1 Year update: Since my original purchase I’ve added 2 more locks and will add 1 more shortly (rental units). There are 2 features I think are must haves: 1) 3 modes of entry (key, keypad, and HomeKit to provide failsafes, 2) ability to re-key lock as old tenants leave and new ones come in. I do use these on the back doors as daily constant use will quickly drain the battery. My only concern is that Kwiset’s reluctance to update the app will render the product useless for HomeKit use.
1 month update: Hit the 1 month mark on 8/24. On the 2.5 week mark the Premis app battery indicator was at 70%. Also noticed that the Home app and Premis app were very slow in updating the status of the lock. Right before the release of iOS 12 public beta 6 i was having an issue where the lock was not being recognized and i had got do a factory reset on 2 different occasions. After downloading public beta 6 the Home app/Premis app/Premis lock have been working exactly as it’s supposed to. The status updates on the Home/Premis apps take less than 3 seconds and excessive battery drain does not seem to be issue. I was averaging more than 10% drain per week for the first 2.5 weeks, and in the 2.5 weeks since i upgraded to public beta 6 update the battery indicator has not moved past 70%. Overall very satisfied and I ended up purchasing a second Premis lock (for the main entrance). This will be a good test for durability as the main entrance is used by the individuals on my unit and 2 additional units of tenants. Rating changed to 5 stars.
Haven't written a review in a while but figured I'd write one for this product as my experience with the Premis seems to be a little different than what I've read from other reviewers. I purchased the product via the Amazon Warehouse to save a few bucks. The lock came in its original packaging and everything was included. Even the screws were in their own individual, unbroken packaging. Not sure how that's possible for something that's used but THANK YOU Amazon Warehouse for making it happen.
Installation of the lock was fairly straightforward and I didn't need to do any drilling. Pairing the lock with the Kwikset app was the part that took by far the longest. Kwikset is not a fault. I didn't realize that since someone else had previously paired this lock with an app I needed to do a factory reset. Once I did the reset the Kwikset app recognized the lock immediately. Pairing with Apple's Home app was a breeze.
I view the Kwikset Premis as a first generation product and as such I've come to expect that they will be a little glitchy. And a further wrench is thrown into the equation when it's a third party product designed to integrate into Apple's ecosystem. With that being said the Kwikset Premis does everything I expected it to. At is most basic level I find it to be a sturdy deadbolt and I was able to easily rekey the lock so I can use the Premis with an existing KW1 key. Per the instructions touching the screen for a second or so will activate it and from there I can type in my code to open it, or hit the lock button to close it. HomeKit/Siri integration is where it gets fun. Via the Home app, or Siri, I can check the status of the lock and open or close it. It's kinda cool to be able say "Hey Siri, is the front door closed?" or "Hey Siri, can you open the front door?" I've even asked Siri to lock the door about 1/2 mile down the road from home as I forgot to do it as I left.
I commend Kwikset's engineers and designers for the work they put in creating a product that moves the deadbolt into the 21st century but also keeps it within the easy use and installation of a traditional deadbolt. However, I docked the Premis a star for 2 reasons: 1) the back housing needs to be removed in order to replace the batteries. 3 screws hold the housing in place, one of which is underneath the housing. Seems like the engineers forgot that the door handle would be there making the removal of this screw a major pain. 2) there is no mention of the installation manual or the Kwikset app on the instructions that come with the box. You an easily find the manual online and it's also located within the Kwikset app but a simple "Download the Kwikset app from the Apple Store for installation instructions and to get started" would have been an easy time saver.
I am keeping an eye out for the battery drain issue I've read about time and time again. I've had the lock in place for 4 days now and it's at 90%. Not sure if that's good or bad. Kwikset claims up to 6 months before battery replacement is needed and I've read some people saying weeks. I'm shooting for the 3 month mark. I'll keep you guys posted.
Overall, not a perfect product (as no 1st gen product ever is) but I'm happy. So far, so good!
P.s. I've attached some pics. Pardon the color on the door. Removing the paint and staining it dark brown is on my list of summertime projects :-)
| Brand | Kwikset |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Smart Lock,Touchscreen |
| Lock Type | Keyed One Side |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 9.87 x 5.37 x 3.49 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Home |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Color | Black |
| Finish Type | Matte Black |
| Included Components | Exterior Assembly, Interior Assembly, Strike, Drive-in Latch, Latch with Rectangular Faceplate, Mounting Plate, Batteries, Installation Hardware, SmartKey Tool, 2 Keys, Installation Guide |
| Controller Type | Apple HomeKit, iOS |
| Shape | Square |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Manufacturer | Kwikset |
| Part Number | 99190-004 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 9.87 x 5.37 x 3.49 inches |
| Item model number | 99190-004 |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 4 |
| Special Features | Smart Lock,Touchscreen |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty; 1-year electronics warranty |
