A Guide to Wi-Fi and Your Smart Door Lock

Smart door locks are increasing in popularity as security-conscious homeowners and rental property managers continue to embrace the convenience of these Wi-Fi-, Z-Wave-, or Bluetooth-enabled locks.

In fact, in 2023, the market size was valued at around $17.5 billion and is anticipated to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 12.7% between 2024 and 2032.

Wi-Fi smart lock market growth is no surprise, given the convenience of these Wi-Fi-enabled keypad entry systems. Add in the features of a smart security system that comes with keyless entry—such as Kwikset Smart Locks offered by Vivint—and it’s easy to see why smart locks sales are booming.

This guide explores the appeal of smart locks (including how they benefit both homeowners and renters), some best practices for where to install smart door locks, and how smart lock automation can integrate with your other smart devices to enhance your home security system.

What is a smart door lock?

Revolutionize the way you interact with your home using smart door locks, the ultimate keyless solution for the modern, connected lifestyle. Imagine the ease and convenience of managing entry to your home right from your smartphone, like with the intuitive Vivint app. These high-tech locks are more than just keyless—they're smart.

For instance, cutting-edge Kwikset smart door locks from Vivint take personalization to the next level. You can create and manage up to 50 unique access codes, assigning them to family, friends, and even service personnel. This feature isn't just about convenience; it's about staying informed. Each time someone uses their code, you'll get a notification, so you're always in the know about who's coming and going.

Connectivity is a key feature of these smart door locks. Leveraging your home's Wi-Fi network, they enable real-time communication with your lock via your smartphone. This means you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere, adding a layer of security and peace of mind.

But the innovation doesn't stop there. Smart door locks can seamlessly integrate with your broader smart home ecosystem. Picture commanding your lock with your voice through a smart speaker or linking it to your home security system, like the comprehensive solutions provided by Vivint. This synergy among devices amplifies your home's intelligence, making security and convenience harmonious and effortless.

In essence, smart door locks are more than just a keyless entry system—they're a gateway to a smarter, more secure, and incredibly convenient way of life.

Types and features of smart door locks

Smart door locks are evolving rapidly, offering enhanced security and convenience for both residential and commercial properties. These locks come in various types, each boasting unique features tailored to different needs and environments.

• Fingerprint padlock. This type of lock uses biometric technology, allowing access through fingerprint recognition. Ideal for quick and secure entry, these locks often feature a zinc alloy body for durability and are a popular choice for personal lockers or small secure containers.
• Combination lock. The smart combination padlock, a modern twist on the traditional combination padlock, integrates a set numerical combination mechanism to unlock, thereby removing the need for physical keys. This type of lock is typically made of stainless steel, making it particularly beneficial for its convenience and security.
• Outdoor padlock. Designed for outdoor use, these smart padlocks are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are typically water-resistant or waterproof and made of materials like stainless steel or zinc alloy to resist corrosion. The steel shackle provides additional security against cutting or sawing.
• Lock box. A lock box is a secure container, often with a combination lock or a keypad, used to store keys or other small valuables. These are commonly used in real estate for house showings or in hospitality settings for secure key storage.
• Rechargeable smart locks. These locks are equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery, offering the convenience of long battery life and easy recharging via a USB Type-C port. The rechargeable battery feature is particularly useful for locks in high-traffic areas where frequent battery replacement would be impractical.
• Access control systems. Typically used in commercial settings, these systems offer sophisticated access control, often integrating features like fingerprint recognition, keypads, or RFID technology for entry authorization.

Each type of smart door lock is designed with specific applications and environments in mind, offering a range of features like long battery life, robust construction materials, and advanced security technologies to meet diverse security needs.

Who should get a smart lock?

Smart locks can appeal to both homeowners and renters.

Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner who puts a lot of stock in convenience and peace of mind, a smart lock could be the right choice for you. Once you replace your regular deadbolt with a smart lock, you gain a new level of control over who enters and exits your home.

With features like remote access, keyless entry, 24/7 notifications, and integration with existing smart devices and home security systems, there’s no greater way to stay in control of who enters and exits your home.

And since smart locks come in many different finishes, you can easily add a smart lock touch to your existing decor. Satin nickel, Venetian bronze, and matte black are just a few of the lock finishes offered by most retailers.

Renters

Along with all of the conveniences that a smart lock offers, renters don’t have to worry about previous tenants or service providers having an old key to their home.

Because your access with a smart lock keyless entry system is unique, rest assured that only your landlord and you can enter your home. That security—coupled with the convenience of remote keyless access—makes renting a home with a smart lock a wise choice.

Remember: If you’re a renter thinking of installing a smart lock over or in place of an existing deadbolt lock, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord first.

Which doors to secure in your home

You can replace a regular lock with a smart lock on every door in your home, including interior doors.

• All entrance doors. Many people who decide to use a smart lock system use it on the master lock of their front door. They may also place smart locks on a rear entrance or other ground floor entryway.
• Garage doors. You can also choose to secure your garage door with a smart lock instead of a deadbolt or another type of lock.
• Bedroom doors. Some people feel more secure if they have a smart lock on their bedroom door. This might be the case if you have roommates, children in the home who you want to keep out of your bedroom, or frequent houseguests. A smart lock on your bedroom door can give you that extra level of privacy without worrying about carrying an extra key.
• Closet doors. You might also want to install a smart lock on a closet door. It’s a way to keep valuables like jewelry or potentially dangerous items—like firearms—secure without keeping track of a key.

Advantages of having a smart door lock

Smart door locks offer a number of advantages over a regular lock deadbolt. They are convenient, allow remote access, let you leave your keys behind, can integrate with other smart platforms, and offer compatibility with other home security devices, like video doorbells and your security system’s home hub.

Convenience

You’ve probably had the experience of leaving the house with a perfectly balanced armful of packages or boxes, only to have to set everything down and turn around just to lock the front door behind you.

Or you’ve racked your brain trying to find a safe place to hide a key for a guest who’s slated to arrive before you get home.

With the convenience that a smart door lock provides, you can avoid these and other frustrations.

Remote access

The remote access feature of smart door locks using your home’s Wi-Fi is great in a pinch.

Let’s say your pet sitter needs to get into the house to walk Rover, your child comes home from school early because they’re feeling sick, or a neighbor needs to borrow a cup of sugar while you’re away from home. Use your smartphone app to let them in from anywhere.

You can even unlock the garage door for a package delivery person using the mobile app, thwarting would-be porch pirates before they can even think about stealing your belongings from outside your front door.

No keys needed

Because smart locks are keyless entry door locks, you never have to worry about hiding a spare key outside in case you lose yours or need to give someone access to your house.

And with programmable touchscreen keypads, you don’t have to worry about getting or retrieving keys, changing the existing deadbolt, or rekeying the locks every time a roommate or tenant (if you own or manage a rental property) moves out.

Smart platform integrations

Imagine using voice commands to unlock or auto-lock your door by remote control. Today’s smart door locks can easily integrate with your voice assistants, like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

With smart device integration, you can say, “Alexa, open the front door,” and, just like that, you’re using voice control to unlock your door.

Is a Wi-Fi door lock safe?

The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed how we live. As more of our everyday devices communicate with each other, we can live and work with greater efficiency and flexibility.

But all this connectivity has a drawback: It can make electronic door lock devices susceptible to hackers. While using a Wi-Fi-enabled smart door lock can put you at risk of being hacked, there are ways to enhance smart key security to keep your home, possessions, and family safe.

Tips for securing your smart lock

By following a few tips, you can increase the chances that all the smart things contributing to your everyday life—including your smart deadbolt system—stay secure.

• Create a strong passcode. Create a strong, long, and unique passcode you’ve never used anywhere else for each of your IoT devices. Never use easy-to-find information like your birthday, address, or dog’s name. Hackers are well-versed in tampering with passwords from your history and past usage. If you make each password unique and seemingly random, you have a greater chance of keeping it secret.
• Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires the receipt of a passcode sent to your phone before you can access the app that controls your smart lock. Similarly, multi-factor authentication requires facial or biometric (fingerprint scanner) recognition. Setting up your smart lock app to only work with this added layer of security can stop would-be hackers in their tracks. Even if they have your correct login and password, they won’t be able to access your system.
• Use a secure router. For smart locks that use Wi-Fi connectivity, ensure the router is password-protected and secure.
• Only use the most trusted smart locks. All smart locks are not created equal. Look for a system that comes from a trusted home security provider and incorporates a well-known and trusted lock brand into its system. Vivint, for example, is not only a leading home security provider, but we also offer smart locks from Kwikset, a respected lock brand.

Secure your home with a Wi-Fi door lock from Vivint

A Kwikset smart door lock from Vivint offers convenience, dependability, and peace of mind when it comes to your home and family’s safety.

Contact us today at 855.822.1220 to learn more about the smart locks available. See how a smart home system from Vivint can make life easier and keep your home secure.