I know this may sound silly, but one of the things I dreamed about while living in an apartment was a smart lock. Yes, something as silly as a smart lock was something I couldn’t wait to own as soon as I got my own home. Something about the combination of home security with pseudo-futuristic tech made me beyond excited to finally get my hands on something like this.
To be fair, it’s been one of the best pieces of tech that I’ve invested in for my smart home. Fewer keys, fewer hassles, and plenty of security make it a fantastic addition to any home. But it has accessibility features that make it a necessity in my home at this point. In my eyes, even a “dumb” smart lock is better than a regular lock.
App unlocks and notifications are great
A few button presses and I’m ready to go
Credit: Shaun Cichacki/MUO
One of the main reasons that I love having a smart lock is how easy it is for the people that I care about to get into my home. No matter if I’m having my folks over or my brother is coming to visit, I can set up personalized profiles for each of them. Fingerprints, codes, or app access are all they need to be able to get inside. It doesn’t matter if it’s just for a visit or to feed our kitties while we’re out and about; everyone I care about can get in with no issue.
Plus, I’m instantly pinged on my phone, letting me know which profile accessed my lock and by which method they used to unlock the door. If someone is attempting to get in and continues to fail, I know that it’s not someone who should be trying to get in, and I can take appropriate action after verifying it.
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But even a keyless entry lock is amazing
I don’t want people coming in from my garage, to be fair
Keyless entry is one of the best things I’ve ever discovered, regardless of whether it’s a smart lock or a “dumb” lock. For example, I have an attached garage to my house, and rather than fighting with keys every time I come in, I installed a keyless entry system. I don’t have a standard deadlock on my garage door, and this takes care of the most frustrating part of getting in after a grocery run.
Not only does it support keypad entry with up to 100 codes or fingerprints, but it also doesn’t rely on my spotty Wi-Fi connection on this side of the house. Even when it’s 10°F like it is right now in Wisconsin, it can withstand the chilly temperatures and still works like a dream. Only thing that stinks? I have to take my gloves off to use it properly, but I’d likely still have to do the same with a set of keys. For those with iOS devices, there are smart versions of this particular lock available, too, but I love my little “dumb” lock with all my heart.
Dimensions (exterior)
2.95″ x 2.95″ x 7.48″
Compatibility
Biometric, Keypad
Materials
Aluminum, Zinc
Smart locks are one of the easiest DIY accessories
Some smart home stuff is horribly complicated. These aren’t
While owning a home is quite fun, keeping up with all of the DIY tasks isn’t. No matter if you’re trying to save some money on your heating bills or installing new fixtures in an older home, it isn’t always easy trying to keep up with the Joneses. While my passion lies within the world of electronics, I’m not exactly the MVP of DIY, but I found that installing both the Wyze x Lockin Smart Lock and the ThorBolt “dumb” keyless knob was incredibly easy.
In fact, I think that almost everybody could at least complete the installation process with ease. Luckily, the holes in my door were already the perfect size for the deadbolt to slide right into, so no additional modification was needed. But even if you had to make a few holes, it should be easily doable by most. If not, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials that can help even the most amateur remodelers become enthusiasts — believe me. That’s how I’ve gotten most of this stuff done so far, outside of help from my family.
Sometimes, keys would be kind of nice
I don’t always have a power bank on me
Credit: Shaun Cichacki/MUO
While I have yet to encounter this particular issue, the idea of batteries running dry inside my lock could prove to be very bothersome. Seeing as there are so many different types of batteries on the market, grabbing and using the longest-lasting can prove to be an issue. What happens if they do run out on you? Well, keeping an eye on them beforehand will ensure that doesn’t happen, but prospective Smart Lockers can use a power bank/charger with Type C to give it enough juice to open.
All of this could be prevented with a key, though. Some brands, like Eufy or Yale, do offer smart locks with keys, but they weren’t available when I purchased my Wyze x Lockin lock. That, and they can be much pricier than this option overall. But, if you’re the type to forget about batteries or charging your devices until it’s just about too late, looking ahead and purchasing an option with an available key can help circumvent this issue. Or, you know, just getting a standard lock. Where’s the fun in that, though?
Accessibility is key for me
See what I did there?
The main reason I was so intrigued by a smart lock in the first place, outside its futuristic technology, is because of how accessible it has proven to be. My brother is in a wheelchair, and rather than needing to turn around each time to lock up after himself, he can use his phone to automatically lock the door or set a timer so it locks shortly after he leaves. It’s incredibly nice, and something that a lot of folks may take for granted — myself included.
So while it may be a fun piece of technology for me, it turned into a way to make someone else’s life a little bit easier. That was the greatest perk of all when it came to installing something like this in my home.
