In recent years, more and more items have been recovered thanks to Apple’s Find My network, which is of course excellent news. Users can track the location of objects online via the app of the same name on iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The applications continue to expand; We recently even reviewed a bicycle bell with integrated Find My functionality. This time it is the turn of KeySmart’s ‘Smartlock’ luggage lock.
Smartlock from Key Smart
The SmartLock Tracking Device from KeySmart is a sturdy luggage lock that is compatible with the Apple Find My app, so you can always track your luggage or valuables via the Apple Find My network. However, the lock itself functions in a traditional manner with a simple combination lock.
The lock is equipped with a button battery that lasts approximately twelve months. With the Find My app you can view the current location of your lock and luggage on a map, and have the lock play a sound to help you find it quickly, for example at an airport.
The SmartLock has a strong cable and a robust housing that can take a beating and withstand rough handling. Thanks to its discreet design, the lock is not easily recognized as a tracking device, which prevents it from alarming thieves and increases the chance of finding your belongings. Lost Mode allows the device to display your contact information to have it returned.
Apple Find My functionality
The Apple Find My network is a global, encrypted and anonymous system of hundreds of thousands of Apple devices that helps track lost or stolen items. When an Apple device searches for a lost device or object, nearby Apple devices pick up the Bluetooth signal and send the location securely and anonymously to iCloud. This network ensures user privacy as only the owner has access to the location data, and it works automatically without others noticing.
The “Apple Find My” functionality of the KeySmart SmartLock makes it possible to track your luggage or valuables anytime, anywhere via the Apple Find My network on all your Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
Immediately after connecting to the Find My app, the SmartLock appears as an item in the overview of your devices and offers you the following functionality:
- You see the current or last known location on a map in the Find My app, which is useful for transfers or lost luggage, for example.
- If your luggage is nearby, you can have the lock play a sound to quickly find it among other bags.
- In the event of loss or theft, you can enable “Lost Mode”: others will receive a notification via the Find My network and can inform you via the displayed contact message if they find your lock.
- The location updates go through millions of other Apple devices that work together anonymously to locate your stuff.
- The location data is end-to-end encrypted; only you have insight into where your lock is located.
- The lock works completely without separate subscription or service costs, because it uses the existing Apple Find My network.
TSA approved
The lock is “TSA accepted” which means that it has been approved by the American Transport Security Administration (TSA). A TSA lock is not officially required by law for travel to the United States, but is strongly recommended by airports and travel organizations. If you do not use a TSA lock and your suitcase needs to be checked, US Customs has the right to force or break the lock, which could damage your luggage. With a TSA lock, the TSA can open your suitcase with a special key, without damaging your lock or suitcase.
This also applies to the Smartlock, which can be opened by customs with a special TSA universal key.
Lost mode
The “Lost mode” for the smart lock in Apple Find My works similar to that for devices. When you activate Lost Mode for an object, such as an AirTag or other compatible item, the object is marked as lost. You can leave a message and phone number that will be visible to whoever finds the item. The location of the object is also tracked as soon as it comes within range of an Apple device, so you can find it better. This helps to better protect your personal items and get them back if they are lost.
Conclusion Smartlock from Key Smart
If you are looking for a lock for your suitcase, there is plenty of choice available, often starting from a few euros. If you want a TSA-approved version, you pay extra for it, and this also applies to the addition of a tracker.
The KeySmart Smartlock offers all this functionality, is TSA approved, has a rugged construction and can be tracked using the Find My network. It is a mix of traditional technology thanks to the mechanical combination lock and modern technology thanks to the built-in tracker.
With a suggested retail price of around €30, the Smartlock from KeySmart is certainly not a cheap travel lock. However, it is a very robust lock that can easily withstand the violence of airport baggage carousels. And it’s always a relief that you can see where your luggage is on your iPhone while waiting at the baggage carousel.
Purchase a Smartlock from KeySmart
The KeySmart Smartlock is available online in the Netherlands at the online stores below.
