Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old locks they’re replacing? The quick reply is yes. But before adding one to your Detroit smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

Why smart locks are the right option for your Detroit home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often misplaced and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they end up with the wrong person. Besides, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The ones that have a backup keyed lock frequently use a different style of cylinder, making them resistant to established break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Even though they’re generally safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them regularly and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give somebody one-time-only access, you can create a code and then eliminate it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords regularly. Incorporate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can create issues. As a general rule, essential local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you might lose app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during an outage as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can make a rule to switch the lights on when the door is opened, or create a complete scene with many automations. To illustrate, you can arm your system, turn lights off, secure your door, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also create as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Detroit smart home

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and establish custom actions that engage your smart locks and other devices at the same time? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (313) 766-2527 to explore our systems and get help designing your own Detroit smart home.