How to Choose a Bluetooth Door Lock

The best smart locks are easy to install, convenient to use and work well with other smart home devices. A few key details — like whether you want to retain a traditional key and how you want to connect to your smart lock — should inform the model you choose.

Security

Like Wi-Fi locks, Bluetooth smart locks can be opened with a phone or other device that is paired to the lock. Many also feature a keypad for those who don’t have a smartphone or aren’t comfortable sharing their phone number with a stranger. Some locks have geofencing capabilities that lock or unlock your door based on your location. These features make it easier to keep track of who is coming and going from your home.

You’ll be able to view entry and exit logs in real-time and see who’s coming and going. You can also give specific e-keys to guests and contractors, making it easy to manage who can enter your home. This can be helpful if you work from home and need to give workers or babysitters access while you’re not there.

Another benefit of a Bluetooth smart lock is that it doesn’t need an internet connection to function, which makes it less vulnerable to hacking or disconnections from the WiFi network. However, some Bluetooth-only models only connect to the mobile app when they’re within Bluetooth range of a paired smartphone, which limits the types of devices that can operate the lock.

You can choose from a variety of Bluetooth smart locks, including Schlage Sense, Kwikset Kevo and August Smart Lock. Newer models also work with Apple HomeKit and allow you to use Siri voice commands to control your lock. Many Bluetooth locks require a master passcode to unlock, which helps protect against unauthorized users.

Convenience

In addition to providing remote locking and unlocking, Bluetooth locks are battery powered. This means that they won’t fail during power outages like Wi-Fi enabled ones.

These devices also allow you to create digital keys for pet-sitters, tutors, caretakers, and others who may need access to your home at set times during the day or week. You can then share these digital keys with them via the lock’s app, so they can come and go as needed without you having to be home.

Many Bluetooth smart locks work with a number of third-party home assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. They also integrate with smart-home hubs such as SmartThings and Wink. In addition, some are compatible with smart bluetooth door lock security systems that can detect if someone is trying to break in and notify the home owner and law enforcement.

However, one drawback of a Bluetooth lock is that you need to be within range of your smartphone to use it. Some manufacturers have worked around this limitation by offering an add-on Wi-Fi device that connects to your router and can extend your lock’s control. However, this does add to the cost of the device and makes it more likely that your lock will be vulnerable to hackers if you aren’t careful with your home WiFi password.

Apps

Whether you want your smart lock to talk with your smart home system or to communicate over Bluetooth, there are plenty of options to choose from. Look for a device that uses strong encryption to keep your data safe, and make sure it offers features like two-factor authentication and secure passwords in the app.

Some Bluetooth devices can connect over Wi-Fi, too, though this is less common with smart locks than other types of smart technology. This can provide extra security and a faster response, as well as a more comprehensive list of activity logs. This is especially important for businesses that need to monitor and decide who has access and when.

Many smart locks work with Alexa and Google Assistant, and a growing number of them also use Apple HomeKit. This can help you tie them into your other smart home devices, so that you can unlock your door using voice command, for example, or automatically lock when you leave.

Smart locks also let you create a number of temporary access codes for visitors, such as your dog walker or cleaning service. Most can also conduct geofencing to ensure they’re only active in the area you want them to be. This can be useful for Airbnb properties and other rental homes where guests may need to enter at different times during the day.

Installation

A bluetooth lock is a great option for people who want to replace their traditional locks with smart ones. These are perfect for homes and businesses because they are easy to install, can be paired with your home or business security system, and help to keep everyone inside safe. They also allow you to make temporary digital keys for others, such as tutors and babysitters.

This technology can detect whether a paired smartphone or key fob is nearby and then activate the lock to let in that person. This type of lock can even be paired with the best home security systems to ensure that anyone who tries to tamper with the door is immediately alerted by the system.

With bluetooth, you don’t need to worry about your deadbolt running out of power – the batteries in the lock will last for a year or more. However, if you walk bluetooth door lock too far away from the lock or your phone, the connection will break.

One downside to Bluetooth is that it can drain the battery on your phone. This is why it is important to stock up on replacement batteries and have a backup plan if something goes wrong with your lock or your mobile device. Another downside is that you can’t control your lock remotely, so it will be more difficult to use when you are away from your home. However, some models come with WiFi built in and can be controlled from any location with an internet connection.