What is a Smart Lock for Doors?
A smart lock utilizes a keypad, an app on your smartphone, a fingerprint or a combination of these options to unlock an exterior door. If the smart home lock is compatible with an app, you can remote lock and unlock your door and get notifications anytime it’s opened. With a keyless door lock you never have to worry about getting locked out.
You might benefit from a smart lock if:
- You have teenagers who get home before you do.
- You have guests staying over. A keyless entry door lock lets them come and go as they please.
- You have anyone that frequents your home, like housekeepers, dog walkers or someone watching your house while you’re on vacation.
Smart locks for doors require power, so batteries need replacing regularly. If your keyless door lock is Wi-Fi enabled, it may be affected by power outages.
Installing a Smart Lock
- Remove all the screws holding on the existing deadbolt, doorknob and strike plate.
- Set the new deadbolt in place and make sure it’s centered in the existing hole in the door. There will be words on the deadbolt indicating which side should face up.
- Install the new strike plate. If the new strike plate is larger than the existing hole, trace the strike plate and use a chisel to carve out more of the door frame.
- Add the outside panel and feed any wires through to the interior side of the door. Secure with panel using the included backplate and hardware.
- Connect the wires from the outside panel to the inside panel. Secure the interior knob to the door with the included hardware. Tuck any extra wires into the interior housing panel.
- Install the batteries, then attach the cover.
- Enter the default code that came with your smart lock to test the deadbolt. The deadbolt should operate freely. If it gets stuck, you may need to remove more material from the door with the chisel. Test again and make adjustments as needed.
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to set the code or program fingerprints. For Schlage keypad smart locks, enter the default passcode that came with the lock then you can set up your own. Download the Schlage app on your smartphone to lock and unlock your door remotely and add more passcodes. Fingerprint door locks connect to your homes WiFi and can be unlocked via the app, your preset fingerprint, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or a key.
- Test the smart lock while someone else is in the house so you can make sure the code or fingerprint works properly.
Types of Smart Locks
Choose between smart locks that use a fingerprint, a unique passcode or nearby smartphone to lock the door. There are benefits to each type, providing added flexibility when it comes to the security of your home. Learn about different types to find the best smart lock for your home.
Fingerprint Door Locks
Lock and unlock your front door by pressing your finger on a digital keypad instead of fumbling with your keys. A fingerprint door lock is especially helpful if you have an armful of grocery bags or a baby on your hip. Program multiple fingerprints to decide who has access to your home and for how long.
Key Pad Door Locks
With a keypad electronic door lock, change the designated code anytime and give out multiple, personalized codes. While non-Wi-Fi code door locks provide peace of mind by never going offline if your internet is out, an accompanying app means the security options are practically endless.
Only want someone to have access for the weekend? Want them to unlock the door during a set, recurring timeframe? It’s all possible with a digital door lock and saves you from giving out keys to your home.
Need help deciding which one is the best smart lock for your home? See our in-depth article on smart locks for more information.
Other Home Security Components
In addition to smart security door locks, take your home security to the next level with outdoor cameras, motion sensor lights and a wireless doorbell. Mix and match components based on your individual needs to ensure your home is always protected.
