Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of ditching traditional house keys and switching to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their time-honored counterparts? The simple answer is yes. But before adding one to your McAllen smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

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

The main issue with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often misplaced and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall to the wrong person. Besides, older locks are easier to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The ones that have a backup keyed lock typically use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also smart to change them periodically and never use predictable codes like “1234.” If you have to give someone one-time-only access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords frequently. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can arise due to a WiFi disconnection. As a general rule, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is down, but you could lose app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work when you lose power as it gets power from batteries, not your home electricity. You can still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system offers.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your McAllen home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home environment. You can make a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or create a full-fledged scene with several automations. For instance, you can lock your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also create up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your McAllen smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment simultaneously? You can do it with Vivint. Contact (956) 303-1646 to learn more about our systems and start designing your own McAllen smart home.