One of the first smart locks GearBrain tested years ago was Yale Assure smart lock. And when we tested this smart lock, we found it was easy to install but had a hard time using their app during installation. We had to use the printed instructions which were hard to follow. Overall, it was a decent smart lock with a nice design, a backlit keypad, and one-touch activation. Recently, we got the chance to test the newest smart lock from Yale which is light years ahead of what we tested back in 2017. It’s the Yale Assure Lock 2. This new smart lock comes with an app for installation which is easy to follow, and the lock has tons of new features including connecting with just about any wireless protocol on the market. We tested the newest addition to the Yale Assure line of smart locks in a real home and check out what we learned.

What is Yale Assure Lock 2?

Yale Assure Lock 2 unboxed.GearBrain

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the second generation of Yale Home’s successful and popular Yale Assure smart lock. The newest Yale Assure Lock is a smart deadbolt door lock that is compatible with most doors and connects to the Yale Access app via multiple wireless connections. This new smart lock also comes with either touchscreen or keypad versions. And you can decide if you want a keyed or key-free model depending on if you want another option to access your door lock when the lock’s battery runs out of power.

Additional features include smart access for guests and auto-locking via DoorSense technology. All are set up using the Yale Access app which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The lock also meets BHMA standards and can work in temperatures outside ranging from -30 degrees C to 60 degrees C (-22 degrees F to 140 degrees F.). And if interested in knowing what types of finishes are available, the Yale Assure Lock 2 comes in three finishes: Black Suede, Bronze, and Satin Nickel.

This new Yale Assure smart lock is so effective because it works on multiple wireless connections. Bluetooth technology is built into each Assure smart lock but like the previous Yale Assure Models, users can add a Yale Smart Module to change the wireless connectivity. If you remember playing with one of those handle video game players, these modules look like Gameboy cartridges. There is a version for all the major wireless protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee. And soon the company will make a Matter Smart Module available but note it will not work with Yale Assure Lever locks at launch. For those of you who don’t know about the Matter wireless protocol, it’s a new wireless standard to help get smart devices to work seamlessly out of the box. The Yale Smart Modules also provide additional features like integrations with smart home ecosystems and smart home security systems. And you can use your Apple Watch to unlock the Yale Assure Lock 2.

How to install Yale Assure Lock 2?

For us, installing smart locks are easy because we did it so many times. And for the average consumer, installing the Yale Assure Lock 2 will be extremely easy too; even a novice can do it within 30 minutes. However, the hardest part is at the start. You need to make sure your door is compatible, the face bore, and the deadbolt holes are the right size, and you have the right dimensions for the backset. This is critical information and should be done before installing your Yale Assure Lock. Our recommendation is to follow all these instructions in the Yale Access app.

The Yale Access app has easy-to-follow installation instructions. It will show you videos of each step of the installation process which if followed, you should be able to install the lock in less than 30 minutes, especially if this is the first time installing a smart lock.

Yale Access app provides videos and easy to follow instructions to install Yale Assure Lock 2GearBrain

Tips on installing the Yale Assure Lock 2

After installing the Yale Assure Lock 2 on a door in a home, we created this list of tips that should make the installation process run smoothly for you:

• Before installing the lock, take a picture of the lock’s serial number. It should be located inside the battery cover or on the back of the device. You will need it to connect to your lock to set codes and any integrations once your lock is installed.
• When installing the keypad or front portion of the lock, make sure you feed the cable underneath the deadbolt latch and not over it.
• Make sure the cable from the front portion of the lock is threaded through the mounting bracket on the inside portion of the door. As you tighten the lock make sure you have no slack with the cable.
• Don’t use a power drill to secure your mounting bracket. The drill might tighten the lock too much and cause installation issues.
• This is the hardest part of the installation, attaching the cable to the connector on the inside portion of the lock. This can be tedious and can take some time, especially if you have thick, stubby fingers. Take your time and make sure you route the cable under the guide without crimping it. Once done, you are ready to attach the tailpiece or back side of the lock to the mounting bracket.
• Along each step, make sure the operation of the lock (locking and unlocking the deadbolt) continues to be smooth.
• Make sure you install the Yale Module before you install the batteries. This is very important. If for some reason your batteries are installed before installing the Module, just take one battery out and then insert the Module. You don’t have to take them all out.

Here are the tools you will need to install your Yale Assure Lock 2GearBrain

Once your lock is installed, it will be time to pair your lock with the Yale Access app. This process will walk you through the installation of DoorSense technology, a door sensor that comes with your Yale Assure Lock 2. Note you can skip this part of the setup and come back to it later if you want.

Next, the app will scan your lock and add it to the app. At this stage, you can name the lock and its location in the house (i.e., the back door). If you have additional Yale Assure locks, you can add the new lock to your existing House listed in the Yale Access app. Once you name the lock, the lock will begin the calibration process. Follow the steps in the app. You need to get this right or you will have operational problems with the lock. Also, if you plan to use voice commands, make sure the name of your lock is easy to say and remember.

Once the calibration part is complete you can set up Apple HomeKit integrations, add the lock to your home Wi-Fi if you have a Wi-Fi Module, and connect it to your smart home security system. Yale Assure Lock 2 is compatible with many smart home security systems. You just need to know what wireless protocol your system works on and then you can insert the compatible Yale Smart Module to connect your lock.

Smart Home Integrations – What works with Yale Smart Locks

And speaking of compatibility, Yale Home has a nice size ecosystem of smart devices their smart locks work within a smart home. And you don’t need a hub to connect your Yale Assure Lock to these devices or ecosystems. You just need to make sure your Yale smart lock has the right Yale Smart Module. As we mentioned, Yale offers smart modules for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and soon Matter wireless protocols. Here is a list of all the devices that you can connect a Yale Assure Smart Lock with today and the Yale Smart Module needed:

• Amazon Alexa-Enabled Devices: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter
• Google Assistant-Enabled Devices: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter
• Apple HomeKit - Bluetooth
• Samsung SmartThings platform: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Matter
• Nest: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Matter
• Philips Hue smart lights: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter
• Ring Alarm: Z-Wave
• Xfinity: Z-Wave
• Z-Wave Devices: Z-Wave
• Airbnb: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Matter

If you are not sure if Yale Assure Lock 2 is compatible with your home security system or any existing smart device in your home, you can go to The GearBrain, our product find engine, and check for compatibility. You just tell us what home security system you have in your home, and we will show you if the Yale Assure Lock 2 is compatible. It’s that simple and free too.

How to Find Products in The GearBrain, Our Compatibility Find Engine for Smart DevicesGearBrain helps simplify the Internet of Things or new connected devices for consumers. The GearBrain is the first and only ...

Testing

As we normally do for product reviews, we test all smart devices in a normal home with average connectivity. We want to see how the product does in this environment. For our tests with Yale Assure Lock 2, we replace a previous Yale Assure Lock version which was connected to a Vivint Smart Home Security system.

The installation process was just as easy as the previous version except for the instructions in the Yale Access app were 100% better. They were easy to follow, and we liked how you could easily replay the videos if needed before moving on to the next step.

We tested the lock for several weeks and the overall response was the new Yale Assure Lock 2 was good, but we didn’t like how you had to push the Yale logo on the touchscreen to lock it. To lock the previous Yale Assure Lock, all we had to do was touch the screen and it would activate the lock. The Yale Assure Lock 2 requires you to push the Yale logo to lock. Besides this one issue, everyone liked the new Yale Assure Lock 2. The touchscreen had good backlighting. The numbers on the touchscreen were big and easy to see, especially at night. The sound from the locking and unlocking could easily be heard, especially when leaving your home.

On a Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen, users have to push the Yale logo to activate the lock. GearBrain

In addition, we found the new Yale Assure Lock 2 to be a solid-built door lock. It looked and felt sturdier than the previous Yale Assure model. The lock looked like it could withstand the elements and be tough to break in. And we have tested many smart locks, but this new Yale lock was a strong and secure smart security device.

Overall, the best feature of the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the smart modules. I am a big fan of this technology because it makes it easy for users to connect a Yale smart lock with any smart home security system without having to buy and install a compatible smart lock. Yale Smart Modules allow users to easily change from one wireless protocol to another. For instance, if you had a Yale Assure Lock 2 with Bluetooth and wanted to get a Ring Alarm system, all you would have to do is buy a Yale Smart Z-wave Plus Module, insert it into the lock and your Yale Assure Lock 2 would be compatible. It’s that simple.

And if you are moving or replacing your old Yale Assure Lock with a new one, all you must do is take the Yale Smart Module in your old lock, insert it into the new Yale Assure lock and it will now be compatible with your smart home. We tested this process with Vivint Smart Home Security, and it went smoothly and with no interruptions of service. Something to think about when buying a smart lock.

Cost - How much does Yale Smart Lock 2 cost?

It depends on the finishes and connectivity of the lock. As I mentioned, the lock comes with either a touchscreen or a keypad. You can also get a keyed version or a keyless. For $179.99, you can get either a Keyed or Keyless Touchscreen or Keypad Assure Lock 2 with Bluetooth. This lock works with Apple HomeKit and your Apple Watch. The Wi-Fi version of Yale Assure Lock 2 costs $259.99 and has all the same features except it comes with a Yale Wi-Fi Smart Module. And the company just released a Yale Assure Lock 2 with Z-Wave bundle that costs either $189.99 for keypad version and $209.99 for touchscreen.

All locks are available on the company’s website as well as on Amazon, The Home Depot, Best Buy, and other electronics and home retailers.

Summary

If you are in the market for a secure, reliable, and well-built smart deadbolt lock that is compatible with just about any wireless protocol, you must consider Yale Assure Smart Lock 2. It’s one of the most versatile smart locks on the market that offers multiple ways for you to lock and unlock your door. You can use an app, keypad, touchscreen, key, and voice commands. And we know how important is to have a backup plan in case your smart lock malfunctions or the batteries die on you.

The Yale Assure Smart Lock is also designed to work with any smart home ecosystem thanks to the Yale Smart Modules. These little cartridges are the solution for interoperability for smart locks. They are easy to install. Allows your lock to work on any wireless protocol, including Matter. And when you move, all you must do is take the module with you and have the new owner add a new module to get the lock to work for them.

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