Aqara U600 Smart Lock Brings HomeKey to UK Doors

Aqara has launched the Smart Lock U600, a smart lock designed specifically for British doors. The lock combines Matter over Thread connectivity with support for Apple HomeKey and Samsung Wallet Key, and it is available now in the UK through Amazon.co.uk for £229.99.

It is a significant release for one simple reason: most smart locks sold today are built around North American deadbolts or European lock cylinders, which makes them a poor fit for the UK’s multipoint locking doors. The U600 is designed around those doors from the start, so it can be fitted without replacing existing hardware.

Designed around British doors

The U600 is made for the common UK multipoint locking systems found on uPVC, composite, and timber doors. It has a slim profile measuring 335 x 40.5 x 28 mm and supports doors between 40 and 80 mm thick, with centre distances of 72–92 mm and backsets ranging from 35 to 70 mm.

According to Aqara, installation typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes and requires only a screwdriver — no additional drilling or wiring. The installation is also reversible: users can reinstall their original lock if they move home, which makes the U600 a potential option for renters.

Six ways to unlock

The headline feature is Apple HomeKey. Users can unlock the door simply by holding a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock. With Express Mode enabled, there is no need to unlock the phone or open an app beforehand, and Apple’s Power Reserve feature means a compatible iPhone can continue operating the lock for up to five hours after its battery has run out.

For Samsung owners, the U600 also supports Samsung Wallet Key, providing a similar tap-to-unlock experience for compatible Galaxy smartphones. Notably, the lock does this without ultra-wideband hardware — unlike some newer deadbolts that unlock hands-free as you approach, the U600 relies on tap-based key entry.

• Fingerprint reader: stores up to 50 fingerprints, with Aqara claiming recognition times of approximately 0.5 seconds.
• PIN codes: permanent, temporary, and scheduled codes for family members, visitors, or other authorized users.
• NFC cards: Aqara NFC cards are supported, though they are sold separately.
• Voice control: works through Siri and Alexa.
• Physical key: a conventional key provides a backup if electronic unlocking is unavailable.

Access can be managed through the Aqara Home app, including reviewing unlock activity and configuring access permissions.

Matter over Thread, across every major platform

The U600 uses Matter over Thread for smart home connectivity, so it works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Home Assistant — provided the relevant Matter controller and Thread Border Router are available. For Apple Home users, the lock can be incorporated into an existing setup with access to lock status, remote control, and compatible automations.

Pairing the lock with a compatible Aqara hub (the M3, M200, M100, G5 Pro, or G410) through the Aqara Home app unlocks additional functionality, including remote unlocking and automations involving other Aqara devices — without requiring a subscription.

Built for exterior doors and British weather

Because the U600 sits on an exterior door, its external panel carries an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and Aqara has applied protective coatings to the electronics. The lock is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +55°C.

Power comes from four AA batteries, with Aqara quoting a battery life of up to 10 months depending on usage. Low-battery notifications provide advance warning when replacements are needed, and should the batteries run out completely, a concealed USB-C port on the exterior panel allows the lock to be temporarily powered with a portable power bank.

Why the UK-specific design matters

Smart locks with Apple HomeKey support have existed for years, but they have traditionally been shaped by the markets they were designed for: North American deadbolts or European cylinders. For UK households with multipoint-locking doors, that meant either replacing the door hardware or going without.

The U600 is another addition to Aqara’s growing range of smart locks, but its UK-specific design is what sets it apart. By combining that design with Matter over Thread and Apple HomeKey, Aqara is offering a way to add smart access to an existing British door while keeping full compatibility with the Apple smart home ecosystem — a combination that has been hard to find until now.

The bottom line

At £229.99, the U600 sits in the mid-premium smart lock range and undercuts higher-end rivals such as Apple’s new LG-built deadbolt at $350. It is available now in the UK via Amazon.co.uk, and while it is a UK-focused product, its arrival reinforces two broader trends: Matter over Thread is becoming the default radio for new locks, and Apple HomeKey is no longer a niche perk — it is a checkbox feature buyers expect on a flagship lock.