Level Home extends Matter-over-Thread rollout to the Bolt smart lock

Matter is the IoT standard that allows interoperability across different smart home ecosystems. For low-bandwidth gadgets like smart locks, Matter runs over Thread – a mesh networking protocol similar to ZigBee and Z-Wave. In November 2022, Level revealed to The Verge that all its smart locks come with built-in Thread radios, which means the locks have always been Matter-ready even before the specification existed.

But with Matter in its infancy, smart home OEMs were hesitant to adopt the standard. Level was particularly slow in the uptake, opting instead for a WiFi bridge to integrate with smart home platforms such as Apple Home. Out of necessity, the $79 Level Connect had to remain plugged-in, which was out of place with the overall aesthetic and simplicity that users had come to expect from the “invisible lock”. Cloud dependency did not do Level locks any favours either.

After more than two years and a major acquisition, Level is finally implementing Matter. Smart home owners with the Level Lock Plus received the first firmware upgrades last month and the rollout has extended to Level Bolt smart locks. The company has also launched a Matter-supported version of the Bolt for $229 without the Level Connect bridge (which, at least for Bolt and Lock Plus users, should no longer be necessary). Users of the original Level Lock and Level Lock Touch will still require the WiFi adaptor since those locks are yet to support Matter.

Level Home warns Bolt users that the upgrade to Matter is irreversible, but will not void the warranty. Also, since the Matter specification does not include support for Amazon Sidewalk, linking to Ring Doorbell devices will no longer be possible. Updating to Matter will also require users to re-pair their smart lock to their preferred platform. 

Existing Bolt smart lock users who want to upgrade will find instructions here.