The Aqara U200 Smart Door Lock is one of the most advanced retrofit smart locks on the market today – secure, stylish, and packed with features. But before you get excited about automating your front door, it’s important to make sure your current setup is compatible.
This guide explains exactly what you need before installing the U200, what to look out for, and why certain components matter.
🔋 Understanding the Components
The Aqara U200 Smart Door Lock is made up of two components:
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The Keypad – This can be powered in two ways:
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Using batteries, which makes installation easy and wire-free.
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Or via a wired 12V transformer connected to a power supply, if you prefer a permanent electrical setup.
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The Lock Mechanism – This attaches inside your door and operates using a rechargeable battery. On a full charge, it typically lasts 4 to 6 months, depending on usage. The battery is easy to remove and recharge, ensuring continuous operation without fuss.
✅ Two Things You Need for Installation
To install the Aqara U200 Smart Door Lock, your door must have the following:
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A Mortise Lock
This is the main internal locking mechanism embedded in the edge of the door. The U200 is designed to work specifically with mortise locks, which are common across Europe and provide a solid base for smart lock upgrades. -
A Compatible Cylinder
The cylinder is what controls the locking mechanism – it's where you'd usually insert a key. Since the U200 is a retrofit device, it attaches to your existing cylinder and motorises its rotation.
🔐 Cylinder Compatibility – Choose One of These
Not all cylinders are created equal. In Malta, double acting cylinders are not as common, so it is important to check which cylinder your door has.
The Aqara U200 Door Lock is only compatible with these specific cylinders:
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Double Acting EU Cylinder
This is the safest and most reliable option.-
It allows for operation from both sides at the same time.
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That means if someone accidentally leaves a key in the lock from the inside, you can still unlock the door from the outside – a critical safety feature.
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It also ensures the smart lock can always rotate the cylinder, regardless of what’s happening on the other side.
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Thumb Turn Cylinder
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This has a keyhole on one side and a thumb turn on the inside.
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It is commonly found on bathroom doors, but is also used on some main doors.
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The thumb turn on the inside will need to be removed via an Allen Key, in order to allow the U200 to attach on the back side of the cylinder.
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It is important to note that some models do not allow the thumb turn to be removed. In this case, this cylinder will not be compatible with the U200, and will need to be replaced.
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Aqara Cylinder
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Aqara provides its own certified cylinder designed to work perfectly with the U200.
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It is also adjustbale, allowing compatibility with a large range of door thicknesses.
- If your current cylinder isn’t suitable or is showing signs of wear, this is a good upgrade to ensure compatibility and reliability.
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⚠️ Before You Install – Check These Things First
Proper installation starts with a proper inspection. Make sure to:
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Inspect the Cylinder Type
Before starting any installation, confirm the type of cylinder installed in your door. If it doesn’t fall under one of the three mentioned above, it will need to be replaced. This is an easy and relatively cheap replacement that can be done by the end-user. -
Test the Mortise Lock Function
The internal mortise mechanism must rotate freely. If it’s stiff, noisy, or sticking, it can block or damage the U200's motor. It’s worth servicing or replacing a faulty mortise lock before proceeding with the installation.
📡 Do I Need the Aqara M3 Hub?
No – the U200 works without a hub.
You can lock and unlock your door via the Passcode, NFC Tag, and Fingerprint without any additional hardware.
However, pairing it with the Aqara M3 Hub unlocks a host of extra features:
- Remote access (Lock / Unlock)
- Unlock via the Apple Home Key
- Real-time alerts and access logs
- Integration with Apple Home, Google Assistant, Alexa, and more
- Advanced automation through the Aqara ecosystem
If you’re building a smarter home, adding the M3 Hub will give you full control, automation, and remote access.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
Installing the U200 is straightforward once your hardware is compatible. If you're not sure what kind of cylinder you have or whether your mortise lock meets the requirements, Contact DOMO Solutions and we’ll guide you through a professional assessment and installation.
Smart locks are the future – let’s make sure yours is set up right.
