Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 5C Cat Eye Edition: China Preorder Details
Yes, the Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 5C Cat Eye Edition has entered preorder in China, with initial orders opening in late 2024. The lock is available through Xiaomi’s official online store and major e-commerce platforms like JD.com and Tmall, with the first units expected to ship within a few weeks of the preorder window closing.
What Is the 5C Cat Eye Edition?
The 5C Cat Eye Edition is a smart door lock that combines a traditional deadbolt with a built-in camera and doorbell. Unlike the standard 5C model, the Cat Eye Edition includes a wide-angle camera that lets you see who is at your door from your phone, even when you are not home. It also has a motion sensor that can trigger recording when someone approaches.
The lock is designed for apartment doors and standard residential entryways. It replaces your existing deadbolt and connects to your home Wi-Fi, so you can lock and unlock it remotely through the Mi Home app. The front panel has a fingerprint sensor, a numeric keypad, and a physical keyhole for backup access.
Key Features and Specifications
- Camera: 1080p resolution with a 180-degree wide-angle lens, providing a full view of your doorstep.
- Fingerprint sensor: Semiconductor type, designed to work with dry, wet, or slightly worn fingers.
- Unlock methods: Fingerprint, PIN code, physical key, NFC card, and temporary one-time passwords generated via the app.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 for local setup and near-field communication.
- Power: Uses 8 AA batteries (not included), with a claimed battery life of about 8 months under normal use. A low-battery warning appears in the app.
- Audio: Two-way talk, so you can speak to a visitor through the lock’s speaker and microphone.
- Storage: Local microSD card slot (card not included) for video clips, plus optional cloud storage through Xiaomi’s service.
How the Cat Eye Function Works
When someone presses the doorbell button on the lock, the camera activates and sends a notification to your phone. You can then open the Mi Home app to see a live view and talk to the visitor. The motion sensor can also be set to record a short clip when it detects movement, even if the doorbell is not pressed.
Video footage is stored on the microSD card, and you can review it through the app. Cloud storage is available as a paid subscription, but it is not required for basic functionality. The camera does not have night vision in the traditional infrared sense; instead, it uses a low-light sensor that works in dim conditions, but the image may be grainy in complete darkness.
Preorder Details and Pricing
The preorder price in China is 1,299 yuan (approximately $180 USD). This is a promotional price during the preorder period; the regular retail price after launch is expected to be 1,499 yuan. Preorder customers may also receive a free microSD card or a discount on cloud storage, depending on the retailer.
To place a preorder, you need to pay a deposit (usually 100 yuan) and the remaining balance when the product ships. Shipping is typically within 7-15 days after the preorder ends. Xiaomi has not announced an international release date, so this model is currently only available in China.
Installation and Compatibility
The 5C Cat Eye Edition is designed for standard Chinese door thicknesses (40-80mm) and standard deadbolt holes. It comes with a mounting plate, screws, and a template for drilling. Installation can be done by a professional or a handy DIYer, but it requires basic tools like a screwdriver and possibly a drill if your door does not have the correct holes.
It works with the Mi Home app on Android and iOS. You do not need a separate hub; the lock connects directly to your Wi-Fi router. However, it only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz, which is common for smart home devices. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same name, you may need to create a separate 2.4GHz network for the lock.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the camera records continuously. It does not; it only records when motion is detected or when you manually start a recording. Another is that the lock works with Apple HomeKit or Google Home. It does not; it only works with Xiaomi’s Mi Home ecosystem.
Some users have reported that the fingerprint sensor struggles with very dry skin or with fingers that have minor cuts. This is a common issue with semiconductor sensors. If this happens, you can use the PIN code or NFC card as a backup. Another potential issue is that the camera’s wide-angle lens can cause distortion at the edges, making it hard to read license plates or small text at the sides of the frame.
Comparison with Other Xiaomi Locks
The 5C Cat Eye Edition sits between the basic 5C (no camera, around 1,099 yuan) and the more expensive 20X (which has a fingerprint sensor on the handle, around 1,999 yuan). The 5C Cat Eye Edition adds the camera and doorbell functionality for about 200 yuan more than the standard 5C, making it a good value if you want video monitoring without paying for a separate doorbell camera.
Compared to the 20X, the 5C Cat Eye Edition lacks the handle-mounted fingerprint sensor but has a similar camera setup. The 20X also has a slightly better camera resolution (2K vs 1080p) and a more premium build, but it costs significantly more.
Safety and Security Considerations
Like any smart lock, the 5C Cat Eye Edition has potential vulnerabilities. The Wi-Fi connection could be intercepted if your network is not secured, so it is recommended to use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your router. The lock also has a physical keyhole, which is a backup but can be picked; however, the keyhole is hidden behind a cover that requires a special tool to open, adding some security.
Privacy is another concern: the camera records video of anyone who approaches your door. In some jurisdictions, recording without consent may be restricted, so check local laws. The camera is always on when motion is detected, but you can turn off the motion sensor or set it to only record when the doorbell is pressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 5C Cat Eye Edition work outside China?
Officially, no. It is only sold in China and the Mi Home app may be region-locked. However, some users have successfully used it internationally with a Chinese Mi Home account and a VPN, but this is not supported and may void the warranty.
Can I use the lock without a camera?
Yes, you can disable the camera and motion sensor in the app. The lock will still function as a normal smart lock with fingerprint, PIN, and key access.
What happens if the Wi-Fi goes down?
The lock still works for local unlocking (fingerprint, PIN, key). Remote access and camera notifications will not work until the Wi-Fi is restored. The lock also has a battery backup for the keypad and fingerprint sensor, but if the batteries are completely dead, you must use the physical key.
How many fingerprints and PIN codes can I store?
The lock can store up to 50 fingerprints and 50 PIN codes. You can also set temporary PINs that expire after a certain time or after a single use.
Can I connect the lock to a smart home system like Alexa?
No, the lock does not support Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit. It only works with Xiaomi’s Mi Home app and can be integrated with other Xiaomi smart devices via the app’s automation features.
Is the camera footage stored in the cloud automatically?
No, cloud storage is optional and requires a subscription. By default, video clips are saved to the microSD card. The card must be inserted into the lock’s front panel, and it supports cards up to 128GB.
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