Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old-school locks they replace? The simple answer is yes. But before adding one to your Kansas City smart home, there are several things you should consider.

Why smart locks are a better option for your Kansas City home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they get into the wrong hands. On top of that, older locks are simpler to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The models that have a backup keyed system usually use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them often and avoid obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone single-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords regularly. Integrate two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. As a general rule, vital local features like keypad entry still work if your WiFi is down, but you might lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system offers.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Kansas City home?

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically any time the door is opened, or configure a complete scene with several automations. For example, you can arm your system, dim lighting, fasten your door, and even adjust your thermostat at the same time when you head 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 entering and exiting as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Kansas City smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that activate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Place a call to (816) 357-9576 to learn more about our systems and get help designing your own Kansas City smart home.