Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of ditching your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their classic counterparts? The quick response is yes. But before installing one with your Champaign smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Champaign home

The main issue with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older locks are easier to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The models that offer a backup keyed lock frequently use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re typically safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to update them periodically and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give somebody one-time access, you can configure a code and then delete it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by frequently updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can create issues. As a general rule, vital local features like the keypad still work if your WiFi is offline, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still function during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still work when you lose power as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, according to what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can turn the lights on automatically when the door is opened, or create a complete scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can dim lighting, lock your door, arm your system, and even lower your thermostat simultaneously when you head to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are fully accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s entering and exiting 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 Champaign smart home

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (217) 759-1212 to learn more about our systems and let us help you design your own Champaign smart home.