Bluetooth Door Lock
Bluetooth is a popular smart lock technology for its simplicity and range. These locks typically connect directly to your smartphone and don’t require a hub device to act as a translator.
This makes them less expensive than Wi-Fi-enabled designs. They’re also more reliable because they’ll function even if your home’s power or internet goes down.
Convenience
Bluetooth smart locks are a great option for people who want to upgrade their existing home without spending a fortune. These products are able to work with your smartphone, key fob, or smart watch to give you personalised access. They can also help you keep track of who comes and goes in your property. Many models also allow you to share e-keys with trusted visitors.
Some of the best bluetooth door locks come with a built-in alarm system that will sound when someone tries to tamper with the lock or open it manually. They are also easy to install. Many of them are able to fit over an existing deadbolt with minimal fuss. These features make them a good choice for people who are new to the smart home market.
Another benefit of Bluetooth devices is that they are less likely to be hacked than Wi-Fi connected ones. This is because they don’t need to connect to your home network and use power-hungry Wi-Fi to operate.
Most of the best bluetooth smart locks are designed to be compatible with home automation systems and smart hubs. They also offer a fail-safe mechanism that allows you to unlock the device even when you are not within a certain range of it. This is a great feature for anyone who has pet riders or caretakers who may need to gain access to their properties at specific times of the day.
Security
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose smart locks is for security. The best Bluetooth-only models, like the Kwikset Kevo and Schlage Sense, have a built-in alarm system that will sound if someone attempts to open the door using a digital key. These digital keys can take several forms, from a smartphone that’s paired with the lock to a key fob that will trigger the deadbolt to open when it’s within range. These products also work bluetooth door lock with Siri, letting you unlock your door with voice commands. (Newer Schlage and August locks work with Apple’s HomeKit, too.)
Unlike Wi-Fi models, Bluetooth-only locks don’t need an internet connection to operate, but they may not be as secure if your phone loses its connection with the lock or you lose it altogether. Most Bluetooth smart locks allow you to create temporary virtual keys for people who come and go, such as contractors or pet sitters, that will only work at certain times.
If you want more advanced features, such as adding passcodes or remotely locking your door from afar, you’ll need to opt for a Wi-Fi lock or a Bluetooth lock that uses an adapter or a smart hub. For example, the Nest x Yale lock uses Thread, which relies on an alternative Wi-Fi network and a separate app, while the Z-Wave and Zigbee models require a SmartThings hub to communicate with a mobile app.
Installation
Bluetooth smart locks require a passcode to operate and can be controlled from a smartphone that’s within range. They’re often less expensive than Wi-Fi locks and are compatible with more doors. These types of locks are popular among homeowners and can be used as a replacement for traditional lock hardware. They’re also ideal for businesses and multi-family buildings that need to grant access to renters and workers alike.
Most Bluetooth smart locks offer backup keys that can be used to unlock the bluetooth door lock door in the event of a power or WiFi outage. Some of these locks are battery powered, making them more reliable than some models that connect to a homeowner’s WiFi network.
During the installation process, it’s important to check that your door is the right size for the smart lock you have chosen. If it isn’t, the hardware may not fit properly or could break over time.
During the initial setup, you’ll likely be prompted to walk through several steps that include downloading an app, setting up an email address and sending a verification code, and logging into your home’s wireless network. Then, you’ll need to calibrate the lock by locking and unlocking it a few times before connecting it to your phone. Many smart locks will also need to update their software as well.
Maintenance
As with many electronic devices, sometimes a reboot is all a smart lock needs to get back up and running. This can often be accomplished by removing and reinserting the battery, or re-setting the device’s hardware to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another common issue that can occur is that the Bluetooth connection between a customer’s mobile device and the lock is lost. In this case, the customer will need to turn off Bluetooth for a short period of time and then restart it in order to reconnect with the device.
It’s also important to note that most smart locks still have a slot for a standard key in the event that there is a power outage or if the batteries drain completely and stop working. The good news is that most locks will alert the homeowner when they are beginning to reach the end of their life, allowing them plenty of time to replace the batteries.
One of the best smart locks for homeowners is the Eufy Home Camera and Smart Lock, which is especially recommended if you are already in the Eufy ecosystem, as it allows you to easily jump between cameras, a lock, and even a floodlight within the same app. Installation is relatively easy, requiring only a single screwdriver, and the app makes it easy to manage all of the functionality from anywhere in the world.
