Kevo convert lets you convert your deadbolt into a Bluetooth smart lock which you can control with their iOS or Android app. This is for those of you who need to keep your existing deadbolt because it’s part of your door handle set. In my case, I have a double door with a custom brass handle set (see photo) with a custom deadbolt. Since I can’t replace it with an electronic keypad deadbolt, I needed an electronic lock that works from the backside. There are basically only two choices: August or Kevo Convert. The August lock is far more expensive ($200) and requires a mounting plate that wouldn’t work. That’s why I decided to give the Kevo Convert a try even though their instructions warn it will only work with a standalone deadbolt.Installation was not too difficult. It comes with 3 different mounting plates and only one of them would work with the type of deadbolt I had. After removing the screws on the backside of my door handle set, I removed the deadbolt turn handle leaving a hole. I then used the original screws to reassemble the door handle hardware with the Kevo mounting plate on top aligning its hole. One tricky thing is that my deadbolt uses a flat blade so I had to experiment with whether to have it in the vertical or horizontal position. You’ll know when have it wrong because the lock won’t work.Kevo provides 4 different adapters and I picked the one with a vertical slit. After connecting the adapter to the deadbolt stick, I put the Kevo Convert unit over it twisting the center round axle until it lined up and snapped into place.While the hardware installation is not hard, getting the darn thing to work reliably is a different story. Be wary of anything that relies on Bluetooth - Kevo Connect is no exception. First you have to install the Kevo app from the AppStore onto your iPhone. Then you have to sign up for an account which requires providing answers to 3 poorly chosen security questions. After that you have to pair your phone with the lock which does not work reliably. Be prepared to do this over and over again until it finally responds after repeated communication error messages.Next, you have to calibrate the lock by pulling out the battery pack, opening the door, extending the deadbolt, and then holding down the program button while inserting the battery back. After that you press the program button once more and if all is well, the lock retracts and extends the deadbolt a few times and the LED is green if you’re lucky.If this doesn’t work, then you have to go back to step one by disassembling the lock and seeing what the problem is. In my case the deadbolt latch mechanism was very old and did not operate smoothly. The slightest resistance will cause the lock motor to abort. I ended up replacing the latch mechansim which required drilling larger holes. I also had to experiment which direction the deadbolt blade had to be oriented. Once I finally got the latch replaced and the blade properly oriented it finally worked and I got the green light.However, you’re not out of the woods yet. You’ll find that the Bluetooth connection with the lock is tenuous at best. It’s not uncommon to have to press the lock / unlock button in the app 4-5 times before it responds - just maddening! Also, your deadbolt has to be perfectly aligned. In my case, if I slammed the door, the deadbolt would not extend because it hit the metal latch plate. When this happens, the lock will try to repeat this every 30 seconds sounding an alarm each time. I eventually kludged this by putting some rubber bumpers on the door to keep it from slamming.As for its email a key feature - Kevo gets a fail. They require the recipient to also install the app, setup and account, and answer the stupid security questions. That makes the feature practically useless.So that’s my love / hate relationship with Kevo Convert. I love it because it’s the only product that lets me open my front door using my phone instead of a key. I hate it because it’s not terribly reliable and the app execution is terrible. As long as you know these limitations, it’s worth a try if you’re handy and have a half day on your hands.