Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of eliminating house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old-school locks they’re replacing? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Prescott smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Prescott home

The main issue with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they fall into the wrong hands. On top of that, older door locks are easier to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key completely. The options that offer 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?

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

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to update them often and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody one-time access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by regularly updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can lead to problems. As a general rule, essential local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you might lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

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

Why select Vivint smart locks for your Prescott home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can turn the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or configure a full-fledged scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can secure your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even change your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home equipment is totally 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 track smart lock codes. You can also create as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Prescott smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that activate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (928) 267-6739 to explore our systems and get help designing your own Prescott smart home.