Are Smart Locks a Smart Purchase? Get the Facts

Smart Convenience, Real Risks

Smart locks have made it easy to unlock your door with a phone, keypad, or even your voice. They offer keyless entry, remote control, and notifications that let you know when someone comes and goes. But with convenience comes a fair question: how secure are they really?

How Smart Locks Work

Most smart locks connect to your home through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. They pair with a smartphone app so you can lock or unlock your door remotely, check history logs, or share digital access with others. Some integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home for even more control.

What separates one model from another is how it handles encryption, app security, and mechanical strength. A quality smart lock combines hardened physical hardware with secure digital protocols.

Physical vs. Digital Security

When it comes to safety, a smart lock must be strong both mechanically and digitally.

Physical security: Look for locks that meet ANSI Grade 1 standards, resist picking and bumping, and include tamper alerts. These features make the lock just as strong as top traditional deadbolts.

Digital security: This is where many homeowners overlook risk. Smart locks rely on encrypted communication between your phone, Wi-Fi network, and the lock itself. Without good encryption or regular firmware updates, hackers could potentially intercept or exploit the connection.

The bottom line: a smart lock is only as secure as both its hardware build and its digital design.

Common Vulnerabilities and Misconceptions

While most modern smart locks are built with strong security, there are still areas where users can go wrong.

• Using weak PINs or default passwords on the lock’s keypad or companion app
• Forgetting to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the lock’s mobile app or online account
• Skipping firmware updates that patch known vulnerabilities
• Buying low-quality, untested brands
• Overlooking the importance of securing your home Wi-Fi network, which is the foundation of every connected smart device. (Learn how in Lock Down Your Home Wi-Fi)

Smart locks are not inherently unsafe. They simply require you to treat them like any connected device: configure them properly and keep them updated.

Smart Lock Examples

1. Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required. ANSI Grade 1 hardware, touchscreen keypad for PIN codes, auto-lock, and tamper alarm. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Available in several trim styles and finishes.

2. TP-Link Tapo DL110 Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
A modern smart deadbolt that offers six ways to unlock: fingerprint recognition, keypad passcodes, app control over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, and a backup key. Features rapid fingerprint recognition (0.42 seconds), one-touch locking, and automatic relocking for convenience and safety. The rechargeable 10,000 mAh battery provides up to one year of use per charge and recharges easily via USB-C. You can manage up to 100 fingerprints, create custom codes for residents, and set one-time or scheduled codes for guests.

3. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock
An advanced 8-in-1 keyless entry lock with fingerprint ID, keypad access, smartphone app control, and mechanical key backup. Connects directly to Wi-Fi (no hub required) and integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. Includes a door sensor for auto-locking, door-left-open alerts, and detailed access logs. Built to ANSI Grade 1 standards with an IP65 weather-resistant exterior, it’s designed for both strength and durability.

Pro Tip: Choose a smart lock that uses AES-256 encryption, supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) for its mobile app or online account, and receives regular firmware updates from the manufacturer.

Safety Tips Before You Buy

To get the most secure setup, keep these points in mind:

• Stick with reputable brands and certified models
• Enable multi-factor authentication in the app
• Use strong, unique admin passwords
• Keep firmware updated regularly
• Maintain a physical backup key
• Avoid connecting through public or unsecured Wi-Fi

A few small steps go a long way toward keeping your smart lock as safe as the door it protects.

Final Thoughts

Smart locks can be a great blend of convenience and security when they’re chosen and used wisely. The better models combine strong physical hardware with encrypted communication and regular software updates, so you get modern access control without giving up real protection.

The key is to treat a smart lock like any other connected device in your home, not as a magic upgrade that takes care of itself. Set it up carefully, keep it updated, and make sure the basics like a solid door, a good deadbolt, and a secure home network are already in place.

When those pieces are in place, a smart lock isn’t a risk, it’s an upgrade. You get easier access for family and guests, better visibility into who comes and goes, and the same level of security you’d expect from a high-quality traditional lock.