Smart Digital Door Lock
A smart digital door lock lets you control who enters your home, even when you are away. It also makes it easy to share temporary access with guests, cleaners or dog walkers.
While some smart locks are designed to show off their tech with light-up touchscreens and gadget-minded designs, others try to blend in, like Level Home’s Level Bolt retrofit that replaces your existing deadbolt but otherwise looks the same.
Enhanced Security
If you’re worried about your home security, a smart lock is a great investment. The best options are able to connect with your Wi-Fi network and allow you to monitor and control them remotely. Some of them also work with other devices like smart lights and home security systems.
You won’t have to worry about hiding spare keys, as many smart locks smart digital door lock let you assign a variety of access codes to family members, neighbors, housekeepers and repair people. You can create and revoke them with a few swipes in the app, and set access limitations based on days of the week or specific hours. Some models can also receive mobile alerts when the door is unlocked or tampered with.
The smart lock can also connect with your home security camera to keep an eye on the front door and thwart attempts at burglary, trespassing or vandalism. Some even have built-in motion detection and can sound an alarm if someone tries to break in or force open the lock. Look for a model with ANSI grade rating, which gives you an idea of its strength and durability against forced entry attempts.
For added security, choose a smart lock that lets you set a pin code to unlock it. To make it harder for intruders to guess your code, combine meaningful numbers or letters in a random order and mix up the letters and numbers.
Convenience
A smart lock gives you the convenience of unlocking your door with a phone app, and you can control multiple locks at once if you have them linked up. They also make it easier to grant access to service providers, house guests and babysitters who you don’t know as well. You can set a temporary password that runs alongside your regular key code to allow entry for new guests.
Many models work with HomeKit or Google Assistant, letting you lock and unlock your door remotely. They also feature a backup keyhole to prevent you from locking yourself out in case of a power outage or Wi-Fi loss. The Array by Hampton Connected Lock is one example, with solar-powered battery backup and an integrated smart doorbell camera. Another option is the Schlage Encode Plus. It uses Z-Wave rather than your home Wi-Fi to communicate, which reduces the potential for interference and bandwidth congestion in a fully automated home.
For those who want to control a range of smart devices with just one app, look for models that work with Eufy’s Smart Hub. These integrate with cameras, smart lights and even a floodlight to let you operate them all from your smartphone. It’s the most convenient solution if you’re interested in building an integrated smart home, and it’s smart digital door lock especially handy for people with iPhone owners who can use Apple Watch and Siri to operate their smart locks.
Flexibility
A smart digital door lock can provide a wide range of keyless entry options. The most popular option is proximity unlocking using your smartphone’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to detect your presence and open the lock. You can also use a key fob that communicates with the lock to allow access without a smartphone or by entering a custom code. Some models offer other keyless entry methods like touch or fingerprint recognition and voice command recognition through a smart speaker or your phone’s assistant.
Another great feature offered by some smart locks is the ability to view entries and exits in real time. This allows you to monitor who is coming and going from your home and is especially useful if you have young children. You can also set up automations that trigger when you say certain phrases to the assistant, such as “goodnight” to close the door and turn off lights.
A key thing to note when selecting a smart lock is how it’s compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem. For example, the Eufy Smart Lock integrates with HomeKit, Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant so you can control it with your voice or via your smart speaker. Its smart technology is based on the Z-Wave platform and connects to a hub, rather than your home Wi-Fi, which can be more secure than some of its competitors.
Maintenance
Like all tech devices, smart digital door locks have their own set of potential issues. For instance, if the batteries die or the app is compromised, the lock could become inoperable until power or WiFi is restored. Some models also feature a physical key cylinder for backup access and other security features, such as a tamper alarm that can be activated by the user with a remote command.
Smart locks can also work in tandem with other smart home devices to offer more convenience and security. For example, a device like the Schlage Control mobile enabled smart lock can connect with your building’s Proptech or PAS provider to allow residents to gain entry using their smartphone, a digital credential, or both. This allows properties to provide convenient security for residents and intelligent efficiency for property management.
Despite the many benefits that smart locks can bring, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. Determine your budget and look for a model that fits your door and offers the features you want, such as voice activation and facial recognition. It’s also a good idea to research the manufacturer and read reviews from other users to see how well it has performed for them. A smart lock is an investment, so it’s best to choose a durable model that will be a long-term solution for your multifamily property.
