1. Product Overview
The TCL K1 Smart Door Knob offers advanced security and convenient access for your home or office. It features multiple unlocking methods and smart functionalities designed for ease of use and enhanced safety.
- Upgraded Fingerprint Unlock: Advanced biometric sensor recognizes your fingerprint in just 0.3 seconds. Stores up to 100 fingerprints.
- 4-in-1 Smart Access: Unlock via fingerprint, passcode, app control, or mechanical key. Create temporary or one-time passcodes via the "Smart Life App" (Tuya App).
- Privacy Mode: One-tap activation to block unauthorized entry. Only registered fingerprints or backup keys can unlock.
- Passage Mode: Long press to keep the door unlocked, ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Long Battery Life & Low Power Alert: Powered by 4xAAA batteries for up to 12 months. Receive low-battery alerts via app and sound prompts.
- Easy DIY Installation: Designed for standard US doors (1-3/8" to 2" thickness). Installs in minutes with a screwdriver, no wiring or drilling required.

Image 1.1: TCL K1 Smart Door Knob with accompanying mobile app interface.
2. What's Included
The package contains all necessary components for installation and operation:
- Exterior Assembly
- Interior Assembly
- Backup Key (2 included)
- Latch Bolt
- Screws (various sizes for installation)
- Mounting Post
- Strike Box
- Strike Plate
- User Manual Guide
3. Installation Guide
The TCL K1 Smart Door Knob is designed for easy DIY installation. No complex wiring or drilling is required for standard US doors.
3.1. Compatibility Check
Ensure your door meets the following specifications:
- Door Thickness: 1-3/8" to 2" (35mm to 55mm)
- Backset: Adjustable for 2-3/8" (60mm) or 2-3/4" (70mm)
- Cross Bore Diameter: 1-1/2" or 2-1/8" (38mm or 54mm)

Image 3.1: Door compatibility diagram with measurements for backset and thickness.

Image 3.2: Detailed diagram for checking door compatibility, including left and right-handed door considerations.
3.2. Step-by-Step Installation
- Adjust the latch bolt backset if necessary (60mm or 70mm). Push the slide upwards and pull outward to extend to 70mm.
- Mount the latch bolt onto the door, ensuring the beveled edge faces the door frame. Secure with screws.
- Install the exterior assembly. Ensure the cable passes through the lock tongue hole.
- Thread the cable through the internal component holes of the interior assembly.
- Connect the cable to the interior assembly.
- Insert and tighten the interior assembly with screws.
- Insert 4xAAA batteries into the interior assembly.
- Reinstall the battery cover.
For a visual guide on installation, please refer to the video below:
Video 3.3: Detailed installation guide for the TCL K1 Smart Door Knob.
4. App Setup & Pairing
Manage your TCL K1 Smart Door Knob conveniently through the "Smart Life App" (Tuya App).
- Download the "Smart Life App" from Google Play or the App Store.
- Launch the app, sign up for an account, and log in.
- Touch the keypad on the door knob to wake it up.
- In the app, click "Add Device". The device should be automatically searched and added.
- Once added, you can access the lock's homepage in the app to view status, manage users, and adjust settings.
For a visual guide on app pairing and features, please refer to the video below:
Video 4.1: Comprehensive video demonstrating app pairing and various features of the TCL K1 Smart Door Knob.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Unlocking Methods
The TCL K1 Smart Door Knob offers four convenient ways to unlock:
- Fingerprint: Place your registered fingerprint on the sensor for instant access (0.3 seconds). The lock can store up to 100 unique fingerprints.
- Passcode: Enter your programmed passcode on the keypad.
- App Control: Use the "Smart Life App" to remotely unlock the door.
- Mechanical Key: Use the provided backup keys for traditional unlocking.

Fingerprint Unlock

Passcode Unlock

App Unlock

Mechanical Key Unlock
5.2. Privacy and Passage Modes
The interior knob features a button for quick mode changes:
- Privacy Mode (Short Press): One-tap press the interior button to activate. This mode blocks all external unlock methods (fingerprint, passcode, app). Only registered admin fingerprints or backup keys can unlock from the outside.
- Passage Mode (Long Press for 3s): Long press the interior button for 3 seconds to activate. This keeps the door always unlocked, allowing free entry and exit without verification.

Image 5.1: Interior knob with Privacy Mode and Passage Mode controls.
5.3. Auto-Lock Function
By default, the lock will automatically re-lock 5 seconds after unlocking. This delay can be adjusted in the Smart Life App settings (from 5 to 1800 seconds).

Image 5.2: Auto-lock feature in action.
6. Maintenance
6.1. Battery Replacement
The TCL K1 Smart Door Knob is powered by 4xAAA batteries, providing up to 12 months of use. The app and sound prompts will provide low-battery alerts.
- Remove the battery cover on the interior assembly.
- Replace the old AAA batteries with new ones, ensuring correct polarity.
- Reinstall the battery cover.

Image 6.1: Battery compartment for 4xAAA batteries.
6.2. Emergency Power
In case of complete battery depletion, the exterior assembly includes a Type-C port for emergency power support. Connect a power bank to temporarily power the lock and gain access.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your TCL K1 Smart Door Knob, consider the following:
- Lock not responding: Check battery levels. Replace batteries if low.
- Fingerprint recognition issues: Ensure your finger and the sensor are clean and dry. Try re-registering your fingerprint in the app.
- App connectivity problems: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and the lock is within range. Restart the app or your phone.
- Resetting the device: If persistent issues occur, you can reset the device. After removing the battery cover on the interior, press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds. This will restore factory settings and require re-pairing with the app.
- Mechanical Key: Always keep a backup mechanical key in a safe, accessible location for emergency access.
8. Specifications
| Brand | TCL |
| Model Name | K1 |
| Special Feature | Auto-Lock, Fingerprint, Passcode Unlock, Scratch-Resistant, Weather Resistant |
| Lock Type | Deadbolt Lock |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Brushed Nickel |
| Item Dimensions (L x W x H) | 6.25 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 2 Pounds |
| Control Method | App |
| Connectivity Protocol | Bluetooth |
| Batteries Required? | Yes (4xAAA) |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Recommended Uses | Apartments, Bedroom, Front Doors, Home Security, Offices, Rental Properties |
9. Warranty and Support
The TCL K1 Smart Door Knob comes with a 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty. For technical support or warranty claims, please refer to the contact information provided in your user manual or visit the official TCL Home Security website.







