Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of ditching house keys and moving to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the old locks they’re replacing? The simple response is yes. But before installing one with your Lima smart home, there are a few things you should think about.

Why smart locks are the best option for your Lima home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they get into the wrong hands. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The ones that offer a backup keyed system typically use a different style of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

Although typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also smart to change them periodically and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give somebody single-time access, you can create a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Offset the risk by regularly updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can create issues. However, essential local features like a PIN code still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you might lose access to the smartphone app. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when your power goes out as it runs on battery power, not your home electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, according to what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or establish a complete scene with many automations. To illustrate, you might lock your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even lower your thermostat simultaneously when you head to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are fully accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Lima smart home

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other devices at the same time? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (419) 614-6227 to learn more about our systems and let us help you design your own Lima smart home.