What are smart locks and how do they work?
Our homes are becoming smarter, with more and more homeowners embracing the benefits of smart devices, particularly smart home security systems and smart locks.
What are smart locks?
A smart lock is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled smart home device that interacts with other smart devices and allows users to lock and unlock their doors via their smartphone or a specific fob.
With a range of customisation features, smart locks give full control over access to your home, allowing you to lock and unlock the door remotely, or provide access to guests through the use of digital keys. They also make losing your keys a thing of the past!
How do smart locks work?
Smart locks use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect and interact with other smart devices, usually via an app on your smartphone, or sometimes using a dedicated fob. When the fob or phone is detected near the lock, it automatically unlocks. So there’s no need to spend time searching for keys.
Smart locks can be operated in several ways:
- Smartphone
- Fingerprint
- Fob
- Card
- Keycode
- E-Key
With smart locks, you can also set up temporary digital keys to give other people access to your home only at a specified time. They also monitor the status of your door in real time, so you can easily see when it is locked and unlocked.
What are the benefits of Smart Locks?
Smart locks offer a number of benefits over traditional locks, including:
Security
Smart locks offer high security and many feature a tamper alert system so you will instantly know if someone has been trying to gain access to your property without the correct permissions.
Convenience
Smart locks are not only secure, but they are also convenient. There is no need to carry a physical key, meaning there’s no risk of losing it!
Connectivity
Some smart locks can also connect to other smart devices in your home. If, for example, you have a smart heating system, certain locks can be set up to automatically send a message to the heating system when you leave the house, instructing the thermostat to turn itself off until you return.
Limited-time access
With a smart lock, you can grant access to other people for a set period of time. So, if you’re going away, for example, and need someone to feed your pets or check on the house, you can create a digital key that will work until you return home. This is also convenient if you have visitors staying or need to pop out when you’re expecting a guest.
Peace of mind
Smart locks can also monitor the status of your door in real time, sending notifications every time the door is used. This means you can monitor your property even when you’re not there.
Do smart locks need Wi-Fi?
Smart locks are usually Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled, this means they need a Wi-Fi connection to work with your other smart systems. Some systems use both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi smart locks
These usually have more features than those that work purely via Bluetooth. They allow you to unlock the door remotely, for example. However, it’s important to remember that, like any device connected to your Wi-Fi network, they can be at risk of attacks or hacking if not properly protected.
Bluetooth smart locks aren’t connected to the internet, meaning they operate using authentication between the lock and the fob or phone. This means they have limited functionality.
Are smart locks secure?
The safety of your home is your top priority, so it’s only natural to be concerned about the safety of smart locks.
But smart locks are incredibly secure. In fact, they’re typically more secure than a traditional lock. Of course, as with any Wi-Fi connected device, you should always take steps to protect your network, including a strong, complex password.
The majority of smart locks also come with a traditional key lock so it can be used as a standard lock if you lose power or your internet connection drops out, for example.
Which is the best smart lock?
As smart locks become more popular, there are an increasing number available on the market, from leading brands such as Yale, Codelocks, IglooHome,SmartLock, Adios, and many more.
The best smart lock for you will depend on your needs, your property, and your
budget. When choosing a lock, consider the following:
- Will the lock work with your door? Different types of lock are suited to different materials, frames, and types of opening.
- Does it meet industry standards? Not all locks are viewed equally by insurance providers. Look for ones that are compliant with TS 621:2018
- What features do you want? Is it important that you can monitor and control your lock from anywhere? Or do you simply want the convenience of not having a key?
Here at Smart Choice Security, we offer an extensive range of high quality, high performance locks from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers. Our skilled and experienced team can also provide advice and expertise to help you choose the best smart lock for your property. Get in touch to find out more or discuss your needs.