Add a Digital Door Lock to Your Home Security

Smart locks are a great way to let workers or houseguests in without having to give them physical keys. They can also be a godsend for parents who get that sinking feeling of not knowing whether their kids made it home safely from school.

Digital keys can take the form of a paired smartphone or a key fob that communicates with the lock via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The lock will then unlock when the signal is received.

Keyless entry

Smart locks work by connecting to your Wi-Fi, which allows you to monitor and operate them remotely. The best ones will also work with other smart home gadgets, such as Alexa and Google Assistant. This feature makes them easier to use, and can be particularly useful if you have a lot of visitors.

Some smart lock models also offer keypad entry, which can be helpful for guests or delivery drivers. Others have built-in touch sensitivity or fingerprint scanning to allow you to open the door with just a swipe. The Schlage Connect is a good example of a high-quality smart lock that offers these features. It also has an alarm system that can be activated if someone tries to tamper with it or break in.

While many smart locks come with a mobile app, some are designed to pair directly with your smartphone. This can be convenient if you want to avoid the cost of a smart hub. However, the connection process can be a little tricky, and some users report issues with the app’s user interface.

Another option is to choose a smart lock that works with a smart hub, which can connect to your home Wi-Fi and allow you to unlock it using an app or voice commands. These devices are more expensive than those that work on Bluetooth or Z-Wave networks.

Remote access

Most smart locks use wireless technologies like Zigbee, Z-Wave and Bluetooth to communicate with the owner’s smartphone or other devices. Some models have a built-in hub, while others work with other home security or automation systems such as Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Echo and Apple HomePod mini. Some smart locks even support voice control through Siri and Alexa.

These features allow owners to lock and unlock their doors remotely, without the need for a physical key. Some models also let owners set temporary passwords to give visitors access, which run alongside the owner’s primary password. This is ideal if you’re using your property as a short-term rental or need to let in contractors, guests or housekeepers.

The Yale Assure lock is a quality smart replacement smart digital door lock lock that eliminates the need for keys and lets you manage entry and exit through its app. This is a good option for those who need to let people in regularly such as friends, caregivers or family members for elderly parents. You can also set timed access for guests, such as Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 2pm.

This smart lock is easy to install and connects to your Wi-Fi network without the need for a bridge or hub, and it supports a range of different door types. It has a modular design, so you can add the features that suit your needs.

Security

A smart door lock is a great way to protect your home. It allows you to see who comes and goes without having to open the door. It can also be used to tell a delivery driver where to leave your package. It can be integrated with a smart doorbell camera to allow you to speak to a visitor before they arrive, and it can even work with home automation systems like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Most smart locks come with a remote unlocking feature that lets you lock or unlock your door from a smartphone or web browser. Some have a keypad that you can enter a code to use, while others have voice or touch recognition. Some have a back-lit keypad for easy use in the dark.

You can also customize your security with the programmable features of many smart locks. For example, you can create custom access codes for cleaning services, dog walkers, repairmen, and individual family members. You can also set up mobile alerts to notify you when someone tries to break in or tamper with the lock.

Some of our picks are retrofit smart locks that replace only the interior portion of your existing deadbolt, while others are WiFi-capable and connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi or a hub. They can then be controlled via a smartphone smart digital door lock app or connected to your home’s smart assistant. You can also automate them into smart-home routines, such as a “goodnight” command that locks your door and turns off the lights.

Installation

Smart locks are an easy way to add a digital touch to your home security. They can fit over existing lock hardware with the help of a few screws, and most have built-in features like door sensor alerts. Some also work with your smart home systems to further increase your home security.

There are many different types of smart locks in Australia, each with its own unique features and price range. Some are designed to recognize a user and open automatically when they are within proximity, and others have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you view real-time entry and exit logs. Some are even able to work with doorbell cameras to let you see who is outside before opening the door.

The first step in installing a smart lock is to remove the existing deadbolt and install the new one. This can be a DIY job, but it may require some tools or a professional installer. The next step is to connect the lock to your smartphone. Most smart locks have app-based instructions and helpful videos to make the process easier. For example, the SECURAM Touch lock has a ribbon cable that must be fed under the deadbolt and secured to the jamb with a strip of painter’s tape (available at most hardware stores). Gaffers tape or masking tape may also work for this task.