What to Look For in a Smart Digital Door Lock

If you’re prone to misplacing your keys or you just want to take home security to the next level, a smart digital door lock could be the answer. These locks can be controlled with a smartphone app and support features such as geofencing, voice activation and a battery residual indicator.

Security

One of the most important features we look for in smart locks is connectivity, which determines whether a lock can be remotely controlled. Bluetooth-only models can only be locked and unlocked when you and your phone are in close proximity to the lock, but WiFi-enabled smart locks offer much more freedom. This includes the ability to set schedules for code access, allowing you to give houseguests or cleaners a temporary code for specific time periods and track when your family members get home from school or work.

Another key feature is whether a smart lock can integrate with other smart devices, such as voice assistants and home automation systems. This allows you to lock your door with your voice, or even control a floodlight or smart speaker when you aren’t at home. We look for these capabilities in all of our picks, with special emphasis placed on those that can seamlessly integrate with the smart home ecosystems we use in our hands-on testing.

Eufy’s Touch smart lock is a great example, integrating with the company’s wide range of cameras and smart home gadgets. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it a natural choice for those building a fully integrated smart home. It also stands out for its clean interface and lack of subscription fees, making it a strong value.

Convenience

Most smart locks allow you to set up multiple user access codes so you can let in cleaners or dog walkers smart digital door lock or even friends and family without worrying about making duplicate keys. You can also change those codes at any time using the accompanying app. For the best convenience, look for a model that works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can lock your door by voice command, as well as one that can integrate with other smart home devices like cameras and smart lights.

Other features to consider include motion sensors that record video on a microSD card, especially useful if you have kids coming home from school or relatives arriving for a visit. You can also program your smart digital lock to unlock automatically when you arrive in proximity to the house, which is handy if you’re carrying a load of groceries or just don’t feel like fumbling with your phone or keys.

We also look at whether the smart lock can be connected to your Wi-Fi, which lets you remotely control and monitor it. This is important if you want to make it part of your home automation setup, and it’s a requirement for some models that offer remote access, such as the August WiFi Smart Lock and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. We especially like the way the U-Bolt Pro folds down its front face to reveal a standard keyhole backup, an excellent feature for those who don’t like the idea of having to touch a fingerprint sensor in bad weather.

Installation

A smart door lock adds an extra layer of security and convenience to your home. These locks are easy to install and provide you with more options than your standard lock. They allow you to control your entry and monitor who enters. They can also be integrated into a home security system and trigger other smart devices, like lights or a doorbell camera.

Some smart locks use radios to connect with your home network, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth, while others require a hub or bridge to work, such smart digital door lock as an Amazon Echo, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit. Look for models with encryption to keep the transmissions secure.

If you’re installing a new lock in an existing door, start by removing the interior thumb turn piece and unscrewing the two screws attaching the key assembly to the front assembly. Next, remove the bolt assembly by locating it on the side of your door and unscrewing it from the hole.

Now, align the interior face of your smart lock with the bore hole and screw it in place. If your lock comes with a cable cord, feed it through the bore hole and connect it to the interior face. Now, you’re ready to open your lock with your phone or keypad!

Maintenance

Smart digital door locks are high-quality devices that provide great security for your home and office. They can be accessed with an access code, making it impossible for unauthorized people to get inside your home. However, like all electronic devices, they need to be taken care of and maintained in order to work efficiently for a long time.

There are a few common issues that smart lock users may encounter. One of them is a faulty deadbolt. Luckily, there are several ways to fix this issue without calling a professional locksmith.

First, you should check if there is a physical obstruction in the lock. If there is, remove it. You can also try replacing the batteries in the lock. This will reset the device and may fix it. If this doesn’t work, contact a security company for help.

It is a good idea to change the lock codes on a regular basis. You can do this when you change roommates or if you want to give temporary access to your house for a pet sitter or cleaning service.

Adding lubricating oil to the mechanical keyhole can also make it easier for you to open your smart lock. However, you should avoid doing this indiscriminately because it can clog the lock and make it more prone to failure.