Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than their old-school counterparts? The quick answer is yes. But before adding one to your Mansfield smart home, there are a few things you should think about.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Mansfield home

The main issue with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which leads to disaster if they get into the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The options that offer a backup keyed system usually use a more secure style of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them often and avoid predictable codes like “1234.” If you have to give a person one-time-only access, you can create a code and then eliminate it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can arise due to a battery failure, software bug, or WiFi disconnection. As a general rule, core local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is offline, but you might lose smartphone app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during a blackout as it is powered by batteries, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system offers.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Mansfield home?

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other devices within your smart home ecosystem. You can turn the lights on automatically any time the door is opened, or establish a complete scene with multiple automations. For instance, you might fasten your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you head to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Mansfield smart home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s doable with Vivint. Contact (419) 614-6093 to learn more about our systems and get help designing your own Mansfield smart home.