What are Digital Door Locks?
Digital locks are digital door locks that allow you to lock and unlock doors using various methods, such as a keypad, a smartphone app, or a voice command. They are designed to make your home more secure, convenient, and accessible.
Many other terms used for smart locks are electronic door locks, digital locks, keyless locks, fingerprints lock, etc.
Digital door locks typically connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control them remotely using a smartphone app or a virtual assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can lock and unlock your doors from anywhere and even receive alerts when someone enters or leaves your home.
Digital locks for doors also offer a range of features to enhance security and convenience. For example, many models allow you to create and manage access codes for different people to give guests or service providers temporary access to your home. Some door digital locks also have built-in cameras, motion sensors, and alarms to deter intruders and alert them to potential threats.
How do Digital Door Locks Work?
Digital locks use electronic and wireless technology to control the locking and unlocking of a door; they are also referred to as digital door locks. Here is a basic overview of how digital door locks work:
- Power Source: Electronic door locks are powered by batteries, electricity, or a combination.
- Communication: The digital lock connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and communicates with your smartphone, computer, or smart home hub.
- Access Control: You can use various methods to control the lock, such as a keypad, a smartphone app, a voice command, or a physical key. The lock will unlock the door when you enter a valid code or command.
- Remote Access: Electronic door locks allow you to control the safety remotely from anywhere using a smartphone app or virtual assistant. This means you can lock or unlock your door from your office, the gym, or anywhere else.
- Monitoring: Some Digital door locks have built-in cameras, motion sensors, or other features that allow you to monitor your home and receive alerts when someone enters or leaves.
What are the Advantages of a Digital Lock?
There are several advantages of using a digital lock for your home:
- Convenience: Digital locks provide a more convenient way to lock and unlock your doors without needing physical keys. You can remotely lock and unlock the door using various methods, including a smartphone app, voice commands, or a keypad.
- Remote Access: With digital locks, you can remotely lock or unlock your door from anywhere, giving you more control over your home’s security. This feature is feasible for you to allow someone into your home when you are not there.
- Improved Security: Digital door locks offer advanced security features, such as built-in alarms, motion sensors, and cameras. You can also track who can access your home and when they enter or leave.
- Ease of Use: Keyless door locks are easy to install and use. A keyless lock can be set up within minutes and offer intuitive controls that are easy to understand.
- Integration with other Smart Home Devices: Digital locks can integrate with other smart home devices, such as security cameras, video doorbells, and smart lights, to provide a comprehensive security system for your home.
What are the Disadvantages of Digital Lock?
There are several disadvantages of digital locks:
- Digital locks typically rely on electrical power to function. In case of a power outage or battery failure, there is a risk of being locked out or unable to access the secured area.
- Digital locks connect to the internet, making them susceptible to cyber-attacks.
- Some digital locks are complex to operate and set up; therefore, they need technical experts to install them.
- Digital locks, if not bought from a reliable manufacturer, are prone to malfunctions such as electronic glitches or potential failures in extreme weather conditions.
- Digital locks generally have a higher upfront cost than traditional mechanical locks as they provide additional benefits.
- The user needs to adapt the learning curve to install the digital lock, i.e., keyless entry codes, biometric authentication, or mobile app controls.
Things to Consider When Buying a Digital Door Locks
- Installation Type: With digital locks, you may either retrofit an old deadbolt to continue using your keys or install a new one in place of the old one. While door lock installation options work well for homeowners, we recommend retrofit-type keyless door locks for renters and folks wanting slightly easier installation. New deadbolts offer more security through ANSI/BHMA certifications.
- Entry Methods: All keyless door locks feature a backup alternative, like a key or keypad, for opening if the app or batteries fail, even though the purpose of a digital lock is to add mobile app controls. Although a key is a great low-tech alternative that operates long after the batteries run out, a keypad provides greater flexibility for visitor entry. If the internal batteries in a keypad without a physical key die, the device must be powered by an external battery, typically through a port on the bottom.
- Connection Type: Electronic door locks can connect to your smartphone through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a Z-Wave smart home hub. Here are a few points to demystify the jargon:
- Connection Type: Electronic door locks can connect to your smartphone through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a Z-Wave smart home hub. Here are a few points to demystify the jargon:
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth locks connect to a mobile app using Bluetooth on your smartphone. This smart door lock requires an adaptor to connect to your Wi-Fi network for remote access and has a limited range (often less than 100 feet).
- Wi-Fi: Although Wi-Fi locks are often the most expensive digital locks, they link directly to the internet. Wi-Fi locks deplete batteries more quickly than Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Zigbee locks, despite the benefits they provide for remote access.
- Z-Wave or Zigbee: These mesh networks, which these smart home appliances use, enable interoperability. A smart hub is necessary for Z-Wave and Zigbee to work with mobile apps.
- Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) or Near-Field Communication (NFC): RFID locks let you enter with a key fob or card by communicating via radio waves. Taps to pay using the same technology. None of the locks on our list have this technology as of yet.
How to Install Digital Door Locks?
Installing a digital lock will vary depending on the specific model and type of safety you use. However, here are some general steps to help you establish a keyless door lock:
- Choose the Right Digital Locks: First, choose a keyless door lock compatible with your door type that fits your needs.
- Remove the Existing Lock: Remove the existing deadbolt or lock from your door using a screwdriver and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install the Mounting Plate: Install the mounting plate with the digital lock kit using screws and a screwdriver. Make sure the container is level and securely attached to the door.
- Connect the Digital Lock: Connect the electronic door locks to the mounting plate using the screws provided in the kit.
- Connect the Battery and Test the Lock: Connect the battery to the electronic door locks and test the lock using the app or keypad to lock and unlock the door.
- Set Up the Keyless Door Lock: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the electronic lock, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and set up the settings according to your preferences.
- Complete the Door Lock Installation: Once the digital lock is installed and configured, replace the cover plate and the batteries, and test the lock again to ensure it works correctly.
Overall, installing electronic door locks is a relatively straightforward process, and most keyless door lock kits come with comprehensive step-by-step instructions and all the necessary hardware. However, if you are uncomfortable with DIY door lock installation, you can always Hire A Professional locksmith or a smart home installer to help you with the installation.
How do Digital Locks Lead to a Smart Home?
Digital locks are an essential component of a smart home because they allow you to remotely automate and control access to your home. Here are some ways that electronic door locks can lead to a smart home:
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Digital locks are part of smart home integration. They connect to smart home applications through which the owner can monitor and control to provide a comprehensive security system for your home.
- Voice Control: Digital locks can be controlled using voice commands through virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making them an integral part of a smart home ecosystem.
- Geolocation-Based Automation: Digital locks can be configured to remotely lock and unlock the entrance door when you arrive or leave home, based on your smartphone’s geolocation. This helps to save time and provides added security.
- Remote Access: With a keyless door lock, you can control your home entrance point and lock or unlock your door remotely from anywhere, giving you more control over your home’s security.
- Customization: Digital locks allow you to create custom access codes for different users, providing more control over who has access to your home. This can be especially useful for managing short-term rentals, providing temporary access to guests, or managing the access of housekeepers or dog walkers.
Overall, keyless door locks are an essential component of a smart home, providing enhanced security, convenience, and control over your home’s access points. They can be integrated with other smart home devices to create a seamless, connected ecosystem, making your home more efficient, secure, and comfortable.
FAQs
While a digital door lock functions by entering a code or utilizing a key card, a smart door lock can be managed remotely using a smartphone app or voice command. Smart locks provide extra features such as remote accessibility and authentication.
Smart locks are often more expensive than digital locks but offer greater convenience and security. The main difference between digital and smart locks is that digital locks are operated by entering a code or using a key card. In contrast, smart locks offer additional features like remote access and authentication through a smartphone app or voice command.
Absolutely. As long as the door is compatible with the lock and has the necessary holes and cutouts for door lock installation, you can install a digital lock on an existing door. Even with limited knowledge of screws and bolts, door lock installation instructions are usually provided.
Most digital door locks are designed to fit standard door sizes instead of traditional mechanical locks. Some digital locks may require a specific type of door preparation, such as a mortise lock or a deadbolt, so checking the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications before purchasing a digital lock installation in Toronto is essential.
You need to remove the existing lock and make space for a new lock to install it. Limited knowledge of screws and bolts can help a lot. When it comes to integration with your smartphone, it’s not a big issue as well. Usually, all the locks come with a user manual guide with step-by-step instructions to help the user entirely during the installation process. Do you still need clarification? Just hire a professional to get digital lock installation in Toronto done for you.
Below are a few of the countless advantages of digital lock installation,
- Digital locks allow you to grant temporary access to your guests or service providers without needing physical keys.
- You can also easily change the access code or disable access remotely, which can be especially useful in rental properties or shared spaces.
- Keyless entry makes it easier and quicker to access your home without fumbling for keys.
- Very comfortably rely solely on technology for home security.
- Integrated with a smartphone app, digital lock installation allows you to monitor access and control the lock from anywhere.
The best electronic door locks are a fantastic combination of convenience and security, providing easy access while offering advanced security features to protect your home. While convenience allows for easier access and management of your home, security ensures that unauthorized people cannot enter your home. You cannot separate comfort and security from the digital lock, as both are essential to consider when choosing a digital lock.
Digital door locks can be very secure if appropriately installed and used correctly. Most digital door locks have advanced security features such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and tamper alerts. However, choosing a reliable and trusted brand and following best practices for securing your smart home devices to ensure maximum safety is essential.
Following best practices for securing your smart home devices is essential, such as using strong passwords and regularly updating firmware. Smart door locks are sometimes vulnerable to hacking if not adequately secured. However, reputable electronic door lock manufacturers take security seriously and implement advanced security features to protect their devices from hacking attempts.
Taking a holistic approach to home security is vital, including installing security cameras and motion sensors and using smart lighting to deter burglars. Digital locks do not necessarily tip off burglars, as they are designed to look like regular locks. However, a door digital lock is installed on a door visible from the street. In that case, burglars may assume that the homeowner has invested in a smart security system and may be more likely to move on to another target.
The most secure door digital lock will vary depending on your needs and budget. However, some keyless door locks offer advanced security features such as two-factor authentication, tamper alerts, and encryption, which can help enhance your home’s security.
Many highly rated keyless door locks, including Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale models, are available. The best-rated product will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Many affordable keyless door locks, including models from brands such as Kwikset and Schlage, are available. The cheapest option will depend on your specific needs and budget.
If you value the convenience and security features of keyless entry, digital locks are worth the investment.