Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of your old house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than their old-school counterparts? The quick answer is yes. But before integrating one into your Nashville smart home, there are some things you should know.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Nashville home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older locks are simpler to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key altogether. The ones that offer a backup keyed lock usually use a more secure style of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

Even though they’re typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do have some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also wise to update them regularly and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give someone one-time access, you can set a code and then eliminate it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware regularly. Incorporate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: Issues can pop up due to a battery failure, software bug, or WiFi disconnection. Generally speaking, core local features like keypad entry still work even when your WiFi is down, but you may lose 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 work 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, according to what your system uses.

Why select Vivint smart locks for your Nashville home?

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically whenever the door is unlocked, or configure a whole-home scene with multiple automations. For instance, you can secure your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are fully accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Nashville smart home security

Would you like to unlock or lock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (615) 908-3403 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Nashville smart home.