Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of ditching your old house keys and switching to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the old locks they replace? The quick response is yes. But before adding one to your Amarillo smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your Amarillo home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often misplaced and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall into the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys altogether. The models that offer a backup keyed system frequently use a different kind of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re 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 confidential. It’s also wise to change them periodically and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give someone one-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords frequently. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can cause issues. As a general rule, core local features like the keypad still work if your WiFi is down, but you may lose access to the smartphone app. Smart options with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent 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 when the door is opened, or create a full-fledged scene with several automations. For instance, you can turn lights off, secure 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 devices are totally accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s coming and going as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also create as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Amarillo smart home

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other devices all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Call (806) 615-4222 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Amarillo smart home.