McGrath A231 Slimline Digital Smart Lock for Sliding Doors - Hook Bolt Mortice, 28mm or 35mm Backset, 5-in-1 Access, 31mm Body
At A Glance
At A Glance
DISPATCHSame Day Before 11am
PIN Code 
Fingerprint 
RFID Card / Fob 
McGrath Locks App 
Mechanical Key 
Remote (Optional Gateway) 
Face / PalmNot Available
The McGrath A231 Slimline Digital Smart Lock for Sliding Doors is the hook-bolt member of the McGrath Locks A-Series slimline range - a 5-in-1 digital lock with a 31mm-wide body, purpose-built for the narrow stiles of aluminium sliding doors where a standard-width smart lock simply will not fit. McGrath's own datasheet describes it as perfect for narrow stiles, and it is one of the slimmest locks in our sliding door smart lock range. Access is by PIN code, RFID card or fob, fingerprint, Bluetooth eKey through the McGrath Locks App, or a mechanical key override in the mortice cylinder - with Wi-Fi remote access available as an optional sixth layer when you add a McGrath G5 gateway.
What makes this listing the sliding-door version is the mortice. A slider cannot be held by a spring latch, so the A231 here is supplied with a Euro hook bolt mortice - the hook throws into the strike and pulls the door tight into the frame, which is the correct locking action for a sliding door. You choose the mortice backset at checkout - 28mm or 35mm - and both ship as standard, so measure your backset before you order. The same A231 body is also sold as the McGrath A231 for hinged doors with a latch-and-deadbolt swing mortice; the two are not interchangeable, so check which door type you have first.
Out of the box the lock is controlled locally over Bluetooth - see what a McGrath lock can do without Wi-Fi. The McGrath Locks App is a McGrath-branded build of the TTLock platform, supported in Australia, and it lets you issue permanent, timed, one-time or recurring passcodes and eKeys to family, staff, cleaners and guests. Add a G3, G4 or G5 gateway (sold separately) and you can unlock the door, manage users and read the access log from anywhere - what a gateway actually does is explained in Chapter 08.
Runs on 4 x AAA alkaline batteries (not included) for around 18 months at ten uses a day, with a USB-C emergency power input and the mechanical key as fall-backs - read what to do when the battery dies. The external housing is IP65 rated; the interior unit houses the batteries and is for indoor use only, so this is a lock for a sheltered sliding door - patio, alfresco, shopfront or apartment balcony - not a fully exposed one. McGrath Locks are distributed in Australia by LSC, so parts and support are local - see the McGrath brand profile in Chapter 10.
Estimated Dispatch
Usually ships same day if ordered before 11am AEST (excludes weekends and Queensland public holidays).
Usually ships same day if ordered before 11am AEST (excludes weekends and Queensland public holidays).
Choose your hook mortice backset at checkout - 28mm or 35mm
This sliding-door A231 ships with a Euro hook bolt mortice in one of two backsets, and you must select one when you add it to your cart: 28mm for the narrowest aluminium sliding stiles, or 35mm for wider profiles. No other hook mortice options are offered on this listing (the hinged A231 is the version with the wider add-to-basket mortice menu). Backset is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the cylinder - what backset is, how to measure it and what happens when it is wrong are all covered in our backset guide, and the wrong backset is DIY mistake number two in Chapter 12. Not sure? Ask our team for a recommendation before you order.
This sliding-door A231 ships with a Euro hook bolt mortice in one of two backsets, and you must select one when you add it to your cart: 28mm for the narrowest aluminium sliding stiles, or 35mm for wider profiles. No other hook mortice options are offered on this listing (the hinged A231 is the version with the wider add-to-basket mortice menu). Backset is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the cylinder - what backset is, how to measure it and what happens when it is wrong are all covered in our backset guide, and the wrong backset is DIY mistake number two in Chapter 12. Not sure? Ask our team for a recommendation before you order.
Locking a sliding door? 
Sliding doors need a hook bolt mortice rather than a standard latch, because the bolt must pull the door tight into the frame - this A231 is supplied with exactly that. If your slider is frameless glass with no stile to mortice into, look at the Vault Lumina for frameless glass sliding doors instead. Every sliding, screen and glass door option we stock is in the sliding door smart lock category, and every narrow-frame option in the slim-line category - check your stile width first, and see how sliding doors sit in the door type compatibility matrix.
Sliding doors need a hook bolt mortice rather than a standard latch, because the bolt must pull the door tight into the frame - this A231 is supplied with exactly that. If your slider is frameless glass with no stile to mortice into, look at the Vault Lumina for frameless glass sliding doors instead. Every sliding, screen and glass door option we stock is in the sliding door smart lock category, and every narrow-frame option in the slim-line category - check your stile width first, and see how sliding doors sit in the door type compatibility matrix.
Access Methods and Smart Features
PIN Code
Fingerprint
RFID
Bluetooth
Key Override
Wi-Fi (Gateway)
iOS App
Android App
Wi-Fi remote access requires a G3, G4 or G5 gateway (sold separately). For a plain-English explanation of how each method works and when to use it, see the side-by-side comparison in Chapter 03.
Palm Recognition
Key Features
- Built for sliding doors - supplied with a Euro hook bolt mortice that throws a hook into the strike and pulls the door tight into the frame, the correct locking action where a standard latch cannot hold. The hinged A231 is the swing-door sister.
- Your choice of 28mm or 35mm backset - both hook mortices ship as standard; pick the one that matches your stile at checkout. Standard backset sizes in Australia explains why narrow aluminium sliders usually take 28mm.
- Ultra-slim 31mm body - one of the slimmest smart locks in the McGrath range, built for the tight stiles of aluminium sliding doors and glazed shopfronts. Compare it with the other slim-line smart locks we stock.
- 5-in-1 access - PIN code, RFID card or fob, fingerprint, Bluetooth eKey and mechanical key override - five independent ways in, so a flat phone battery or a forgotten code never locks you out.
- Bluetooth app management - set up the lock and manage every user through the McGrath Locks App over Bluetooth, with no internet connection needed for local control. The app is available for iOS and Android: A few TTLock tips worth knowing before your first setup.
- Flexible credential types - permanent, timed, one-time, cyclic and custom passcodes; timed, permanent, one-time and recurring eKeys; permanent or time-limited RFID credentials. Ideal for a weekly cleaner or a short-stay guest.
- Optional Wi-Fi remote access - add a G5, G4 or G3 gateway (sold separately) to unlock remotely, issue or revoke credentials and view the access log from anywhere - all Wi-Fi capable smart locks work this way on the TTLock platform. Do you actually need a gateway?
- Passage mode - hold the door unlocked for free access during trading hours, open homes or events, then return it to locked. What passage mode is used for is in the FAQ chapter.
- Anti-peep PIN entry and lockout - type random digits before or after your real code so onlookers cannot learn it, and the keypad locks out after repeated wrong attempts. This is the genuine incorrect-PIN alarm, not the app's phantom tamper alert.
- Audit trail - every unlock is recorded against the user in the app, so you can see who came and went and when; audit trails are what settle a dispute.
- Reversible handing - one unit suits left or right hand sliding doors; the lever or hex knob is rotated to suit on site.
- Lever or hex knob handle - the same 31mm body is available with a lever ("corner handle") or a hexagonal knob, in Matt Black or Silver.
- Backlit touch keypad - the numbers light up when you approach, so entering a code on an unlit patio or shopfront at night is easy.
- Rated for 100,000 cycles - an aluminium alloy body with an acrylic touch screen, tested to the durability figure McGrath publishes for the A-Series. Read what a cycle rating really means.
- IP65 rated external housing - the outside keypad and reader are protected against dust and water jets for a sheltered installation. The internal unit houses the battery compartment and is for interior use only; it is not weather rated. In salt air, read about coastal environments.
- 18-month battery life on 4 x AAA alkaline batteries (not included) at around ten uses a day, with USB-C emergency power and the mechanical key as fall-backs - see the truth about battery life.
- Locally supported platform - the McGrath Locks App is managed and supported in Australia by McGrath Locks, distributed by LSC and installed by Terry's - the globally proven, locally branded approach.
What's in the Box
McGrath A231 Slimline Smart Lock - Sliding Door (Hook Bolt)
- Exterior lock assembly (keypad, fingerprint reader, RFID reader, lever or hex knob) x1
- Interior lock assembly (battery compartment, lever or hex knob) x1
- European hook bolt mortice lock x1 - 28mm or 35mm backset as selected at checkout
- Strike plate x1
- 2 x mechanical keys
- 2 x RFID access tags
- Drill positioning template
- Mounting screws and fixings
- Mini security screwdriver
- Installation guide
Note: 4 x AAA alkaline batteries are not included - Terry's recommends Duracell. The G5, G4 and G3 gateways and additional RFID credentials are sold separately.
Suitable Uses
- Aluminium sliding doors - the 31mm body and hook bolt mortice are purpose-built for narrow-stile aluminium sliders on homes and light-commercial premises; measure the stile width and door thickness (28mm to 55mm) first. Browse every option in the sliding door category.
- Timber sliding doors - also suits painted timber sliding door stiles on character and heritage homes, where the slim profile sits neatly without dominating the frame.
- Alfresco, patio and pool-area entries - the sheltered glass sliders that open living areas to decks, courtyards and pools. Install under an eave or alfresco roof (IP65 applies to the external housing only), and on the coast read our note on coastal Queensland.
- Shopfronts, offices and commercial glazed entries - framed aluminium sliding glass doors on retail and office premises, with staff credentials issued and revoked in the app and passage mode for trading hours; see smart lock platforms for commercial use. (Frameless glass with no stile needs the Vault Lumina instead.)
- Airbnb, holiday-let and short-stay properties - timed passcodes and eKeys over Bluetooth, or remote issue and revocation with a gateway; the McGrath Locks App supports the TTRenting and TTHotel platforms. See which property-management systems integrate with TTLock, Igloohome vs TTLock and which Airbnb setup is right for you.
- Apartment balcony and courtyard sliders - a second controlled entry for ground-floor or podium apartments; in a strata building run through the four strata checks first.
- Homes already on the McGrath Locks App - if your front door carries a hinged A231, A210, NX1 or NX6, this lock joins the same app and the same gateway, so one set of credentials covers the whole house.
Not suitable for: hinged or swinging doors (order the hinged A231), frameless glass doors with no stile, fully exposed external gates, or fire doors - the A231 carries no fire rating.
Available Finish Options
Matt Black
(This Product)
STK MLA231 w HOOK BOLT
Silver
(This Product)
STK MLA231 w HOOK BOLT
Both finishes, and both the lever ("corner handle") and hexagonal knob configurations, are supplied under this single sliding-door listing - select your finish and hook mortice backset at checkout. Finish selection does not affect functionality, compliance, or performance.
McGrath Slimline Range - Which A-Series Lock Fits Your Door?
The A231 sliding-door lock sits in a family of five McGrath slimline locks that share the McGrath Locks App, the 85mm-pitch mortice platform and the same credential set. The differences are the door they suit, the body width and what ships in the box. Compare them in the McGrath brand profile, then match your door with Chapter 04.
This product (bold row) is the sliding-door A231. All five share PIN, RFID, fingerprint, Bluetooth eKey and key override access, the same 85mm-pitch mortice platform and optional gateway remote access. The A210 and A210DB both take the 28mm and 35mm hook mortices as accessories if you need a wider body on a slider. For a wider view of how McGrath compares with other brands, see which platform suits a residential home.
Accessories and Spares for the A231 Sliding Door Lock
Every McGrath part that suits this lock is listed below - the two hook mortices you can choose between, the swing mortices that convert the same body for a hinged door, override cylinders and key blanks for the Euro cylinder, the three gateways that add remote access, and the MIFARE credentials the RFID reader accepts.
Mortice bodies, override cylinders and key blanks are confirmed compatible with the A231 platform. Gateways and RFID credentials are TTLock-platform accessories shared across every McGrath Locks App product, so one gateway serves this lock and any other McGrath lock in the home - cross-brand interchangeability explains the limits. Browse all mortice locks for smart locks and smart lock accessories.
Battery, Power and Backup Access
The A231 runs on 4 x AAA alkaline batteries (not included - Terry's recommends Duracell), housed in the interior unit. McGrath rates battery life at 18 months based on ten uses a day; heavy traffic, cold weather and a fingerprint-heavy household all shorten that, so read what really affects battery life rather than treating 18 months as a promise. The lock operates between 4.5V and 9V and raises a low-battery warning when the pack drops below 4.8V - you will hear it at the keypad and see it in the McGrath Locks App, and with a gateway fitted the app can push the warning to your phone. Use four new alkaline cells of the same brand together, never mixed old and new, and never rechargeable cells - monitoring and choosing batteries and reading a low-battery fault correctly are worth two minutes.
Two ways in when the batteries are flat
If the batteries are ignored until the lock goes dark, you are not locked out. A USB-C emergency power input on the exterior unit accepts any USB power bank - hold it in, wait for the keypad to wake, and unlock with your normal PIN, fingerprint or tag. Or use the mechanical key override in the Euro cylinder of the hook mortice (two keys supplied). Both are explained in what to do when the battery dies; if you are wondering where the keyhole is, it is in the mortice below the panel. Keep the spare key somewhere smarter than the doormat - a McGrath Bluetooth key safe lives on the same app. Power outages do not affect a battery lock at all; only a gateway needs mains power.
If the batteries are ignored until the lock goes dark, you are not locked out. A USB-C emergency power input on the exterior unit accepts any USB power bank - hold it in, wait for the keypad to wake, and unlock with your normal PIN, fingerprint or tag. Or use the mechanical key override in the Euro cylinder of the hook mortice (two keys supplied). Both are explained in what to do when the battery dies; if you are wondering where the keyhole is, it is in the mortice below the panel. Keep the spare key somewhere smarter than the doormat - a McGrath Bluetooth key safe lives on the same app. Power outages do not affect a battery lock at all; only a gateway needs mains power.
Wi-Fi Remote Access (Optional)
There is no Wi-Fi radio in the A231 itself - it is a smart lock, not a connected one, until you add a gateway. Over Bluetooth alone you can do everything at the door: unlock with the app, add and remove users, issue eKeys and passcodes that start and expire on a schedule, and read the access log when you next stand within range. What you cannot do is act on the lock while you are away - what TTLock can do without Wi-Fi spells out the line.
Plug in a McGrath G5 Wi-Fi gateway (dual-band, the usual home choice), a G4 with 4G SIM fallback for a holiday-let or a property with unreliable broadband, or a G3 Power-over-Ethernet gateway for a shopfront with structured cabling, and the lock becomes reachable from anywhere: remote unlock, instant credential issue and revocation, live access notifications and firmware updates without a site visit - what changes with a gateway. One gateway serves every McGrath Locks App lock within its Bluetooth range, so a hinged A231 on the front door and this lock on the slider share it. Mount it within a few metres of the door and clear of thick masonry - gateway placement - and if it ever drops offline, the usual causes and real fixes are here. The lock keeps working at the door regardless - see what happens when the internet goes down. Choosing between them: Chapter 14's gateway selection guide and the G2 vs G3 vs G4 vs G5 comparison. The older G2 named in McGrath's 2022 literature has been superseded by these three.
McGrath A231 Sliding Door Smart Lock - Full Specifications
IP65 - external housing only
The IP65 rating covers the outside keypad and reader housing: sealed against dust and protected against water jets, so rain splash and humidity on a covered patio or shopfront are fine. The interior unit houses the batteries and electronics and is for indoor use only. Install where the outside face has overhead protection - an eave, alfresco roof or awning - and do not treat this as a lock for a fully exposed gate. In salt air, wipe the exterior with fresh water now and then - direct sun and heat and Queensland-specific considerations explain why.
The IP65 rating covers the outside keypad and reader housing: sealed against dust and protected against water jets, so rain splash and humidity on a covered patio or shopfront are fine. The interior unit houses the batteries and electronics and is for indoor use only. Install where the outside face has overhead protection - an eave, alfresco roof or awning - and do not treat this as a lock for a fully exposed gate. In salt air, wipe the exterior with fresh water now and then - direct sun and heat and Queensland-specific considerations explain why.
Dimensions
Lever handle configuration. Panel 316mm high x 31mm wide; lever 124.5mm long; interior projections 63mm and 43mm; keypad-to-cylinder centres 85mm; panel depths 20.7mm and 19.7mm. All dimensions in millimetres.
Hex knob configuration. Panel 316mm high x 31mm wide; knob 45mm across; knob projections 37.4mm and 16.4mm; keypad-to-cylinder centres 85mm; panel depths 21.7mm and 19.7mm. All dimensions in millimetres.
Both drawings are McGrath's own. The 85mm keypad-to-cylinder centre distance is the "85 series" pitch that every compatible mortice shares. Before ordering, check the stile is at least 31mm wide with the door closed against its stop (stile width), confirm the backset is 28mm or 35mm, and confirm the hook has room to throw into the frame (bolt throw). The original drawings are on page 3 of the McGrath A231 datasheet (PDF); full-width versions and the mortice options diagram are in the Dimensions tab.
Mortice Lock Options - McGrath 85 Series
McGrath's 85 series mortice family. The two double hook bodies at the right - 2885 (28mm backset) and 3585 (35mm backset) - are the sliding-door mortices supplied with this listing. The swing bodies (2885 to 6085) are the latch-and-deadbolt mortices for the hinged A231 and are listed in the Accessories and Spares table should you ever move the lock to a swing door.
Hook mortice case and faceplate dimensions are on each mortice's own page - 28mm hook mortice dimensions and 35mm hook mortice dimensions. The mortice options photograph is page 4 of the McGrath A231 datasheet (PDF); swing-body specifications are in the Euro 85 Series Mortice specifications (PDF).
App Platform & Data Hosting
The McGrath Locks mobile app is a customised, McGrath-branded platform tailored specifically for the McGrath Locks product range. The app is managed, supported and distributed locally by McGrath Locks in Australia. Australian-based support staff handle warranty claims, app troubleshooting and platform queries - you are not dealing with an overseas vendor. The underlying cloud infrastructure is provided by TTLock, a globally deployed IoT platform. The app is available for iOS and Android: For a broader comparison of smart lock app ecosystems available in Australia, see Chapter 15 - Smart Lock App Platforms, what TTLock does not do in Chapter 14, and why platform matters more than brand.
For a broader comparison of smart lock app ecosystems available in Australia, see Chapter 15 - Smart Lock App Platforms, what TTLock does not do in Chapter 14, and why platform matters more than brand.
Long-Term Support and Confidence
McGrath smart locks are backed by long-established industry partners and supported locally. To learn more, read Why Terry's Locksmiths, LSC and McGrath Locks Give Long-Term Confidence - in particular why longevity matters more than features and the installer's perspective.
McGrath smart locks are backed by long-established industry partners and supported locally. To learn more, read Why Terry's Locksmiths, LSC and McGrath Locks Give Long-Term Confidence - in particular why longevity matters more than features and the installer's perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between this sliding-door A231 and the hinged A231?
Only the mortice. Both use the same 31mm lock body, the same 5-in-1 access and the same app. This listing ships with a Euro hook bolt mortice whose hook throws into the strike and pulls a sliding door tight into its frame; the hinged A231 ships with a latch-and-deadbolt swing mortice. They are not interchangeable on the day - order the one that matches your door, and if in doubt check the door type compatibility matrix.
Only the mortice. Both use the same 31mm lock body, the same 5-in-1 access and the same app. This listing ships with a Euro hook bolt mortice whose hook throws into the strike and pulls a sliding door tight into its frame; the hinged A231 ships with a latch-and-deadbolt swing mortice. They are not interchangeable on the day - order the one that matches your door, and if in doubt check the door type compatibility matrix.
Which backset do I choose at checkout - 28mm or 35mm?
Backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the cylinder. Narrow aluminium sliding stiles almost always take the 28mm mortice; wider aluminium profiles and most timber sliders take 35mm. If there is an existing lock, measure it - how to measure your backset. On a fresh door, measure the stile and check the hook has room to throw. Both ship as standard; the choice is mandatory and there are no other hook mortice options on this listing. Still unsure? Ask us.
Backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the cylinder. Narrow aluminium sliding stiles almost always take the 28mm mortice; wider aluminium profiles and most timber sliders take 35mm. If there is an existing lock, measure it - how to measure your backset. On a fresh door, measure the stile and check the hook has room to throw. Both ship as standard; the choice is mandatory and there are no other hook mortice options on this listing. Still unsure? Ask us.
Can I unlock the A231 from my phone when I am not at home?
Not out of the box - the lock is Bluetooth, so the app must be within range. Add a G5, G4 or G3 gateway (sold separately) and you can unlock, issue or revoke codes and read the access log from anywhere. You can still set up timed codes and eKeys in advance without one - what adding a gateway actually changes.
Not out of the box - the lock is Bluetooth, so the app must be within range. Add a G5, G4 or G3 gateway (sold separately) and you can unlock, issue or revoke codes and read the access log from anywhere. You can still set up timed codes and eKeys in advance without one - what adding a gateway actually changes.
Can the A231 go on an outdoor sliding door?
On a sheltered one, yes. The external housing is IP65 rated, so rain splash and humidity under an eave, patio or alfresco roof are fine. The interior unit holds the batteries and is not weather rated, and no part of the lock should sit fully exposed. On the coast, wipe the exterior with fresh water occasionally - coastal environments and what IP ratings mean.
On a sheltered one, yes. The external housing is IP65 rated, so rain splash and humidity under an eave, patio or alfresco roof are fine. The interior unit holds the batteries and is not weather rated, and no part of the lock should sit fully exposed. On the coast, wipe the exterior with fresh water occasionally - coastal environments and what IP ratings mean.
Does it suit an Airbnb or short-stay property?
Yes. The McGrath Locks App supports the TTRenting and TTHotel platforms, so you can issue guests a passcode or eKey that starts at check-in and dies at check-out. Over Bluetooth you set those up on site or in advance; to change them from another city you need a gateway. How TTLock automation really works for Australian hosts, and the practical setup checklist in Chapter 07.
Yes. The McGrath Locks App supports the TTRenting and TTHotel platforms, so you can issue guests a passcode or eKey that starts at check-in and dies at check-out. Over Bluetooth you set those up on site or in advance; to change them from another city you need a gateway. How TTLock automation really works for Australian hosts, and the practical setup checklist in Chapter 07.
Additional Information
- Order the right variant. This is the sliding-door A231 with a hook bolt mortice. If your door swings on hinges, order the hinged A231; if it is frameless glass with no stile, the Vault Lumina. Choosing the wrong hardware or backset is DIY mistake number two.
- Strike alignment is everything on a slider. A hook bolt has tighter tolerances than a hinged-door latch: the hook must land squarely in the strike with the door pulled fully closed. Terry's recommends professional fitting - a poorly aligned strike is the single most common cause of "the lock will not lock" calls (poor door preparation or fitment, door alignment). Book a free site survey on the Gold Coast.
- Set the lock up through the app, not the keypad. Register the lock in the McGrath Locks App as the administrator before you add any users; a lock configured only from the keypad has no owner in the app, and transferring or re-adding a lock later is a chore. Time-limited codes also need the lock's clock set - with no gateway that means a manual clock calibration over Bluetooth now and then.
- Leave "Tamper Alert" switched off in the app. The McGrath Locks App shows a Tamper Alert toggle inherited from the TTLock platform. McGrath locks do not have the sensor hardware for it, so enabling it only produces phantom notifications - why McGrath locks do not support Tamper Alert and how to turn it off in three steps. The genuine security alert on this lock is the incorrect-PIN lockout.
- Brand and support chain. McGrath Locks are distributed in Australia by LSC (Locksmith Supply Company) and supplied and installed here by Terry's Locksmiths. For parts availability and who to call in five years, see the supply chain behind every McGrath installation and the McGrath brand profile.
Warranty
Warranty
12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (24-month on ALBION, ASCOT, ASHGROVE, BARDON, GRANGE, HAMILTON, KEDRON, MANLY, SANDGATE, STAFFORD, ULTRA SECUA and WINDSOR models). McGrath Locks will repair, replace, or refund at their discretion. Proof of purchase required for all claims. Returns & Warranty | McGrath Locks Warranty
12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (24-month on ALBION, ASCOT, ASHGROVE, BARDON, GRANGE, HAMILTON, KEDRON, MANLY, SANDGATE, STAFFORD, ULTRA SECUA and WINDSOR models). McGrath Locks will repair, replace, or refund at their discretion. Proof of purchase required for all claims. Returns & Warranty | McGrath Locks Warranty
Download PDF Resources
McGrath A231 Technical Specifications - April 2025 (PDF)
McGrath's current two-page specification sheet: hardware, dimensions and 82.7mm handle projection, credential capacities, battery and electrical figures, operating environment and warranty. This is the document the specification table above follows.
McGrath's current two-page specification sheet: hardware, dimensions and 82.7mm handle projection, credential capacities, battery and electrical figures, operating environment and warranty. This is the document the specification table above follows.
McGrath A231 Datasheet - 2022 Edition (PDF)
Five-page supplier datasheet headed "Digital Sliding Door Lock": lever and hex knob dimension drawings (page 3), the 85 series mortice options including both double-hook sliding bodies (page 4), reversible handing and keypad backlight. Its 2022 specification figures are superseded by the 2025 sheet above.
Five-page supplier datasheet headed "Digital Sliding Door Lock": lever and hex knob dimension drawings (page 3), the 85 series mortice options including both double-hook sliding bodies (page 4), reversible handing and keypad backlight. Its 2022 specification figures are superseded by the 2025 sheet above.
McGrath A231 Product Brochure (PDF)
One-page overview of the A231 swing and sliding door smart lock: unlock methods, the 31mm slimline body and the four colour and handle combinations (Black or Silver, corner lever or hexagonal knob).
One-page overview of the A231 swing and sliding door smart lock: unlock methods, the 31mm slimline body and the four colour and handle combinations (Black or Silver, corner lever or hexagonal knob).
McGrath Euro 85 Series Mortice Lock - Specifications (PDF)
Two-page specification and dimension sheet for the 85 series swing-door mortice bodies (28 to 70mm backsets, 240mm faceplate, SS304, 500,000 cycles) that convert the A231 body for a hinged door. It does not cover the hook bolt mortices supplied with this listing - see their product pages for hook mortice dimensions.
Two-page specification and dimension sheet for the 85 series swing-door mortice bodies (28 to 70mm backsets, 240mm faceplate, SS304, 500,000 cycles) that convert the A231 body for a hinged door. It does not cover the hook bolt mortices supplied with this listing - see their product pages for hook mortice dimensions.
McGrath A231 Sliding Door Smart Lock - FAQ, Setup and Owner's Guide
Everything below is here to help you choose, order, install, set up and live with the sliding-door A231. For general smart lock questions see the Smart Lock FAQ (Chapter 13); for the whole picture start at the Smart Lock Buyer's Guide; and for the app itself, Chapter 14 - the TTLock Platform Guide is the reference for every McGrath lock.
Choosing the Right Version
Why does a sliding door need a hook bolt instead of a normal latch?
A hinged door closes against a stop, so a spring latch or deadbolt only has to hold it there. A sliding door has nothing to close against - it runs past the jamb - so a straight bolt can be levered or simply slid out of the strike. A hook bolt throws down (or up) behind the strike and pulls the door tight into the frame, resisting both prying and sliding. That is why every sliding-door lock in our sliding door category uses a hook of some kind, and why the A231 sliding variant ships with a Euro double-hook mortice rather than the swing mortice of the hinged version. Chapter 01 explains the difference between a mortice latch and a mortice deadbolt, the two mechanisms the hinged A231 uses.
A hinged door closes against a stop, so a spring latch or deadbolt only has to hold it there. A sliding door has nothing to close against - it runs past the jamb - so a straight bolt can be levered or simply slid out of the strike. A hook bolt throws down (or up) behind the strike and pulls the door tight into the frame, resisting both prying and sliding. That is why every sliding-door lock in our sliding door category uses a hook of some kind, and why the A231 sliding variant ships with a Euro double-hook mortice rather than the swing mortice of the hinged version. Chapter 01 explains the difference between a mortice latch and a mortice deadbolt, the two mechanisms the hinged A231 uses.
Can I buy the hinged A231 and just add a hook mortice later, or the other way round?
Mechanically yes - the body is identical and the 28mm and 35mm hook mortices and the swing mortices are all sold separately. But it costs more than buying the right listing first, and the hinged page's add-to-basket mortice menu covers swing bodies, not hook bolts. Buy this listing for a slider, the hinged A231 for a swing door, and keep the spare-mortice route for the day you move house and take the lock with you.
Mechanically yes - the body is identical and the 28mm and 35mm hook mortices and the swing mortices are all sold separately. But it costs more than buying the right listing first, and the hinged page's add-to-basket mortice menu covers swing bodies, not hook bolts. Buy this listing for a slider, the hinged A231 for a swing door, and keep the spare-mortice route for the day you move house and take the lock with you.
My sliding door is frameless glass - will the A231 fit?
No. The A231 needs a stile at least 31mm wide with enough depth to mortice a lock case into; frameless glass has neither. The Vault Lumina clamps to the glass edge with its own built-in hook bolt and is the product for that door. If your glass door has a slim aluminium frame around the glass, that frame is the stile and the A231 is back in play - measure it with Chapter 02's stile-width guide.
No. The A231 needs a stile at least 31mm wide with enough depth to mortice a lock case into; frameless glass has neither. The Vault Lumina clamps to the glass edge with its own built-in hook bolt and is the product for that door. If your glass door has a slim aluminium frame around the glass, that frame is the stile and the A231 is back in play - measure it with Chapter 02's stile-width guide.
How does the A231 compare with the McGrath A210 and A236, and with the Vault slimline locks?
All three McGrath A-Series locks share the app, the 85mm-pitch mortice platform and 5-in-1 access. The A231 is the slimmest at 31mm and the only one offered with a hook bolt as standard; the A236 is 36mm wide with a 35mm swing mortice; the A210 is 43mm wide in 304 stainless, with a back-to-back A210DB for keypads on both sides. On the Vault side, the Vault Eclipse and Vault Alpha are slimline locks that also suit sliders (the Alpha adds 3D face recognition) - same TTLock-based platform, different brand and support chain; see the Vault brand card next to the McGrath card in Chapter 10.
All three McGrath A-Series locks share the app, the 85mm-pitch mortice platform and 5-in-1 access. The A231 is the slimmest at 31mm and the only one offered with a hook bolt as standard; the A236 is 36mm wide with a 35mm swing mortice; the A210 is 43mm wide in 304 stainless, with a back-to-back A210DB for keypads on both sides. On the Vault side, the Vault Eclipse and Vault Alpha are slimline locks that also suit sliders (the Alpha adds 3D face recognition) - same TTLock-based platform, different brand and support chain; see the Vault brand card next to the McGrath card in Chapter 10.
I measured 30mm - do I order 28mm or 35mm?
Neither is a perfect fit and the two hook bodies are not adjustable, so do not guess. A 30mm backset is common on hinged aluminium doors (it is one of the hinged A231's standard options) but unusual on a slider - check that you measured from the door edge to the centre of the cylinder hole, not to the edge of the existing faceplate (how to measure). If it really is 30mm, send us a photo and the stile width before ordering - ask our team - because a wrong backset on a slider means the hook does not meet the strike.
Neither is a perfect fit and the two hook bodies are not adjustable, so do not guess. A 30mm backset is common on hinged aluminium doors (it is one of the hinged A231's standard options) but unusual on a slider - check that you measured from the door edge to the centre of the cylinder hole, not to the edge of the existing faceplate (how to measure). If it really is 30mm, send us a photo and the stile width before ordering - ask our team - because a wrong backset on a slider means the hook does not meet the strike.
Access and Credentials
What kinds of PIN code can I create?
Six kinds, all from the McGrath Locks App: permanent; timed (start and end date, from one hour to three years); one-time (single use, valid for six hours); cyclic (a recurring window - every Tuesday morning for the cleaner, say); custom (you pick the digits); and an erase code that wipes every other code when entered. Codes are 4 to 9 digits - a 4-digit code can only be set through the app, not at the keypad - and the lock holds up to 250. Two things catch people out: a permanent code created in the app must be entered at the keypad within 24 hours or it lapses (the 24-hour activation rule), and the erase code really does erase everything (how the erase code behaves). The types are explained in Chapter 14 and in the TT Lock manual, page 24.
Six kinds, all from the McGrath Locks App: permanent; timed (start and end date, from one hour to three years); one-time (single use, valid for six hours); cyclic (a recurring window - every Tuesday morning for the cleaner, say); custom (you pick the digits); and an erase code that wipes every other code when entered. Codes are 4 to 9 digits - a 4-digit code can only be set through the app, not at the keypad - and the lock holds up to 250. Two things catch people out: a permanent code created in the app must be entered at the keypad within 24 hours or it lapses (the 24-hour activation rule), and the erase code really does erase everything (how the erase code behaves). The types are explained in Chapter 14 and in the TT Lock manual, page 24.
How does anti-peep PIN entry work, and what happens after a wrong code?
Type any random digits before or after your real code and the lock still opens - only the correct sequence somewhere in the string matters. Someone watching sees a long jumble, not your code. Enter wrong codes repeatedly and the keypad locks out for a period; during lockout the app still works. This lockout is the genuine incorrect-PIN alarm on this lock - the app's separate "Tamper Alert" toggle is not supported on McGrath hardware and should stay off.
Type any random digits before or after your real code and the lock still opens - only the correct sequence somewhere in the string matters. Someone watching sees a long jumble, not your code. Enter wrong codes repeatedly and the keypad locks out for a period; during lockout the app still works. This lockout is the genuine incorrect-PIN alarm on this lock - the app's separate "Tamper Alert" toggle is not supported on McGrath hardware and should stay off.
Which RFID cards and fobs work with the A231?
MIFARE-type 13.56MHz credentials, up to 1,000 of them. Two tags come in the box; extra fobs, ISO cards, wristbands and adhesive dots are in the RFID credentials range. A credential from another 13.56MHz MIFARE system (an office access card, for instance) will often enrol too - hold it to the reader while adding a card in the app and see - but 125kHz proximity fobs and bank cards will not. Each card can be permanent or time-limited, and with a gateway fitted the app can issue a card remotely - fingerprints, IC cards and other credentials, and card management on page 32 of the TT Lock manual.
MIFARE-type 13.56MHz credentials, up to 1,000 of them. Two tags come in the box; extra fobs, ISO cards, wristbands and adhesive dots are in the RFID credentials range. A credential from another 13.56MHz MIFARE system (an office access card, for instance) will often enrol too - hold it to the reader while adding a card in the app and see - but 125kHz proximity fobs and bank cards will not. Each card can be permanent or time-limited, and with a gateway fitted the app can issue a card remotely - fingerprints, IC cards and other credentials, and card management on page 32 of the TT Lock manual.
How reliable is the fingerprint reader, and how many fingers can I enrol?
Up to 100 fingerprints. Reliability comes down to enrolment: register each finger you intend to use at three slightly different angles, enrol a second finger for each regular user, and keep the reader window clean and dry - wet or wrinkled fingertips after the pool are the usual reason for a miss, which is exactly why a poolside slider is a good place for a wristband credential as a back-up. Getting fingerprints right covers the technique; Chapter 03 covers what biometric access is good and bad at. Browse all our fingerprint smart locks.
Up to 100 fingerprints. Reliability comes down to enrolment: register each finger you intend to use at three slightly different angles, enrol a second finger for each regular user, and keep the reader window clean and dry - wet or wrinkled fingertips after the pool are the usual reason for a miss, which is exactly why a poolside slider is a good place for a wristband credential as a back-up. Getting fingerprints right covers the technique; Chapter 03 covers what biometric access is good and bad at. Browse all our fingerprint smart locks.
What is an eKey, and how is it different from a passcode?
An eKey is a Bluetooth credential sent to another person's McGrath Locks App account; they unlock by tapping in the app (or touching the keypad with the app open) while their phone is in range. Because it lives in an app, an eKey can be timed, permanent, one-time or recurring, can be revoked instantly, and records who opened the door by name. A passcode is typed at the keypad and needs no phone. Use eKeys for family and staff who will install the app; use passcodes for guests, trades and anyone who will not. eKeys in Chapter 14; eKey management, TT Lock manual page 18. There is no limit on eKeys.
An eKey is a Bluetooth credential sent to another person's McGrath Locks App account; they unlock by tapping in the app (or touching the keypad with the app open) while their phone is in range. Because it lives in an app, an eKey can be timed, permanent, one-time or recurring, can be revoked instantly, and records who opened the door by name. A passcode is typed at the keypad and needs no phone. Use eKeys for family and staff who will install the app; use passcodes for guests, trades and anyone who will not. eKeys in Chapter 14; eKey management, TT Lock manual page 18. There is no limit on eKeys.
Where is the keyhole, can I get extra keys, and can the slider share a key with my front door?
The Euro cylinder sits in the hook mortice below the keypad panel, so the keyhole is at the bottom of the lock rather than in the middle of it - why smart lock keyholes are often hidden. Two keys are supplied; spares are cut from a McGrath A231 key blank by a locksmith. If you also have a hinged A231 on the front door, a keyed alike cylinder lets one key open both; a keyed to differ cylinder is the replacement if keys are lost. All cylinders are in the cylinders and barrels category. Store the spare key outside the house - a McGrath Bluetooth key safe or any of our key storage options; why the key belongs outside.
The Euro cylinder sits in the hook mortice below the keypad panel, so the keyhole is at the bottom of the lock rather than in the middle of it - why smart lock keyholes are often hidden. Two keys are supplied; spares are cut from a McGrath A231 key blank by a locksmith. If you also have a hinged A231 on the front door, a keyed alike cylinder lets one key open both; a keyed to differ cylinder is the replacement if keys are lost. All cylinders are in the cylinders and barrels category. Store the spare key outside the house - a McGrath Bluetooth key safe or any of our key storage options; why the key belongs outside.
What is passage mode and when would I use it on a sliding door?
Passage mode leaves the lock unlocked so the door opens with the handle alone - no code, card or finger. Turn it on for a party that spills onto the deck, an open home, or trading hours on a shopfront slider, and off again afterwards; it is toggled in the app, and the lock resumes normal locking the moment you disable it. It is a convenience feature, not a safety one - the door is unsecured while it is on - and it is unrelated to the fire-door egress question covered in Chapter 13's practical-use FAQs.
Passage mode leaves the lock unlocked so the door opens with the handle alone - no code, card or finger. Turn it on for a party that spills onto the deck, an open home, or trading hours on a shopfront slider, and off again afterwards; it is toggled in the app, and the lock resumes normal locking the moment you disable it. It is a convenience feature, not a safety one - the door is unsecured while it is on - and it is unrelated to the fire-door egress question covered in Chapter 13's practical-use FAQs.
Remote Access and Gateways
Which McGrath gateway should I buy for the A231?
For most homes the G5: it joins either 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi, so the mesh-router band-steering problem that plagues 2.4GHz-only gateways does not arise. Choose the G4 for a holiday-let or rural property where you want a 4G SIM to keep the lock reachable if the broadband drops - the G4 explained. Choose the G3 for a shop or office with an Ethernet point and PoE switch - the G3 explained. The older G2 is superseded. Full decision guide: McGrath G-Series gateways - which one to choose; every gateway we stock is in modules and Wi-Fi gateways.
For most homes the G5: it joins either 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi, so the mesh-router band-steering problem that plagues 2.4GHz-only gateways does not arise. Choose the G4 for a holiday-let or rural property where you want a 4G SIM to keep the lock reachable if the broadband drops - the G4 explained. Choose the G3 for a shop or office with an Ethernet point and PoE switch - the G3 explained. The older G2 is superseded. Full decision guide: McGrath G-Series gateways - which one to choose; every gateway we stock is in modules and Wi-Fi gateways.
Where should the gateway go, and can one gateway serve several locks?
Within about ten metres of the lock with as few walls as possible in between - a hallway power point between the front door and the slider often covers both. One gateway serves every McGrath Locks App device in its Bluetooth range: a hinged A231 on the front door, this lock on the alfresco slider, a McGrath key safe by the meter box. Locks at the far end of a large house may need a second gateway. Power it from the McGrath dual-USB wall adaptor rather than a TV's USB port that sleeps at night. Where to position the gateway; adding the gateway, TT Lock manual page 53.
Within about ten metres of the lock with as few walls as possible in between - a hallway power point between the front door and the slider often covers both. One gateway serves every McGrath Locks App device in its Bluetooth range: a hinged A231 on the front door, this lock on the alfresco slider, a McGrath key safe by the meter box. Locks at the far end of a large house may need a second gateway. Power it from the McGrath dual-USB wall adaptor rather than a TV's USB port that sleeps at night. Where to position the gateway; adding the gateway, TT Lock manual page 53.
What still works if the internet or the gateway goes down?
Everything at the door. PIN codes, fingerprints, RFID tags, the key and Bluetooth app control are all stored in the lock itself and never depend on the cloud; only remote operations and live notifications pause until the gateway reconnects, and codes you had already issued keep working through the outage. That is the design difference between a Bluetooth lock with a gateway and a lock with Wi-Fi built in - what happens when the internet goes down, and for hosts, the Wi-Fi-drops-during-a-stay scenario. If the gateway itself keeps dropping, why power-cycling works and what it tells you.
Everything at the door. PIN codes, fingerprints, RFID tags, the key and Bluetooth app control are all stored in the lock itself and never depend on the cloud; only remote operations and live notifications pause until the gateway reconnects, and codes you had already issued keep working through the outage. That is the design difference between a Bluetooth lock with a gateway and a lock with Wi-Fi built in - what happens when the internet goes down, and for hosts, the Wi-Fi-drops-during-a-stay scenario. If the gateway itself keeps dropping, why power-cycling works and what it tells you.
Does the A231 work with Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit?
Not as a supported feature on the McGrath Locks App. McGrath's current specification sheet lists Bluetooth and gateway Wi-Fi as the lock's connectivity and makes no voice-assistant claim, so we do not either. If voice control is a must-have, the platform-choice guide in Chapter 15 and the platform comparison table show which ecosystems offer it natively.
Not as a supported feature on the McGrath Locks App. McGrath's current specification sheet lists Bluetooth and gateway Wi-Fi as the lock's connectivity and makes no voice-assistant claim, so we do not either. If voice control is a must-have, the platform-choice guide in Chapter 15 and the platform comparison table show which ecosystems offer it natively.
Power and Batteries
Why AAA batteries, and can I use rechargeables or lithium AAAs?
The 31mm body simply has no room for AA cells - four AAAs are what fit, which is why McGrath quotes 18 months at ten uses a day rather than the longer figures some of its larger-body models achieve. Use new alkaline AAAs of one brand (Terry's recommends Duracell). Do not use NiMH rechargeables: they sit at 1.2V and a fresh set of four sits right at the lock's 4.8V low-battery warning threshold, so it reports low almost immediately. Lithium primary AAAs are not what McGrath specifies, so stick to alkaline. Change all four together and never mix old with new - battery management in TTLock and power and battery FAQs.
The 31mm body simply has no room for AA cells - four AAAs are what fit, which is why McGrath quotes 18 months at ten uses a day rather than the longer figures some of its larger-body models achieve. Use new alkaline AAAs of one brand (Terry's recommends Duracell). Do not use NiMH rechargeables: they sit at 1.2V and a fresh set of four sits right at the lock's 4.8V low-battery warning threshold, so it reports low almost immediately. Lithium primary AAAs are not what McGrath specifies, so stick to alkaline. Change all four together and never mix old with new - battery management in TTLock and power and battery FAQs.
How will I know the batteries are getting low, and do I lose my codes when I change them?
When the pack falls below 4.8V the lock gives an audible low-battery warning each time the keypad wakes, and the app shows the battery level whenever it connects (with a gateway, it can notify you). You then have weeks, not hours, but do not test that. Your codes, cards, fingerprints and eKeys are stored in the lock's memory and survive a battery change; only the clock can drift if the lock is left without power for a long time, in which case timed codes need a clock calibration from the app (TT Lock manual page 17). A lock that reports low battery with fresh cells usually has a pinched connecting cable - reading a low-battery fault correctly.
When the pack falls below 4.8V the lock gives an audible low-battery warning each time the keypad wakes, and the app shows the battery level whenever it connects (with a gateway, it can notify you). You then have weeks, not hours, but do not test that. Your codes, cards, fingerprints and eKeys are stored in the lock's memory and survive a battery change; only the clock can drift if the lock is left without power for a long time, in which case timed codes need a clock calibration from the app (TT Lock manual page 17). A lock that reports low battery with fresh cells usually has a pinched connecting cable - reading a low-battery fault correctly.
The batteries are completely flat and I am outside - what now?
Two options, no locksmith needed. Hold a charged USB power bank to the USB-C port on the exterior unit; after a few seconds the keypad wakes and you unlock with your normal PIN, fingerprint or tag. Or use the mechanical key in the Euro cylinder at the bottom of the lock. Then replace all four AAAs from inside. What to do when the battery dies, and the key-override FAQ. Power banks and other power accessories are in the accessories range.
Two options, no locksmith needed. Hold a charged USB power bank to the USB-C port on the exterior unit; after a few seconds the keypad wakes and you unlock with your normal PIN, fingerprint or tag. Or use the mechanical key in the Euro cylinder at the bottom of the lock. Then replace all four AAAs from inside. What to do when the battery dies, and the key-override FAQ. Power banks and other power accessories are in the accessories range.
Installation and Setup
Can I fit the A231 myself, or should a locksmith do it?
A confident DIYer with an existing 85mm-pitch Euro mortice cut-out in an aluminium slider can, using the supplied drill template and guide. A door with no existing mortice, a timber slider that needs a fresh mortice pocket, or any door where the hook has to land in a frame you cannot easily strike, is a job for a locksmith - hook bolt alignment is far less forgiving than a hinged-door latch, and a hook that catches the strike edge will chew the frame and drain the batteries fighting the motor. When DIY is appropriate and when it is not; Terry's supply and install across the Gold Coast, and a free site survey is the safe first step.
A confident DIYer with an existing 85mm-pitch Euro mortice cut-out in an aluminium slider can, using the supplied drill template and guide. A door with no existing mortice, a timber slider that needs a fresh mortice pocket, or any door where the hook has to land in a frame you cannot easily strike, is a job for a locksmith - hook bolt alignment is far less forgiving than a hinged-door latch, and a hook that catches the strike edge will chew the frame and drain the batteries fighting the motor. When DIY is appropriate and when it is not; Terry's supply and install across the Gold Coast, and a free site survey is the safe first step.
What door thickness and stile width does it need?
Door thickness 28mm to 55mm, which covers virtually every aluminium sliding door and most timber ones. The stile must be at least 31mm wide where the lock sits, with the door closed, and deep enough front-to-back to house the hook mortice case. Measure with the door shut against its stop so you see the true face available, not the overlap. Door thickness, stile width and identifying your existing hardware are all in Chapter 02; the mortice and panel drawings are in the Dimensions tab.
Door thickness 28mm to 55mm, which covers virtually every aluminium sliding door and most timber ones. The stile must be at least 31mm wide where the lock sits, with the door closed, and deep enough front-to-back to house the hook mortice case. Measure with the door shut against its stop so you see the true face available, not the overlap. Door thickness, stile width and identifying your existing hardware are all in Chapter 02; the mortice and panel drawings are in the Dimensions tab.
Do I need to specify left or right hand?
No. The A231 is field-reversible - one unit suits a door that slides either way, and the lever or hex knob is rotated to the correct side during fitting. The hook mortice is likewise fitted to throw in the direction your frame needs. You do need to know the handing to fit it correctly, so work out your door's handing before you start - field-reversible vs fixed explains why this lock does not need to be ordered handed, unlike some mechanical gate latches.
No. The A231 is field-reversible - one unit suits a door that slides either way, and the lever or hex knob is rotated to the correct side during fitting. The hook mortice is likewise fitted to throw in the direction your frame needs. You do need to know the handing to fit it correctly, so work out your door's handing before you start - field-reversible vs fixed explains why this lock does not need to be ordered handed, unlike some mechanical gate latches.
What is the right order of set-up steps once the lock is on the door?
Fit the batteries, download the McGrath Locks App (manual page 4), create your account and add the lock over Bluetooth while standing at the door (page 15) - that makes you the administrator. Then, in the app: set your own permanent PIN, enrol the two supplied tags, enrol fingerprints, and only then hand out codes and eKeys. Add the gateway last, if you have one. Setting the lock up from the keypad instead of the app leaves it without an owner in the cloud and is the root of most "I cannot add the lock to my phone" calls later. If you are taking over a lock someone else installed, the previous administrator has to transfer it to you (manual page 48) - worth insisting on before a property handover.
Fit the batteries, download the McGrath Locks App (manual page 4), create your account and add the lock over Bluetooth while standing at the door (page 15) - that makes you the administrator. Then, in the app: set your own permanent PIN, enrol the two supplied tags, enrol fingerprints, and only then hand out codes and eKeys. Add the gateway last, if you have one. Setting the lock up from the keypad instead of the app leaves it without an owner in the cloud and is the root of most "I cannot add the lock to my phone" calls later. If you are taking over a lock someone else installed, the previous administrator has to transfer it to you (manual page 48) - worth insisting on before a property handover.
Troubleshooting
The lock motor runs but the door does not lock - what is wrong?
Almost always the hook is not reaching, or not clearing, the strike. Close the door fully by hand and watch the hook: if it strikes the frame edge, the strike is misaligned or the door has dropped on its rollers; if it throws into fresh air, the backset or the strike depth is wrong. A sliding door that has sagged a few millimetres on worn rollers will defeat any hook bolt - adjust the rollers first. Check the door is not in passage mode in the app. The three most common DIY mistakes at a glance, misalignment in Chapter 12, and the symptom-to-fix table. Still stuck?
Almost always the hook is not reaching, or not clearing, the strike. Close the door fully by hand and watch the hook: if it strikes the frame edge, the strike is misaligned or the door has dropped on its rollers; if it throws into fresh air, the backset or the strike depth is wrong. A sliding door that has sagged a few millimetres on worn rollers will defeat any hook bolt - adjust the rollers first. Check the door is not in passage mode in the app. The three most common DIY mistakes at a glance, misalignment in Chapter 12, and the symptom-to-fix table. Still stuck?
The app cannot find the lock over Bluetooth - what should I check?
Stand within two metres of the exterior unit with Bluetooth and location services enabled on the phone (Android needs location for Bluetooth scanning). Wake the keypad with a touch so the lock is advertising. If the lock was previously added by someone else, it will not appear as new until that administrator deletes or transfers it - transferring or re-adding a lock. Fresh batteries if the keypad is sluggish. The troubleshooting FAQs in Chapter 13 cover the rest, and error diagnosis on manual page 17 runs a self-test over Bluetooth.
Stand within two metres of the exterior unit with Bluetooth and location services enabled on the phone (Android needs location for Bluetooth scanning). Wake the keypad with a touch so the lock is advertising. If the lock was previously added by someone else, it will not appear as new until that administrator deletes or transfers it - transferring or re-adding a lock. Fresh batteries if the keypad is sluggish. The troubleshooting FAQs in Chapter 13 cover the rest, and error diagnosis on manual page 17 runs a self-test over Bluetooth.
Why am I getting "tamper" notifications from the app?
Because the Tamper Alert toggle in the McGrath Locks App has been switched on. It is a TTLock platform setting that McGrath hardware does not support - there is no vibration sensor to drive it - so it fires at random and means nothing. Turn it off in the lock settings and the alerts stop: turn off Tamper Alert step by step, if alerts continue, and why enabling it causes phantom alerts. Also in Chapter 13, Q9.
Because the Tamper Alert toggle in the McGrath Locks App has been switched on. It is a TTLock platform setting that McGrath hardware does not support - there is no vibration sensor to drive it - so it fires at random and means nothing. Turn it off in the lock settings and the alerts stop: turn off Tamper Alert step by step, if alerts continue, and why enabling it causes phantom alerts. Also in Chapter 13, Q9.
A timed guest code stopped working before it should have - why?
Two usual culprits. First, the lock's clock: a Bluetooth-only lock keeps its own time and drifts; a code that "expired early" usually means the clock is ahead. Open the app at the door and let it calibrate, or add a gateway so the clock syncs automatically - symptoms that point to clock drift. Second, the 24-hour rule: a code must be used at the keypad within 24 hours of the start of its validity or the lock discards it - how to stop codes expiring.
Two usual culprits. First, the lock's clock: a Bluetooth-only lock keeps its own time and drifts; a code that "expired early" usually means the clock is ahead. Open the app at the door and let it calibrate, or add a gateway so the clock syncs automatically - symptoms that point to clock drift. Second, the 24-hour rule: a code must be used at the keypad within 24 hours of the start of its validity or the lock discards it - how to stop codes expiring.
Security, Weather and Compliance
What exactly does IP65 cover on this lock, and what does it not?
IP65 means the external housing is dust-tight (the 6) and withstands low-pressure water jets from any direction (the 5) - so rain blowing under an eave, a hose splash from the garden or Queensland humidity will not get into the keypad or reader. It is a rating for the outside unit only. The interior unit contains the battery compartment and the circuit board and carries no rating; a sliding door whose "inside" face is actually open to the weather (a pool-house or boat-shed slider, say) is not a suitable installation. IP ratings are explained in Chapter 11; how heat, sun and salt shorten a lock's life in the lifespan guide. For a genuinely exposed position look at our external gate options instead.
IP65 means the external housing is dust-tight (the 6) and withstands low-pressure water jets from any direction (the 5) - so rain blowing under an eave, a hose splash from the garden or Queensland humidity will not get into the keypad or reader. It is a rating for the outside unit only. The interior unit contains the battery compartment and the circuit board and carries no rating; a sliding door whose "inside" face is actually open to the weather (a pool-house or boat-shed slider, say) is not a suitable installation. IP ratings are explained in Chapter 11; how heat, sun and salt shorten a lock's life in the lifespan guide. For a genuinely exposed position look at our external gate options instead.
We are on the water at Mermaid Waters - is the A231 alright in salt air?
Several of the installations in our gallery are canal-front and pool-side homes, and the aluminium alloy body handles that environment when it is looked after: rinse the exterior with fresh water every few weeks, keep the reader window clean, and do not let irrigation hit the door. McGrath does not publish a salt spray test figure for the A231, so we do not quote one - the finish is not marketed as marine grade, and the warranty excludes corrosion from salt air, so the maintenance matters. Coastal environments, Gold Coast specific; Chapter 11's C corrosion grade explains how locks that are rated get rated.
Several of the installations in our gallery are canal-front and pool-side homes, and the aluminium alloy body handles that environment when it is looked after: rinse the exterior with fresh water every few weeks, keep the reader window clean, and do not let irrigation hit the door. McGrath does not publish a salt spray test figure for the A231, so we do not quote one - the finish is not marketed as marine grade, and the warranty excludes corrosion from salt air, so the maintenance matters. Coastal environments, Gold Coast specific; Chapter 11's C corrosion grade explains how locks that are rated get rated.
Does the A231 keep a record of who opened the door?
Yes. Every unlock is logged against the credential used - a named eKey, a specific PIN, tag or fingerprint - with the time. Over Bluetooth the log uploads to the app when you next connect at the door; with a gateway it is live. The log is what settles the "did the cleaner come on Thursday" question and, for hosts, a dispute with a guest. Search it per key from the app - TT Lock manual page 23. Businesses can also use the platform's attendance management to turn those unlocks into a staff clock-in record.
Yes. Every unlock is logged against the credential used - a named eKey, a specific PIN, tag or fingerprint - with the time. Over Bluetooth the log uploads to the app when you next connect at the door; with a gateway it is live. The log is what settles the "did the cleaner come on Thursday" question and, for hosts, a dispute with a guest. Search it per key from the app - TT Lock manual page 23. Businesses can also use the platform's attendance management to turn those unlocks into a staff clock-in record.
Is the A231 covered by Australia's new smart device cyber security law, and where is my data held?
Australia's consumer IoT security rules took effect in March 2026 and apply to connected devices sold here - who the rules cover. No McGrath per-model declaration document for the A231 is on file with us in the way some brands publish them, so this page does not carry a declaration number; ask us for the current statement of compliance if your project requires one. On data: the McGrath Locks App is managed and supported in Australia by McGrath Locks, on cloud infrastructure provided by TTLock, a globally deployed IoT platform; the platform's published vulnerability history and fixes are set out honestly in Chapter 15's TTLock security section and Chapter 14's full disclosure. What this means when you are buying.
Australia's consumer IoT security rules took effect in March 2026 and apply to connected devices sold here - who the rules cover. No McGrath per-model declaration document for the A231 is on file with us in the way some brands publish them, so this page does not carry a declaration number; ask us for the current statement of compliance if your project requires one. On data: the McGrath Locks App is managed and supported in Australia by McGrath Locks, on cloud infrastructure provided by TTLock, a globally deployed IoT platform; the platform's published vulnerability history and fixes are set out honestly in Chapter 15's TTLock security section and Chapter 14's full disclosure. What this means when you are buying.
Can I use it on a fire door or in a strata building?
Not on a fire door - the A231 carries no fire rating, and sliding doors are rarely fire doors in any case; McGrath's fire-assessed locks are the Windsor, Hamilton and Stafford, all in the fire door category. In a strata apartment a balcony or courtyard slider is normally within the lot and yours to change, but confirm with the body corporate first - the four strata checks in Chapter 04.
Not on a fire door - the A231 carries no fire rating, and sliding doors are rarely fire doors in any case; McGrath's fire-assessed locks are the Windsor, Hamilton and Stafford, all in the fire door category. In a strata apartment a balcony or courtyard slider is normally within the lot and yours to change, but confirm with the body corporate first - the four strata checks in Chapter 04.
Short-Stay, Rental and Commercial Use
Can guest codes be created automatically from my Airbnb bookings?
With a gateway and a property-management system that talks to TTLock, yes: the PMS reads the booking, creates a code valid from check-in to check-out and sends it to the guest without you touching the app. Without a gateway you create the codes yourself in advance over Bluetooth, which works well for a single property you visit between stays. Which PMS platforms integrate with TTLock, PMS integration in Chapter 14, and the honest comparison with the algoPIN approach in Igloohome vs TTLock. Running several properties? Scaling across multiple properties.
With a gateway and a property-management system that talks to TTLock, yes: the PMS reads the booking, creates a code valid from check-in to check-out and sends it to the guest without you touching the app. Without a gateway you create the codes yourself in advance over Bluetooth, which works well for a single property you visit between stays. Which PMS platforms integrate with TTLock, PMS integration in Chapter 14, and the honest comparison with the algoPIN approach in Igloohome vs TTLock. Running several properties? Scaling across multiple properties.
Is the A231 up to a busy shopfront or office slider?
For staff-controlled glazed entries - a consulting suite, a small office, a boutique where staff let customers in - yes: passage mode for trading hours, staff credentials that can be revoked the day someone leaves, and an access log. It is rated to 100,000 cycles, which is a residential-to-light-commercial figure; a public entrance cycling hundreds of times a day, or a door used as a fire exit, is a different class of hardware. Read smart lock platforms for commercial, office and retail, and if the door is heavily trafficked, talk to us about a wired access control approach such as the McGrath Z Chip relay driving an electric strike.
For staff-controlled glazed entries - a consulting suite, a small office, a boutique where staff let customers in - yes: passage mode for trading hours, staff credentials that can be revoked the day someone leaves, and an access log. It is rated to 100,000 cycles, which is a residential-to-light-commercial figure; a public entrance cycling hundreds of times a day, or a door used as a fire exit, is a different class of hardware. Read smart lock platforms for commercial, office and retail, and if the door is heavily trafficked, talk to us about a wired access control approach such as the McGrath Z Chip relay driving an electric strike.
How long should I expect the A231 to last, and what happens if McGrath changes its app?
Installed well and out of direct weather, a lock like this is a five-to-ten-year proposition; the things that end them early are misalignment, sun and salt, and neglected batteries - realistic lifespan expectations and the question nobody asks about year five. On the app: the McGrath Locks App is a branded build of TTLock, one of the two global smart lock platforms, and McGrath is distributed here by LSC, a century-old Australian security wholesaler - which is why we are comfortable about what happens if a manufacturer discontinues its app. Choosing a smart lock that will still be there.
Installed well and out of direct weather, a lock like this is a five-to-ten-year proposition; the things that end them early are misalignment, sun and salt, and neglected batteries - realistic lifespan expectations and the question nobody asks about year five. On the app: the McGrath Locks App is a branded build of TTLock, one of the two global smart lock platforms, and McGrath is distributed here by LSC, a century-old Australian security wholesaler - which is why we are comfortable about what happens if a manufacturer discontinues its app. Choosing a smart lock that will still be there.
Related Products, Guides and Chapters
This lock's family: A231 for hinged doors · A210 · A210DB back-to-back · A236
Mortices, cylinders and keys: 28mm hook mortice · 35mm hook mortice · 85 series swing mortices 28-50mm · 60mm swing mortice · 70mm swing mortice · Keyed alike cylinder · Keyed to differ cylinder · A231 key blank · all mortice locks for smart locks
Gateways, credentials and app accessories: G5 Wi-Fi gateway · G4 4G gateway · G3 PoE gateway · Dual-USB wall adaptor · RFID fob · RFID card · RFID wristband · RFID sticker · McGrath Bluetooth key safe · Z Chip relay
Other McGrath smart locks on the same app: NX1 · NX5 · NX6 · Albion · Windsor (fire rated) · Hamilton (fire rated, DDA) · Stafford (fire rated, DDA) · ULTRA-SECUA screen door lock · Ascot gate lock · X3 deadbolt · all McGrath Locks
Sliding and slimline alternatives: Vault Lumina (frameless glass) · Vault Eclipse · Vault Alpha · all sliding, screen and glass door smart locks · all slim-line smart locks · all app-enabled smart locks · all smart locks
Buyer's Guide chapters: Ch 01 What Is a Smart Lock · Ch 02 Measuring Your Door · Ch 03 Access Methods · Ch 04 Door Types · Ch 07 Airbnb and Short-Stay · Ch 08 Gateways · Ch 10 Brand Profiles · Ch 11 Standards and IP Ratings · Ch 12 Installation and Troubleshooting · Ch 13 Smart Lock FAQ · Ch 14 TTLock Platform Guide · Ch 15 App Platforms
Helpful blog reading: Measuring Your Lock Backset · Mechanical Key Override on Smart Locks · TTLock Tips and Tricks · TTLock vs Tuya · Which Smart Lock Platform Is Right for You? · G2 vs G3 vs G4 vs G5 Gateways · Why Smart Locks Drop Off Wi-Fi · Using TTLock for Airbnb in Australia · Do You Really Need Wi-Fi for Airbnb? · Smart Lock Not Locking? 3 DIY Mistakes · Understanding Door Handing · How Long Do Digital Door Locks Last? · The Realities of Electronic Door Locks · Tamper Alert Phantom Alerts · Smart Locks and Cyber Security Law · Site Survey and Installation Services · Terry's, LSC and McGrath - Long-Term Confidence
What's in the Box - McGrath A231 Sliding Door Smart Lock
- Exterior lock assembly - backlit touch keypad, fingerprint reader, RFID reader, USB-C emergency power port, lever or hex knob x1
- Interior lock assembly - battery compartment for 4 x AAA, lever or hex knob x1
- European hook bolt mortice lock, 85mm pitch, 270mm faceplate x1 - 28mm or 35mm backset as selected at checkout
- Strike plate x1
- Mechanical override keys x2
- RFID access tags x2 (MIFARE 13.56MHz)
- Drill positioning template
- Mounting screws and fixings
- Mini security screwdriver
- Installation guide
Not included: 4 x AAA alkaline batteries (Terry's recommends Duracell); the G5, G4 and G3 gateways for remote access; and extra RFID credentials. The McGrath Locks App is a free download for iOS and Android:
McGrath A231 Sliding Door Smart Lock - Real Installations
Terry's Locksmiths fitted this Matt Black McGrath A231 with the hex knob to a dark double-panel aluminium sliding door at a commercial property in Broadbeach, Gold Coast QLD. The 31mm body sits neatly within the narrow stile, giving staff 5-in-1 access - fingerprint, RFID, PIN, Bluetooth eKey and key override - through the McGrath Locks App.
Close-up of the A231 hook bolt strike plate fitted to a dark aluminium sliding door frame in a luxury Robina, Gold Coast QLD home. The double hook engages behind the strike and pulls the door tight into the frame - the locking action a slider needs and the reason strike alignment matters so much on these installations.
Terry's Locksmiths installed this Matt Black A231 on a dark aluminium slider in a contemporary Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast QLD apartment, with access set up over Bluetooth in the McGrath Locks App. The hook bolt mechanism is visible at the door edge.
A Silver A231 fitted by Terry's Locksmiths to a white aluminium sliding door at a waterfront home in Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast QLD. Sheltered under the alfresco roof and opening to the pool and marina, it is the kind of position the IP65 external housing is made for - with a fresh-water rinse now and then to keep the salt air at bay.
Interior side of the same Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast QLD installation. The slim interior unit houses the four AAA batteries and sits flush within the white stile; an optional McGrath gateway inside the home would give the owners remote access when they are away.
A Silver A231 on a slim-framed aluminium sliding glass door at a commercial premises in Southport, Gold Coast QLD. The narrow body suits glazed shopfront entries, with staff credentials - fingerprint, PIN, RFID and eKey - managed in the McGrath Locks App and passage mode available for trading hours.
Strike plate detail from the Southport, Gold Coast QLD commercial installation. The hook bolt strike integrates flush into the ribbed aluminium frame for low-profile, secure locking on a glass-fronted premises.
Terry's Locksmiths fitted this Silver A231 to a ribbed grey aluminium sliding door at an office in Helensvale, Gold Coast QLD. Bluetooth control with an optional gateway gives the business flexible credential management - fingerprint, PIN and RFID - without a physical key system.
Strike plate detail on a white painted timber sliding door frame at a character cottage in Burleigh Waters, Gold Coast QLD. The A231 is not only for aluminium - the 35mm hook mortice suits older timber sliders as well.
The Matt Black A231 on the same Burleigh Waters, Gold Coast QLD cottage. The fingerprint reader and PIN keypad give 5-in-1 access while the slim 31mm body sits neatly within the white timber stile - a contrast that suits heritage and contemporary interiors alike.
McGrath A231 Sliding Door Smart Lock - Dimensions
Lever ("corner handle") configuration. Panel 316mm x 31mm; lever 124.5mm; interior projections 63mm and 43mm; 85mm keypad-to-cylinder centres; panel depths 20.7mm and 19.7mm. McGrath's 2025 specification sheet gives the outside handle projection as 82.7mm.
Hexagonal knob configuration. Panel 316mm x 31mm; knob 45mm across; knob projections 37.4mm and 16.4mm; 85mm keypad-to-cylinder centres; panel depths 21.7mm and 19.7mm.
McGrath 85 series mortice options. The 2885 and 3585 double hook bodies are the two sliding-door mortices supplied with this listing (28mm and 35mm backset, 85mm centres, 270mm faceplate); the swing bodies 2885 to 6085 are the latch-and-deadbolt mortices for the hinged A231. Hook mortice case drawings: 28mm and 35mm. Swing mortice drawings: Euro 85 Series Mortice specifications (PDF).
All dimensions in millimetres, from McGrath's drawings (datasheet page 3 and page 4). Door thickness 28mm to 55mm. Measure the stile width, backset and existing door preparation before ordering.
McGrath A231 Sliding Door Smart Lock - Datasheet Pages
Selected pages from McGrath's A231 datasheet - the cover, the dimension drawings and the mortice options. For current specification figures use the April 2025 Technical Specifications sheet (PDF) in the PDF Files tab; the one-page A231 Product Brochure (PDF) is there too.
Page 1 - Cover: five unlocking ways, lever and hex knob configurations
Page 3 - Lock dimensions: lever and hex knob configurations
Page 4 - Mortice options (85 series), including the 2885 and 3585 double hook bodies for sliding doors
PDF Files - STK MLA231 w HOOK BOLT
McGrath A231 Technical Specifications - April 2025 (PDF)
Current two-page McGrath specification sheet: hardware and dimensions (316 x 31 x 20.7mm, 82.7mm handle projection, 28-55mm doors, 100,000 cycles), credentials (250 PIN, 1,000 RFID, 100 fingerprints, unlimited eKeys), electrical figures (4 x AAA, 4.5-9V, 18 months), operating environment and 12-month warranty.
Current two-page McGrath specification sheet: hardware and dimensions (316 x 31 x 20.7mm, 82.7mm handle projection, 28-55mm doors, 100,000 cycles), credentials (250 PIN, 1,000 RFID, 100 fingerprints, unlimited eKeys), electrical figures (4 x AAA, 4.5-9V, 18 months), operating environment and 12-month warranty.
McGrath A231 Datasheet - 2022 Edition (PDF)
Five-page supplier datasheet for the A231 "Digital Sliding Door Lock". Use it for the dimension drawings (page 3) and the 85 series mortice options with both double-hook sliding bodies (page 4); its specification figures are superseded by the 2025 sheet.
Five-page supplier datasheet for the A231 "Digital Sliding Door Lock". Use it for the dimension drawings (page 3) and the 85 series mortice options with both double-hook sliding bodies (page 4); its specification figures are superseded by the 2025 sheet.
McGrath A231 Product Brochure (PDF)
One-page marketing sheet for the A231 swing and sliding door smart lock - unlock methods, the 31mm slimline body and the Black / Silver, corner lever / hexagonal knob colour options.
One-page marketing sheet for the A231 swing and sliding door smart lock - unlock methods, the 31mm slimline body and the Black / Silver, corner lever / hexagonal knob colour options.
McGrath Euro 85 Series Mortice Lock - Specifications (PDF)
Specifications and dimension drawings for the 85 series swing-door mortice bodies (28, 30, 35, 45, 50, 60 and 70mm backsets) that suit the A210, A231, A236 and NX5. Covers the swing bodies only, not the hook mortices supplied with this listing.
Specifications and dimension drawings for the 85 series swing-door mortice bodies (28, 30, 35, 45, 50, 60 and 70mm backsets) that suit the A210, A231, A236 and NX5. Covers the swing bodies only, not the hook mortices supplied with this listing.
TT Lock App User Manual (PDF)
The 56-page platform manual behind the McGrath Locks App - installation and registration, adding and upgrading a lock, eKeys, the six passcode types, IC card and fingerprint management, Bluetooth unlocking, attendance, lock transfer and gateway set-up. Read alongside Chapter 14 - TTLock Platform Guide and TTLock tips and tricks.
The 56-page platform manual behind the McGrath Locks App - installation and registration, adding and upgrading a lock, eKeys, the six passcode types, IC card and fingerprint management, Bluetooth unlocking, attendance, lock transfer and gateway set-up. Read alongside Chapter 14 - TTLock Platform Guide and TTLock tips and tricks.
McGrath Locks Warranty
Warranty Summary
How to Make a Claim
For full returns and warranty claim procedures, visit our Returns & Warranty page - this is kept up to date and is the authoritative reference for current claim steps.
- Contact Terry's Tradies Pty Ltd and its associated websites, trading names, and subsidiaries (the place of purchase) within the applicable warranty period.
- Supply your proof of original purchase - a receipt or tax invoice is required.
- Provide a clear description of the fault and your contact details.
- You may be asked to return the product for assessment before a remedy is determined.
- McGrath Locks will, at their discretion, repair the product, replace it with the same or an equivalent model, or provide a refund of the purchase price.
Exclusions
This warranty does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Products that have been disassembled
- Damage caused by improper handling, incorrect installation, misuse, abuse, neglect, modification, or accident
- Installation by unlicensed persons (including non-licensed locksmiths or technicians)
- Products not used in accordance with the supplied instructions
- Cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality
- Labour or installation costs related to the removal or reinstallation of products
- Exposure to conditions outside normal environmental use
- Work completed before warranty approval
- Damage caused by battery leakage, battery failure, or force majeure
Australian Consumer Law
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This warranty is provided in addition to your rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This warranty is provided in addition to your rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
Confused? Overwhelmed? We get it.
Choosing the right smart lock can be genuinely tricky - door types, backsets, app platforms, compatibility with your existing hardware... there is a lot to consider. We have decades of experience fitting locks of all types, including smart locks, and we are happy to help.
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