First, take the screws out on the side of the door and on the face of the deadbolt.

Remember, specifics to the instructions will vary depending on the lock, so for a more detailed look, follow the instructions that come with your lock. The top five smart locks you can buy right nowįollow these steps to install a deadbolt replacement lock, such as the Kwikset Kevo. If you think a smart lock is going to make your home a lot more secure, you may be disappointed. Most smart locks still use the same old dumb deadbolts, they just make using those deadbolts a little easier.

Consider why you’re buying a smart lockīefore you buy a smart lock, there’s something you should know: smart locks are helpful because they’re convenient – not because they’re necessarily more secure. Of course, some locks use something else over a keyhole – for example, many of them have a touchpad with which you can install a PIN code to unlock them. Still, some smart locks are keyless, so you’ll need to consider whether or not that’s something you’re comfortable with. Most smart locks also have a traditional keyhole so if you don’t necessarily feel comfortable relying on your smart lock 100% of the time, then you don’t have to.

The plus side of that is that you can control the lock anywhere you have Wi-Fi – so if you’re on holiday and your friend needs to get in, you can unlock the door for them. In that case, you’ll need to buy a separate component that connects to a power-outlet and then bridges the connection between the lock’s Bluetooth and your Wi-Fi. The third and final common standard is Wi-Fi, and it’s normally available as an optional add-on – like on the August Smart Lock. An example of a Z-Wave hub is Samsung’s SmartThings. Z-Wave has a range of around 120 feet, however if you have multiple Z-Wave devices, they can each act as a range extender so, with enough products, the range can be extended to up to 600 feet. Normally, that hub also connects to Wi-Fi. The good thing about Bluetooth, however, is that you don’t need another hub to use it.Īnother standard is Z-Wave, and it requires a separate hub in order for you to be able to control the lock from your smartphone. So, that said, if you’re not near your lock, you won’t be able to lock or unlock it. That’s an important thing to consider, since most smart locks will be battery powered.īluetooth, however, only works within a certain range. It’s common because it doesn’t use much power, especially compared to Wi-Fi. The first, and perhaps most common, standard is Bluetooth. Most will use multiple standards to connect to your phone and other devices, but you’ll want to check the lock before you buy it. There are a few different connection standards used with smart locks – as is the case with any smart home device. How would you like your smart lock to connect to the internet / your phone? These are generally a little easier to install, but you’ll want to make sure that they’re compatible with your deadbolt before you buy them.

Still, some, like the August Smart Lock, simply attach onto your existing deadbolt and do the manual locking and unlocking for you. Not every smart lock serves as a deadbolt – but most do. Do you want to replace your deadbolt, or add on to it? Of course, both of these issues can be fixed, but you’ll want to make sure they are before you try and install your smart lock. Your smart lock will always try to extend fully, and if it can’t the locks motor might get burnt out more easily. You’ll also want to make sure the lock is able to fully extend into the jamb. If you need to push or pull on your door to properly lock it, then a smart lock may not work properly – you won’t be there to push or pull when your door is locking and unlocking itself. If you go to your deadbolt and lock or unlock it, it should do so in an easy, smooth motion. Smart locks are aimed at ensuring your deadbolt can automatically lock and unlock, but not every single door will work properly. Here are a few things to consider before buying a smart lock: Before you buy a smart lock, consider the following:Īs mentioned, not every smart lock is the same – different locks use different protocols, different ways of unlocking, and more.

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