It’s straightforward why smart locks are becoming more prevalent. Smart locks are now widely available, and they can be used to replace traditional mechanical locks, offering a number of benefits over the older types. And anyway, among all of the ways that modern tech is improving our livelihoods, safety and security are at the top of the list. You won’t have to sprint home to make sure the door is locked with a smart lock. Instead you can simply check the app to see the lock history and remotely lock the door. Not only that, but they will also grant digital “keys” to friends, family, caretakers, or anyone else who visits your home on a regular basis.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart Lock
If you’re unfamiliar with smart home technology, it can be difficult to navigate. So we have compiled a list of things to look at some of today’s smart lock options. Go ahead to learn what you should know before purchasing one and how to find the right lock for your needs.
1. Think about why you’re buying.
First and foremost, smart locks have the benefit of being more efficient, but they are not always more secure. Yes, you read that right. The key point to remember is that they will not improve the security of any door or home. So, ask yourself whether you want or need a smart lock.
2. Make sure the dimensions are correct.
Despite the fact that smart locks are intended to be nearly universal, not all doors meet this requirement. So many of them are designed in an out-of-the-ordinary way. Evaluate all of the dimensions, both inside and out, to make sure that the smart lock will accommodate and function properly.
3. Is it possible to install a smart lock on the door?
Smart locks are designed to automatically lock and unlock the door’s deadbolt, but not every door will function properly. For this to work, doors must have a smooth action, and doors may not have been installed properly or may have deteriorated over time, necessitating abit pulling to get them to lock correctly. Smart locks will not be suitable for doors where this is necessary. However, in the vast majority of cases, you can simply fix them.
4. Whether you use a full deadbolt or not.
You can keep the deadbolt you already have if you use smart locks. They’re often referred to as “retrofit” options, and they’re ideal for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to change keys. However, not that every smart lock can be used as a deadbolt. Some simply screw into an existing deadbolt and lock and unlock manually. These are generally easier to install, but make sure they’ll work with your existing deadbolt before purchasing.
5. Wireless and/or a keypad are both options.
The two most common ways to control a smart lock are via keypads and wireless. Wireless keypads can be unlocked with a smart phone, whereas keypads need you to remember a number or code. However, if you get a lot of visitors, they might not want to download an app to their phone to gain access. Wireless is the best option in these situations, but while voice activation is also an option.
6. Connection type.
A smart lock must be capable of communicating with your other smart home devices as well as your phone. This is possible with the use of a wireless connection. The majority of devices will do so using one of three common communication protocols: Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Wi-Fi. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to clarify the distinctions before making a purchase.
Best Smart Lock in the Market
We hope that you get an idea about what to consider before you select or purchase a smart lock for your home. So now let’s take a look at one of the best smart locks on the market in the following section.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt – Best Smart Lock in the Market
In a nutshell, the Schlage Encode is a good choice for the best smart lock with an alarm, as it will generate an extremely loud siren in the event of a break-in. The Schlage Encode is a stylish smart lock with a lot of features for the money, other than the alarm. Its integration with Alexa, Google Home, and other smart home systems, such as the Amazon Key program, has also been well received by customers. It gives an assurance for its customers by allowing them to control their lock from anywhere using the Schlage Home or Key by Amazon apps.
Features of Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
The Encode is an elegant, classy, smart lock that would look great on a modern front door. It’s available in two styles: a squarish Century Trim and a scalloped Camelot. Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, and Aged Bronze are the four different finishes available for each style.
No hubs or equipments are necessary to connect to your home network thanks to built-in WiFi. You can manage access for reliable guests remotely by pairing the Schlage Home or Key by Amazon apps, entering access codes on the touchscreen, using the smartphone app, or using the key. After all, it comes with up to 100 user codes, which is ideal if you have a lot of people coming in and out.
Encode is one of the handful locks that can use Amazon Key. This enables Amazon delivery personnel to open the door and keep your package inside. This, however, necessitates the installation of both a lock and a supported security camera, such as the Amazon Cloud Cam.
Connects With
Schlage also makes the Schlage Connect smart lock, which works with a variety of smart home systems, including the following:
- Schlage Encode: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Amazon Key, Ring Video Doorbell, and Ring Cameras (available on iOS and Android).
- Schlage Connect (Z-Wave model): Alexa, SmartThings, Nexia, Ring Alarm, Wink, Google Assistant
- Schlage Connect (Zigbee model): Alexa, SmartThings, Amazon Key, Echo Pl
Installation of Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Putting the lock in place is simple and clear. It requires no hardwiring at all. After all, you don’t have to learn about how to be an electrician to set up a smart lock.
But note that you probably wouldn’t be able to use existing lock cylinders or keys because the lock is intended to be placed on a new door or to entirely replace an existing lock. It’s easy to assemble with just a screwdriver (don’t use a power drill or you’ll damage your lock!). To set up your Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt, simply follow the 8 steps below.
Steps
- Take out the existing lock. Remove the deadbolt completely, including the bolt. You might also want to get rid of the strike.
- Tighten the bolt. It’s possible that you’ll need to change the length of your bolt. Check to see if the bolt’s slot is in the center of the hole and that the word “TOP” is facing up.
- Secure the strike in the door frame. You might not be able to use the relatively long wood screws to install the reinforcer if your door has a window next to it.
- Install the touchscreen. BELOW the bolt, route the cable through the door. Push the touchscreen onto to the door and make sure the bump on the tailpiece aligns with the slot in the bolt.
- Place the backplate in place. Pass the cable underneath the bolt then through the hole in the backplate’s bottom. Screw the backplate in place. Before tightening the screws all the way, ensure that the exterior touchscreen is straight.
- Plug in the cable. In the space above the spindle, tuck the cable and connector.
- Put the lock on the door and tighten it. Make sure your thumbturn is vertical if the bump on the tailpiece doesn’t line up with the slot in the rear of the inside assembly (up and down). But be careful enough to not over-tighten screws. That can damage the lock.
- Put the batteries and close the cover. Remove the battery holder and replace the batteries. Then reinstall the battery holder and rotate it so that the batteries face the door.
Setup of Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
You’ve just learned how to put your lock in place. It’s now time to set up your lock so that you can use it. Follow the steps below to get you going.
Steps
- You must open your door!
- Select one of the two pre-programmed user codes.
- The setup routine for your lock will begin. Setup is complete when the bolt stops moving.
- Shut the door.
- Use the inside thumbturn to extend and retract the bolt.
- Double-check that the bolt retracts smoothly.
- Go ahead and open the door.
- Turn the inside thumbturn to extend the bolt.
- At the touchscreen, enter a user code.
After the installation part of the lock, you could use a smart home system to lock and unlock your door from anywhere, as well as add user codes for visitors and family members.
Please visit here for further details or to clarify any doubts.
Smart Lock | Conclusion
You can choose a security system that allows you to monitor your home in the way that you want. If you don’t want to think about a complete smart home system, you can use standalone devices like motion sensors, smart security cameras, smart humidifiers, smart lights, and smart doorbells to monitor your home using your smartphone or tablet.
However, as previously stated, a smart lock does not always imply a safer home. It’s all about bringing a little convenience into your daily routine. When your hands are full and your keys are out of reach, they can help you or your visitors get into your house. However, before deciding on smart locks, it’s worth considering what real benefits they’ll provide; we’ve summarized about the best one for you.
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