Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of eliminating house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks really safer than the keyed locks they’re replacing? The simple answer is yes. But before adding one to your Gainesville smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

Why smart locks are the best choice for your Gainesville home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The ones that offer a backup keyed lock frequently use a different kind of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also smart to change them regularly and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time access, you can configure a code and then eliminate it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a concern for electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by frequently updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can pop up due to a software bug, WiFi drop, or battery failure. As a general rule, core local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is down, but you might lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed systems can offer 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 electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Gainesville home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can switch the lights on automatically any time the door is unlocked, or establish a full-fledged scene with several automations. For instance, you might arm your system, dim lighting, lock your door, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Gainesville smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment simultaneously? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (352) 922-3696 to explore our systems and get help designing your own Gainesville smart home.