10 Advantages of Smart Locks

A smart lock is a keyless door lock that connects to your home's Wi-Fi network and allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely via smartphone or access code.

Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your door remotely through your smartphone or a central hub, providing convenient keyless entry (unlocking without a physical key) to your home and enhanced security.

If you're thinking about installing smart locks, read on to find out the advantages of smart locks over traditional key systems.

Quick Summary: 10 Smart Lock Advantages

• Remote access. Lock and unlock your door from anywhere via smartphone.
• Individual passcodes. Assign unique codes for family, guests, and staff. The Vivint Smart Lock lets you create up to 50 unique access codes.
• Activity monitoring. Know who enters and exits your home in real time.
• No hidden keys. Eliminate risky hideaway keys burglars can find.
• Enhanced security. PIN codes offer 1-in-10,000 guessing odds.
• Smart home automation. Connect to your home's intelligent ecosystem.
• Device integration. Works with cameras, doorbells, and other smart devices.
• Voice control. Lock and unlock using Google Home.
• Professional installation. Expert setup ensures seamless operation.
• Visual verification. See visitors before unlocking with doorbell cameras.

Smart locks vs. traditional locks

1. Lock and unlock your door from your phone

If you've been locked out of your own home, you know the inconvenience of forgetting your keys (not to mention the time and money wasted creating spare keys for family members and guests).

With a smart lock, you no longer have to worry about forgetting your keys or creating spare keys for other users. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock the door through your smart lock's keypad or smartphone without a physical key.

Key Takeaway: Smart locks eliminate lockouts and the need for spare keys by enabling smartphone-based door control from anywhere.

2. Assign individual passcodes

Assigning individual passcodes for family members and friends can add an extra layer of security to your front door.

With a Kwikset Smart Lock, you can assign up to 50 individual access codes (unique PIN numbers for each user) for kids, guests, and house staff. This means you no longer have to leave a spare key under your doormat or in the flowerpot, which can put your home security at risk.

You can also change or delete codes that are no longer in use to ensure door access is safe and secure.

Key Takeaway: Individual passcodes let you grant and revoke access instantly without sharing physical keys.

3. Know who's coming in and out

With a smart lock, you are notified whenever someone checks in or leaves your home at any time—all through your smartphone.

This feature lets you check whether your guests have arrived, log in to see that your young children came home safely after school, and monitor when your housekeeper left the house.

Key Takeaway: Real-time activity notifications keep you informed about every entry and exit at your home.

4. No more hideaway keys

If you've ever left a hideaway key somewhere on your front porch, think twice about repeating it in the future.

Burglars know the most common hideaway places homeowners use to hide their physical keys, including the doormat, porch light, mailbox, rain gutter or spout, and even that fake rock you purchased specifically for the key.

A keyless lock is a much better alternative to hideaway keys. With a smart lock, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your front door is secured and protected without a key in sight.

Key Takeaway: Smart locks eliminate the security risk of hidden keys that burglars commonly find.

5. Enhanced security

The probability of someone guessing the correct four-digit PIN is 1 in 10,000—that's the same odds as finding a four-leaf clover. Criminals don't want to hang around your doorstep long enough to figure it out and risk being spotted by a neighbor or a surveillance system.

A passcode-protected entry is a great way to enhance your front door security, whether you're on vacation, at work, running errands, or simply when guests are using the house.

Another great benefit of smart locks is that you can set automations for the door to auto-lock if it's accidentally left unlocked.

Key Takeaway: PIN-based entry provides statistically strong protection with 1-in-10,000 guessing odds.

6. Smart home automation

With smart home automation (a system that connects and controls multiple devices through a central hub or app), you can control your home's lighting through your phone, build a peaceful atmosphere with optimal system controls, and enhance the safety of your home with intelligent security — just to name a few benefits.

Smart locks can connect to your existing home setup using an internet connection to let you enjoy a smart home automation experience that can make your life easier and safer.

Key Takeaway: Smart locks integrate with home automation systems for centralized control of all connected devices.

7. Integrates with other smart devices

Get the most out of your smart door lock by investing in a device that integrates with other security devices, such as doorbell cameras and outdoor cameras.

With a complete home security system, you can enjoy all the benefits of home automation while ensuring your home is safe and protected around the clock.

All integrated devices can be accessed and remotely controlled from an app or hub (a central touch-screen control panel) through an intuitive user interface that's easy to use.

Key Takeaway: Smart locks work seamlessly with cameras, doorbells, and other security devices for comprehensive protection.

8. Control your locks with your voice

If you love the idea of controlling your devices with your voice, you'll want to invest in a smart lock system that's compatible with smart speakers like Google Home.

Besides enhancing your home's security, voice-enabled technology can also make your daily life more convenient.

Ask Google to unlock the front door when your hands are full with grocery bags, or ask Siri to lock the garage doors while washing the dishes — to name a few options.

Key Takeaway: Voice control through Google Home, Alexa, or Siri enables hands-free lock operation.

9. Quick and professional installation

When setting up an entire home security system, it's a great idea to go with a professional installer.

This way, you'll know that licensed and trained professionals installed your smart lock correctly, and it will seamlessly integrate with your existing smart devices.

If you choose to avoid the DIY route and contact an expert, you'll also receive recommendations regarding top places to install your devices to get the most out of your home security system.

Key Takeaway: Professional installation ensures proper setup and seamless integration with existing smart devices.

10. See who's at your door before unlocking it

Seeing who's at your doorstep before opening your home is essential for ensuring your home and family are safe—especially if you have young children.

Smart door locks integrate seamlessly with doorbell cameras to allow you to see who's outside. They also allow you to speak to guests and unlock the door right from your smartphone or hub.

Key Takeaway: Doorbell camera integration lets you visually verify visitors before granting access.

A safer front door with smart locks

Gone are the days when our home security depended on traditional locks and physical keys.

With a smart lock, you can forget about getting locked out of your home, hiding house keys in the flower pot, or paying a locksmith to make spare keys for guests and visitors.

If you want to enhance the security of your front door and start enjoying the benefits that come with a smart lock, get in touch with us by calling 855.212.7654 for a free consultation.

Frequently asked questions

If you want to know more about smart locks and how they work, take a look at these most commonly asked questions.

How do smart locks work?

Smart locks are keyless door locks that connect to your home's Wi-Fi network to allow you to lock and unlock the doors through a unique access code or your smartphone. With a smart lock, you can remotely control your home entrances from near or far.

This way, you can lock and unlock doors for family and friends, get notified about front door activity, and even manage your door with the sound of your voice.

Do smart locks require a hub?

A smart hub is not always required, but it enhances functionality. A smart hub is a touch-screen base station that ensures all your smart devices work together. With Vivint Smart Lock, you do need a Smart Hub.

Through the smart hub, you can control all devices and perform actions from one location—whether adjusting the thermostat's temperature, locking and unlocking the doors, or checking your live camera stream.

If you plan on integrating your smart lock system with other devices, you'll want to connect all devices to a smart home hub.