Are smart locks safe?

Are smart locks safe? Usually, yes, but only when the hardware is solid and the account, app, and network around it are secured properly. The biggest smart lock security risks usually come from weak setup, poor account protection, outdated firmware, and physical bypasses, not from the idea of a smart lock itself.

How to think about smart lock security

A smart lock is not just a lock. It is a physical security device connected to software, credentials, and often a mobile app or cloud service. That means you have to evaluate it in two ways:

1. Can someone physically defeat the lock or door?
2. Can someone digitally abuse the account or access system?

If either answer is yes, the overall security is weak.

Where smart locks can be safer than traditional locks

In some cases, smart locks improve security compared with standard keyed locks.

Common benefits include:

• no hidden spare keys
• temporary access codes for guests, staff, or contractors
• audit trails showing lock activity
• quick access revocation without rekeying
• auto-locking after the door closes
• remote management for rentals, second homes, or small offices

For many households and small businesses, fast credential revocation is a real advantage. With a physical key, you may not know whether someone copied it. With a smart lock, you can often remove access from the app immediately.

If you are building a broader home setup, it also helps to secure the rest of your connected environment. See how to secure your smart home network.

Where smart locks introduce new risks

Smart locks also add attack surface. Common smart home security risks include:

• weak mobile app passwords
• missing MFA on the account
• vulnerable firmware
• insecure Bluetooth or Wi-Fi configuration
• exposed backup PINs
• poor vendor patching
• cloud dependency for some features
• shared access without accountability

A lock can be mechanically strong and still be undermined by a compromised account. If an attacker gains access to the app that manages the lock, the problem is no longer just the hardware on the door.

Physical security still matters most

One of the biggest misconceptions is that “smart” automatically means “more secure.” In practice, the first question should still be:

How strong is the physical lock, door, frame, hinges, and installation?

If the door frame is weak, the strike plate is poorly secured, or the deadbolt is low quality, the digital features do not matter much. Many break-ins are still low-tech:

• forced entry
• weak door frames
• bad installation
• exposed side entrances
• unlocked windows

A strong smart lock on a weak door is still a weak entry point.

Common ways smart locks fail

Account compromise

If the account tied to the lock uses a weak or reused password, an attacker may gain access through credential stuffing, phishing, or password reuse from another breach.

Using a password manager can reduce this risk by making it easier to use unique credentials for every app and service. 1Password is one option readers may consider for securing smart home and IoT accounts.

Insecure phone or app access

If the phone that controls the lock is stolen and poorly protected, a thief may be able to open the app and operate the lock. This is why device security matters just as much as lock security.

Basic protections include:

• a strong phone passcode
• biometric lock
• app lock if supported
• remote wipe capability
• avoiding shared unlocked devices

Firmware and software weaknesses

Like other IoT devices, smart locks depend on vendor software quality. Products with poor update support may eventually expose users to known flaws, unreliable behavior, or unpatched vulnerabilities.

This is one reason brand reputation and update history matter more than marketing claims.

For a broader framework, see what makes an iot device secure.

Wireless implementation issues

Some smart locks use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or proprietary radio protocols. The security of those implementations varies widely.

Potential issues include:

• poor pairing controls
• weak defaults
• insecure onboarding flows
• overbroad permissions
• unnecessary internet exposure

This does not mean Bluetooth smart lock security or Wi-Fi smart lock risks are automatically unacceptable. It means implementation quality matters.

Operational mistakes

For many people, day-to-day mistakes are more likely than a sophisticated wireless attack.

Examples include:

• leaving default codes enabled
• never removing old guest access
• sharing one code with multiple people
• posting instructions near the door
• ignoring firmware updates
• ignoring low-battery alerts

These are often the real-world failures behind electronic door lock safety concerns.

How to make a smart lock setup safer

The most effective controls are practical and mostly low effort.

Choose a reputable vendor

Look for a vendor with:

• a history of firmware updates
• clear support documentation
• transparent security practices
• a good record on product maintenance

Avoid treating all smart locks as equal just because they have similar features.

Secure the account behind the lock

Use:

• a unique strong password
• MFA if available
• individual accounts where possible
• limited sharing of primary credentials

If you have access to MFA for the lock app or connected smart home platform, enable it.

Keep software updated

Update:

• lock firmware
• mobile apps
• smart home hubs
• connected routers or gateways

Outdated software is one of the most preventable sources of smart lock risk.

Strengthen the door and frame

A secure lock on a weak frame is poor security overall. Reinforce:

• strike plates
• hinge screws
• door frames
• door material where needed

Good physical hardening often matters more than choosing between two similar smart lock brands.

Review access regularly

Good smart lock best practices include:

• removing old guest codes
• using individual codes instead of shared ones
• checking audit logs when available
• reviewing who still has access
• defining access revocation steps for staff or contractors

This is especially important for rentals and small businesses.

Keep a backup entry option

Choose a model with a realistic recovery path, such as:

• a physical key
• external emergency power
• a documented backup entry process

Smart locks should not leave you dependent on one battery, one phone, or one cloud account.

Common misconceptions

“Smart locks are easy for hackers to open remotely”

Not usually in the way people imagine. The more common risks are weak passwords, poor setup, bad app security, and weak vendor support.

“Traditional locks are always safer”

Not automatically. Traditional locks still have risks such as copied keys, poor key control, bumping, and weak physical installation.

“If the smart lock uses encryption, it is fully secure”

No. Encryption helps, but it does not fix compromised phones, weak passwords, poor recovery flows, or weak doors.

“A smart lock failure means you will always be locked out”

Not necessarily. Many models include key backup, external power options, or other recovery methods. The key is choosing one with a tested fallback plan.

“Battery-powered locks are unsafe by default”

Low battery is a maintenance issue, not proof of insecurity. But you do need alerts, battery replacement habits, and a backup plan.

Final takeaway

Are smart locks safe? They can be, but they are not automatically safer than traditional locks. The safest smart lock setup combines solid hardware, good installation, strong account security, regular updates, and a reinforced door. In most cases, the bigger risk is weak setup and poor operational habits, not the existence of smart lock technology itself.

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