Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating house keys and moving to a modern smart locking system, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than the keyed locks they replace? The quick answer is yes. But before adding one to your Fort Worth smart home, there are several things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your Fort Worth home

The inherent problem with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often misplaced and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they end up in the wrong hands. Besides, older locks are easier to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The models that provide a backup keyed system typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

Although generally safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do have some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to change them regularly and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody one-time access, you can create a code and then delete 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 frequently updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can lead to problems. As a general rule, core local features like keypad entry still work even if your WiFi is not available, but you could lose access to the smartphone app. Smart locks with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, based on what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work smoothly with other devices in your smart home. You can make a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is opened, or establish a full-fledged scene with many automations. For instance, you might arm your system, turn lights off, fasten your door, and even adjust your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home components are totally accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Fort Worth smart home

Would you like to unlock or lock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment simultaneously? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (817) 241-5844 to learn more about our systems and get help designing your own Fort Worth smart home.