What to Look For in a Smart Digital Door Lock
A smart digital door lock is an excellent way to futureproof your home. It offers several antitheft features, including geofencing and voice activation. It also has a backup code to prevent you from forgetting your password.
Some smart locks can even receive mobile alerts. These can be useful if you want to know who has entered your house or what time they arrived. Other features include a back-lit keypad and a bump guard.
Wi-Fi connectivity
One of the most important features a smart digital door lock should have is Wi-Fi connectivity. This is what allows you to use the app on your smartphone to lock or unlock it. It also gives you the ability to check if your lock is active or not from anywhere in the world.
A smart lock with Wi-Fi is more secure than a traditional lock because it uses encrypted data to communicate with the app on your phone. It also has a built-in alarm system that alerts you to tampering or forced entry. These features are important for home security, especially if you live in an area with high crime rates.
The Schlage Connect is a durable and versatile smart lock that integrates with the rest of your home’s technology. It supports Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. It also has an ANSI Grade 1 security rating and a keypad. However, its installation is complicated because it requires a smart hub. Its mobile app provides step-by-step instructions and helpful videos.
Smart locks are gaining popularity because they can offer more features smart digital door lock than traditional locks. For example, they let you share limited-access digital “keys” for family members, guests, and dog walkers. These keys work alongside your primary password and are easily deleted when you no longer need them. Some locks even come with a camera and smart doorbell that lets you see who is approaching your house.
Bluetooth connectivity
Smart digital door locks use a combination of Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi to give you the ability to control your lock remotely. This means you can lock and unlock your door using a smartphone or tablet as long as the device is within range of your home’s Wi-Fi network. This is especially convenient if you have guests staying at your home. You can share a temporary password with them through the app, and then you can lock your house again as soon as they leave.
Most smart locks offer several ways to access the home, including apps, keypads, and fingerprint sensors. Some also have a geofencing feature that automatically locks your door when you leave the neighborhood. This is particularly useful for people who often forget to lock their doors when leaving the house, or if they want to keep their children from wandering outside while they’re doing chores.
The Eufy smart lock looks like a traditional deadbolt on the outside, and the fingerprint sensor works well in our tests. However, the lock lacks a built-in hub, which is necessary for many smart home devices. It runs off of WiFi, which can be vulnerable to hacking. This makes it a less secure option than some other models. It also doesn’t have a power-saving mode, so it uses up batteries quickly.
Multiple keyless entry options
Whether you want to unlock the door with your fingerprint, enter a code on the lock’s keypad, or use a smartphone app, smart locks offer plenty of entry options. Most also have a traditional keyhole that can be used in case of battery failure or other issues.
Some of the best models allow you to share temporary codes with guests or give access to other household members. This way, you don’t have to worry about making extra copies of keys and can keep track of who is coming and going from your house. Moreover, you can change the access permissions at any time.
In addition to keyless entry, some smart locks have mobile access features that allow you to control and monitor the lock remotely. These features can be a good idea for homeowners who travel often or are concerned about their home’s security.
Lastly, most smart locks feature an alarm system that can detect any tampering or forced entry. If you’re planning to install one of these, make sure the manufacturer’s website has clear installation instructions and helpful videos for the process. In addition, check how the model will work with your existing deadbolt and home automation system. Most smart locks can be integrated with a wide variety of systems, including Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant.
Access control
The best smart door locks allow you to control entry from your mobile device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. Once paired with a compatible app, you can remotely unlock the lock, share temporary digital keys with others, and even view entry logs for an extra level of security. Most models also include a keypad for coded entry or voice commands, so you can unlock your home without your smartphone.
Some of the best smart locks can send limited-access digital “keys” to people who need entry, such as dog walkers or cleaners. These digital keys let them enter your home for a specified timeframe, which you can change anytime from your phone. It’s important to keep in mind that most smart locks use passwords to secure their communications with your smartphone or home network, and a few require you to provide two-factor authentication to gain access.
One of our top picks for a smart lock is the Eufy gBoot, which works well with other devices in the company’s lineup and is easy to operate from a single app. This model also has a physical keyhole backup, and its gyroscope smart digital door lock can alert you if your door is left ajar. Other features include a premium finish, a touchscreen display that’s easier to use in inclement weather, and a rekeyable deadbolt with ANSI Grade 1 security rating.
