My favorite place to look for and buy biometric smart locks is Amazon. There, among very large selection of smart locks you could find and buy the Touch Smart Lock with Smart Hub, Wi-Fi , Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi , Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi (fingerprint), Kwikset Halo Fingerprint Wi-Fi , Smonet M6 WiFi Keyless Front Door Lock , or the August Home Wi-Fi 4th Gen (with smart keypad) , the lock which we are reviewing in this article. As a perfect alternatives and my personal favorites, I am also highly recommending you to check out the following locks: Eufy S230, Eufy C220, Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt, Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Lockly Secure Pro, Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Latch Edition, Agara Smart Fingerprint Lock U100 and Securam EOS.
- Key Takeaways
- Why Smart Locks are Becoming a Family Favorite
- How Wi-Fi Connectivity Changes Home Security
- Assessing the Construction of Smart Locks
- Fashionable Styles that Enhance Your Home's Interior
- How to Install Your Smart Lock: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Overcoming Typical Installation Hurdles
- The Ease of Unlocking from Anywhere: The Benefits of Remote Access
- Sharing Access with Family Members and Trusted Guests
- Remote Access: Unlocking Your Door from Anywhere
- How to Grant Entry to Family and Trusted Guests
- How to Connect Your Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Your Home Automation System
- Setting Up Smart Routines for Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock
- Getting to Know Encryption and Data Protection Features
- Keeping Your Smart Lock in Top Shape
- How to Make Your Smart Lock's Battery Last Longer: Advice and Best Practices
- Comprehending and Controlling Power Usage
- Guiding You Through Customer Service for Setup and Troubleshooting
- Understanding Warranty Protection and How to Make a Claim
- Is It Possible to Hack Wi-Fi Smart Locks?
- What Occurs with Smart Locks When There is a Power Failure?
- Are there any Wi-Fi Smart Locks that can scan fingerprints?
- What Influence Do Smart Locks Have on Insurance Premiums?
- Is it Possible to Connect Smart Locks with Video Doorbells?
Key Takeaways
Wi-Fi smart locks are a convenient and secure option for family homes in 2024.
Most models are easy to install and can be fitted over existing deadbolts.
Remote access features allow you to lock and unlock doors from anywhere, a major plus for families.
Integration with smart home ecosystems can simplify your home security and automation processes.
When selecting a smart lock, factors to consider include design, durability, battery life, and customer support.
August Home, Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)– Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, Silver
The Emergence of Smart Home Security
Entering 2024, the smart home security industry is thriving. With more families than ever seeking to safeguard their homes, technology is rising to the challenge. Smart locks are leading this trend, providing a combination of convenience and security that conventional locks just can’t compete with.
August Home Smart Lock is compatible with most single cylinder deadbolts…
and will work with your existing lock and keys
Why Smart Locks are Becoming a Family Favorite
There are several persuasive reasons why smart locks are becoming a standard feature in family homes:
Comfort: Picture never having to search for keys again or be concerned about your children misplacing them. A simple touch on your smartphone or a brief voice command can secure your home with a smart lock.
Authority: Whether you’re at the office or on holiday, smart locks let you control who enters your home and when. You can give temporary access to guests or service providers without jeopardizing your family’s security.
Relaxation: With features like activity logs and real-time alerts, you can always be aware of what’s happening at your front door.
As a result of these advantages, smart locks are no longer just a comfort; they’re becoming a crucial component of a comprehensive home security system.
Remote Access right from the box
How Wi-Fi Connectivity Changes Home Security
Smart locks have been revolutionized by Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to interact with other devices and services. Here’s why that matters:
You can access it remotely, which means you can lock and unlock your doors no matter where you are.
It integrates with other smart home devices, so your lock can work together with lights, cameras, and alarms.
It updates automatically to ensure your lock’s software is always safe from potential threats.
Most importantly, Wi-Fi-enabled locks provide a level of convenience and security that can adjust to your family’s ever-changing needs.
Pair the Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Design and Durability: Where Beauty Meets Practicality
When choosing a smart lock, homeowners must consider both design and durability as key factors. The ideal smart lock should not only complement the aesthetic of your home but also withstand the test of time and usage. Balancing these aspects ensures that the smart lock you select is as visually appealing as it is functionally robust.
Choosing a smart lock is not only about finding one that will keep your home safe but also one that will enhance its appearance. The top smart locks of 2024 are not just efficient; they also have a great design.
Assessing the Construction of Smart Locks
It’s vital to pick a lock that’s designed for longevity. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:
A sturdy structure that can resist tampering and damage over time.
Materials resistant to weather that can endure extreme temperatures and conditions.
A mounting system that is secure that guarantees the lock remains securely in place.
Keep in mind, the durability of your smart lock is a crucial aspect of your home’s total security. For more insights, read our smart lock cost-benefit analysis.
Fashionable Styles that Enhance Your Home’s Interior
When considering a home upgrade, it’s essential to choose fashionable styles that enhance your home’s interior and security. Smart locks are a great way to add both function and aesthetic appeal to your home.
Smart locks available today come in a variety of finishes and styles to match any home’s decor. No matter if you’re seeking a sleek, contemporary design or something with a more classic feel, there’s a smart lock out there for you.
Easy to Install and Set Up
One of the top benefits of today’s smart locks is how simple they are to install. Many are made to work with the deadbolt you already have, making the installation process super easy.
How to Install Your Smart Lock: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a smart lock can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be a simple process. For a detailed walkthrough, check out also our comprehensive smart lock installation guide that will help you secure your home with ease.
Use provided adhesive tape to secure outer / keyed assembly of your old lock
On the inner side of the door remove by unscrewing the thumbturn of existing deadbolt. Remove also, if present, any eventual mounting plate.
Use provided mounting plate and fix it to the door with the 2 screws you just removed from the thumb turn (optional: if there is a gap behind the mounting plate due to large bore hole, use also the provided cover plate). Do not over tight the screws.
Place the right adapter from those provided, onto the tail piece, depending on the tailpiece shape. If you have the correct adapter, one of the triangle shaped nubs on it should be facing up.
By pulling them out open both wing latches to prepare mounting of the lock.
Slide the lock over the adapter and the mounting plate and when seated, clamp down to close the both wing latches and secure the lock to the door. By turning the lock outer body ring, try couple of times, if locking and unlocking operation goes smoothly.
Press down the August logo on the lock faceplate and remove the faceplate to open the battery compartment. Remove the plastic isolation tab from the batteries and put back the faceplate.
Next step including pairing of your lock with the August smartphone app. Download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play depending on your phone OS, and install it. Follow the in-app instructions.
Instructions for Android installation are following:
Sign in to your August account, or create one by choosing “Set up my first August device”
Tap Set up a New Device from the menu in the top left-hand corner
Choose Set Up a Smart Lock, then Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation
Follow the in-app instructions to install the lock on your deadbolt
Optionally: install DoorSense to detect whether your door is open or closed
Name your device and assign it to a house
Follow the in-app instructions to calibrate your lock and DoorSense
Optionally: follow the in-app instructions to connect your lock to Wi-Fi
And there you have it, you’re on your way to having a smarter, safer home.
Overcoming Typical Installation Hurdles
When installing a new smart lock, users often face a variety of challenges. Understanding the installation process for the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock can help mitigate these issues and ensure a smooth setup.
There may be times when you encounter a problem during the installation process. Here are some suggestions to help you deal with common problems:
If the lock seems to be misaligned, you should check the deadbolt and strike plate to make sure they are installed correctly and are not blocked.
If you’re having trouble with Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure your router is close enough and that you’re using the right network credentials.
If you need more help, you can always reach out to the lock’s customer service or check online forums for advice specific to your model.
Just remember, a little patience can go a long way. Once you get your smart lock installed, it will provide you with both security and convenience for many years.
Wi-Fi’s Power: Control and Access from Anywhere
One of the most significant advantages of modern smart locks is the ability to control and monitor your home security remotely. With the integration of Wi-Fi, users can lock and unlock their doors, receive notifications, and manage access for guests and family members from anywhere in the world. This convenience is further enhanced by the latest models of locks that offer improved battery life and user-friendly interfaces, like in the case of the August locks we are reviewing here. For a deeper understanding of the benefits and setup tips for Wi-Fi enabled smart locks, please check also one of our previous articles here.
Wi-Fi smart locks are truly magical because they give you control over your home’s security no matter where you are. Whether you’re in your backyard or halfway across the globe, you can control your smart lock as long as you have an internet connection.
The Ease of Unlocking from Anywhere: The Benefits of Remote Access
Ever left your house in a rush and forgot to lock the door? Don’t worry, a Wi-Fi smart lock has got you covered. With just a simple tap on your smartphone, you can secure your door from anywhere. But it’s not just about locking and unlocking, you can also:
Monitor the status of your lock in real-time.
Get alerts when someone comes in or goes out of your home.
Allow guest access for visitors without needing to duplicate keys.
This level of command isn’t just handy; it’s revolutionary for home security.
Sharing Access with Family Members and Trusted Guests
When it comes to smart locks, one of the key benefits is the ability to share access with family members and trusted guests. For a detailed guide on how to maximize the use of your smart lock for this purpose, check out our comprehensive smart lock installation and setup tips.
It’s never been simpler to allow access to your home. Most Wi-Fi smart locks let you generate virtual keys for your family or temporary access codes for guests. Often, you can set schedules for these codes to only work at specific times, providing an additional level of security.
Hence, smart locks are not only for preventing intruders from entering but also for allowing authorized people to enter in a safe and secure manner.
Remote Access: Unlocking Your Door from Anywhere
Picture this: you’ve just arrived at work and a sudden worry crosses your mind – did you forget to lock the front door? In 2024, this is no longer a reason to stress. With a smart lock, you just need to open your smartphone app and click to lock your door. Remote access isn’t just about giving you peace of mind; it’s a game-changer for controlling your home’s security while you’re out and about.
Moreover, some smart locks use geofencing technology to automatically lock or unlock your door as you move away from or towards your house. This means you no longer have to struggle to find your keys when your hands are full of shopping bags, and you don’t have to worry about whether you remembered to lock the door during a busy morning.
Granting access with temporary scheduled unique access code – dog walker
How to Grant Entry to Family and Trusted Guests
Granting entry to your home is as simple as sending a text message. Using the smart lock’s app, you can give entry to family members, friends, or service providers by giving them unique access codes. This allows you to monitor who is entering your home and when, providing you with a record of entries and exits.
Family members can have permanent virtual keys while guests can have temporary ones. For example, you can give your dog walker access every weekday from 12 PM to 1 PM. This means they can only enter your home during that time. If something comes up, you can easily update or revoke their access.
Give your Airbnb guests temporary access codes instead physical keys
Compatibility with Smart Home Systems
Smart locks play an essential role in a smart home setup. The top smart locks in 2024 are made to integrate smoothly with various smart home systems. This allows them to interact with other devices like smart lights, thermostats, and security cameras, providing a unified and safe smart home experience.
August lock integration with …
For instance, you can enhance your home security by connecting your smart lock to a smart doorbell camera. This way, when someone rings your doorbell, you can see who it is and even decide to unlock the door from the same application. It’s about building a smart ecosystem that suits your needs.
August smart lock works with ……
How to Connect Your Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Your Home Automation System
Connecting your smart lock with your home automation system is a breeze. Most locks work well with popular platforms such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. Simply follow the steps to integrate your lock into the system, and you’ll be able to use voice commands or create custom automations in a snap.
Setting Up Smart Routines for Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock
One of the perks of having a smart home is the capacity to establish routines that automate daily chores. With smart locks, you can set up routines such as “Good Night,” which locks all of your doors at a specific time each night, or “Welcome Home,” which turns on the lights and unlocks the door when you get home. It’s a combination of convenience and security.
Guarding Your Privacy: Keeping Your Data Secure
There’s no denying that smart locks offer a lot of convenience, but it’s just as important that they also safeguard your privacy and data. The top smart locks of 2024 come equipped with high-tech security features to keep your personal information secure.
For example, they employ encryption on par with what banks use to keep your data safe from cyber threats. In addition, they require two-factor authentication to access the app, providing an added layer of security to stop unauthorized access.
Additionally, it’s crucial to consistently update your smart lock’s firmware to safeguard against any possible vulnerabilities. Manufacturers frequently release updates that fix any security flaws, guaranteeing your lock remains as safe as possible.
Set up a strong, unique password for your smart lock app and Wi-Fi network.
Turn on two-factor authentication for extra security.
Always check and install firmware updates from the manufacturer.
Keep an eye on access logs to see who’s coming in and out of your home.
These steps will help you make sure your smart lock is not just a convenience tool, but a strong part of your home’s security system.
Getting to Know Encryption and Data Protection Features
Encryption is the method of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. The top smart locks utilize state-of-the-art encryption techniques, such as AES 128-bit encryption, to safeguard the communication between the lock, your smartphone, and the cloud. This implies that even if someone were to capture the data, they would be unable to read it without the unique key used to encrypt it.
Keeping Your Smart Lock in Top Shape
Just like any other piece of technology, your smart lock needs regular maintenance to work its best. This means keeping an eye on the battery level, cleaning the touchpad or fingerprint scanner, and updating the lock’s firmware as needed. If you ignore these steps, you could end up with a malfunctioning lock or even worse, a security risk.
How Long Do The Batteries Last?
One of the biggest worries with any smart gadget, especially locks, is how long the batteries will last. You don’t want to be locked out of your house because your smart lock ran out of juice. The top smart locks for 2024 have batteries that last a long time, and many of them will send you a notification through their app when the batteries are getting low, so you have plenty of time to change them. For the August Wi-Fi 4th Gen smart lock battery expectancy is at least 3 months.
How to Make Your Smart Lock’s Battery Last Longer: Advice and Best Practices
Here are some suggestions to help you extend the life of your smart lock’s battery:
Opt for top-grade batteries suggested by the lock’s creator ( in this case 2 pcs CR123A type batteries).
Lower the frequency of the lock’s Wi-Fi connection by adjusting the settings to only connect when it’s needed.
Think about using rechargeable batteries to save money and lessen waste.
Comprehending and Controlling Power Usage
Smart locks use power through Wi-Fi connections, the use of the motorized deadbolt, and status checks. To control power usage, adjust your lock’s settings to balance its performance and battery life. For instance, you can program your lock to go into a power-saving mode during times of non-use.
Considerations on Customer Service and Warranty
As you decide on a smart lock, you should think about the customer service and warranty provided by the manufacturer. Excellent customer service can be a lifesaver if you run into any problems with setup or use. A strong warranty, on the other hand, gives you the comfort of knowing you’re protected if there are any faults or breakdowns.
Guiding You Through Customer Service for Setup and Troubleshooting
Even the most intuitive smart locks can leave you scratching your head. That’s when customer service steps in. A good support team can walk you through setup, help you troubleshoot problems, and offer tips to make sure you’re getting the most from your smart lock. When you’re shopping for a smart lock, check out the manufacturer’s customer service options. Do they have phone support, live chat, or a detailed FAQ section? These resources can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting to know your new gadget.
Understanding Warranty Protection and How to Make a Claim
A solid warranty acts like a security blanket for your smart lock. It’s crucial to grasp what the warranty entails and its duration before purchasing. Does it only cover the hardware, or does it also cover software problems? How do you go about filing a claim? Having this information ahead of time can help you avoid future problems. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews to see how others have handled the warranty process. A warranty that appears generous on paper is of little use if it’s difficult to put into practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information, you can read our smart lock installation guide which provides a comprehensive comparison and tips for upgrading your entryway.
Let’s address some typical queries you might have about smart locks and their function in protecting your home.
Is It Possible to Hack Wi-Fi Smart Locks?
It’s a legitimate worry. Like any internet-connected device, smart locks could potentially be hacked. However, the top smart locks come with advanced security features that help reduce this risk. They use encryption for data transmission, provide two-factor authentication, and receive regular software updates to stay one step ahead of any potential threats. Always make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secure and use strong, unique passwords for your smart lock’s app.
What Occurs with Smart Locks When There is a Power Failure?
Most smart locks work on batteries, so they’ll keep working even if there’s a power cut. But if your lock needs Wi-Fi for some of its features, you might not be able to use those until the power comes back on. It’s always wise to have a physical key as a backup, just in case.
Are there any Wi-Fi Smart Locks that can scan fingerprints?
Indeed, a few of the newest smart locks include biometric capabilities, such as fingerprint scanning, for fast and safe entry. These locks merge the ease of keyless entry with the security of biometric verification, making it even harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
What Influence Do Smart Locks Have on Insurance Premiums?
Having a smart lock installed on your home could potentially lower your home insurance premiums. Some insurance companies view smart locks as an additional safety measure and may offer a discount. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if smart locks qualify for a discount.
Is it Possible to Connect Smart Locks with Video Doorbells?
Indeed! The integration of smart locks and video doorbells is becoming more and more popular. This combination allows you to see who is at your door and let them in remotely, all from the same app. It’s a potent mix that improves both convenience and safety.
And there you have it—our guide to the best smart locks of 2024. With these Wi-Fi-enabled security powerhouses, you can keep your family home safe and secure with ease. So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your home security today with a smart lock that suits your needs. And remember, for the ultimate in convenience, control, and peace of mind, click here to browse the latest models and find the ideal smart lock for your home.
My favorite place to look for and buy biometric smart locks is Amazon. There, among very large selection of smart locks you could find and buy the Touch Smart Lock with Smart Hub, Wi-Fi , Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi , Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi (fingerprint), Kwikset Halo Fingerprint Wi-Fi , Smonet M6 WiFi Keyless Front Door Lock , or the August Home Wi-Fi 4th Gen (with smart keypad) , the lock which we are reviewing in this article. As a perfect alternatives and my personal favorites, I am also highly recommending you to check out the following locks: Eufy S230, Eufy C220, Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt, Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Lockly Secure Pro, Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Latch Edition, Agara Smart Fingerprint Lock U100 and Securam EOS.
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