Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of ditching traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the old-school locks they’re replacing? The simple reply is yes. But before installing one with your Memphis smart home, there are several things you should consider.

Why upgrading to a smart lock makes sense for your Memphis home

The inherent problem with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall into the wrong hands. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The options that have a backup keyed system usually use a different type of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

While they’re generally safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them periodically and never use easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone one-time-only access, you can set a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by frequently updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Incorporate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can create issues. As a general rule, vital local features like the keypad still work if your WiFi is down, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed systems can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when you lose power as it runs on battery power, not your home’s electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other devices within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically whenever the door is unlocked, or create a full-fledged scene with several automations. For instance, you might arm your system, turn lights off, fasten your door, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are completely 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 track smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Memphis smart home

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Place a call to (901) 763-6618 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Memphis smart home.