Imagine never fumbling for keys again, or the peace of mind of knowing your home is secure even when you're miles away.
Smart door locks are revolutionizing home security, offering convenience and enhanced protection. However, with any new technology, concerns arise. And using a smart door lock has its own set of challenges that must be addressed.
In this article, we will delve into key features and functionality of smart locks for doors, how they work as well as the common concerns associated with smart locks that many of us are worried about.
What are Smart Door Locks?
A smart door lock is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart home device that allows users to leave their house keys behind, locking and unlocking doors with the tap of a finger or a simple voice command.
The adjective "smart" refers to the lock's ability to connect to other technology. Just as your smartphone can connect to the internet, a digital door lock can connect to your home Wi-Fi.
But now you may be thinking why would you want a lock to connect to your Wi-Fi? This connection gives you the ability to activate the lock remotely, as well as check if it is locked or unlocked.
In fact, smart door locks allow you to check on the status of the lock from virtually anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. Imagine you’re boarding an airplane and the thought crosses your mind, “Did I lock the front door?” In such a situation a remote door lock allows you to check an app on your phone to reassure yourself.
And if you forgot to lock your door, you can lock it from miles away with just a push of a button. Because of the convenience that comes with these locks, these home door locks are becoming more and more common nowadays. Digital locks are just like one of several devices you can have in your home.
These devices can be controlled and monitored remotely, as well as automated by setting a time for them to activate or by creating an automated program that initiates several of them simultaneously. Let’s understand closely how these locks work.
How do Smart Door Locks Work?
When it comes to the locking mechanism itself, all of the parts of a smart lock are the same as traditional locks it’s just that it is controlled electronically instead of manually when you lock and unlock the door.
But, because the locking mechanism is electronic if your door requires any special encouragement such as pushing on it or pulling the handle in just the right way to properly close and lock, then you will need to do more than just replace the door lock for smart lock installation.
Being an electronic device, it requires a power supply in the form of a battery. Many smart locks operate off of four AA batteries and will notify you when the battery level is low and needs replacement.
Moreover, smart locks generally contain electronic components allowing them to connect to your home internet either via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave. This allows you remote access to the lock via an internet-enabled smart device.
Like other locks, smart locks work with the use of a lock and a key. But in this case, the key is digital rather than physical. The key can be both in the form of a code entered on a keypad and a command sent from a smartphone app that makes use of cryptography.
Key Features and Functionality of Smart Door Locks
Digital door locks for homes go way beyond the capabilities of ordinary locks. Many come with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which increases the ability to use remote features.
Here are some key features and functionality that come with the best smart door lock:
1. Remote Access
With a smart door lock and a connected app, you can handle your home’s security from anywhere. This feature allows you to remotely lock and unlock your door, granting access to family members, friends, or service providers even when you are not at home.
Today, most smart home locks have iOS and Android applications that enable you to control the lock remotely from your mobile phone, monitor comings, and goings, and alert you to any activity.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi for Real-Time Monitoring
The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to view entry and exit logs in real-time, so you always know who has come and left your home, and when. This is one of the important features for parents who want to make sure their kids have arrived home safely from school.
3. Connect Via Bluetooth
Bluetooth connectivity assists your smart door lock in recognizing you by connecting with your smartphone and unlocking your door as you approach.
4. Utilize Multiple Keyless Entry Options
Smart door locks for home come with multiple keyless entry options that could include proximity unlocking with your smartphone, remote unlocking with your smartphone, custom code numbers for anyone who needs to enter your home, voice commands, and touch or fingerprint recognition.
5. Create Permanent or Temporary Entry Codes
Many fingerprint door locks let you set permanent or temporary entry codes for visiting guests, cleaning services, dog walkers, repair services, and every individual member of your family.
6. Set Limitations for Access
These electronic door locks also come with the feature of setting access limitations for every entry code. Access limitations can include days of the week and specific hours to ensure code holders can enter your home only during approved times.
7. Allow Auto-Lock Settings
Auto-locking features of these digital locks let you set your smart lock to lock the door automatically if it's been left unlocked for a specific amount of time.
8. Send Alerts to Your Smartphone
Many smart door locks are designed in such a way that they send you an alert on your smartphone if someone tries to break in or tampers with the smart lock. You can also set your lock to notify the police or a home security service automatically if something unexpected happens.
9. Integrate With Your Connected Smart Home
You can integrate these home door locks with your connected smart home to activate other smart home devices when your door is unlocked. For example, you can set your smart lights to turn on when the door is unlocked.
10. Sync Your Smart Lock With Your Video Doorbell
Sync your Wi-Fi smart door lock with your video doorbell and any indoor cameras for extra security. View or record anyone who accesses your home (or attempts to).
Common Concerns about Smart Door Locks
When it comes to the security of your home and family, it's natural to have some concerns when thinking of switching to a smart key and lock for your home.
Here are some common concerns many of us have about smart locks:
Can a hacker use the smart lock's Wi-Fi connection to access my home?
Unfortunately yes, a hacker could potentially use a smart lock's Wi-Fi connection to access your home, but it's not as easy as you might think. By setting up your Wi-Fi system using best security practices, you can keep your connected smart home devices secure from hackers and electronic tampering.
For example, you can set a password to connect to your Wi-Fi and always use complex passwords. Since your smart door lock and all your connected smart home devices access the internet through the same Wi-Fi setup as your computers, smartphones, tablets, and TV streaming services, a secure Wi-Fi setup is critical.
To prevent your smart lock from being hacked, regularly update the firmware on your smart lock and the app you use to control it. These updates often include security patches. Also, when buying the smart lock for the main door, opt for a lock from a well-known brand with a good reputation for security.
How much do smart locks cost?
The exact cost of smart door locks depends on the brand, model, and features they have, like fingerprint scanners, keypad access, or Wi-Fi connectivity, which will influence the price.
In general, a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. More advanced features would generally cost more.
If my internet connection or electricity goes out, how do I get into my home?
Most reputable digital door locks come with a backup physical key to ensure you can always access your home, no matter the power or internet situation.
One should keep this key in a safe place outside your home, but not somewhere easily accessible (like under a doormat). Consider a lockbox hidden in a discreet location that a trusted neighbor or friend knows the access code for.
Top smart lock manufacturers are aware of these types of lock issues, and many have their own solutions for these situations. At last, when choosing a smart lock for your home, consider it has backup options to ensure you're not stranded outside during a power outage.
Conclusion
Smart door locks have undeniably transformed the way we safeguard our homes by providing ease, flexibility, and refined security features. These devices will grow more intricate and integrated with other smart home technologies as technology advances.
However, one thing is to keep in mind that when you’re finally switching to digital locks, prioritize safety and convenience. Ensure it provides robust security features to protect your home.
Smart door lock installation not only improves home security but also paves the way for a more connected and automated lifestyle. Thus, with smart locks, you can open the door to a smarter and safer future!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a smart lock?
Ans. A smart lock is a device that allows entry into your home without a physical key. Some locks use a keypad with a code, fingerprint scanner, or smartphone App to lock and unlock the lock.
Q. Are smart door locks a good idea?
Ans. Yes, implementing smart door locks is a good idea as these offer convenience and many potential security benefits. Smart locks that feature a keypad are particularly useful, making life more flexible and even safer for a household with kids who are too young to have smartphones.
Q. What are the disadvantages of smart door locks?
Ans. While smart door locks offer many advantages, there are some drawbacks too. These disadvantages include, the lock can be hacked, reliance on power and the internet, and smart locks are more expensive than traditional locks.
Q. Are smart locks hackable?
Ans. While not inherently insecure, smart locks connected to Wi-Fi can be susceptible to hacking if not properly secured. Hackers could exploit weaknesses in your Wi-Fi network, the lock's software, or the app you use to control it.
Q. What happens if a smart lock fails?
Ans. If your smart lock fails, you can still unlock the door as most digital locks come with a manual key backup that allows you to unlock the door with a physical key, even if the battery is dead.
Q. Which smart lock is best in India?
Ans. There isn't a single "best" smart lock in India as it depends on your needs and priorities. However, some of the popular options include Godrej Catus Touch Plus, Yale YDME 50 NxT, QUBO Smart Door Lock Essential, UNIY UY610 Smart Digital Door Lock, and Lavna LA28 Smart Door Lock.
Q. Which is the best smart lock for your home?
Ans. When it comes to protection, QUBO Smart Door Lock Essential from Hero Group are considered the best smart locks for the home. The lock combines the most modern safety technology, immense body strength, and elegant aesthetics.
