Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old locks they’re replacing? The simple reply is yes. But before installing one with your Cincinnati smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

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

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often misplaced and simple to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The options that offer a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure type of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to update them regularly and avoid predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give someone one-time-only access, you can configure a code and then eliminate it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords often. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can arise due to a WiFi disconnection. Generally speaking, vital local features like a PIN code still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when power is lost as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system offers.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Cincinnati home?

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other devices in your smart home. You can switch the lights on automatically when the door is opened, or configure a full-fledged scene with multiple automations. For instance, you can lock your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home components are completely 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 monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Cincinnati smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment at the same time? It’s doable with Vivint. Call (513) 506-9171 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Cincinnati smart home.