Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old locks they replace? The simple reply is yes. But before integrating one into your Fresno smart home, there are several things you should know.

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

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they end up with the wrong person. In addition, older locks are easier to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks do away with keys altogether. The ones that offer a backup keyed system typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, making them resistant to established break-in methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them often and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody single-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware often. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can lead to problems. As a general rule, essential local features like the keypad still work if your WiFi is down, but you may lose app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Fresno home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work smoothly with other components in your smart home. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically whenever the door is unlocked, or create a whole-home scene with many automations. For instance, you might secure your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even adjust your thermostat simultaneously when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are completely accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Fresno smart home

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and establish custom actions that operate your smart locks and other devices at the same time? You can do it with Vivint. Call (559) 354-6624 to explore our systems and get help designing your own Fresno smart home.