Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the keyed locks they’re replacing? The simple reply is yes. But before installing one with your Cleveland smart home, there are several things you should know.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Cleveland home

The inherent problem with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key completely. The models that provide a backup keyed lock frequently use a different kind of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Even though they’re typically safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them periodically and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody single-time access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by regularly updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: Issues can come up due to a battery failure, software bug, or WiFi disconnection. As a general rule, vital local features like a PIN code still work even if your WiFi is down, but you may lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when power is lost as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment in your smart home. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically any time the door is opened, or create a complete scene with many automations. For instance, you might turn lights off, secure your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Cleveland smart home security

Would you like to unlock or lock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other devices all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Call (216) 616-8604 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Cleveland smart home.