![]() The former replaces your entire deadbolt, while the latter requires you to only swap out the part of your deadbolt that's inside your house. Generally, there are two types of smart locks: deadbolt replacements and deadbolt adapters. After all, a smart lock should be easy enough to install and use for any homeowner, and safe enough so that they'll feel secure, no matter where they are. That's why we've tested a number of models, evaluating them for their ease of installation, security features, compatibility with other smart home systems, and more. These are just some of the benefits of smart locks, but all are not created equal. So, if you have a dog walker or caregiver, you can be assured that they can only get in when you want them there. And, with a virtual key, you can create a schedule for when it will work, and get an alert any time it's used. Also worth noting is that the lock supports Kwikset SmartKey, so you can reset the lock to work with an existing Kwikset-branded key without having to call a locksmith.Another "key" feature of smart locks is that you can give others virtual keys to your door, so you don't have to worry about someone making copies of your actual keys. The app also connects with Google Assistant-but not Alexa-which lets you unlock the door via a spoken PIN. Christopher Null / IDGĮvent logging in Kwikset’s app is robust and easy to understand.Īdditional settings are limited to enabling auto-lock (with a configurable countdown ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes), disabling sounds, and disabling the small interior status LED (but not the exterior LEDs). The fingerprint scanner was also especially effective, fast, and accurate in my testing. (The lock supports a maximum of 50 users and 100 fingerprints total.) Manual lock/unlock operations are speedy with the app, and a detailed history of comings and goings is kept within the app as well. New users are easy to add and can be restricted by date or limited to certain days of the week and times of day. Kwisket’s app is fairly basic, but as has always been the case, it gets the job done. (Note that only 2.4GHz networks are supported.) From there, registering users-and enrolling fingerprints-was simple and intuitive, with each fingerprint requiring only three successful scans to be successfully registered. ![]() Installing the lock with the Kwikset app was a streamlined breeze (especially in comparison to previous Kwikset locks), though strangely the lock failed to find my local Wi-Fi network automatically, and I had to type in the name of my network (and password) manually. Kwikset just can’t seem to shrink its massive interior escutcheon. Wedging the cable into the small chamber behind the interior escutcheon without it getting pinched by the door is tricky, but with some trial and error I eventually got everything carefully locked into place. I found getting everything aligned properly to be especially tricky with this lock, mainly owing to the stiff and awkward cable that connects the two escutcheons’ electronics. Installation requires the typical, time-consuming steps of attaching a frame to the exterior escutcheon with two thick screws, bolting the electronics on top of that, and then attaching a cover over all of it. While the redesigned exterior is quite handsome, unfortunately nothing has changed with the interior of the lock, and it remains a multi-part eyesore made of brushed nickel and black plastic. This review is part of TechHive’s coverage of the best smart locks, where you’ll find reviews of competing products, plus a buyer’s guide to the features you should consider when shopping for this type of product.
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