How to Install the Lockly Vision Elite Smart Lock

Today, we're diving into the world of smart home gadgets with the Lockly Vision Elite Smart Lock and Video Doorbell. Priced at $500, this nifty device locks your doors and lets you video chat with whoever's knocking. Now, we'll be honest—we fumbled through the installation. This smart lock isn't the easiest to install—even for us pros. So, let's walk through the process and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.

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• Lockly Vision Elite
• Activation code card
• Screws
• Bolt assembly
• Strike plate and housing
• 2 Rechargeable lithium batteries
• 2 Physical keys
• Vision Connect Hub
• Vision door sensor
• USB and LAN cables
• Quick start guide
• Installation and user manual
• Doorbell decal

If you're feeling adventurous and want to mess up like we did, toss the instructions aside. But seriously, don't. Even if you've installed dozens of smart locks (like us), don't let overconfidence lead to needless mistakes (like us).

First things first, you'll need to remove your existing deadbolt. Then, you need to add the new deadbolt.

The Lockly deadbolt has two settings for different door sizes. Make sure you pick the right one—unlike us. The Elite deadbolt comes preset to 2-3/4 ". Need it shorter so it fits in the hole of your door? Adjust it to 2-3/8" by putting the deadbolt into a locked position by turning the crank on the side. (The crank kind of looks like a screw, and you can turn it with a flathead screwdriver.) Next, hold the metal plate and twist the deadbolt body till it snaps into place.

Push the deadbolt into the latch hole in the side of your door, making sure the black wire goes through the hole, too. Secure the deadbolt plate with the small screws (K) provided. And please make sure the bolt is in the locked position at this point.

Take the adhesive strips off the backplate and guide the cables through the hole at the bottom of the backplate. Push the backplate against the door, ensuring the screw holes are aligned. Use the two large screws (F) to fix everything in place.

Now is a good time to test the lock with the keys provided. Make sure it locks and unlocks smoothly and that you can remove the keys. If any of this doesn't work, don't keep going. Take everything out, put it back in, and then try again.

Time to power things up. Slide the charged battery into the slot at the top of the lock. Tighten the screw (W) on the top side of the battery on the right side.

Now, poke the pin key into the program button (the little hole at the bottom of the battery) and hold it for 10 seconds. The lock will come to life, and you can do a little self-check to ensure everything is working correctly.

Connecting the wires from the exterior to the interior assembly is a bit like a puzzle. There are four connections to make, all laid out in a not-so-intimidating diagram.

You'll see plugs labeled A1 to A2, B1 to B2, and so on. Match the A1 and A2 (the golden connectors) and screw them together tightly. Next, plug B1 into B2. Match C1 to C2 and D1 to D2, and make sure that when you put them together, the red dots are on the same sides.

Once you've connected everything, the real challenge is stuffing it all back inside the casing to secure the back plate. Tuck the cables behind the rectangular cable rail on the interior panel and the grove along the side.

Turn the lock vertically and hold the wiring against the backside as you slide the unit onto the torque blade. Secure it with two small (H) screws.

The kit comes with a series of strike plates, one of which has a built-in sensor magnet (L). The strike plate is crucial for the lock to communicate its status. Without it, the lock gets confused—trust me on this. We didn't use the strike plate, and the lock beeped like crazy until we fixed it.

You should add the spacer when installing the strike plate if there's a gap between it and the door; that way, the plate will get a good connection. Make sure the red dot on the strike plate and the one on the deadbolt line up before securing it with the screws (F). 

You're almost there! Now, it's time to pair your lock with the app. Grab the activation card to get started. Connect the hub to your home router and wait for the yellow light to blink. Scan the activation code, and sync up your device and app. Set your PIN, add your fingerprints, and you're good to go!

Well, a lot. First, read the instructions—even if you think you're a pro. Second, get a friend to help; it's a two-person job. And third, make sure the pieces are correctly aligned; otherwise, you'll run into issues like we did.

So there you have it, folks! Our installation took around an hour and a half after all the backtracking from not doing it right the first time.

The Lockly Elite is a fantastic device if installed correctly. With a video doorbell and smart lock rolled into one, Lockly is a smart choice for any home. Just make sure you follow the steps, and you'll be golden.

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