Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before integrating one into your Saginaw smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Saginaw home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they fall to the wrong person. On top of that, older door locks are easier to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The options that provide a backup keyed system typically use a more secure style of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

Although typically safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them periodically and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can come up due to a software bug, WiFi drop, or battery failure. As a general rule, essential local features like a PIN code still work if your WiFi is not available, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still function during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during a blackout as it is powered by batteries, not your home’s electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system supports.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Saginaw home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other devices within your smart home ecosystem. You can turn the lights on any time the door is unlocked, or establish a full-fledged scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can turn lights off, lock your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. And you know the best part? 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 coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Saginaw smart home

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (989) 461-3399 to explore our systems and start designing your own Saginaw smart home.