Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of ditching traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy response is yes. But before installing one with your St. Paul smart home, there are several things you should think about.

Why smart locks are a better option for your St. Paul home

The main issue with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall into the wrong hands. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The options that offer a backup keyed system usually use a different type of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes must be kept secure. It’s also smart to update them regularly and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give somebody single-time access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by regularly updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can come up due to a battery failure, software bug, or WiFi disconnection. Generally speaking, essential local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is down, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when your power goes out as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, based on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other equipment in your smart home. You can set a rule to turn the lights on whenever the door is opened, or create a complete scene with several automations. For instance, you might secure your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even adjust your thermostat simultaneously when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

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

Vivint is the key to your St. Paul smart home

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that engage your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s doable with Vivint. Contact (651) 240-6686 to explore our systems and start designing your own St. Paul smart home.