The Invisible Level Bolt Smart Lock Gets a Matter-over-Thread Upgrade

After bringing Matter to its flagship Level Lock+ in early November, Level Home is now extending its rollout to the company's original smart lock. Starting today, owners of the Level Bolt can request access to an over-the-air firmware update that adds Matter-over-Thread capabilities to the "invisible" smart door lock.

How Do I Update My Level Lock+ or Bolt to Matter?

While the new Matter update is delivered via the Level Home app, Level Bolt owners will need to fill out a short form on the company's website to ensure compatibility before it is made available. When completing the form, users will need to confirm that their Level Bolt firmware is currently version 2.29.0 and that their app is either version 1.28.30 for iOS or 1.51.21 on Android.

The form will also request the lock's serial number and ask if the user has a compatible Matter Controller and Thread Border Router set up in their home. And finally, users will have to acknowledge that they understand that they may lose access to certain features (more on that in a minute).

According to Level, after completing the form the team will evaluate the responses and send the user an email once the update is ready. Since requests are processed in the order in which they are received, it may take several days/weeks before it arrives.

The email will provide detailed step-by-step instructions on the update process and it will also include the all-important Matter pairing code.

Will I Lose Anything By Upgrading to Matter?

With Matter still in its infancy, it is important to know that the process is irreversible and will result in the loss of a minor feature. Level states that users will no longer be able to link their locks to Ring devices via Amazon's Sidewalk as Matter doesn't support the feature:

"Matter does not include support for Sidewalk so linking to ring via sidewalk will no longer be accessible."

The process will also require pairing the lock back to their preferred smart home ecosystem:

"While all settings, permissions, and keypad codes set up within the Level App will transfer, updating to Matter firmware will require re-pairing with any 3rd party ecosystems like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home."

Updating to Matter will not void the lock's existing warranty, and major platform-exclusive features like Apple HomeKey will continue to work as always.

Will I Gain Any Additional Benefits or Features?

Aside from Matter's Multi-Admin functionality and Thread connectivity, upgrading will provide a couple of additional benefits. One is that users will no longer need the Level Connect Wi-Fi Adapter for remote out-of-home control. 

The other is that lock may have increased battery life due to Thread's low power requirements:

"Matter was optimized for efficient performance, meaning it shouldn’t drain your lock’s battery faster than other smart locks. In fact, Matter’s reliability can even help reduce battery use by avoiding constant re-pairing issues."

Will Other Level Smart Locks Be Updated to Matter?

As of now, the Matter update is only available for the Level Lock+ and Level Bolt Smart Lock. However, there is a possibility of it expanding to the Level Touch lock as the company mentions that the hardware is indeed compatible:

"All Level locks are hardware compatible with Matter, however our current firmware development efforts are focused on Lock+ and Bolt. We don't have a timetable for anything beyond that at this time."

Level Smart Locks Now Matter

Thanks to the latest update, users can add their Level Bolt Smart Locks to Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple Home and share it with others regardless of their preferred platform or mobile operating system. With the Level Bolt's "invisible" hardware and Thread capabilities, it is now in the running for a spot in our guide to the best Matter-compatible smart door locks.