Initial Impressions and Specs
The Igloohome Deadbolt Go has a clean, modern design. It's available in matte black or satin nickel. The exterior features a slim design with physical
buttons instead of a touchscreen, a fingerprint reader, and a keyhole. A rubber bumper helps with waterproofing. There's also a USB-C port for emergency access. Inside, it's a simple block of plastic with a brushed-metal shell, a thumbturn, and a battery compartment for four AA batteries. These batteries are claimed to last up to a year. While the lock doesn't have an official ANSI/BHMA certification, the company reports it passed Durability and Finish tests.
Installation and Setup
Installation is simplified. The lock attaches with bolts to the door, with the interior escutcheon connecting to the exterior via a cable. Calibration determines the lock's orientation. Out of the box, the Deadbolt Go is a Bluetooth-only lock. Onboarding is straightforward within the Igloohome app. The app has improved over the years. However, its design still presents some issues. The app’s home screen doesn't show whether the lock is open or closed, and access control isn't well-designed. PINs, fingerprints, and app access are handled separately. Fingerprint access is always available, while PINs have various options for access duration. The lock can store 20 fingerprints and 199 PINs. There's also an “algoPIN” feature to create PINs even when out of Bluetooth range, a time-based code generator. However, these PINs can be of any access type, not just one-time codes.
Day-to-day Experience
Despite some app crashes, the lock was generally usable, except for the fingerprint reader. The reader frequently failed to register prints, sometimes taking up to 20 attempts. This is a significant issue. Igloohome's 'security lockout' mode disables the lock after just three failed attempts. This is inconvenient and potentially risky. In addition to a good logging system, the app has an auto-lock feature (5 seconds to 3 minutes). The Igloohome Bridge ($75) extends the lock's functionality by connecting it to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. The bridge allows control of up to five locks remotely and enables a geofencing automatic unlocking mode. It also enables integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, though these features are poorly documented.
Final Verdict: Should You?
The Igloohome Deadbolt Go has improved, but not enough. The unreliable fingerprint reader and some app design issues make it a less appealing option compared to other Bluetooth smart locks. When reviewed, the lock was priced at $99.99 from Amazon. Some potential buyers might consider alternative choices if reliability and ease of use are priorities. The lock's design is attractive, but some operational problems hinder overall appeal. While the hardware design is improved, the actual user experience is not at the level of its competitors.
