A keypad or smart lock replaces the key with a code, an app, or both. The locksmith fits it to your door, sets the first codes with you, and leaves the key override working.
Keypad or smart lock?
A keypad deadbolt is a code on the door and nothing else: no app, no hub, no phone. A smart lock adds the app, remote codes, and a log of who came in. Both keep a physical key cylinder for when the battery dies.
- Keypad deadbolt: codes only, battery powered, simplest to live with
- Smart deadbolt: app plus codes, guest codes with time limits, activity log
- Retrofit smart lock: fits over the inside of your existing deadbolt, outside of the door stays the same
Fit matters more than features
Most smart lock complaints trace back to a door that never closed cleanly in the first place. The locksmith checks the strike, the bolt throw, and the door swing before mounting anything, and adjusts them so the motor is not fighting the frame.
Renters and co-ops
Retrofit models leave the outside of the door unchanged, which is what many buildings ask for. Check the house rules first if you rent, and the locksmith picks a model that fits them.
Common questions
What happens when the battery dies?
Most models give a low-battery warning first. When it does die, the key override opens the door, and many models can be woken with a 9-volt battery held to the contacts on the outside.
Can you install a lock I already bought?
Yes, as long as it fits the door. Mention the model and the door type when you call.
Will it work with my intercom or building system?
Apartment door locks and building entry systems are separate. For building entry, see intercom and access control.