How Smart are Smart Locks?
What is a Smart Lock?
Smart door locks are door locks that allow you to gain access to your home or business without the aid of a physical key and standard lock.
Virtual Keys are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional keys. Virtual Keys are digital access codes that can be sent through a smartphone app or via SMS. This provides more flexibility and convenience, as well as enhanced security.
They are designed to provide enhanced security and convenience over a traditional door lock and key system. Access can range from a keypad lock with a pin code to using your smartphone or a fingerprint reader as a form of authentication.
Multiple Users
The idea of a smart lock isn’t new, but they have become increasingly popular due to improved functionality and security. Smart locks can be used to regulate access to areas more effectively, providing additional layers of control when it comes to who has access by allowing you to set up multiple user profiles with different levels of access privileges.
Connectivity
Smart locks work by using a combination of Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi, and/or Near Field Communication NFC technology to connect to your smartphone or another device. This gives you the ability to lock remotely and unlock to control access to your home or business via an app or your phone.
So How Smart are these Locks?
Here are some of the features that make them smarter than a traditional lock:
- Automatically lock and unlock when you leave or enter the premises.
- You can grant access to specific people or groups of people for predetermined periods of time.
- You can receive alerts when someone enters or leaves your property.
- You can monitor and control who has access to your building, as well as see when they last used their access privileges.
- You can remotely control when your locks are open or closed, so you never have to worry about leaving them unlocked.
- If someone tries to tamper with the lock, most smart locks will alert you immediately via a notification on your phone.
Is a Smart Lock Worth the Money
The more features you have the more expensive they become, so make sure you know what features you require before you purchase one. Do you really need a fingerprint scanner or would a Bluetooth-enabled keypad suffice? That said, Smart locks can provide enhanced security and convenience that may be well worth the expense in the long run.
So how smart are these Smart Locks?
In reality, the level of security and convenience provided by smart locks depends largely on the type of model in use. Low-end models may offer basic features such as entry codes and remote access, while more advanced models can feature biometric scanning, facial recognition, and even proactive alerts when someone is trying to gain unauthorised access.
Best Smart Locks
The best smart lock for one person may not be the best for another. When choosing a smart lock think about what functions you need it to perform and also what lock will fit your front door. Remember to check safety standards. Builders hardware manufacturers association (BHMA) provides certification for locks and can provide helpful information on choosing the best lock.
Can Smart Locks Open the Door Remotely?
Many smart locks enable remote access, allowing users to open and close the door via a smartphone app or another device. Some models also allow you to set up schedules that will automatically unlock and lock the door at certain times of the day, while others can be programmed to recognise multiple user profiles with different levels of access privileges.
Bottom Line
Smart locks offer tremendous potential for enhanced security and convenience. However, how smart your lock depends on the model. Not all smart locks are made equal. Low-end models may only feature basic features such as entry codes, while more advanced models can include a wider range of features.
You can also integrate your smart lock with other smart home devices in your smart home system such as home security cameras, Smart lights and alarms for added security. Ultimately, the level of convenience and security provided by a smart lock will depend on your needs and budget.
What Happens If the Internet Goes Down?
You are probably wondering what happens if the internet is down. Will you still be able to access your property? The answer is yes. Most smart locks are designed to function even if the internet is down, as long as they have battery power. The keypad will still work or you can unlock the door manually using a physical key.
Best Smart Lock Uses
No Missing Keys
Smart locks can be used to provide access for family members or trusted people, eliminating the need for them to carry keys. You can set up multiple user profiles with different levels of privileges so you have greater control over who has access to your property.
Safety
When someone has your key for a short time it is easy for them to have a duplicate cut to enable access at another time. Smart locks offer an extra layer of security, as you can easily delete a user from the system or revoke their access with the click of a button. This ensures that your property remains secure. This is particularly important if you have lodgers or do Airbnb.
Renters and Airbnb
Smart locks offer a great solution for short-term rentals and Airbnb’s. You can grant access to specific people or groups of people, while also receiving notifications when they enter or leave the premises. This eliminates the need for physical key exchange, making it more convenient and secure.
Office Spaces
Smart locks are a great way to control access to your office space. You can set up user profiles with different levels of access privileges so you have greater control over who is allowed in your building. Additionally, you can receive notifications if someone tries to gain unauthorised access and respond quickly.
Elderly Relatives
If you are concerned about who is coming and going at an elderly relative’s house, then remote control of a Smart Door Lock in conjunction with a Smart Door Bell can provide greater peace of mind. If carers call you can receive notifications when someone is at the front door and grant access remotely. You also can allow access if they were to lock themselves out, so you don’t have to worry about your loved one having to carry a key around.
Access for Trades People
If you regularly have tradespeople visiting your property, a smart lock can be an ideal solution. You won’t need to worry about leaving keys under the mat or worrying that they will not return them after the job is done. With a smart lock, you can grant access remotely, as well as monitor when and for how long people stay in your property.
Smart Lock Home Security
Smart locks provide a convenient, secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional locks. With the ability to have multiple user profiles, remote access notifications, auto-lock functions and biometric scanning, facial recognition and proactive alerts, smart locks are becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial properties. They offer an extra layer of security that is simply not possible with traditional locks. Investing in a smart lock could be one of the best decisions you make for your home or office security. Let’s have a look at some of the smart locks on the market.
Yale Keyless Connected Smart Lock
A big name in locks for many years, Yale offers this Keyless Connected Smart Lock which boasts a whole host of features. With this lock, you can use a pin code, key card or your smartphone to unlock the door, making it easy to allow access to anyone you wish. It also has an auto-lock feature which locks the door after 30 seconds.
The August Smart Lock
Pro is a popular choice for many homeowners and is available with Alexa and Google Home integration. It offers all the features you would expect from a Smart Lock and is very easy to install and set up.
The Wyze Lock
This is a great budget option and is designed to be easy to install and set up. It offers basic features such as remote access and Alexa/Google Home compatibility and is a great option for those who want to keep their costs low.
ULTRALOQ UL3 BT 5-in-1 Smart Lock
This is a great choice for those looking for a more secure option. It offers biometric fingerprint scanning, as well as Alexa and Google Home compatibility. It offers enhanced security features such as anti-theft protection and auto-lock.
What to Think About When Choosing a Smart Lock?
When choosing a Smart Lock, there are several things to take into consideration.
Firstly, consider the size of your door and which specific lock will fit it best. Not all smart locks will work with every door, so it’s important to select one that is compatible with your existing hardware.
Think about what features you need from the lock such as remote access, auto-lock functions and biometric scanning. It is also important to ensure that your chosen lock meets safety and security standards.
Alexa and google assistant compatibility is becoming increasingly popular and can be a useful feature to have if you already have a smart home system.
If you have a large property you may want to check the Wifi or Bluetooth range of the lock to ensure it will cover all the areas you want. Some Smart Locks also come with other features like auto-lock, night mode and tamper alarms that can alert you when someone is trying to get in.
Lastly, consider the installation and setup process and whether you want to hire a professional or do it yourself. Many Smart Locks are designed to be easy to install, however for maximum security it is done correctly it is often best to hire a professional.
Can we Help?
Smart locks are becoming more and more popular as people become more security conscious. There are many different types of smart locks, each with its own set of features. No matter which type of smart lock you choose, they all add an extra layer of security to your home. If you’re not sure which type of smart lock is right for you, our team at smarthomesmadesimple.co.uk. We offer a wide range of products and services that will make your home smarter and safer. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you secure your home.
