TCL D2 Pro: Palm-Scanning Smart Lock Excels, Despite Flaws

Smart locks promise unparalleled convenience, offering keyless entry and remote security management. Yet, they often deliver frustration through dead batteries, buggy software, and finicky wireless connections, leaving users locked out or questioning their reliability. The TCL D2 Pro, a new smart lock from a company primarily known for its televisions, aims to eliminate these common pain points with its innovative palm-scanning technology and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The D2 Pro distinguishes itself with a unique biometric authentication method: it blasts the user’s hand with near-infrared light to read the intricate, unique pattern of blood vessels beneath the skin. If this vein pattern matches a stored profile, the lock grants entry. TCL asserts an impressive 99.9999% accuracy rate for its scanner, positioning it as more secure than traditional fingerprint sensors due to the subcutaneous nature of blood vessels. Crucially, the system incorporates “liveness detection,” ensuring it only responds to living hands, preventing unauthorized access using a detached or deceased hand. All biometric data is stored directly on the device, functioning seamlessly whether or not the smart lock has an active internet connection. While palm vein scanning shares some vulnerabilities with other biometrics—it won’t work if the hand is dirty or gloved—TCL has largely perfected the technology, delivering reliable performance in testing.

Physically, the D2 Pro presents a sturdy, somewhat boxy design with a durable feel and smooth locking action. Rated IP55, it is resistant to dust and capable of withstanding water jets. Installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with deadbolt locks, typically taking around 15 minutes. The smart lock is compatible with standard door dimensions: a latch bolt circumference of 24mm (0.944 inches), an adjustable latch bolt length of 60mm (2.36 inches) or 70mm (2.76 inches), and a cross bore of 54mm (2.12 inches).

While physical installation was straightforward, setting up the D2 Pro’s digital features presented a few initial hurdles. Connecting the smart lock to a phone and configuring its Wi-Fi connection through the TCL Home app was seamless. However, the app repeatedly prompted firmware updates that initially seemed to fail. Similarly, registering palm prints appeared unsuccessful at first, only for the system to reveal that the attempts had been recorded correctly. These early glitches eventually resolved, with firmware updates applying successfully and palm-scan registrations proceeding without error messages.

The D2 Pro offers a versatile array of six unlocking methods. Beyond the primary palm-scanning feature, users can gain entry via a numeric keypad, a traditional physical key (two are included), the TCL Home app, voice commands through Google Home or Amazon Alexa, or a key card fob (though this is not currently bundled and will be available later). The palm vein authentication remains the standout feature, providing near-instantaneous access—TCL claims a 0.3-second authentication time—once the hand is correctly positioned 4 to 6 inches from the scanner. While gloves or heavy dirt impede recognition, the system successfully identified hands that were wet or covered with a thin plastic bag.

Approaching the D2 Pro illuminates a doorbell button on the keypad, which, when tapped, reveals backlit numbers for code entry and a lock button. Although TCL does not offer a companion doorbell chime, the lock’s integrated speaker is sufficiently loud to be heard from several rooms away. Unlocking with a code requires tapping the lock button after entry, while locking the door from the outside involves a three-second long-press, a duration that is not customizable via the app. Inside, the lock can be operated with a standard thumb turn or an adjacent button. A sliding cover conceals the D2 Pro’s 10,000mAh removable, USB-C rechargeable battery, which TCL estimates can last up to 10 months on a single charge. After a week of frequent use, the app still indicated a “High” charge, suggesting robust battery performance.

Despite its impressive core functionality, the D2 Pro’s smart home integration and app control present some limitations. The TCL Home app effectively provides prompt notifications for door locks, unlocks, and doorbell rings. It also allows users to set limits on failed unlock attempts and view a comprehensive “Events Summary” detailing access history. A useful feature notifies users if a specific code or palm has not been used to enter the home by a set time, ideal for monitoring children’s return. However, the app lacks advanced automation options like locking schedules or geofenced triggers that could secure the door when a user leaves home. While an auto-lock feature can be set for 10 to 120 seconds after unlocking, it activates based purely on time, not detecting whether the door has actually closed, which can be inconvenient.

For more sophisticated automation, the D2 Pro integrates with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, functioning as expected. However, it currently lacks support for other major smart home platforms, including Apple Home, though a dedicated version for Apple users is reportedly in development. This fragmented approach feels increasingly outdated in an era where the Matter standard aims to enable cross-platform compatibility. The absence of Matter support also means the D2 Pro cannot be controlled locally via the app without an internet connection, a crucial feature for reliability during outages and for snappier performance, though TCL confirms all customer biometric information is stored locally for privacy.

Despite these software and smart home compatibility caveats, the TCL D2 Pro remains a compelling smart lock. Its rapid, reliable palm-based authentication is a significant highlight, and the removable, USB-C rechargeable battery offers a welcome alternative to disposable AA batteries found in many competitors. Priced at $189, it offers substantial value, especially when compared to similar palm-scanning alternatives like the $399 Eufy Familock S3 Max, which, while offering a video doorbell and Matter compatibility, comes at a significantly higher cost. For users prioritizing a fast, secure, and affordable biometric entry system that operates independently of internet connectivity, the D2 Pro is a strong contender. However, those deeply invested in specific smart home ecosystems or requiring extensive automation may need to weigh its current limitations carefully. Ultimately, the D2 Pro makes a convincing case for palm vein scanning as the future of smart lock authentication, delivering a reliable, almost magical, entry experience.