Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of ditching house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the keyed locks they replace? The easy response is yes. But before installing one with your Flint smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

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

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they end up in the wrong hands. In addition, older locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The options that provide a backup keyed system typically use a different kind of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to change them regularly and avoid obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give a person one-time access, you can configure a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by regularly updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Integrate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can pop up due to a WiFi disconnection. As a general rule, vital local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during an outage as it runs on battery power, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, based on what your system offers.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Flint home?

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other devices in your smart home. You can make a rule to switch the lights on any time the door is unlocked, or create a whole-home scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can dim lights, lock your door, arm your system, and even lower your thermostat all at once when you go to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s coming and going 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 Flint home security

Would you like to unlock or lock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that engage your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (810) 672-7953 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Flint smart home.