of 30 seconds once I knew where the battery tray was.
Connection:
My wifi is spotty, but this is on the cables and the provider. When the lock loses connection on occasion it's linked to terrible service all over. Even so the keypad still works to type in a code. There is also a physical key that works regardless, it sits on my keychain but I've never had to use it.
Camera:
I have the camera mounted such that it can see the entry way and most of my room. I use this with my Echo Show - Black in my kitchen, and sometimes just pull up the video to watch the kids and make sure I know what they are getting up to. It's a great picture in any lighting. I've even moved the camera to the baby's room and used it as a baby monitor, can see fine in the dark.
Tip:
If you have another smart device at the front door, like I do with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Works with Alexa (existing doorbell wiring required), you need to make sure they are named appropriately if you want to use these with Alexa. At first the Ring and Camera were both called 'Front Door', which meant if I asked "Alexa, show me the front door" it would tell me there were multiple devices with that name. I changed them in the App to "Front Room" and "Front Door" and now it's one step easier.
I opted for the free installation that came with the kit, and the installer was professional and did an outstanding job. I've had this for 3 months now, and it works very well. My grown children all have their own codes, so if they need to get into the house when we're not home, it's no big deal. I have the Cloud Cam pointed at the door, and it unfortunately sends me a notification of movement every it records the headlights of a car driving on our cul-de-sac.
Only major disappointment is that in the 3 months I've had it, none of my orders qualified for in-house delivery. I am mobility-disabled and work from home, so was planning on this being a big help to me. I called Amazon, and they said there's only a small subset of products that qualify for in-house delivery.
We had Amazon Key installed when it first became available in our area, which was December 2017. Just in time for Christmas deliveries! It's fabulous. We didn't have to worry about packages being stolen from our front step, so we didn't have to stay home on delivery days (of which we have many). We also don't have to spend time when placing orders trying to avoid any delivery dates when we will be out of town (something my husband did not do well)- not a problem any more! I've had the pleasure of meeting Hollie, who does most of our Amazon key deliveries. Making a new friend - a special bonus I never expected. I love that we receive notifications when deliveries are made, and watching the video. I also love that by providing different key codes to different people, we have a record of who entered the house when. And finally, I love that we can check on the locked status of the door and, on the two occasions I've forgotten to lock it, the ability to lock it via the app.
Never has the value of Amazon Key been more obvious to my husband and me as when we returned from a multi-day trip to find two Amazon key packages placed just inside our door - and a third, non-Amazon package lying in front of our front door for any thief to view. It makes it a tough choice to order from anywhere else, and I generally don't unless it's an item for which Amazon can't provide in-house delivery.
Update:
It took a few days to get a reply, but in response to my support inquiry Kwikset sent me the latch I needed at no cost. After about a week for delivery of that, I was able to install. For anyone who can’t wait, this is the part:
Kwikset 83186-001 Adjustable Drive-in Deadbolt Replacement Latch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIVC8EE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KEZdCbB2C45D8
Since I was replacing an existing deadbolt, Installation was easy and took about a half hour. The Amazon Key app walks you through everything. The most tedious part was getting everything aligned so that the deadbolt opens “smooth” and doesn’t falsely report jams.
The app works well. I was able to easily program unlock codes, and set up the “auto re-lock” functionality. It reliably locks and unlocks the door, and notifies me via the app whenever it’s locked or unlocked, even if done manually.
My only complaints really are that the motor is a bit loud when it locks and unlocks, and the alignment really has to be spot on- any resistance when locking and the app reports a jam, even if it’s locked correctly. (If you look at my comparison pic, the bolt on the replacement latch is also slightly bigger- which I think makes the alignment even more critical. I wish the drive in latch had the same bolt size as the one included in the box). That and having to jump through hoops just to get a latch that I feel should have been in the box.
Original Review:
I am not able to install. The description states it includes a latch, but doesn’t advise that it only includes one of two possible types. If your door has a “drive in latch” like mine, see pic, the instructions state you need to “contact Kwikset to order a B-style latch”. The instructions don’t advise how to do this, and searching for this elusive item yields no results.
I have opened a support request at Kwikset.com, and will update this review if/when I get a response.
Living in a high package theft area, I live the piece of mind that in home delivery gives me.
In home delivery just works, but there seems to be some limitation where random items that are available for prime shipping aren't available for in home delivery, and I've also had to select 2 day shipping instead of 1 day shipping to get in home delivery. I don't really understand why, but it would be nice to know this upfront when choosing what to buy instead of at checkout, as I'd much prefer to use in home delivery when possible.
The biggest issue I have with the device is multi-person support. My wife cannot use her Amazon account to order in house delivery, as it can only be set up with one Amazon account at a time. This is especially troubling when we want to order surprises or gifts for each other.
In the couple weeks that we've had this, we live that we can set up door codes for anyone at anytime. When we went on vacation, plans for our pet sitters fell through, and it was super convienant to be able to set up new time-bound door codes when we were half way across the country try for the pet sitting service we had to hire.
Feature Product
- GO KEYLESS. Lock and unlock your home with ease using the touchscreen keypad or use the Key app. Never worry about lost, misplaced, or duplicate keys.
- WATCH OVER HOME. Easily monitor and control your front door from anywhere. Connect with the Cloud Cam to see who comes and goes with 1080p HD video, night vision, and two-way audio.
- WORKS WITH ALEXA. Enable the Key smart home skill and ask Alexa to lock/unlock your door. Or ask Alexa to show Cloud Cam's live feed on your Amazon Fire TV, Fire Tablet, Echo Show, or Echo Spot.
- EASY TO INSTALL. Compatible with doors that have a standard deadbolt mounted separately from the handle and have a thickness between 1-3/8" to 2" thick.
- ENHANCED FEATURES. Create up to 30 access codes for your family and friends, or grant temporary access for your dog walker. SmartKey Security designed to protect against break-ins and keep your family safe, while also allowing you to re-key the lock yourself in seconds.
- OPTIONAL IN-HOME DELIVERY. Prime members in select areas can opt-in to get Amazon packages securely delivered right inside their door. You can even watch the delivery live through the app or view a video clip of it later.
Description
The Amazon Key is a must have. I originally bought this to avoid packages being stolen but this ended up being an even more important home security feature. In February 2018 my home was broken into by burglars who smashed in my sliding glass door. Unfortunately they did not go to the front of the house where my key was until they went to leave. But because my Key notified me when my door was unlocked I was able to quickly catch the burglars on camera. I was able to immediately call the police and start handing the incident. If it wasn't for my Amazon Key, it would have been hours before I was appraised and potentially the cops wouldn't have been called until then. I highly recommend downloading the Cloud Cam app to ensure video is recorded when motion is detected in order to help in these situations. I cannot thank Amazon enough for introducing a device that helped me in this situation and made me feel safer in my home after the even (through the motion detection).
What I like the most about the product is the piece of mind of knowing every time that lock changes state... some people think it’s invasion of privacy, but think of it this way - you have no idea who or when someone comes through your door. If you’re a renter, who knows how many copies of of your keys are running around with friends of a friend of previous tenant who just needed their plants watered during a trip out of town. Anyways, it was simple to set up and synch... it’s zig bee IoT protocol between the lock and the camera that needs wifi to remain sycnhed and controlled via the secure app. You can provision self-expiring or perpetual codes and track and be notified when people use the code. Also, haven’t had any issues with home delivery. Overall, great product. Highly recommended. Just FYI: not all locks are compatible with all doors.
I have the Kwickset 914 and Cloud Cam Key installed. I have them configured with the Key app. I have an Echo show and multiple echo dots around the house. I am able to pull up the video stream on my show. However, when I ask alexa to lock or unlock the door, it can't find the lock? I'm at my wits end. I've reset the devices multiple times. How can I configure so alexa will unlock and lock my door when asked?
UPDATE:
I finally figured it out. You must add the Amazon Key Skill. Once I added the skill, and re-scanned for devices, I was able to lock and unlock the door with alexa! I just happened upon a CNET article with a link to the skill. Patience is a virtue.
I hope this helps somebody in the future.
Amazon Key Skill link:
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Key/dp/B075LY9H6H
I like the idea of this, I don't have to bother my neighbors if I'm going to be away from home. It all works great. I wish it was easier to turn it off when I know I am going to be home, I can turn it off on the app (not when I place the order), but then it confuses the delivery person. I like all the checks and balances, they take a picture of your front door that the delivery person verifies, and I was able to warn the person I had barking dogs, but they are behind a fence. I wish the camera recorded events other than an Amazon Delivery, I feel this should have more capabilities since I bought this for more than just deliveries. Finally I love the keypad lock, and so do my family that needs to get in the house occasionally.
This product has changed aspects of our life. Seriously. 1) No more Amazon packages stolen off our porch. 2) We know instantly when packages are delivered 3) No more needing to give neighbors a spare key to the house 4) No more needing to carry a key when walking the dog or whatever 5) No more hiding a spare key for guests 6) Always know when spouse back from running/jogging 7) If someone breaks in from the front door, not only will we know - they will also automatically be recorded, straight to the cloud. I could go on but I have to get back to work ;-)
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