8 Benefits of Upgrading to Smart Locks for Home Security
Last Updated: October 25, 2026
Quick Summary
Upgrading to smart locks gives you remote lock and unlock, individual codes you can create and revoke, entry notifications with a timestamped activity log, and auto-lock so a door never sits unlocked by mistake. You trade some independence from battery power, connectivity, and software for that control and visibility.
A traditional deadbolt is immune to hacking, while a smart lock adds control and tracking on top of a mechanical core.
Most smart deadbolts run on four AA batteries lasting roughly 6 to 12 months, so enable low-battery alerts.
Store the physical backup key outside the home, never on a keyring inside the house.
Look for Grade 1 or Grade 2 under ANSI/BHMA A156.36, since Grade 3 is builder-grade with the least resistance.
Standard doors are 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and the backset is 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches.
Table of Contents
Why Smart Locks Are Worth Considering for Home Security
Smart Lock Pros and Cons: What You Gain and What You Give Up
Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks: A Side-by-Side Look
Keyless Entry, Remote Access, and the Convenience Benefits
Access Codes, Guest Access, and Tracking Who Comes and Goes
Smart Lock Security Risks: Hacking, Power Loss, and Lockouts
Digital risk: accounts, encryption, and updates
Physical risk: grades, forced entry, and the door itself
Operational risk: dead batteries, outages, and lockouts
A quick risk checklist before you buy
Smart Lock Installation and Compatibility: What Your Door Needs
Measure these four things before you buy
Retrofit vs. full replacement
Connectivity and hub requirements
When to call a professional
Installation checklist
Book a Home Security Assessment Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Smart Locks Are Worth Considering for Home Security
The benefits of upgrading to smart locks for home security start with one fact: a key can be copied, lost, or borrowed without your knowledge.
The honest answer: for most households, yes, with conditions. Smart locks solve real problems like key management, guest access, and knowing who came through the door, but they introduce failure points you must plan around.
Smart Lock Pros and Cons: What You Gain and What You Give Up
Smart lock pros and cons come down to one trade: you gain control and visibility, and give up some independence from power, connectivity, and software. A smart lock connects over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to an app, letting you lock, unlock, and manage access remotely.
What you gain:
Remote lock and unlock from anywhere
Individual codes you can create and revoke
Entry notifications and a timestamped activity log
What you give up:
Dependence on battery power and a working network
A higher upfront cost than a basic deadbolt
A digital attack surface that a mechanical lock does not have
None of these are dealbreakers. They are planning items.
Smart Locks vs. Traditional Locks: A Side-by-Side Look
Smart locks vs. traditional locks is not a contest, because they solve different problems. A traditional deadbolt is simple, mechanical, and immune to hacking. A smart lock adds control, tracking, and remote access on top of that mechanical core.
The comparison that matters is how each handles the everyday scenarios that actually cause security failures:
Scenario | Traditional Lock | Smart Lock |
Lost or stolen key | Rekey required | Revoke the code instantly |
Guest or service access | Copy a key, hope it returns | Temporary code with an expiry |
Forgot to lock the door | Drive back or call someone | Lock remotely or auto-lock |
Knowing who entered | No record | Activity log with timestamps |
Power or network outage | Unaffected | Needs backup plan |
For a deeper breakdown, see our guide to keyed lock vs digital door hardware pros and cons. Traditional locks win on simplicity, smart locks win on control.
Keyless Entry, Remote Access, and the Convenience Benefits
Keyless entry and remote access deliver benefits homeowners feel immediately. You walk up with groceries and press a code instead of fumbling for keys, and you can let a contractor in from your phone without driving home.
The convenience benefits that matter most:
No more lost keys. Revoke a code in seconds instead of paying for a rekey.
Remote monitoring. Check lock status and entry history from anywhere.
Auto-lock. A door left ajar or unlocked gets secured on a schedule.
Access Codes, Guest Access, and Tracking Who Comes and Goes
Access codes turn a lock into a management tool. Assign a unique code to each family member, a temporary code for a house sitter, and a scheduled code for a cleaning service that only works Tuesday mornings.
That entry tracking changes how you handle household access:
Family: permanent codes, each tied to a person so the log is meaningful.
Guests: temporary access that expires automatically.
Service providers: scheduled access limited to the hours they work.
If a code is shared or a phone is lost, you revoke it without touching the hardware, the core advantage over key management, where a copied key is invisible until something goes wrong.
Smart Lock Security Risks: Hacking, Power Loss, and Lockouts
Smart lock security risks are real, and any guide that skips them is selling, not advising. Separate digital, physical, and operational risk, because each has a different fix and worst case.
Digital risk: accounts, encryption, and updates
A smart lock is a small networked computer bolted to your door. Realistic attack paths are rarely Hollywood-style lock-picking over the internet; they are weak credentials, reused passwords, unpatched firmware, and poorly secured hubs.
What to check and do:
Encryption. Look for current TLS for cloud connections and encrypted local Bluetooth pairing; avoid products silent on encryption.
Strong authentication. Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication, and issue family members their own codes or sub-accounts instead of sharing the primary login.
Firmware updates. Enable automatic updates and check quarterly. An unpatched lock is a deadbolt with the screws removed.
In practice, the account and home network are the weak link, not the lock hardware. Treat the lock as one node in a system you secure, not a self-contained vault.
Physical risk: grades, forced entry, and the door itself
A smart lock does not upgrade the door, frame, strike plate, or hinges. Most forced-entry burglaries defeat the frame or door, not the cylinder, a premium smart deadbolt on a hollow-core door with a 1/2-inch strike plate screw is a false sense of security.
What to evaluate:
Lock grade. Look for Grade 1 or Grade 2 under ANSI/BHMA A156.36. Grade 3 is builder-grade with the least resistance; grade reflects cycle, impact, and torque testing, not connectivity.
Cylinder and keyway. Choose a pick- and bump-resistant cylinder with a restricted keyway if the backup key matters to you.
Door and frame reinforcement. A reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws into the stud, a solid-core or metal door, and a well-fitted frame do more than the lock alone.
Watch Out A smart lock is an access-control and awareness tool, not a forced-entry barrier. If your door or frame is weak, fix that first, the lock is the last inch of the security stack, not the first.
Operational risk: dead batteries, outages, and lockouts
The most common real-world smart lock failure is not a hack. It is a dead battery, a dropped Wi-Fi connection, or a hub that lost power while the homeowner was away.
Build a plan before you need it:
Battery awareness. Most smart deadbolts run on four AA batteries lasting roughly 6-12 months. Enable low-battery alerts and keep spares within reach, not locked inside the house.
Backup key, stored off-site. Keep the physical backup key outside the home (trusted neighbor, lockbox, or vehicle), never on a keyring inside the house.
Manual override. Know where the keyway or thumb-turn override is and practice using it once.
Watch out: skipping the backup key or manual override is the mistake that turns a minor battery issue into a locksmith call. Research on security in smart locks suggests many buyers do not research these failure modes before purchase, so build the plan first.
A quick risk checklist before you buy
Does the app support two-factor authentication?
Is the deadbolt rated Grade 1 or Grade 2 under ANSI/BHMA A156.36?
Is the backup key stored outside the home?
If you can answer yes to all six, you have addressed the risks that actually cause lockouts and losses. If not, fix those items before adding another connected device to the door.
Smart Lock Installation and Compatibility: What Your Door Needs
Smart lock installation and compatibility determine whether the upgrade is smooth or a headache. Not every door accepts every lock, and the wrong fit means a deadbolt that binds, drains batteries, or fails to seat. Our commercial and residential lock hardware service covers options and installation. Four measurements and one wiring question usually decide the outcome.
Measure these four things before you buy
Door thickness. Standard doors are 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. Most smart deadbolts fit; thicker, metal, or trimmed doors may need a spacer kit or different model.
Backset. The distance from the door edge to the center of the deadbolt bore, 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Most smart locks accommodate both; confirm before ordering.
Bore hole and cross-bore. The deadbolt bore is typically 2-1/8 inches, and the cross-bore is 1 inch. Nonstandard bores may need a retrofit kit or new bore.
Door material and frame. Solid wood, solid-core, and metal doors hold a deadbolt well. Hollow-core, glass-panel, and narrow-stile doors may lack material for the lock body.
Pro Tip Take a photo of the door edge and the interior and exterior faces of the existing deadbolt, and measure the backset with a tape measure before you shop. Most compatibility questions can be answered from those three images.
Retrofit vs. full replacement
Two installation paths exist:
Retrofit. Reuses the existing deadbolt bore and often the strike plate. Fastest and most renter-friendly, but only works if the existing hardware matches the new lock's footprint.
Full replacement. Swaps the entire deadbolt, including latch and strike. Better when existing hardware is builder-grade, mismatched, or worn, and lets you upgrade to a Grade 1 or Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA A156.36 deadbolt.
Homeowners often buy a retrofit lock to avoid drilling, then discover the strike plate is misaligned and the door binds. Replacing the strike plate and checking alignment is part of a proper install, not an optional extra.
Connectivity and hub requirements
Bluetooth-only locks work locally and are simplest to install, but generally lack remote access without a bridge or hub.
Wi-Fi locks connect directly to your router for remote control, but draw more battery and need a strong signal at the door.
Hub or bridge models add remote access and smart-home integration, but introduce another device to power, update, and secure.
Before you buy, confirm signal strength at the door and check integration with the platform you already use. Integration claims on the box are not the same as a tested setup.
When to call a professional
Most standard wood-door installs are within reach of a careful DIYer. Call a professional when the door is metal, glass, or has unusual stiles; the bore is misaligned, enlarged, or nonstandard; the door or frame needs reinforcement; the lock must integrate with an existing alarm or access-control system; or the door is a rated fire door, modifying it can void the rating, and fire-door hardware must be installed to code.
Installation checklist
Door thickness measured (1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in)
Backset measured (2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in)
Bore and cross-bore confirmed (2-1/8 in and 1 in)
If any item on that list is unclear, resolve it before you drill, a professional assessment almost always costs less than a mis-drilled door or a lock that fails in the first month.
Book a Home Security Assessment Before You Buy
A smart lock is one piece of a home security picture. Before you buy, have the door, frame, and existing hardware assessed so the lock you choose actually fits and performs. Wondering how long a residential security assessment takes?
At Virginia Security Concepts, our residential security assessments identify hidden vulnerabilities, check hardware condition, and give you a clear plan instead of a sales pitch. See our residential security assessment checklist to prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the downsides of smart locks?
The main downsides are cost, connectivity, and power dependence. Smart locks cost more upfront than a standard deadbolt, and many models rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so a router outage or dead battery can lock you out of app control. Most units include a backup key or keypad so you are not stranded, but you should test that fallback before relying on the lock.
Are smart locks more secure than traditional locks?
They are more secure in some ways and less in others. Smart locks add tamper detection, built-in alarms, entry notifications, and activity logs, which a traditional deadbolt cannot do. They also eliminate the risk of a copied key. The trade-off is a digital attack surface: weak account passwords, unencrypted connections, or outdated firmware can expose the lock. A quality smart lock on a solid door, paired with strong authentication and regular firmware updates, generally matches or beats a traditional lock on physical security.
Can you still unlock a smart lock if the power or internet goes out?
Yes, in most cases. A power outage at the home does not affect a battery-powered smart lock, and Bluetooth or keypad entry usually keeps working without Wi-Fi. The failure point is the lock's own battery, not the house power. Check the app's battery life indicator, replace batteries on schedule, and keep the backup key somewhere off-site. Before buying, confirm the model supports local unlock so remote access outages do not leave you locked out.
Can smart locks create temporary access codes for guests or service providers?
Yes. Most smart locks let you assign temporary access codes with start and end times, which is useful for cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, or visiting family. Scheduled access codes expire automatically, so you do not have to remember to revoke them. Pair this with entry notifications and the activity log to see exactly when the code was used. For households with regular service providers, this is one of the strongest practical arguments for upgrading from a traditional lock.
A smart lock only improves security when it fits your door, your network, and your household routine. Virginia Security Concepts brings technical precision and thorough risk assessment to every home we evaluate, from lock hardware to full security surveys. Get started with Virginia Security Concepts and secure your entry with hardware chosen for your door, not the shelf.
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