Bluetooth Door Locks
Bluetooth locks pair directly with your smartphone, allowing you to control the deadbolt from a distance. They also work with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.
They offer many keyless entry options, including proximity unlocking with your phone, keypad entry and remote unlocking, custom code numbers for housesitters or pet riders, and touch or fingerprint recognition.
Range
Bluetooth smart locks communicate with your smartphone or other devices to lock and unlock the door from a distance. They often pair with voice assistants like Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant for hands free control. You bluetooth door lock can also use Bluetooth to send other people digital keys for a secure way to enter your property, ideal for house guests or kids who are away from home.
The downside of Bluetooth connectivity is that it only allows you to operate your smart lock within range, so you won’t be able to access your home remotely. For this reason, if you want to monitor your smart lock from afar you’ll need one that supports Wi-Fi or works with a compatible hub that does.
Some Bluetooth models are battery powered and won’t need to be connected to a power source, which can be helpful in the event of a power outage. These products include the Array by Hampton and the Kwikset Kevo.
Most Bluetooth locks connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or another protocol, such as Z-Wave or Zigbee. These options are a good choice for homeowners who want to set up a full smart home system that includes other devices. They work with a variety of smart home hubs, such as Samsung SmartThings and the Amazon Echo. In addition, they support integrations with the most popular apps and smart home devices.
Battery Life
A smart lock is a great convenience, but it can also be a power guzzler. There are a few things that can affect battery life, including the type of connection and usage format. Some features can also waste a lot of energy, and this is especially true when working over a WiFi connection.
For Bluetooth-based locks, the battery will typically last between three and six months. This is much shorter than the six to one year promise for older AA models. The team at August suggests that the number one factor in determining battery life is how often the lock reconnects to its access point and wakes up due to polling. The more often you use the feature, the faster you’ll see your battery drain.
If you want to avoid changing your batteries frequently, there are a few steps you can take. First, ensure that you’re using high-quality AA batteries. This will make a significant difference in how quickly the battery will run down. It’s also important to keep the battery clean. Make sure that it’s free of dirt and dust on a regular basis, which will increase the efficiency and length of its lifespan.
Some brands of smart locks have additional features that can make the battery last longer. For example, the Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock uses solar-powered backup and built-in Wi-Fi, which helps to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the Array is compatible with HomeKit and works with the Google Assistant.
Security
With a smart lock you can unlock your door using your smartphone, key fob, or a keypad. It also gives you a much more secure way to monitor who comes and goes, and revoke access as needed. They are a great choice for residential and commercial buildings.
Some Bluetooth locks have a slot for standard keys so you can still use them if bluetooth door lock your phone dies or you lose your Bluetooth connection. Others, like the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi lock allow you to open your door with a mobile app, a keypad, or your fingerprint. You can even set up custom passcodes for guests, cleaners, or caretakers to use.
Bluetooth locks tend to be cheaper than other types of smart locks because they don’t require a hub or home automation system to work. However, you do need a good Wi-Fi connection in order to use the features that come with them.
You should always check to see how well a smart lock works with your other smart devices. At a minimum, a Bluetooth lock should work with Alexa and Google Assistant. It’s even better if it also integrates with other smart home gadgets such as lighting and security systems. In addition to this, you should look at how easy it is to set up and whether it has any other features that will make your life easier.
Installation
Bluetooth smart locks are a newer technology, but they’re gaining popularity for their convenience and security. They don’t require a WiFi connection to work, and they can be installed easily. They can also be used with smart home hubs to offer more control over your door lock from afar. Considering key details like whether or not you want to keep your key and what connection method lines up with your home’s system will help you narrow down your options and find the right smart lock for your needs.
Some of the most popular Bluetooth models are compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, meaning that you can unlock your door using Siri. The second-generation Schlage Sense deadbolt and August Smart Lock both work with Apple’s voice-control platform, so you can lock and unlock your door just by saying “Hey Siri” or “Open the door.”
If you’re planning on using your smart door lock with a smart home hub, consider getting one that supports Z-Wave or ZigBee. These types of locks work with many systems, and they’re also more likely to be compatible with third-party apps that you might already be using. These locks may also be less expensive than Wi-Fi models, and they don’t require the installation of a router, so you can get started with them sooner. They’re also typically easier to set up than Wi-Fi smart locks, and you won’t have to worry about installing software or troubleshooting connectivity issues.