Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating your old house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you’re worried about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their classic counterparts? The simple answer is yes. But before installing one with your Wichita Falls smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Wichita Falls home

The main issue with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall to the wrong person. On top of that, older locks are simpler to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key altogether. The models that provide a backup keyed system typically use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

While they’re typically safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to update them often and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give someone one-time access, you can set a code and then eliminate it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by frequently updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can lead to issues. As a general rule, essential local features like the keypad still work if your WiFi is down, but you could lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still work during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during a blackout as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system uses.

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 make a rule to switch the lights on whenever the door is unlocked, or configure a full-fledged scene with many automations. For instance, you can secure your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even adjust your thermostat simultaneously when you call it a day. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are totally accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also create as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Wichita Falls home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and designing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment at the same time? You can do it with Vivint. Call (940) 209-1266 to explore our systems and get help designing your own Wichita Falls smart home.