Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than their old-school counterparts? The quick response is yes. But before installing one with your West Bloomfield smart home, there are several things you should consider.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your West Bloomfield home

The main issue with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall to the wrong person. Besides, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key entirely. The ones that offer a backup keyed system frequently use a more secure kind of cylinder, making them resistant to established break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Although generally safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them periodically and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody one-time access, you can set a code and then eliminate it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords frequently. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can lead to issues. Generally speaking, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is down, but you might lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when your power goes out as it runs on battery power, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system supports.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your West Bloomfield home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can turn the lights on when the door is unlocked, or establish a full-fledged scene with many automations. For example, you might arm your system, turn lights off, secure your door, and even change your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are totally accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s coming and going as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your West Bloomfield smart home

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment simultaneously? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (248) 963-1801 to explore our systems and get help designing your own West Bloomfield smart home.