Bluetooth Door Lock
A bluetooth door lock uses a mobile app to connect with your smartphone, and can only be operated when you’re within range. This type of smart lock can be paired with home security systems for added safety and convenience.
The best bluetooth door locks work with a wide variety of third-party devices. You can find plenty of options that work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Security
Smart locks have the ability to let you know who has come and gone, which is a great feature for those who work from home or those with kids who want to make sure they’ve arrived safely at school. They can also be integrated with a smart-home system and programmed to notify law enforcement or your security company when someone attempts to tamper with the lock.
These types of locks offer a variety of keyless entry options. Some include a proximity unlocking with your smartphone, remote unlocking from anywhere using your smartphone, custom code numbers for anyone who needs to enter the house (like dog walkers and pet-sitters), touch or fingerprint recognition and voice commands. Some of the best bluetooth smart locks are also compatible with smart doorbells, so you can see who is at your door before you open it.
There are many different types of smart locks, and each has its own pros and cons. Some locks, like the Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth deadbolt, work with a phone app but don’t connect to a hub or other devices and can’t be monitored remotely. Others, such as the Nest x Yale lock and the Array by Hampton, use Zigbee or Z-Wave, which require a hub to communicate with the lock. Still, others connect to a Wi-Fi network and can be controlled with a mobile app.
Convenience
A bluetooth lock is a great way to get your keys out of your hand and onto your phone. Whether you have your hands full of grocery bags or squirming little humans, or you’re bluetooth door lock just second-guessing yourself because you can’t remember whether you locked the door, you can just open the app and check.
Most bluetooth locks will work with the voice assistant of your choice (Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa), and some will also work with smart home hubs like SmartThings and Wink. Some will even allow you to create temporary virtual keys that work at certain times if, for example, you need to let in a cleaner or tutor, but not all the time.
Bluetooth locks typically consume less power than Wi-Fi models, and they’ll still function if your internet is down or you’re out of range of your home Wi-Fi. However, it’s worth bluetooth door lock checking whether the lock supports end-to-end encryption for communication between your phone, the lock and the bridge (e.g. Nuki), as this can help prevent any snooping.
It’s also worth considering if the lock you choose supports the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, which will help you achieve a longer battery life. Finally, if you choose a smart lock that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, be sure to test whether it switches between connections automatically or if you need to manually switch between them.
Installation
If you want a smart lock that can unlock your door from anywhere with an internet connection, consider a Wi-Fi enabled model. They offer the most features, including remote control and integration with third-party home automation systems. However, they can also be more expensive than Bluetooth locks.
Bluetooth locks are a more budget-friendly option, and they work without an internet connection. They can connect to a smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth and use encryption to protect against hackers. They also have a smaller range, so hackers would need to be close to your home in order to gain access.
You can operate your bluetooth lock with a mobile device app, keypad or physical key. If you have a guest, pet sitter or contractor that you want to let in remotely, you can send them a passcode and give them a code to enter your home. You can even track who enters your house by checking the event history in your app.
Depending on the model you choose, some smart locks may need to be hardwired into your existing deadbolt. If this is the case, a Miami locksmith can install it for you. The installation process is similar to installing a regular door lock, and it can be done in a few hours with the right tools. Once installed, you can enjoy your new smart lock immediately.
Maintenance
When using a bluetooth door lock, it is important to understand that these locks require some extra maintenance. Most of the maintenance is related to battery replacement and internet connectivity. Most smart locks will notify you when the battery is low, giving you plenty of time to replace it before it drains completely and stops working. You will also need to have a backup external power supply for the event that your lock loses its internet connection.
In most cases, a simple reboot will fix a bluetooth door lock that is not responding. It is not uncommon for a smart device to become miscalibrated, causing it to think that it is locked when it is unlocked. Rebooting the lock usually corrects this issue, but you will need to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular lock.
For those who are looking to build a complete connected home, the Eufy smart lock is an excellent option. It can be connected to a wide variety of devices and home hubs, making it easy for customers to operate their cameras, lock, and even control a smart floodlight from one app. During our hands-on tests, we found that this model has a premium finish and compact design that is a great fit for most doors. It is also easy to install, requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes of work.
