Smart locks are electromechanical devices designed to lock and unlock a door with authorized user authentication. They are great tools for keeping out intruders. However, most smart locks depend on batteries to work, and batteries don’t last forever. So, what happens if smart lock battery dies? Read on and find out.
How Smart Locks Work
There are different models of smart locks, and they all work slightly differently. But basically, they fit over or are fitted in place of your cylindrical deadbolt lock. The lock’s convenience is enhanced by offering Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS detection of when someone is coming home. Once your approach is detected, the smart lock activates and unlocks your door.
Some smart locks fit on top of your existing deadbolt, positioned on the inside of the door. This implies that you still have the existing lock and key and can open it using the smart lock. Other smart locks change your door’s locks entirely, sitting on the outside of the door.
Smart locks come with excellent features like:
- Keycode entry – With a keypad, you can easily set and use digits to unlock your door.
- Voice recognition – This feature allows you to unlock your door with the sound of your voice.
- Bluetooth proximity – Your door automatically unlocks when it senses specific Bluetooth devices like your phone.
- Remote unlocking – This uses the app’s functionality on your phone to unlock your door.
These locks are connected to the internet and can store loads of valuable data, which you can use to strengthen the security of your home. You can enable notifications on your smartphone and track when people enter your house.
How Long do the Batteries Last?
Batteries don’t last forever, which is also true for batteries in smart locks. Depending on the type of batteries and the smart lock brand, batteries in smart locks usually last between one month to two years. The battery’s life also depends on the connectivity.
Smart locks that use Z-Wave and Bluetooth for connectivity and lithium batteries can be used for one to two years. Those that use WiFi for connectivity and alkaline batteries have shorter battery life. They require replacement every one to three months.
Replacing your alkaline batteries with lithium batteries will help you boost your battery life. Also, you may want to consider purchasing a Z-Wave or Bluetooth-compatible lock to avoid replacing your batteries often.
How do you know when the Lock Battery is Low?
Many smart locks have low battery indicators that will warn you when the lock’s battery is low. Some manufacturers designed their smart locks so you’ll get notifications in the mobile app or via email when your battery is low.
Another sign you’ll get when your battery is low is a slow response time. Also, unlocking your door may require more attempts than usual if the battery is low.
What Happens when your Smart Lock Runs out of Battery
Your smart lock will give you warnings for several weeks before it finally loses power. However, that isn’t the end of the world. There are other ways you can gain access to the lock.
Your key
Your traditional key will still work if your smart lock dies before you can replace the lock batteries. The traditional lock and key are available as a backup option when your smart lock loses all power.
Backup operations from your mobile
Many smart lock systems have mobile apps that give you access to your system from your smartphone. If your smart lock has run out of power, it is easy to skitch off the system with your smartphone.
Emergency override
Many keyless locks feature an override system that bypasses the smart lock and gives you access without setting off alarms. Consult the owner’s manual and find the information about your lock’s manual override option that allows you to gain access.
The emergency override is usually used when there are no other options. This is because you need to remove the keypad’s cover plate and disable the smart lock from inside. Although you can put the lock back in place and install new batteries, you risk damaging the lock.
How to Replace your Smart Lock Batteries
Smart lock models have slight differences, but the procedure for changing batteries is mostly the same. You’ll need a screwdriver to open the battery compartment and remove the old batteries for most locks. Close the compartment and switch on the smart lock once you’re done putting in the new batteries.
Smart locks are great, but changing the batteries often may be tiring and expensive. It’s therefore essential to choose a model that is efficient and durable. Go for lithium batteries instead of alkaline ones. For increased efficiency, pair the lithium-powered lock with Z-Wave connectivity. Before getting lithium batteries, check if they are compatible with your smart lock. Using lithium batteries for a non-lithium smart lock will damage the lock.
