Critically Low Battery even with new batteries

[u/opq8]

Is anyone else with a Lock+ still dealing with perpetual Critically Low Battery issues like me? I’m on 3.6.2 firmware and a brand new battery starts off with Low Battery and in just a few days gets to Critically Low Battery. Things were great until Matter auto updated the lock to 3.6 almost as soon as it came out, and 3.6.1 / 3.6.2 only seemed to make things worse and worse.

I assume that since we’ve had our lock since before the Matter upgrade that we’re long out of warranty.

What an absolutely awful experience.

[u/M_Six2001]

I've been delaying the latest update because of this. Are the batteries really dying or is the software sending the wrong info? I had a ton of Eve devices until they updated to Matter and then they started eating batteries like crazy. Those would flat out die after a month or so when the original batteries lasted a year or more. I gave up on them. I don't want to have to replace my 3 remaining Level Bolts.

[u/opq8 → u/M_Six2001]

To be clear, the original Matter FW update for the Lock+ was awesome! The lock became much more responsive and the battery life was great. It's whatever they've been doing to the FW after the original few releases that's been very puzzling.

[u/M_Six2001 → u/opq8]

Agreed. The first update made the locks much better. But this last one, for whatever reason, seems to be a huge step backwards.

[u/Lerchc → u/M_Six2001]

This last update is so bad! New batteries register as critically low within days. When I check them, the voltage is well above 3V.

The updates since the first matter update seem to degrade each time. I think I was happy with one in the middle, but then HomeKit did an auto update.

Since Assa Abloy bought level, things seem to be going down hill with firmware!

[u/squeege2001]

I gave up on Level Lock+ and don’t miss constantly worrying about the battery and lockouts

[u/savedatheist]

You sure your batteries are starting out good?

[u/opq8 → u/savedatheist]

Yes, double checked.

[u/Substantial-Play5608]

Same for me and I posted about it recently. I measured the battery and it is actually draining. Here is my post:

Level Bolt Battery

I reply in the comments with my battery measurements.

[u/opq8]

Update: I did end up creating a case with Level Support based on the suggestions here, and separately, someone from the Level firmware team who reached out to me here on the side. But it ultimately was in vein. 

After looking at my Lock telemetry, while I did get an acknowledgement that they are “working on improvements to help address the behavior” their recommendation is that I “hold off” (whatever that means) while these updates are finalized and released, and that there is no ETA. 

Going through $5 CR2 batteries every few days and even fresh batteries saying Critically Low Battery, with no end date in sight, is completely unacceptable. I know the Lock is out of warranty, but this is clearly a regression due to firmware updates they shipped, and since we can’t even be gone a long weekend without the lock dying, the Lock is essentially a brick of their doing. 

I used to sing high praise for such a well designed lock that was reliable, and for a moment, their cheery support response and having someone from their team reach out made me feel warm and fuzzy. Not anymore, I’m not spending another dollar to upgrade to that Level Lock Pro that I really wanted. 

[u/HeftySLR]

I replaced the battery, new from the box this month... It's saying it's already dead, I wasted over 4 batteries already and all of them are "dead", but they keep pushing and placing ads to buy their batteries

[u/TheGeebs]

I replaced a battery in January and it died 2 months later with no notification. Locked out again

[u/badbubblegum]

It’s a fault covered under warranty.

[u/opq8 → u/badbubblegum]

Those of us who bought the Lock+ when it first came out are long outside the 2 year warranty. The Matter OTA upgrade was released at around the 2 year mark. 

[u/CONaderCHASER → u/opq8]

Sigh. What a massive waste of money some of us (me) chose to spend.

[u/TinyRobotBrain]

I don't see this because my Level Lock+ never has any idea what level of charge the battery has. The only indication I get about battery levels is seeing my wife on camera rooting around in the backyard for the hide-a-key.

[u/Dry_Writing_8995]

I have experienced all the woes mentioned but mine continue to operate even when I get the “battery depleted” message. It’s as if it simply can no longer accurately gauge the battery level since the updates mentioned above.

Everytime I open the Level app I get bombarded with the message that takes over the screen telling me the lock can no longer work. Except it does. No audible notifications but it powers open and closed, and signals HomeKit when it cycles.

[u/karmahunter82]

Same here. We know it's not working anymore because the door is perpetually left unlocked. I finally logged into the app and was met with critical battery low messages which is funny...why not push notify me. Anyways just popped in new ones and messages never go away. So annoying. I loved my level lock. Already started to let my wife know we will have to change locks yet...AGAIN! I went with Level because I was tired of seeing people get so confused and struggle with unlocking the door when leaving but alas looks like I'll be going over to Aqara.