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9 Reasons Electronic Door Locks Are Safer Than Traditional Locks

Feb 05, 2025|

From smart appliances to fully automated home security systems, we're increasingly welcoming intelligent devices into our homes—and for good reason.

From remotely controlling your home's functions to automating everyday tasks, these devices help make our lives more convenient and secure.

Electronic door locks are popular smart home devices that provide convenient keyless entry and better door security. Smart door locks can also integrate with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, and Google Assistant for a fully automated experience.

Take a look at some of the features that can make your home safer and more secure.

Front door protected by a Vivint Smart Lock.
 

 

1. Keyless entry

Unlike traditional locks, electronic door locks don't require you to worry about forgetting your keys or creating spare keys for other users. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock the door's single-cylinder deadbolt using your smartphone or smart home access control center as a remote control. Some keyless-entry door locks are also equipped with an electronic keypad above the doorknob or door handle to control the door with unique access codes.

This means you don't have to fumble in your bag to find your keys, hide spare keys under the flower pot, fight with the hard-to-lock existing deadbolt, or worry about forgetting to lock the door when you leave.

2. Control door access at home or away

Controlling your front door from a distance is a big reason many people love electronic door locks. Wi-Fi smart locks use your home's internet connection to allow you to lock and unlock your door from the palm of your hand, whether you're at home or far away. This way, you can open your home to family and friends when you're not there, double-check that you locked the doors while lying in bed, or let the pet sitter in while enjoying your two-week vacation.

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3. Unique user codes for family and visitors

If you think hiding your physical key under the doormat, in the mailbox, or near that fake rock is safe, think again. Burglars are aware of the most common hideaway places homeowners use to hide their spare keys. One thing you can do to enhance front door security is to eliminate the need for a spare key in the first place.

With Vivint Kwikset Smart Locks, you can assign up to 50 individual access codes for friends and family. Once used, you can change or delete the smart codes to your smart Wi-Fi deadbolt.

4. Visitor and lock status notifications

Imagine knowing who's coming in and out of your home at any time, even when you're hundreds of miles away. Electronic door locks, like Vivint Kwikset Smart Locks, will send visitor and status notifications to your smartphone or touch-screen base station, like the Vivint Smart Hub, whenever there's movement at your front door. This helps you act quickly if there's an intruder.

You can also set custom alerts through your lock's settings for specific events. For instance, you can receive a reminder to lock the door when you leave home or an alert when someone enters your home through your touch-screen keypad. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your kids returned from school safely, the dog walker arrived on time, your family member stopped by to visit, and the guests checked in securely.

5. Locking doors via voice command

With a Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled device, you can use voice commands to control your home's ambiance, adjust the room temperature, and, you guessed it: even lock the doors. Just say, "Alexa, lock my front door." It's that easy. Don't worry—you can typically only lock doors this way. To prevent unauthorized users to unlock your doors without the right credentials, voice commands alone typically won't unlock doors.

Smart door lock.
 

6. Automatic locking and custom actions

When you install a Kwikset Smart Lock, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and protected around the clock. Besides knowing who's coming in and out of your home, electronic door locks can enhance front door security with auto-locking, auto-unlocking, and other custom smart actions.

For instance, you can set your Vivint system to lock automatically after a specified amount of time or after particular actions, such as when you arm your security system. This can take the worry out of remembering to lock your doors throughout the day (and night).

7. Two-factor authentication for enhanced security

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your electronic door locks. This feature requires two forms of identification before access is granted. For instance, after entering your access code, the electronic deadbolt might require a fingerprint or a mobile app approval.

This significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized entry, ensuring that only those with verified access can enter your home.

8. Geofencing for automated control

Geofencing technology enables your electronic door lock to recognize when you're near or away from your home. It can automatically lock the door when you leave a designated area and unlock it as you return to within a specified distance. This feature keeps your home safe in case you forget to lock it, adding convenience and peace of mind.

9. Smart home integration

By 2025, the number of smart home systems will surpass 400 million households, meaning smart home compatibility is now more important than ever.

Smart home integration allows electronic door locks to seamlessly connect with other smart devices, creating a fully automated and cohesive home security system. You can pair your smart lock with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri for hands-free control, or set custom actions like locking the doors when the security system is armed.

This makes your home safer by simplifying daily routines so you're less likely to overlook home security measures like locking your doors when you leave. It also ensures all your security devices work together efficiently.

For easy installation, Vivint's Smart Home Pros will install your smart lock correctly and integrate your new door hardware with the rest of your smart home system.

Boy leaving home through the front door.
 

Protect your home with Vivint security system

From locking your entire home with a single touch to controlling your locks with your voice, Vivint Kwikset Smart Locks can give you that much-needed peace of mind when you're at home or far away. Choose from three different finishes for your touchscreen keypad or keypad deadbolt and handleset: satin nickel, brass, or bronze.

Better yet, each lock features seamless integration with a Vivint home security system, letting you control and monitor your door locks along with other home security components like smart doorbells and security cameras from anywhere through the Vivint app. With real-time notifications, you'll always know when your doors are locked or unlocked, adding an extra layer of security and convenience to your home.

If you're ready to start enjoying the added security and convenience that comes with a smart door lock, contact our Smart Home Pros for a free consultation.

If you’re ready to start enjoying the added security and convenience that comes with a smart door lock, contact our Smart Home Pros at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation.

Frequently asked door lock questions

What are the benefits of electronic door locks?

Electronic door locks offer a range of advantages that make them a valuable addition to any home. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Keyless entry. No need to carry physical keys or hide spares.
  • Remote control. Lock and unlock your doors from anywhere via a mobile app or smart home hub.
  • Enhanced security. Features like unique access codes, two-factor authentication, and integration with security systems boost safety.
  • Custom smart actions. Automate locking and receive notifications through smart home systems.
  • Smart home compatibility. Pair with voice assistants and other smart devices for a seamless experience.
Do electronic door locks have any downsides?

Electronic door locks typically rely on batteries, meaning battery life can be a concern if they’re not replaced promptly. Additionally, while most models are built to last, the lock's durability depends on proper installation and choosing high-quality materials. Regular maintenance and professional installation can help mitigate these concerns, ensuring reliable operation over time.

Are electronic door locks worth it?

Absolutely. Electronic door locks offer unmatched convenience, enhanced security, and seamless smart home integration that traditional locks simply can’t match.

With features like keyless entry, remote access, and real-time notifications, they provide peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. When paired with a Vivint home security system, Vivint Kwikset Smart Locks deliver the ultimate combination of safety and convenience, allowing you to control and monitor your home’s access points from anywhere.

It’s a smart investment that upgrades both your home’s security and your lifestyle.

Which is better: A touchscreen or keypad door lock?

Both touchscreen and keypad locks are secure, but the choice comes down to preference. Touchscreens offer a sleek, modern look, while keypads are often easier to use and less prone to fingerprints, which can compromise code security. To get around the latter, be sure to wipe off the touchscreen after using it to enter your code. This prevents your fingerprints from giving away your entry code.

What is the difference between a smart lock and an electronic lock?

While both smart locks and electronic locks provide keyless entry, the key difference lies in connectivity and features.

Electronic locks often rely on keypads or keycards for access, offering convenience without requiring physical keys. Smart locks, on the other hand, go a step further by integrating with your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, enabling remote control, real-time notifications, and compatibility with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant.

In short, all smart locks are electronic locks, but not all electronic locks are smart locks.

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