How to Choose a Smart Lock
A smart lock is one of the more consequential smart home purchases — it's your front door. This guide covers the practical decisions: retrofit vs. replacement, how remote access actually works, and what backup entry options you should never buy a lock without.
Retrofit vs. full replacement
Retrofit locks, like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, attach to the inside of your existing deadbolt and motorize it, leaving your exterior hardware and original keys untouched. That makes them ideal for renters or anyone who wants an easy reversal option.
Full-replacement locks, like the Schlage Encode or Yale Assure lines, swap out the entire deadbolt for a new keypad-equipped unit. They tend to look more integrated and often include a built-in keypad out of the box, but it's a bigger commitment and generally not something a renter should install without landlord approval.
How remote access actually works
Bluetooth-only locks let you lock/unlock from your phone when you're within range (near the door), but not from across town. For true remote access — checking or changing the lock status from anywhere — the lock needs either built-in Wi-Fi or a separate bridge accessory that connects it to your home network.
Check whether a listed price includes Wi-Fi or requires buying a bridge separately; it's a common gap between the base price and what you'll actually need to spend for full remote functionality.
Never buy a lock without a backup entry method
Batteries die, Wi-Fi goes down, and apps occasionally have outages. Every lock worth buying should have a fallback: a physical key backup, a keypad that works without an app connection, or an external battery jump-start terminal (commonly a 9V battery touched to contacts on the keypad). Don't compromise on this.
Installation and compatibility
Before buying, measure your door thickness and backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the bolt hole) — most smart locks list a compatible range, and doors outside it won't fit properly. Also confirm your existing deadbolt is a standard single-cylinder type, since some smart locks aren't compatible with double-cylinder (key-on-both-sides) deadbolts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are smart locks as secure as traditional deadbolts?
- Reputable smart locks from established brands (Schlage, Yale, August, Kwikset) use the same ANSI-graded deadbolt hardware as traditional locks, with added electronics for keypad or app access. The lock body's security rating matters more than the fact that it's 'smart.'
- Can I give guests temporary access without giving them a key?
- Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of a smart lock. Most models let you generate guest codes through the app that you can set to expire automatically or revoke at any time, without needing to change locks or collect a physical key back.
- What happens during a power outage?
- Smart locks run on their own batteries, independent of home power, so a power outage alone doesn't affect them. If your home internet goes down too, you'll lose remote access via the app, but local access via keypad, physical key, or Bluetooth (when in range) still works.