Most locks on the market require a key to unlock them, but if you lose your keys or need to give access to someone new, you’ll need to get another set made or call a locksmith to let you in. Keyless locks can be accessed by anyone with the right code, but set up takes some programming and keeping them going can require frequent battery changes.
FAQ
Q. I have a spring-loaded door that closes automatically. Will that be a problem with a smart lock?
A. The only problem you may run into is if you accidentally activate the lock before the door has closed. The lock will then hit the door jam when it closes. There are smart locks that will not lock if the door is open, to prevent this very thing from happening.Your other option would be a lock that doesn’t activate with touch, but uses a code or proximity detection.
Q. What should I do if the battery on my smart lock dies and locks me out?
A. First, you should regularly check the smart lock battery. However, almost all smart locks still allow you to use a mechanical key to open the door. Battery life varies, depending greatly on the kind of communication protocol the smart lock uses. WiFi-enabled locks drain batteries faster, especially if they have lots of extra features like alarms, geofencing, and voice command. Bluetooth-only smart locks can run on the same batteries for a year or more, depending on usage.
Q. What if I lose the physical key that comes with my smart lock?
A. With most smart locks, you can simply call a locksmith. They can usually replace the key mechanism without harming the smart lock.