When we moved into our new city apartment, I got excited about building a smart home setup. New place, new beginning — so why not go all in? One of the first devices we installed was the Qubo Smart Door Lock Select Black (2025 Edition).
At first, I honestly thought a smart lock was unnecessary. But after using it for three months, I can’t imagine going back to a traditional key. This lock completely changed how we manage security and convenience in our apartment.
Qubo Smart Door Lock Features
You know that mini heart attack when you’re already in the elevator and realize your keys are still on the kitchen counter? That problem is completely gone now.
The Qubo Smart Door Lock gives you six different ways to unlock the door. I mostly use the fingerprint scanner because it’s incredibly fast. I’ve also set a 6-digit PIN for times when my hands are full with groceries. My wife prefers unlocking it using the Bluetooth app before she even reaches the door.
The RFID access cards are very useful. I gave one to my parents who visit often, so they can enter without waiting for keys. And yes, there is also a mechanical key as a backup — just in case.
The six unlock methods:
- Fingerprint identification (faster than a speeding bullet)
- PIN code (I use a 6‑digit one)
- RFID access card (ideal for guests or family)
- Bluetooth app via your phone
- Temp passwords among temporary visitors.
- Mechanical keys (in case of emergency)
Qubo Smart Lock for Guests, Deliveries & Airbnb
This is where the lock becomes extremely practical for apartment living. Apartment living comes with its own challenges: you have visitors, delivery people, Airbnb guests (if you host), repairmen, and once in a while a friend who crashes on your couch.
You can give access to guests without being physically present.
I have a little consulting gig that I operate at home, so customers pay me a visit through meetings. Previously, I would have to be at home to open the door to them or leave them a key with the security of the building (sketchy). Now? I simply come up with a one-time password using the app and send it to them. They enter the code, attend the meeting, and leave. Simple.
It’s also very helpful during Swiggy/Zomato/zepto/instamart deliveries when you are busy or in the bathroom. Passage mode lets you keep the door unlocked for a short time when you’re expecting someone in the next few minutes. After they leave, the door locks automatically. Very convenient.
Activity Logs, Alerts & Security Protection
In apartments, you are surrounded by people you don’t really know. I am not a paranoid person, but I would like to know what is happening at my door. The Qubo app records every unlock activity — who unlocked it, when, and how.
Once, the building maintenance arrived when we were away (they left us a text; I did not remember). My phone gave me an immediate alert. I checked the log, and the fingerprint was that of the building super, which I had registered. No panic, no surprise.
In addition, the tamper-proof construction implies that should anybody attempt to play around with it, one gets a notification in real-time. The item consists of aluminum alloy with 5 stainless steel bolts and a mortise deadbolt. I even watched security test videos before buying it, and the build quality is genuinely solid.
Design, Build Quality & Door Compatibility
Honestly, one of the reasons we chose this lock was its design. The entire modern minimalist concept we have in our apartment, and the black finish is simply clean. No old-fashioned lock messing up the atmosphere of our solid wood door.
The size is just right: 13.5 x 3 x 1 inches. Neither too fat nor too ambitious. It supports wooden doors that are 35–60 mm thick (we have used 45 mm, which has worked fine). There is this glow about the touch screen panel, and the entire lock gives a premium and modern feel to the door.
Whenever friends visit, this is the first thing they notice. “Is that a smart lock?” Immediate conversation initiator. It is similar to owning a cool watch, both useful and, in a certain way, flexing.
Battery Life and Emergency Charging
This was one of my biggest concerns before buying the lock. What will happen in case the battery expires and I am locked out? In reality, this is very unlikely to happen.
The lock operates with the help of 4 AA alkaline batteries and takes 12+ months in relation to the usage. It is three months old, and the battery indicator has not yet depleted. However, there is a Type-C emergency charging port, even in case it dies. You can simply use a power bank by simply plugging and unlocking it.
The application gives you battery notifications long before it is too late. I have mine set at 20 percent to alert me so that I can replace the batteries during the weekend and never during a rush on some Monday morning.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | 4x AA alkaline batteries |
| Expected Life | 12+ months (varies with usage) |
| Emergency Backup | Type-C port for instant charging |
| Alerts | Low-battery notifications via app |
Qubo Smart Home Ecosystem Integration
Qubo works very well with its smart home ecosystem. The lock is compatible with the entire ecosystem. I also use the Qubo Video Doorbell Pro, and they work perfectly together.
I can see them whenever a person rings my door. When my neighbor is in need of sugar, I do not have to leave my bedroom to unlock the door. The voice assistant notifies me about the door being open, and thus I am aware of whether someone has entered the house even when I am in a different room.
You can also mute the lock sounds at night. It has an automatic lock-out mechanism that occurs after 30 seconds upon unlocking, and hence, you will not forget to lock it up. It operates at temperatures as low as -15°C to 50°C; hence, it fits any weather in the cities.
Qubo Smart Lock Installation on Wooden Door
Important tip — installation is not DIY-friendly. I am not bad with tools, and I still requested the help of a professional. The lock should fit exactly to the frame of your door, and when you get the mortise deadbolt positioning wrong, you will not be able to.
During the installation, the carpenter had to cut and adjust parts of our wooden door to fit the mortise lock properly. The door looked slightly damaged and messy in the middle of the process, which honestly worried me at first. I’ve shared the images below so you can see how the door looks during installation. Don’t panic if this happens — once the lock is fitted correctly, everything looks clean and solid again.
One professional in Mumbai charged me about 2,000 rupees, and it lasted approximately 90 minutes. It was worth it. It was done by some users on Reddit themselves, but they were carpenters. Unless you’re sure, get help.
The Qubo site provides the installation services in most of the cities, which I suggest in case you purchase everything on the Qubo site.
Qubo Smart Door Lock Price in India (2025)
Here’s the current price in India: Smart Door Lock Select BLACK will be priced between 22,990 and 24,990 rupees in India. It is available on the websites of Qubo, Amazon, or Flipkart.
Should you purchase in bulk with the Video Doorbell Pro, the bundle will be approximately 21,927 rupees (MRP 37,980). It will be good value to have both.
Be careful: There are third-party sellers that sell it at as low as 15,000 rupees elsewhere, such as Indiamart. Make sure it’s real. There is a fake security device, and a fake security device is a dangerous one.
Is it worth the premium price for apartment living? Absolutely. Its convenience is on its own enough. The security features, the ecosystem, and the two-year warranty are added on to it, and it is a no-brainer.
The Downsides (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Of course, no product is perfect.
App dependency: If the app doesn’t work or your phone is dead, you must use fingerprint or PIN. in cases when the app is not functioning or your phone is dead. It is not a dealbreaker, though; do bear this in mind.
Power dependence: The lock has a battery backup and emergency charging; nonetheless, it requires power. A mechanical key will be used in worst-case scenarios.
Cost: It is not cost-effective. This is not the kind of lock you need in case you want a simple one. You are spending on quality features and quality of construction.
Difficulty of installation: DIY is difficult. Include professional expenditures.
Pros and Cons of Qubo Smart Door Lock
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Six versatile unlock methods | Premium pricing (₹22,990-₹24,990) |
| Long battery life (12+ months) | App-dependent for remote features |
| Robust aluminum alloy build | Installation requires professional help |
| Smart home ecosystem integration | Power-reliant (though backups exist) |
| Activity logs and instant alerts | Overkill if you just need a basic lock |
| Works with Indian wooden doors (35-60mm) | Third-party sellers may sell fakes |
Is Qubo Smart Door Lock Worth It for Apartments?
Three months in, I’m sold. The Smart Door Lock Select BLACK transformed my perceptions about home security in my flat in the city. No further important concerns, no more waiting till the guests come, no more guessing at which time the person has entered the house, and I have been elsewhere.
The 2025 model addresses the previous issues of reliability (the previous ones failed after 18 months), and the battery lasts. The construction is high-end—it is not constructed out of a flimsy device that will give up in six months.
This lock is perfect for people living in city apartments where both convenience and security matter. It’s not a cheap device, but you are paying for quality and convenience. It makes a nice door appearance as well.
When you are in doubt, read user reviews or make a walkthrough. The Qubo ecosystem (particularly when used with other smart locks) provides a genuinely connected home experience in conjunction with the Essential Lock (to secure secondary doors).
Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. Only need to spend money on professional installation of the setup and, perhaps, buy the doorbell combo. The next generation of you will thank you whenever you open a door using your thumb instead of searching and finding a key.
