Your house will benefit from an additional layer of protection and convenience when you install the finest smart locks. You are able to remotely unlock and lock your door, check to see whether it is closed or ajar from your phone, and distribute digital keys with family members or visitors from any location that has an internet connection. After taking all of the gear out of its packaging, the most difficult phase is getting started with the project.
This past weekend, I upgraded my old deadbolt by purchasing the Aqara U100 smart lock, which can be purchased on Amazon for $229. In contrast to an internal conversion smart lock like those manufactured by August or Wyze, this entirely transformed my regular lock into a smart lock. Nevertheless, I was taken aback by how simple and easy the procedure was.
Putting in a smart lock can be accomplished in less than fifteen minutes, as shown here.
To begin the process of installing a smart lock, you will need the following:
Smart lock Screwdriver (electric is a good choice in this situation)
Ruler of the
Procedures for installing a smart lock
1. Take off the lock that is currently installed
As soon as you have made your choice among the top smart locks, you will want to set the box that it comes in to the side. When you want to remove the two bolts that are keeping your existing lock together, you should use your Philips Head (PH1) screwdriver. As soon as these bolts are removed, the whole lock will go unfastened. You will need to pull the internal portion of the lock away from you. After that, you may remove the front of the lock from the outer section of the door by sliding it off gently.
Leaving you with just the deadbolt, which you can simply remove with the help of your screwdriver, is the only need. The space where you will install your new smart lock need to be free of any obstructions at this point.
2. Remove the packaging and arrange the components of your smart lock.
After you have finished cleaning and putting away the components of your old lock, you should now arrange the hardware of your new smart lock in an orderly fashion. If you want to keep track of all of the little screws and plastic attachments that come with these kits, you should look for a clean workplace such as a table. Due to the fact that certain mounting screws might easily slip through the cracks if you are not attentive, it is essential to give each box and package a thorough inspection.
3. Put the deadbolt of your new smart lock into place
You should take the deadbolt that comes with your new smart lock and place it into the hole that is now vacant, making sure that the “TOP” portion is pointing upward. The front outside half of your new smart lock should be attached to the outside of your door, and it should be secured with two screws. It is sufficient to just thread the stick that is included in this item through the center hole of your lock. When the lock is turned, this is the mechanism that rotates the latch.
It is sufficient to insert the data connection below the deadbolt if your smart lock is equipped with one. A mounting plate will then be screwed into place over the inside of the lock using the screws.
4. Put in place your electronic lock
By the time you have mounted your external lock, you have already completed the challenging phase. When you look at the mounting plate, you should be looking at the place where you will connect the inner side of your lock. There ought to be a removal tool included in your smart lock so that you can snap off its top plate. This will reveal your battery port, sync buttons, and mounting screw points, among other components of your device. In order to fasten your lock to the door, you will need to first insert your batteries, then connect the cable into the rear of the lock, and last use the tiny mounting screws.
5. Install using the smart lock app and verify that it is operational
To learn about your new smart lock, use the application that comes with your smart lock and choose the “Add Device” option. In most cases, this will immediately pick up your powered-on smart lock; but, in the event that it does not, all you need to do is push down on one of the sync buttons.
Through the use of the app, you are able to configure automation features such as geofencing to ensure that the door locks or unlocks automatically whenever you leave or return home. You are also able to set up a fingerprint reader or a code for each member of your family if your lock includes either of these features.
Before reattaching the cover plates and putting your tools away, you should first test to make sure that all of the features are functioning properly.
In order to install a typical smart lock, you do not need to be very skillful. The fact that you are working on an uneven surface or that you have a door that does not conform to conventional measurements may, of course, make this a difficult task. You will have a stronger control over who enters your house after you have installed a smart lock, as well as a means to monitor it, in addition to the benefits that are listed below.
Exactly what characteristics should you look for in a smart lock?
Wi-Fi controls: You should be able to operate your smart lock from any location as long as there is an internet connectivity. Make sure that your smart lock is able to connect to Wi-Fi since some smart locks are dependent on local area connectivity such as Bluetooth. It’s possible that you’ll want a second bridge or hub for this.
Through the use of geofencing, you may have your door locked or unlocked based on your position. If you allow location services on your phone, it will be able to utilize GPS to communicate with your smart lock and notify it that you have arrived at your residence. It will then either automatically open the door or lock it for you as you depart.
Access for visitors: Even if you are away from home, you may still provide guests with temporary passcodes. It is wonderful for those who work in maintenance and delivery, as well as for family members who are visiting. Using the event history that is logged by smart locks, you are able to learn when your door was opened and closed.
Auto-lock: Smart locks are designed to lock themselves automatically after a certain amount of time or when you leave the home. This eliminates the need for you to worry about whether or not you left your door open accidentally.
Compatibility with smart home platforms: If you have already made an investment in a smart home platform, you should seek for a smart lock that is compatible with the voice assistant that you use, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. It is expected that your smart lock will have the capability to activate your linked smart home gadgets, which will result in even more sophisticated home automation functions.
