Are smart locks’ price the only drawback? How can smart locks be unlocked? Everything about additional benefits – remote monitoring and unlocking via an app, notifications, electronic peephole, etc. What should I do if the smart lock’s battery dies?
Installing a smart lock on your door brings many advantages. Of course, there are some drawbacks, the most significant being the price. Smart locks are not yet widespread, and most installed ones are found in commercial buildings.
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If you’ve considered equipping your house or apartment door with a smart lock, here are the specific benefits. Everyone knows that with a smart lock, you no longer need a key to unlock the door. This can greatly simplify and ease the fast-paced daily lifestyle.
Available Ways to Unlock Smart Locks
The methods and possibilities for unlocking smart locks offer many conveniences. One practical option is unlocking using a mobile phone. Of course, there’s always the question – what if my phone’s battery is dead, which is a common issue with modern smart devices.
Before buying a smart lock, research the possible ways to unlock it. If your phone is dead, you can unlock the lock by entering a code. Some locks scan your fingerprint or recognize the owner’s face.
There are several options. Some might always use fingerprint scanning or face recognition, and if someone else needs access, you can simply send them a code to enter. This code can always be changed later, so the property remains secure even if someone else used the code. Because of these conveniences, smart locks are popular for short-term rentals. This means there’s no need to meet the renter for key handover.
Additional Benefits of Smart Locks
Another benefit of smart locks is the ability to connect with a mobile phone app. This way, you can check if the door is locked or unlocked, eliminating the old dilemma – did I lock the house? Additionally, the app allows remote door unlocking, which can be practical in many situations.
Some smart locks have an integrated camera that records the area in front of the door. This way, even if you’re not home, you can receive a notification that someone is at the door and see who it is.
Besides these benefits, smart locks offer more advantages. For example, smart locks are most popular in commercial buildings due to some of their features. The app allows tracking and recording who enters and exits, which can be very useful for security purposes.
Can a Smart Lock Be Installed on Any Door?
In 99% of cases, the answer is yes. You don’t need to replace the entire door; there are smart locks designed to fit instead of a classic mechanical cylinder. There are also models adapted for doors already suited for this function.
A smart lock is an electronic device like any other, which often raises doubts about its reliability. A classic mechanical cylinder and key may be a more reliable solution at the moment, but without all the advantages mentioned so far.
What to Do if the Smart Lock’s Battery Dies?
Smart locks are powered by batteries that need replacing every six to twelve months. A logical question arises – how will I enter the house if the smart lock’s battery dies?
There are several ways to overcome this problem. Some smart lock models, in addition to the electronic system, are equipped with a classic cylinder and key, allowing traditional unlocking. Of course, if that key is inside the house, it won’t be of much use, so it’s a good idea to leave a spare key with someone you trust after installing a smart lock.
One option is the possibility of unlocking using an alternative power source. Some smart lock models have plus and minus contacts on the external casing where you can place a nine-volt battery. This way, the lock gets enough power to enter the code and unlock the door.
Some models even allow unlocking by connecting to the app via phone when entering the code isn’t possible due to a dead battery. It’s a precautionary measure – the battery isn’t completely dead, but the system warns you that it’s time for a replacement.
All modern smart locks have an indicator that warns you in time to replace the battery. In other words, it’s essential to ensure you’re not in a situation where you can’t enter the house due to a smart lock. It’s much more likely that you’ll lose the standard key.
Foto: Kwikset