@Wayne-TP Will send DM.

  @Wayne-TP 

Wayne, say what you want, but I and others are getting similar results as seen here and on reddit. Your original batteries didn't last and neither did 2 full sets of batteries that I've used for years and have a generally good feel for quality. 

I live in California. I do not live in a cold weather zone. You can report back to support if you like. While I'm frustrated with your marketing copy not really matching reality, I have a solution. It is a solution that probably costs $8-10 more than I expected it to, but it's a solution nonetheless. So I see no need to invest more time. You should really just advise folks to utilize lithium batteries. They won't be satisfied with alkaline batteries. 

Ftr, the lock still reports 100 % so lithium batteries take it from -3.5% per day drain to some fraction. 

  @Astranger 

Hello All,

I used Lithium batteries and the battery percentage read 100% for 4 weeks. Then the lock was suddenly just dead. The lock ate a $15 set of batteries in barely a month. Same as the cheapo alkaline batteries I had been using.

@Wayne-TP : I have emailed the support team, but please escalate my concerns. I have been super patient with you all. Your marketing materials state 7-10 months on standard batteries. I upgraded based on support's advice and spent $15 on new batteries and expected I would get more than 4 weeks. I only got 4 weeks. If it were possible to return the lock, I would, but I've been overly patient and any return window is closed. 

Please don't reply to this with all the ways in which batteries can drain themselves. It's not cold here (40F-70F in the last month), I used expensive energizer lithium batteries, and I've just been let down again. 

You should also fix the battery percentage bug. That had me believing that my batteries were holding up spectacularly when they were not.

@Wayne-TP 

The support team has authorized an RMA, but strangely is asking for me to pay for an RMA. If your device is defective, why am I paying anything to replace it? Is there anybody that I can address my concerns to? 

If Tapo/TP-Link are going to be building devices that form the backbone of people's security-video, audio, security locks, etc.-then Tapo needs to get serious about providing first-level support. This is bottom-tier support policy, making your customers pay for RMAs. 

Remember, support has determined that my unit is defective, and needs to be replaced. I didn't just ask for a replacement device. My security is at risk and I need my smart lock replaced. 

I'm going to ask again if this can be escalated to someone for review. 

Thanks.