Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of your old house keys and switching to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than their old-school counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before installing one with your Austin smart home, there are several things you should think about.

Why upgrading to a smart lock makes sense for your Austin home

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall into the wrong hands. Besides, older locks are simpler to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key completely. The ones that have a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also wise to update them often and avoid obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give a person one-time-only access, you can create a code and then eliminate it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can arise due to a battery failure, software bug, or WiFi disconnection. However, core local features like a PIN code still work if your WiFi is not available, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when your power goes out as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You can still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system uses.

Why select Vivint smart locks for your Austin home?

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other components in your smart home. You can switch the lights on when the door is unlocked, or create a whole-home scene with several automations. For instance, you can arm your system, turn lights off, fasten your door, and even lower your thermostat all at once when you call it a day. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home components are fully accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Austin smart home

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other devices all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Place a call to (512) 229-9684 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Austin smart home.