Are Smart Locks Safe? Real Risks and How to Secure Them

Quick answer: Yes, a well-chosen and properly set up smart lock can be as safe as a traditional deadbolt, and sometimes safer thanks to access logs and instant code changes. Most break-ins still come from weak doors, cheap hardware and poor habits rather than hacked apps. Buy a lock with a solid ANSI/BHMA grade, keep its firmware current and protect your accounts.

Are smart locks safe enough to trust with your front door? It depends on which lock you buy, how it is installed and how you manage it. This guide breaks down the physical and digital risks in plain language so you can decide with confidence.

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Physical Risks: The Part Burglars Actually Use

Most forced entries are low-tech. Burglars kick doors, pry frames and force cheap locks. A smart lock does not change that, so the hardware underneath the electronics is what counts.

• Weak strike plates and frames: A deadbolt is only as strong as the wood it screws into. Use 3-inch screws that reach the wall stud.
• Cheap lock bodies: Low-grade latches and thin metal can be bumped, picked or snapped.
• Exposed keyways: Keypad-only models skip the key cylinder, which removes picking and bumping as attack methods.
• Tampering with batteries: Reputable locks keep battery compartments on the interior side of the door.

If you are still choosing hardware, our guide to smart lock types, installation and costs explains how retrofit locks, full replacements and keypad deadbolts differ.

Digital Risks: What Hackers Can and Cannot Do

Headlines about hacked locks sound scary, but real-world attacks on residential smart locks are uncommon compared with ordinary burglary. The realistic digital risks are usually about accounts and connections, not movie-style lock cracking.

• Account takeover: A reused or leaked password can give someone access to your app and your lock.
• Weak Wi-Fi security: An unprotected home network makes every connected device easier to reach.
• Bluetooth and radio flaws: Some older or low-cost models have had published vulnerabilities, which is why updates matter.
• Cloud outages: If a service goes down, remote control may stop working even though the lock still works locally.
• Shared codes: Guest codes that never expire are a human weakness, not a technical one.

A smart lock is only as secure as the door it is mounted on and the password protecting its app.

What ANSI/BHMA Grades Mean for Smart Locks

The American National Standards Institute and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (ANSI/BHMA) test lock hardware for strength, durability and security. The ratings are a useful shortcut when shopping.

• Grade 1: The highest rating. Tested for the most force, the most door slams and the longest cycle life. Common on commercial doors and premium residential locks.
• Grade 2: A solid middle tier that is plenty for most single-family homes.
• Grade 3: The lightest tier. It meets a basic standard but offers less resistance to forced entry.

Check the packaging or manufacturer spec sheet for the grade. If a lock does not list one, treat that as a warning sign. You can learn more about the standards directly from the American National Standards Institute.

Firmware Updates and Account Hygiene

Firmware is the software inside the lock. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and patch security holes, so staying current is one of the cheapest ways to stay safe.

1. Turn on automatic updates in the lock’s app if the option exists.
2. Check manually every few months if updates are not automatic.
3. Use a unique, long password for the lock app, ideally from a password manager.
4. Enable two-factor authentication so a stolen password alone is not enough.
5. Secure your router with a strong Wi-Fi password and updated firmware.
6. Review connected apps and remove voice assistants or integrations you no longer use.

Before you buy, check how long the maker supports its products with updates. A lock that stops receiving patches slowly becomes a liability.

Two-factor authentication and timely firmware updates stop far more attacks than any fancy lock feature.

Backup Keys, Batteries and Lockout Plans

A safe smart lock is also one that never strands you outside. Plan for dead batteries, dropped Wi-Fi and lost phones before they happen.

• Keep a physical key: Choose a model with a key cylinder, and store a spare with a trusted neighbor or in a secure spot, not under the mat.
• Watch battery alerts: Most locks warn you weeks ahead. Replace batteries promptly and keep fresh spares at home.
• Know the emergency power option: Many keypad locks accept a 9-volt battery held against external contacts for a temporary boost.
• Test offline access: Make sure your keypad code and key still work without internet.
• Give trusted people a way in: A second code or backup key prevents lockouts when you travel.

Smart locks pair well with the rest of your protection. See how they fit with smart camera placement around your home and the Ring vs Nest video doorbell comparison.

Best Practices to Make Your Smart Lock Safer

A few habits turn a decent lock into a dependable one. Start with the basics and layer on from there.

• Reinforce the door: Install a heavy-duty strike plate and long screws, and confirm the door is solid-core or metal.
• Use auto-lock: A short delay relocks the door if you forget.
• Create unique codes: Give each person their own code and delete ones you no longer need.
• Set expiring guest codes: Handy for cleaners, contractors and short-term visitors.
• Review the activity log: Look for unusual entry times or failed attempts.
• Avoid obvious codes: Skip birthdays, 1234 and repeated digits.
• Limit integrations: Be cautious about letting voice assistants unlock the door without a spoken PIN.

Some insurers also look favorably on added protection. Our breakdown of whether security systems lower homeowners insurance covers what discounts are typical, though they vary by carrier and state.

Ready to upgrade? Request a free quote through the form on this page and compare vetted providers with no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a smart lock be hacked?

Yes, in theory, but successful attacks on home locks are rare compared with simple forced entry. Most real risk comes from weak passwords, outdated firmware or unsecured Wi-Fi. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication and updates reduce the risk substantially.

Are smart locks safer than regular deadbolts?

Not automatically. A Grade 1 mechanical deadbolt on a reinforced door can beat a flimsy smart lock. A quality smart lock adds benefits such as access logs, temporary codes and remote locking, so it can be a net improvement when chosen carefully.

What happens to a smart lock when the power or internet goes out?

Battery-powered locks keep working during a power outage, and keypad or key access works without internet. Remote control and notifications may pause until service returns. If outages worry you, review our power outage preparedness checklist.

Which ANSI/BHMA grade should I buy?

Grade 1 offers the most durability and security, and Grade 2 is a good fit for most homes. Grade 3 is acceptable for low-risk uses but is the least resistant to force. Always confirm the grade on the manufacturer’s spec sheet.

Related: How to Secure Sliding Glass Doors: 9 Practical Upgrades