Smart Lock Options + Considerations

Overview

Smart locks (electronic locks with connectivity) are the fastest-growing residential lock category. By 2030, projected 35% of homes will have at least one. Understanding the options + trade-offs is essential.

Categories

Tier 1: Keypad-only

• Numerical keypad; codes instead of keys
• Battery-powered (typically 9V or 4xAA)
• No connectivity
• Best for: customers wanting code access without smart-home integration
• Examples: Schlage BE365, Kwikset 264

Tier 2: Bluetooth-only

• Phone unlocks via Bluetooth proximity
• Battery-powered
• Auto-unlock when phone is nearby (some)
• Best for: smartphone-centric customers
• Examples: August Smart Lock, Yale Assure SL

Tier 3: WiFi-connected

• Connects directly to home WiFi
• Remote unlock from anywhere
• Code activity logs
• Battery life slightly shorter (4-6 months typical)
• Best for: customers wanting remote control
• Examples: Schlage Encode, Yale Assure WiFi, August WiFi

Tier 4: Z-Wave / Zigbee (hub-required)

• Connects through smart home hub
• (plus hub if not present)
• Integrates with full smart home ecosystem
• Best for: customers with established smart home (Smart Things, Hubitat, etc.)
• Examples: Schlage BE469, Kwikset 911, Yale YRD256

Tier 5: Biometric

• Fingerprint, retina scan, or facial recognition
• Battery-powered
• Often combined with keypad + WiFi
• Best for: high-end, tech-forward customers
• Examples: Ultraloq U-Bolt, Lockly Vision

Key features to evaluate

Battery life:

• 6-12 months typical (4xAA batteries)
• Low-battery alerts via app
• Backup: 9V terminals on some (jump-start dead lock from outside) OR mechanical keyway

Mechanical override:

• Most smart locks have hidden keyway (backup if electronics fail)
• Some don't - choose carefully
• Recommend: always have mechanical backup for residential

Auto-lock:

• Locks automatically after set time (30 sec, 1 min, etc.)
• Convenience feature
• Disable if not wanted (some customers prefer manual)

Number of codes:

• 1-30 user codes typical
• Some support unlimited via app
• Temporary codes (for visitors, contractors, Airbnb)

Schedule restrictions:

• Codes can be limited to specific times (e.g., cleaner code only Mon 9-11 AM)
• Premium feature; useful for Airbnb / rentals

Integration:

• Apple HomeKit
• Google Home
• Amazon Alexa
• Samsung SmartThings
• Apple Watch
• IFTTT recipes

Activity log:

• Who unlocked + when
• Photo on entry (some models)
• Useful for tracking maintenance access

Installation considerations

Door compatibility:

• Door thickness: most fit 1-3/8" to 2"; check spec
• Cross-bore: standard 2-1/8"
• Backset: standard 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"
• Existing deadbolt or new install

WiFi requirements:

• 2.4 GHz WiFi (most smart locks don't support 5 GHz)
• Reliable signal at door (mesh network may help)

Power:

• Battery only (typical)
• Hardwired versions (rare, commercial)

Aesthetics:

• Smart locks bulkier than traditional
• Customer should see in person before purchase
• Color options often limited

Common installation issues

WiFi connectivity:

• Door at WiFi edge of coverage
• Recommendation: WiFi extender or mesh node near door
• Or: Bluetooth + phone-app only (less feature, but reliable)

Battery life shorter than spec:

• Cold weather drains faster
• High-volume entry (codes used 20+ times/day) drains faster
• Set realistic expectations: 6-12 months typical, less in cold/heavy use

Lock binding:

• Smart locks more sensitive to alignment
• Misaligned strike causes motor strain + battery drain
• Verify smooth manual operation before electronic operation

App pairing issues:

• Reset + re-pair if needed
• Customer's phone Bluetooth permissions
• WiFi network changes break some installations

Customer education

After install:

• Walk through app setup
• Create one user account for primary customer
• Add family member codes
• Test temporary code feature
• Show low-battery warning
• Explain mechanical backup
• Provide replacement batteries (1 spare set)

Smart lock security concerns

Real risks:

• WiFi hack: if home network is compromised, lock might be remotely accessible
  • Mitigation: change default passwords, keep firmware updated
• Battery dies: lock won't operate electronically
  • Mitigation: low-battery alerts, mechanical key backup
• App vulnerability: rare but possible
  • Mitigation: use reputable brands, keep app updated
• Code sharing: customer shares code, then loses control
  • Mitigation: temporary codes for visitors, change codes periodically

Compared to mechanical:

• Lockpick attack: SAME risk (mechanical bypass exists)
• Bump attack: SAME risk on most smart locks
• Brute force: NEW risk for electronic
• Net: slight increase in some attacks, decrease in others

For most residential, smart lock security is COMPARABLE to good mechanical lock.

When to recommend AGAINST smart locks

• Customer has unreliable WiFi
• Customer is uncomfortable with technology
• Property is remote (signal issues)
• Customer cleans/maintains property infrequently (battery management)
• Property is high-security (commercial; high-security mechanical may be better)

Commercial smart locks

Different category, separate:

• Brand examples: Salto, Allegion ENGAGE, Aperio
• IP-connected, central management
• Audit trail
• Master-key hierarchies
• Cost:+ per door

Different SOPs, different installation; refer to commercial specialist.

Trends + future

• Voice unlock (Alexa, Siri)
• Smart locks tied to delivery services (Amazon Key, Google delivery)
• Multifamily / property management integration
• Insurance company tie-ins (some discounts for connected security)
• Battery improvements (longer life, solar)

References

• Z-Wave Alliance + Zigbee Alliance technical specs
• Bluetooth SIG specs
• Manuall internal: Rekey + Lock Change SOP, Lock Types + Mechanisms Reference