Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating house keys and switching to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy response is yes. But before adding one to your Birmingham smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why smart locks are the best choice for your Birmingham home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys altogether. The options that provide a backup keyed lock frequently use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept secure. It’s also wise to update them often and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone one-time access, you can set a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a concern for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords often. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. However, core local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still work during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when power is lost as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home environment. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is opened, or create a complete scene with many automations. For instance, you can dim lights, lock your door, arm your system, and even adjust your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home equipment is fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into 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 Birmingham smart home security

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment at the same time? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (205) 973-4125 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Birmingham smart home.