Smart home gadgets are not only intended to provide convenience. Many also focus on security. This applies in particular to smart door locks. In today’s WeLock Touch61 review, we want to take a look at a smart door lock that can be unlocked using a fingerprint, RFID card or conveniently via an app. In contrast to many competitor products, you don’t have to fit a bulky surface-mounted lock, but simply replace the cylinder.
Scope of delivery
WELOCK Touch61 review: design and workmanship
With the WeLock Touch 61, I was able to take a closer look at my second smart door lock from the manufacturer. Visually, not much has really changed compared to the WeLock Touch41 (review). The smart door lock can once again be divided into three areas. In the middle is the locking cylinder, which is no different from a conventional model.
This makes a wonderfully robust impression and appears to be made of high-quality stainless steel. There is a knob at the front and rear end. The smaller of the two is intended for indoor use. It is used to close the door. The larger knob is located on the outside of the door.
This is the heart of the smart door lock, which uses a combination of brushed stainless steel and a black plastic cover. The top features a small display, a fingerprint sensor and a small on/off button.
On the front, there is a QR code and an integrated sensor for reading RFID cards. WELOCK has also placed its battery compartment inside the external unit. The build quality of the smart door lock is of a high standard considering the fair price.
The only drawbacks are minor details such as the visible adhesive in the battery compartment. Apart from that, everything speaks for a durable piece of technology. An IP65 certification protects against water and dust. It should be possible to use it at temperatures between -25°C and 60°C.
WELOCK Touch61 review: Simple installation
A major advantage over the Touch41 is its flexibility during installation. Both knobs can be removed from the cylinder. As a result, you can also install the smart door lock from both sides.
Installation is then also quite quick and easy. Thankfully, WeLock even includes the necessary tools in a small format. WELOCK even provides a YouTube video in which you can follow the installation process step by step.
However, it is of course quicker with a conventional screwdriver, which is a little larger. First remove the existing cylinder. To do this, simply loosen the corresponding screw and pull out the cylinder.
The cylinder of the WELOCK Touch61 then fits into the recess. As already mentioned, it is up to you which side you want to insert the cylinder from. Once the appropriate batteries have been inserted into the knob with fingerprint sensor, the two knobs are screwed on.
Depending on the thickness of the door, you have to make adjustments by screwing the knobs up more or less. Now switch the lock on using the power button and register the administrator fingerprint.
Installation is very quick, not least due to the manufacturer’s well-illustrated installation instructions.
WELOCK Touch61 review: setup via the app
We continue in the WeLock app. Once you have set up a user account, simply add the newly installed lock. Scan the QR code on the rubber flap of the lock and then enter the ID of the cylinder. After confirming with your fingerprint, the lock is then paired with the app and can be accessed if a Bluetooth connection is available. You can make various settings for the smart door lock in the app.
New fingerprints for unlocking the lock can also be activated here. In addition, the RFID cards that are already included in the scope of delivery are released here. In theory, you can also unlock fingerprints and RFID cards without the app. However, in my opinion, this is much clearer and, above all, more detailed with the app. For example, you can assign a specific validity to RFID cards.
This is practical, for example, for owners of a vacation apartment who only want to give their guests temporary access. You can also use the app to open and close the lock simply by pressing a button in the app. All it takes is a quick tap on the bottom of the screen. You can also add other WELOCK users as people with access permission. The possibilities here are pleasingly diverse.
WELOCK Touch61 review: unlocking options
The most obvious option is to unlock the WELOCK Touch61 using the fingerprint sensor on the knob. In practice, this not only works reliably, but also with impressive speed. Up to 100 different fingerprints can be stored on the knob itself or via the app. This means that even large families can register without any problems.
But even if the fingerprint memory is full, the Touch61 can be unlocked without any problems. RFID cards can be used for this. Three of these are already included in the scope of delivery. If you need more, you can simply buy more. Finally, registering the small key cards is quick and easy. To do this, simply hold them briefly against the scanner in programming mode and the lock will accept them from then on.
Of course, it is also possible to unlock the lock with a smartphone. To do this, simply press the lock symbol in the app when the Bluetooth connection is established. Last but not least, WeLock also enables the use of a USB security key. This can be inserted via the USB-C port under the rubber flap of the outdoor unit. The lock then opens the way.
WELOCK Touch61 review: remote access requires a hub
The WeLock Touch61 is a really good smart lock even without an internet connection. However, if you want to get the most out of it, you should consider purchasing the WeLock Hub. This connects to the home network and establishes a Bluetooth connection to the lock. The big advantage of this is that the smart door lock can also be accessed remotely.
This means that no active Bluetooth connection between smartphone and lock is required. This means you can even open the door for your neighbor from your Caribbean vacation if a package arrives while you are on vacation. You can also check the history to see if and when the lock was opened or closed. The hub also enables a connection to Amazon Alexa and therefore voice control. According to the app, the Google Assistant will follow soon.
What would have been a real treat for me personally is the support of Apple Home Key. The Aqara U200 (review) proves just how practical this is for smart door locks. It is the first model available in Germany to support this practical unlocking technology. The practical sensor on the front would have made this a real option. But perhaps this is also a feature that will be conveniently added via a firmware update.
Conclusion
The WELOCK Touch61 is a user-friendly and versatile smart door lock that impresses with its simple installation and reliable security functions. It does not require a conspicuous attachment, but simply replaces the door cylinder, which enables elegant integration. The design combines robust stainless steel with black plastic and offers protection against water and dust (IP65).
Installation is flexible and quick thanks to the removable knobs. The same applies to setup via the WELOCK app, which boasts an intuitive design and allows comprehensive management of the smart door lock. The lock offers several unlocking options, including a fast fingerprint sensor, RFID cards and the smartphone app. Remote access is also possible with the optional WeLock Hub, allowing the lock to be controlled remotely.
Overall, the WeLock Touch61 offers an attractive combination of functionality, security and convenience for smart home enthusiasts. However, an Apple Home Key extension would have been just as desirable as an auto-lock and unlock feature. However, the latter is simply due to the fact that the door lock only releases the cylinder automatically. You still have to turn it yourself. At a price of € 219.00 *, you should keep this in mind.
WELOCK Touch61
Design and processing
Hardware
User comfort
Price-performance ratio
89/100
If you don't fancy the bulky smart door locks of the competition, you should definitely take a look at the WELOCK Touch61.
