Lockly Visage Zeno Review: Unlocking a Door With Just a Glance

Facial recognition technology isn’t just for your phone anymore. I tested the Lockly Visage to see how well it works as a front door lock—and whether it’s actually secure enough to trust.
Lockly Visage Zeno 01
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila

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Rating: 4/5

I installed the Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt on the door between my garage and house—a spot that had a basic interior lock before and could definitely use an upgrade. The deadbolt itself makes a strong first impression. It’s sleek, weighty, and clearly built to last. Even manually locking and unlocking it feels satisfying thanks to the smooth turn and solid construction. For a standard pre-drilled door, installation was straightforward. Lockly provides two detailed instruction booklets: one for the hardware, and one for connecting and customizing it in the app. Both were clear and helpful, especially the extra tips for thicker doors and proper wiring.

As Smart as a Smart Phone

Lockly Visage Facial Recognition Smart Deadbolt

Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt

Once installed, the app setup was mostly smooth, though not flawless. I ran into an issue where it said the lock had already been added—even though it hadn’t. Restarting the app solved the problem, but it made the experience feel just a bit less premium than I’d hoped. Still, once you’re past that, everything else clicks. The Lockly Zeno offers six different ways to unlock your door: facial recognition, fingerprint sensor, app control, keypad entry, iPhone or iWatch sensor, and a traditional key (two are included). Setting up facial and fingerprint access was fast and intuitive, and adding other users is simple through the Lockly Home app.

The facial recognition is the star of the show—and it works surprisingly well. It’s responsive, and I found it consistent in regular lighting conditions. Like with an iPhone, you might need a second try if you’re coming home sweaty from the gym or wearing a hat and sunglasses. I recommend installing it a little higher than a typical deadbolt so the camera meets your face more naturally. Since it doesn’t come with a handle, you’ll likely install it above one anyway, so this adjustment makes sense.

  • Lockly Visage Zeno box
  • Lockly Visage Zeno install 01
  • Lockly Visage Zeno keypad
  • Lockly Visage Zeno camera
  • Lockly Visage Zeno 01

Another standout feature is the digital keypad. Instead of a traditional number pad, Lockly uses a system of four circles with randomized numbers inside. You press the circles that contain your code digits, so the pattern you touch changes each time. It’s a smart security measure that makes it much harder for someone to guess your code by watching or analyzing fingerprints.

I also tested the system’s ability to recognize my face accurately and safely. I wasn’t able to fool it with a photo or someone who looked similar, which gave me a lot of confidence. The AI-based facial recognition felt as secure as Apple’s Face ID—something I already trust with a lot of personal data.

The Lockly Visage combines real innovation with practical home security. Aside from a few software quirks, it delivers a high-end smart lock experience with reliable, futuristic tech. If you’re ready to ditch keys and unlock your home with just a glance, this one’s worth a serious look.

Where to Buy the Lockly Visage Facial Recognition Smart Deadbolt

Get the Lockly Visage Smart Deadbolt at:

 
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Paul Rankin

Contributing Writer & Editor

Paul Rankin is a Scotland native now living in New York City. He started writing for BobVila.com in April 2021, focusing on buyer’s guides for the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products that the Bob Vila team reviews. He has worked in the translation and localization industry for the past 10 years.


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