Smart lock questions, answered

You do not really have to choose — most fingerprint locks also include a keypad, and that combination is ideal for families. Fingerprint is fastest f…

It comes down to whether you need to control the lock while you are away from home. Bluetooth is perfectly fine if you only ever unlock when standing…

For anything outdoors near the beach, look for an IP weather rating (IP65 or better is a good sign for exposed hardware), sealed keypads and buttons,…

Most cylindrical deadbolt-style smart locks are designed to replace a standard single-cylinder deadbolt, and many common Australian timber doors acce…

These are trickier than a standard hinged door. Sliding doors and aluminium security screens usually do not take a normal deadbolt-style smart lock,…

If you are replacing a standard single-cylinder deadbolt on a common hinged door, most people can do it with a screwdriver in 20–40 minutes by follow…

Most reputable smart locks warn you well in advance with low-battery alerts in the app and beeps at the door, so a sudden death is rare. As a backup,…

It depends on the lock and how you use it, but many AA-powered locks last roughly 6–12 months per set, while some rechargeable models go a few months…

Usually only with your landlord or property manager’s permission, and you should check your tenancy agreement first. The renter-friendly path is to c…

For most homes, physical attack is a far bigger risk than remote hacking. Look for locks with recognised security certifications (for example ANSI/BH…

Yes — this is one of the best uses for a keypad smart lock. Most apps let you create temporary or scheduled codes that only work between set dates an…

Many do, but support varies by model, so check the specific product. Some locks list Apple Home (HomeKit) or Apple Home Key, Google Home and Amazon A…